Spearfish Needs Solution to Fire Department Issue
SPEARFISH, S.D. (AP) - The volunteer fire department in Spearfish is dissolving after 134 years of service to the Black Hills community.
The department's members voted 24-11 earlier this month to dissolve the nonprofit. President Janette Hettick tells the Black Hills Pioneer that there's a lack of firefighters willing to take on leadership roles because of the time commitment required.
With only 37 members, the group falls far short of a full roster of 63. The city also has refused to raise property taxes to better fund the department.
Hettick says firefighters feel there's a lack of support from the community, and that has led to low morale.
Mayor Dana Boke says a team will be formed to figure out a plan for fire protection after the volunteer department dissolves next Jan. 31.
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