(SeaPRwire) – Matt Riley of Red Oak, Iowa, underscores the pressing need for more volunteer firefighters and enhanced local emergency response capabilities.
Des Moines, Iowa – May 8, 2026 – Matt Riley, a local business owner and former volunteer fire captain, is drawing attention to the increasing shortage of volunteer firefighters and its impact on emergency services in rural areas.
Riley spent ten years serving with the Corning Volunteer Fire Department, rising to the rank of Captain. Throughout his tenure, he responded to emergencies around the clock and witnessed firsthand how vital volunteer teams are to maintaining public safety.
“When that pager goes off at 2 a.m., you don’t think about comfort or convenience,” Riley said. “You focus on getting there quickly and being prepared to act.”
In the United States, nearly 70% of fire departments rely on volunteers. However, according to the National Volunteer Fire Council, the number of volunteer firefighters has dropped by over 25% since the 1980s—even as emergency call volumes have tripled.
This growing gap strains response times, especially in rural communities where departments depend heavily on volunteer staffing.
“Fewer people mean everything takes longer,” Riley explained. “This isn’t just theory—it’s what happens in real life. Every minute counts when someone’s home is on fire or a medical emergency occurs.”
Riley notes that the problem isn’t a lack of capable individuals, but rather a lack of awareness and engagement. Many community members simply aren’t aware of how much local fire departments rely on volunteers.
“Most assume someone else will step up,” he said. “But in small towns, you *are* that someone.”
Volunteering, Riley adds, offers far more than emergency experience. It fosters discipline, teamwork, and leadership under pressure—skills that benefit both personal life and professional careers.
“On scene, there’s no room for uncertainty,” he said. “It comes down to training, structure, and trust in those beside you.”
Today’s volunteer fire departments face added challenges. Training standards have risen. Time commitments are greater. And many potential volunteers juggle full-time jobs and family responsibilities.
Still, Riley believes meaningful change can start with small steps.
“Not everyone needs to fight fires,” he said. “There are also essential support roles—such as communications, logistics, and administration—that are just as critical.”
Riley urges community members to begin by learning about their local fire department.
Call to Action
Residents are encouraged to attend a nearby fire department open house or informational session. Speaking directly with current volunteers can help clarify what service entails and how people can get involved.
“You don’t need to commit right away,” Riley said. “Just show up, ask questions, and find out what your community really needs.”
As rural communities evolve, Riley stresses that emergency readiness hinges on local involvement.
“You can’t outsource this responsibility,” he said. “Your community’s safety depends on individuals willing to step forward.”
About Matt Riley
Matt Riley is a Red Oak, Iowa-based entrepreneur and former volunteer fire captain. He served ten years with the Corning Volunteer Fire Department, holding leadership and board positions. His background spans construction, aviation, and public safety diving. Riley champions skilled trades, effective leadership, and community-driven emergency preparedness.
Source :Matt Riley
This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content.
Category: Top News, Daily News
SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.