A Callaway County fire department is under reorganization.
Auxvasse City Clerk Missy Hooks swore in new leadership officials for the fire department last month, and Interim Fire chief Nick Smith was charged with helping grow the fire department.
"Right now, the focus is being able to hire and retain volunteers," he said. "The biggest thing is finding people interested and getting them to stay in it. It's a process right now and we're concentrated on getting the fire department where it needs to be."
Smith, who said he hopes to eventually have the interim tag removed, also volunteers at the North Callaway Fire Department.
The problems in recruitment prompted Smith to go back to the drawing board.
"We're starting everything from scratch," he said. "We want to start fresh. With me being as young as I am, we're trying to get the young generation who want to do it, and training them."
Smith said he hopes to gain traction in recruiting young people. Working at a fire department, he added, can be a great path for those who feel the traditional college route isn't a good fit.
"One thing we're looking into is my captain and I plan on getting a working relationship with North Callaway High School," he said. "If a student is not looking for the traditional college route, we can help. They can come and train, and we can point them in the right direction."
Smith encouraged all who are interested in volunteering to contact their local fire department.
"For one, go to your local fire department if that's something you want to do," he said. "Any department will point you in the right direction as long as you are willing to commit to it."
The life of a firefighter, he added, is a noble life that takes commitment.
"It's a passion; it's not for the faint of heart," he said. "It takes a special person to get into it. As long as you're willing to devote the time, there's always someone who will be willing to train you."
The Auxvasse Fire Department is accepting applications for volunteer firefighters. Applications may be picked up at the Auxvasse City Hall.
