Fire Fighting Volunteers, Supporting Non-profits in Rural Areas

by Megan Valandingham

On April 18, 2024, the Cumberland Gap Volunteer Fire Department, based in the town of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee in Central Appalachia, hosted one of their most popular fundraising events, Fire Fight Night. A successful night led to over three thousand dollars in profit for the department, and many happy volunteers as they continue to raise funds pursue grants for new equipment, and look for more opportunities to give back to the community that they serve.

In the state of Tennessee, there are a total of two hundred and twenty-five volunteer firefighter companies. Nationwide, sixty-five percent of fire departments are volunteers. Specifically, nineteen thousand of twenty-nine thousand departments are run entirely by volunteers.

It is possible to find volunteer departments in urban areas, but most of them occupy rural areas. Due to limitations of resources, volunteer firefighters are practically essential for protecting those who occupy rural or isolated areas.

It is important to remember that these departments need help from the communities that they serve. Finances are another limited resource for them.

Jordan Jones, Fire Chief of one year for the Cumberland Gap Fire Department, has served for nine years in emergency services within the towns of Cumberland Gap and Tiprell, along with other volunteer fire departments nearby.

"A big difference between us and POC firefighters in urban areas is, we have fire hydrants whereas other places we help don't. So, we must conserve our water. And money we're smaller compared to other places..." Jones said.

It is important to remember that volunteer fire departments need the help of the communities that they serve. Like any other non-profit organization, financial security is rarely granted unless it is through fundraising or grants. According to 21st Century Firefighting, "recruitment, retention, training, and morale are key components to a successful volunteer fire department."

"We care about our community a lot. We do what we can, for what we can do," Jones said.