As we’ve reported, starting next month the Perry Fire Department will take over for the Dawson Fire Department.  Though this agreement has been in the works for some time, Perry Fire Chief Chris Hinds says it’s possible other communities will look into doing the same thing in the future.

“Yes, I think it is a trend that a lot of places are going to be going to.  I visited not too long ago with the fire chief in Panora, he says in their area they’re in the same situation.  Small communities, such as Dawson, people are getting older, there are not the young people that are in town or staying in town, that are available and willing to serve on a fire department.  So the numbers start going down, you get three or four firemen and of course the tax dollars just aren’t working out the way they used to.”

Hinds says between rollbacks and taxable valuations decreasing, the money often isn’t there to upgrade equipment in addition to the issue of not having enough man power.  Therefore, Hinds says “The bigger communities are going to have to step up and help these smaller communities out.”

When Perry takes over the Dawson fire station they will be bringing a newer pumper truck with them to be stationed there while funds received from the agreement will help replace the vehicle at the main station in Perry.