GRETNA, Neb. (KMTV) -- The Gretna Fire Department hosted a pancake feed on Sunday at one of their two fire stations. The fundraiser encouraged the public to tour the station and meet the volunteers.
"We are a fast growing community here in Gretna, so our call volume has gone up greatly. We can always use more volunteers," said Ron Miller, the President of the Board of Directors for Gretna Fire Department.
Gretna's volunteer department currently has 60 fire fighters and paramedics, but are looking for more as the weather warms up.
"In smaller towns like this, it's really important to do this. The cities really need that kind of support, and we really cover a large geographic area in western Sarpy county," said Collin Gatewood, a volunteer firefighter.
The department hopes hosting these fundraisers will help gather more volunteer fire fighters and EMTs.
"Most of the people think that we're doing a lot of fire, it's really more rescue. I think we had just shy of 900 calls last year," Gatewood said.
Training takes about a year, and is a heavy time commitment.
"At first it was just kind of for the experience, but then I fell in love with it,” said volunteer firefighter Jake Sempeck. “I like to help people so I feel this is the best way to do it."
For many volunteers, serving the community is a gratifying experience.
"When you actually get to see the direct outcome of the service we're providing, it's a really good feeling, it's really rewarding," Sempeck said.
It is reward for both the community and these volunteers.
