A question is asked many times, especially in these times of economic hardship and belt tightening, how much more money would fire protection cost for the residents of the Barnard Fire District if we were fully staffed with career firefighters. In reverse the same question is also asked how much money could be saved if we had only volunteer firefighters. These questions are being asked both locally and across the country. The fundamental question to be asked is: ‘what is the best level of fire and emergency medical service that can be provided at an affordable cost’?
With a volume approaching 3000 calls for service per year and increasing steadily, it is unrealistic to believe this level of service can be handled by volunteers alone. If you think of your own personal situations, would you be able to drop everything you were doing averaging 8-10 times per day, every day, to go to an emergency call without compensation? The system we have at Barnard uses a combination of career and volunteer firefighters. This unique combination of manpower allows us to provide the best level of service and protection yet not overwhelm our residents with ever more burdensome costs.
Our combined staff of career and volunteer firefighters is top notch and highly trained to serve your fire and medical emergency needs. These men and women operate as a trained cohesive unit at every type of emergency and perform their duties with pride, honor and professionalism. Unlike many areas, our firehouse is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This allows us to have personnel on scene of emergencies incredibly fast – on average within about 3 minutes of your call to 911. Because of this unique combination of manpower and resources, you as residents of The Barnard Fire District, are provided with the most cost effective, yet highly effective emergency services possible. We could not accomplish this task with volunteer or career firefighters alone.
The dedication of the men and woman of the Barnard Fire Department and Barnard Fire District is reflected in the way we care about the citizens and residents of our community. We are always there for you in your time of need and we willingly serve this calling.
Regardless of what is ahead for the future of our society, you can be rest assured that the men and women of the Barnard Fire Dept and Barnard Fire District will continue to be there to serve you in your hour of need. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to serving you well into the 21st century.
Sincerely,
John Norris
Chief, Barnard Fire Departmen
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