LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- As any firefighter does, Rykers Ridge Fire Chief Art Peters takes his job seriously.
"We need to do everything we can to help each other out and to continue to provide our services," he said.
Those emergency services first began 53 years ago and continue today, but with an expanded mission. His team of 20 volunteers is now being trained on how to respond to drug overdoses and it's something he says Jefferson County, Indiana is experiencing like so many other communities.
"Sometimes it gets emotional trying to talk about some of this stuff. A lot of people are very passionate about their fire companies and I am one of them. I am very passionate about being here," he told WHAS11.
Rykers Ridge helps serve the Madison, Indiana area which Peters says is about 58 square miles. It's a service the fire department once offered years ago, but had to eliminate because Peters says there weren't enough volunteers to sustain the program. Response times, according to the county's emergency services provider, could be improved.
"If they can get there and administer life-saving care, that not only helps the patient but it helps our overall well-being as a county," said EMS Clinical Supervisor Carmen Elliott.
Each call comes at a cost. Peters says the insurance company bills the fire department for each run. Peters has an annual budget of $52,000, but says much of that money is spent on vehicle and firehouse maintenance, which is why he's asking for help to fundraise for new equipment.
"It not only helps us but it helps the community," Peters said.
If you would like to help the Rykers Ridge Fire Department, you can call (812) 265-3113 or click here.