We heard from Jeff Howard yesterday as he announced he is stepping down from his post as the Director of Operations for Stuart Rescue.

But as he walks away from his service as an EMT, a field he’s worked in for the past 35 years, he does have a request for area residents.

“I know the department is looking for volunteers, so if anybody is interested in becoming an EMT, I need to tell you right up front it is a 100% commitment, but the group is needing you bad.  The community is needing volunteers very bad right now.”

Howard says that commitment factor is the single biggest challenge that EMT volunteers face.

“Our (Stuart) Rescue group is a great group.  They are dedicated; they put a lot of hours in that people don’t realize and most of them are volunteers.  However, the volunteer numbers are dwindling.  I think a lot of it is due to family incomes, kids sporting events every not, people not wanting to take the commitment… and it is a 100% commitment.”

Any area residents that might be interested in volunteering with Stuart Rescue during its transition in leadership is encouraged to call the department at 515-523-2400.

You can hear Howard officially bid adieu to his time with Stuart Rescue during today’s Let’s Talk Guthrie County program, which will play during the 9am, noon and 5pm hours on K107.