PEMBROKE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – In a city of under 1,000 people, the Pembroke Fire Department responded to 385 calls for assistance in 2025. Entirely volunteer based, the department battles everyday challenges and utilizes a small team of 23 total personnel ensure the safety of community members in a 90 square mile area.
“Some of the key challenges faced by the Pembroke Fire Department over the past year included issues related to member recruitment and retention, financial sustainability, and ensuring compliance with all applicable standards at federal, state, and local levels,” Fire Chief Nicholas Belair told Christian County Now. Moving ahead to 2026, the department is focused on recruiting additional volunteers while finding ways to secure additional funding.
Coping with financial roadblocks through the year
The volunteer run department has been able to secure grant money to help support operations, including a grant that allowed the purchase of new air packs this year. However, it has not been enough to provide ongoing financial stability and fund all necessary equipment upgrades and maintenance required by NFPA. Belair said that equipment standards for volunteer and paid fire departments are both the same.
“Financially, it is my view that the current model for funding, specifically the collection of fire dues within Christian County, warrants reevaluation,” said Belair. “As operational costs for equipment, apparatus, and training continue to rise, relying on this funding structure may not be sustainable moving forward.”…