Angela Lozoya, who serves as firefighter, secretary, and treasurer for the Viola - North Graves (KY) Volunteer Fire Department, has been in the fire service for 22 years. When her husband left his job as a career firefighter and joined their local volunteer department, she decided to get involved, as well. She fell in love with serving her community. She even helps a second department, Clear Springs Fire Department, in her "spare" time! Angela also helps families in the area in her full-time job managing the Housing Choice Voucher program for the local housing authority. 


What is one of the biggest challenges that your department faces?
Recruitment. As a rural department, we always have trouble recruiting (and keeping) volunteers. 

How are you working to overcome the recruitment and retention challenge?
We have had open houses for the community to come and learn about what our fire department can and will do for our community. One event we hold is an annual Halloween chili supper. We set up Halloween decorations, have candy for the kids and provide chili for the families. This brings them into the department so the parents can rest after taking the little ones out. It also allows our community to meet us, talk to us, and find out who is interested in joining the department. Due to COVID last year and this year, we did a "drive thru" Halloween. We gave out candy to the kids and handed out a parent bag, as well, with water, snacks, and volunteer contact information.