Rensselaer Vol. Fire Department

10/21/2026

10/20/2026

Learn what it takes to be a Live Fire Instructor following NFPA 1403 Standards. You must hold an active Instructor II or III certification to register for this course.

To register for this course, click on the following link:
https://on.in.gov/nov-05-valparaiso-fire-and-emergency

10/17/2026

Seven Posey County, Indiana volunteer departments: Black Township Fire & Rescue, Griffin-Bethel, Marrs Township, New Harmony, Point Township, Poseyville, and Smith Township… are proposing to create a countywide fire district. The county’s departments handled about 2,150 incidents across 419 square miles in 2025, but staffing shortages have left some unable to respond to every call. The proposed system would keep local stations and volunteers while placing 14 full-time firefighters at six locations: three each in Poseyville and Black Township, two in New Harmony, two in Wadesville, and two at each of Marrs Township’s stations.

Six part-time firefighters would help cover daytime gaps, particularly in Smith Township, Griffin, and Point Township. The plan envisions a phased rollout starting in 2028, with further expansion through 2032, funded through a shared fire-protection tax and a proposed local income tax. It has not been approved, and final participation remains unsettled; Wadesville-Center Township has opposed joining, despite Wadesville being listed as a proposed full-time staffing location.

10/15/2026

FROM THE DESK OF THE FIRE CHIEF

The Future of Volunteer Firefighting

Having spent many years in the fire service, I've witnessed a lot of changes. Some have made us better, while others have brought challenges that I believe we need to start thinking about.

One of my greatest concerns is the future of volunteer firefighting.

For generations, volunteers have been the backbone of fire protection in small towns and rural communities.

They leave their families, jobs, and warm beds to help someone in need, often someone they've never met.

That dedication is something I've always admired and will never take for granted.

But times are changing.

Training requirements continue to increase, emergency calls are increasing and becoming more demanding, equipment costs are rising, and finding people with the time to volunteer is becoming more difficult.

The willingness to serve is still there. Finding the time to serve is becoming the challenge.

As Fire Chief, I often think about what our fire service will look like 5, 10, or even 20 years from now
Will we have enough firefighters? Will we have the equipment and resources needed? Will the next generation be able to make the same commitment as those who came before them?

I certainly hope so. But hope alone isn't a plan.

I firmly believe in the volunteer fire service. I also believe that protecting its future may require us to think differently, strengthen partnerships between departments, share resources, and explore new ways of supporting those who serve.

This isn't about pointing fingers, criticizing anyone, or questioning the dedication of our firefighters. It's simply about recognizing that the fire service is changing, and we must be willing to change with it.

Sometimes leadership means recognizing a challenge long before it becomes a problem.

I'm proud of the men and women who serve our community, and I want to make sure future generations have the same opportunity to serve.

Because at the end of the day, fire protection isn't just about trucks, buildings, or equipment.

It's about people. The people who answer the call and the people who depend on them.

The decisions and conversations we have today will help determine who answers that call tomorrow.

Just a few thoughts from behind the Chief's desk.

Pride. Honor. Integrity.
Fire Chief
Rensselaer Fire Department

10/15/2026

Training opportunities

10/13/2026

Well, would you look at that!! Fireman Frank has made a new friend, and I'm not sure he picked the right guy to hang out with!

10/09/2026

WOW! WHAT AN AMAZING NIGHT! 🔥🚒

What a great night at the Rensselaer Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Open House!

We honestly don’t know how many hundreds of people came through our doors last night, but one thing is certain — our community showed up in a BIG way!

We want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who took time out of their evening to come visit us. We hope you and your families had as much fun as we did!

From the demonstrations and equipment displays to the smiles on the kids’ faces, it was truly a night to remember.

A special thank you to all the agencies, volunteers, and everyone who helped make this event possible.

As firefighters, we spend a lot of time responding to our community’s emergencies. Last night was an opportunity to spend time with our community under much happier circumstances, and that’s something we truly enjoy.

We are incredibly fortunate to serve a community that supports its fire department the way you support us.

From all of us at the Rensselaer Fire Department, THANK YOU for making this year’s Open House such a success!

🚒 We hope to see you all again next year!

10/08/2026

The helicopter has landed!

We’re all set up and ready to go for tonight’s Rensselaer Fire Department Open House!

The helicopter has just landed, and demonstrations will be starting soon!

Come on out, meet your local first responders, check out the equipment, and enjoy an evening of fire safety and fun!

🚒 We’re here until 8:00 PM!

Bring the family! We look forward to seeing everyone!