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Fire officials urge residents to vote in Feb. 21 fire election as volunteers decline
Summary
Jackson Fire District 3 leaders described growing call volume and volunteer shortages; commissioners urged residents to vote in a Feb. 21 election on a budget that would maintain 24/7 career coverage and cover essential equipment and staffing needs.
Frank Rushka, chairman of Jackson Fire District 3, addressed the council and attendees on Feb. 10 to explain an upcoming Feb. 21 fire-election vote on the district's proposed budget and to urge voter participation.
Rushka said 911 calls in the district's coverage area increased 33% over two years, with Station 55 responding to more than 1,500 fire and EMS calls in 2025. He said the proposed budget would retain career staffing to ensure uninterrupted 24/7 coverage, maintain equipment, fund training and add a part-time fire inspector; if approved, the average homeowner in Fire District 3 would see a tax impact of about $3.50 per month.
Rushka and several council members warned about declining volunteer ranks: some stations have lost volunteer companies entirely, limiting the district's ability to rely on volunteer response. Council members discussed outreach and recruitment options, including social-media campaigns and possible volunteer incentives; legal counsel noted property-tax relief is constrained by state law.
Council members supported outreach to recruit volunteers and encouraged residents to attend the Feb. 21 vote or request mail-in ballots before the posted deadlines.
