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Nov. 18--TURKEY CREEK, Ky. -- For a small neighborhood, a local volunteer fire department can mean the difference between losing or saving a home, or even life and death. But for the community of Turkey Creek, the peace of mind that comes from knowing help is a phone call away may be short lived.
According to Tim Cline, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the department, the problem is simple: not enough firefighters.
In the interest of bringing attention to the problem, as well as recruiting some volunteers, there will be a meeting at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the fire station in Turkey Creek. The Kentucky Fire Commission will be on hand,, as well as elected officials. The public is urged to attend.
Cline said the problem isn't unique to Turkey Creek.
"Other departments in the county are having a hard time too," he said. "Over the past two years, we have been losing men, and no one seems interested in volunteering."
"We have about six firefighters we can depend on," Cline told the Daily News. "And sometimes even those are not available."
Turkey Creek Chief Jim Stepp said the department needs 12 firefighters and a chief to receive state and county aid.
"We have had to rely on other departments to help us," Chief Stepp said. "Without them, I don't know what we would do."
Turkey Creek receives from 30 to 50 calls a year, Cline said. Their coverage area includes all of Turkey Creek and Long Fork as well as parts of Fall's Branch and South Williamson.
Homeowners in that area would see an increase in their homeowner's insurance rates if the fire department closes. Their ISO rating, which is the basis for insurance rates, has gone from a 10 down to a seven, which means cheaper insurance. However, if the fire department closes, Chief Stepp said that rating would certainly suffer.
To become a certified volunteer firefighter, 150 hours of training is required. However, to simply fight a fire, only 20 hours is needed. Those with 20 hours can fight a fire with authorized personnel.
Chief Stepp said he and others in the department have been thinking of retiring, but feel they cannot without someone to replace them.
"I have health issues, as does Tim Cline, neither of us should be fighting fires," he said. "But we still do it."
District Six Magistrate Chris Harris said the department has a history of service, which appears to be in danger.
"The Turkey Creek VFD has been an asset to the residents of Turkey Creek for many years, but without volunteers none of our fire departments can survive," Harris said. "Turkey Creek is no different. The Turkey Creek VFD is well equipped with fire trucks and fire fighting equipment, but none of that is worth a cent without volunteers and the support of the community."
Chief Stepp said he can't explain the drop in the number of volunteers in the department.
"I don't have an answer for it," he said. "We have put out the message, but have gotten no response. Its sad that a community is willing to let their fire department go by the wayside."
