09/18/2026
A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE SPEAKE COMMUNITY
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Speake Volunteer Fire & Rescue District, we are extremely proud to share some important details regarding what we’ve been working on.
For years, the leadership of the Speake Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department have worked hard to provide the best fire and rescue protection possible with limited resources. Earlier this year, the board began working to find a sustainable solution to an annual financial shortfall of more than $20,000 per year. After months of planning and looking at different options, we have found what we believe is the best way to fund the community’s fire and rescue services.
Beginning January 1, 2027, Speake Volunteer Fire & Rescue will begin a partnership with Joe Wheeler EMC. Through this partnership, a $5-per-month fire compliance due will be collected on Speake Fire District residents electric bills. That’s $60 per year, or roughly 16 cents per day.
WE UNDERSTAND TIMES ARE TOUGH
We know that families are having to watch every dollar right now. We don’t take that lightly. That’s why we have worked hard to find a way to strengthen our department while asking as little as possible from the people we serve.
When someone calls 911, we must be ready to answer the call.
WHAT WILL THE $5 DO?
For many years, our department has operated with a recurring negative budget. Our organization has not seen an increase in funding since 1996! This funding will allow us to finally operate in the black, while giving us the ability to plan for the future instead of constantly trying to cover the next expense.
It will help us:
• Maintain and improve our ISO insurance rating
• Maintain and replace aging equipment
• Provide better training for our volunteers
• Improve our response capabilities
• Better protect our firefighters
• Keep up with increasing call volume and changing demands
• Build a responsible reserve for future needs
THIS IS ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
Our volunteers aren’t responding to strangers. They’re responding to our neighbors, our friends, and our families. When the call comes in, we show up. This funding gives us an opportunity to make sure our volunteers have the equipment, training, and resources they need to continue doing that for years to come.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
We are committed to being accountable and good stewards of every dollar our community provides.
November 5th at 6:00 PM, we will hold a community meeting open to everyone in our service area. You’ll have the opportunity to review our finances, meet the Board of Directors, ask questions, voice concerns, and learn exactly where these funds will go.
Letters will also be sent to residents with additional information about the changes taking effect January 1.
We want you to understand what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and where your money is going. Thank you for trusting us. Thank you for supporting us. And thank you for allowing us to serve you.
