The strength of any organization, big or small, commercial or volunteer based, is in its people.  But recruiting volunteer personnel can be a problem.  Most, if not all, volunteer fire departments need more volunteers.  This is especially critical with persons under 50.  Older members can perform most tasks but the more physically demanding tasks such as fighting fires while wearing fresh air packs (breathing apparatus or BA) need persons under 50. Increases to our complement in the under 50 age group is critical. Increases in the older ranks do take some responsibilities from the younger ranks.

With one exception, all of the Mill Village fire fighters live within the Fire District.  The one exception lives in Riversdale but had been a resident member for several years.  The members are fairly evenly split between Mill Village and Danesville.  Depending upon the nature of the incident, members from Danesville may, when paged, go directly to the scene since their turnout gear will come with Truck 1.  All members are kept informed of the status of the trucks since their pagers will receive the individual messages from the trucks to base informing them of the truck numbers and the number of members on the trucks.

Our members come from all walks of life with many from the mechanical and construction trades, but also a housewife and home-care worker, a fisherman, a retired chemistry professor, a retired bus driver, a retired trucker and a school administrator.  Some work shifts in their regular jobs while others work regular hours.  The unifying feature is a belief in the volunteer fire fighter concept and recognition that they can make a contribution. They are dedicated and, fortunately, led by a chief skilled at working with people.