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Thorntown fire chief tells council run volumes, NFPA standards and gear costs are straining volunteer service
Summary
JT Whitaker, identifying himself as Thorntown fire chief, told the council his department has been averaging high run volumes and that rising apparatus lead times and gear prices make continued volunteer response difficult without additional funding.
JT Whitaker, identifying himself as the Thorntown fire chief, gave the council data on run volumes, described the department's coverage and emphasized how NFPA standards and rising gear and apparatus prices create pressure on volunteer services.
Whitaker said the department has exceeded 500 runs in prior years and that the year-to-date run count was on pace for another 500-run year. He described typical call composition (roughly 60% medical, about 20% motor vehicle incidents and an increase in fire-related calls) and noted that a custom engine now can cost $700,000–$800,000 with lead times of two to three years. He also cited structural gear quotes in the $4,500–$6,000 range per set.
"The service we provide comes from members of the community serving their neighbors," Whitaker said, and he urged the council to consider PSLIT funding to support retention, training and safety equipment so volunteers can continue to respond reliably.
