In rural towns, the fire department provides more than just public safety.
Fire departments are often social centers for small town get-togethers.
But over the past few years, there's been a dramatic drop in the number of volunteer fire fighters. Many departments have closed their doors and consolidated with neighboring cities. This change may just be a sign of the times, but firefighters agree it surely represents an increased risk for rural fire disasters. When the church bells tolled, everyone rushed to help. Today, few people who live in small towns work there.