Dorcas Fire Chief urges residents to volunteer as firefighters

Dorcas Fire Chief Chuck Cooper urged residents to volunteer with the Dorcas Fire Department, saying the role includes training to handle fires, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies and hazardous materials.

Cooper framed the appeal to local values, saying the community’s agricultural history and family-centered identity make volunteer service a natural fit. "You live in a unique community with rich agricultural history rooted in family values and faith," he said.

The chief outlined the scope of volunteer duties. "As a volunteer firefighter, you will receive training to manage a variety of emergencies, structural, wildland fires, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, and hazardous materials," Cooper said, listing the specific areas new volunteers would be trained to address.

He also noted volunteers’ role in disaster response: "Volunteers also perform rescue duties during natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes." The statement positioned volunteer service as part of the county’s broader emergency preparedness and response capacity.

Cooper closed his brief remarks with a direct request to neighbors: "I'm asking you to take this place you call home and serve your community as a volunteer firefighter." The talk consisted of a short recruitment appeal and a description of volunteer responsibilities; no procedural steps, dates, or contact details were provided in the remarks.