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.”

Belair explained that currently, property owners have the option of opting out of paying fire dues or paying for only up to three properties. Despite whether or not they pay, they still receive fire protection services and benefit from and ISO rating that reduces homeowner insurance premiums.

“We greatly appreciate the ongoing support from the Pembroke community, which is vital to our continued growth and success,” Belair added. “We are grateful for the support we currently receive from our local leaders, but ongoing reinforcement is essential to preserve this valuable community resource for many years to come.”

Accomplishments of 2025, recruitment

As the new year begins, Belair encourage community members who are interested in volunteering to visit the department and complete an application. They have been experiencing ongoing recruitment difficulties which has impacted their staffing levels.

“It is important for the community to understand that our responses extend beyond fires; we also respond to medical emergencies, natural disasters, hazardous incidents, and other emergency situations,” said Belair.

He reflected on the accomplishments of the 2025, stating that he is most proud of the dedication and teamwork of their department members as well as their mutual aid partnerships in and beyond Christian County. This includes other small fire departments in Fairview, Highland, Honeygrove, Oak Grove, and Trenton. This year they also achieved an ISO rating of Class 4, which is the highest in Christian County.

Pembroke firefighters were integral during floods that hit the area in early spring, assisting neighboring departments and rescuing vehicles from floodwaters with the help of Amish community members. The department also received a water rescue boat this year from the Gary Sinise Foundation, which enhances their capacity for flood responses in the future.

Those who are interested in volunteering can visit the Pembroke Fire Department at 118 Maple Street in Pembroke, Kentucky. They can also be contacted at 270-475-4144.

| STAY UPDATED ON LOCAL NEWS: Sign up for the midday Christian County Now newsletter.