MORGAN COUNTY, Ky. — A longtime volunteer fire department in Morgan County may soon be forced to shut its doors, highlighting growing challenges faced by rural emergency services across Eastern Kentucky.
The Wrigley Volunteer Fire Department is currently at risk of closing as early as June 30, according to department leadership. Rising operational costs and a declining number of volunteers are placing significant strain on the department’s ability to continue serving the community.
Chief Drexel Patrick, who has overseen both the Wrigley and 519 Volunteer Fire Departments for four decades, says the landscape has changed dramatically over the years.
“There was a time when young people lined up to volunteer,” Patrick said. “Now, fewer people have the time to commit.”
The department’s volunteer base is aging, with an average age of around 50—higher than national averages reported by the National Fire Protection Association. This shift presents physical challenges in responding to emergencies, particularly structure fires that require demanding, hands-on work.
At the same time, the cost of maintaining a functioning fire department continues to climb. West Liberty Fire Chief Jamie Phipps noted that outfitting a single firefighter can cost upwards of $15,000 when factoring in gear and equipment.
Insurance expenses are also adding pressure. Patrick estimates the department spends more than $6,000 annually just to maintain basic operations—costs that are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.
If the Wrigley station closes, the impact would extend beyond the department itself. Residents in the coverage area could face longer emergency response times, as well as increased homeowners insurance premiums. Estimates suggest property owners could see costs rise by approximately $300 per year.
Local fire officials warn that closures like this not only strain neighboring departments but also leave communities more vulnerable in emergency situations.
Both Patrick and Phipps pointed to a potential long-term solution: the implementation of a countywide fire tax. They say such a measure could provide stable, shared funding across communities, reducing the burden on individual departments while ensuring consistent fire protection services.
For now, the future of the Wrigley Volunteer Fire Department remains uncertain. Without additional funding or an increase in volunteers, Morgan County could soon lose a critical layer of emergency response coverage.