The Sioux Center Volunteer Fire Department responded to 179 emergency calls over the past year, one of its busiest years in recent memory, according to Fire Chief Dave Van Holland.
Van Holland said the department has experienced a noticeable increase in emergency responses in recent years, with this past year marking one of the busiest stretches that he has seen during his time with the department.
“Overall, we have had a lot of calls this year. One hundred and seventy-nine is a record… not since I’ve been on, but in the last five to ten years, which is unbelievable.”
Of those 179 calls, 112 occurred within Sioux Center, 47 were in the rural fire district, and 20 were mutual aid responses. The department serves a 96-square-mile response area that includes the city and surrounding townships.
Growing Volunteer Force
Along with an increased number of calls, the department has continued to grow its volunteer membership. Van Holland reported the department now has 42 volunteer firefighters, including six probationary members, while 16 firefighters are now certified as Emergency Medical Responders.
The chief said that growth has also meant expanding training opportunities. In addition to regular monthly training, the department has added a second training night each month and has begun touring local businesses to familiarize firefighters with building layouts and potential hazards before emergencies occur. Firefighters also continue to dedicate thousands of volunteer hours each year to emergency responses and training.
Investing in Equipment While Stretching Taxpayer Dollars
Van Holland highlighted several recent investments, including placing two new fire trucks into service this year. Looking ahead, he said the department is already planning for the eventual replacement of another engine within the next three to four years while also continuing efforts to establish a dedicated firefighter training facility.
As part of his annual report, Van Holland also presented the department’s budget for the fiscal year ending June 30. The report showed $166,250 in expenditures compared to a budget of $152,225, with higher costs in categories including firefighter gear, small equipment, supplies, and workers’ compensation insurance. While equipment and operating costs continue to rise, Van Holland said the department works to make the most of its resources whenever possible.
“When you have that many calls, you’re going to have stuff that breaks down. So we fix a lot of our trucks ourselves thanks to a couple mechanics that are very mechanically inclined. We fix all our fire hoses ourselves… We try to watch our P’s and Q’s. But yeah, it gets tougher and tougher.”
Looking to the Future
In addition to planning for a future engine replacement and a dedicated firefighter training facility, Van Holland said the department hopes to continue strengthening its partnership with Sioux Center Ambulance while maintaining the high level of service residents have come to expect.
In a separate interview with Sioux County Radio, Van Holland said one of the department’s long-term priorities is retaining volunteer firefighters as emergency response demands continue to grow. He said the department is focused on finding ways to recruit and retain volunteers so it can continue meeting the community’s needs in the years ahead.
Mayor Dale Vander Berg thanked the department for its continued service to the community, recognizing the significant commitment volunteer firefighters make through emergency responses, training and public service.
