In an emergency, call 911. Non-emergency dispatch: (574) 267-5667
Claypool Fire Rescue Indiana emblem

Claypool Volunteer
Fire Department

Serving Our Neighbors Since 1894

We are your friends and neighbors — volunteers who leave the dinner table, the job site, and a warm bed to answer the call. For over 130 years, Claypool has protected its own. Your support keeps us ready.

What the Job Takes

A Volunteer Department Runs on Its Community


Nobody here draws a paycheck for running into a fire. What this town gets in return is real protection for a fraction of what a paid department costs — and it works because Claypool has kept showing up for it since 1894.

Gear That Keeps Us Safe

A single set of turnout gear runs several thousand dollars and has to be replaced on a schedule. Air packs, helmets, and boots wear out. We replace them so our people come home.

Apparatus & Equipment

Trucks, pumps, hose, and rescue tools have to be maintained, tested, and eventually replaced. Most of what we do between calls is making sure everything is ready to roll at two in the morning.

Training Our People

Firefighter I & II, EMS, hazmat, extrication, and pump operations — certification takes hundreds of hours and real dollars. We invest in training so we can do the job right.

Free, From Us to You

Fire Safety Information for Your Family

Where smoke alarms go and when they expire. A plan for getting everybody out. Burn rules, and what to tell dispatch when you call. Nothing to sign up for — it's the advice we'd give you standing in your driveway.

The department's restored horse-drawn Claypool VFD chemical engine, with red spoked wheels and a black tank lettered in gold, parked on the grass beside a brick building.
Our original horse-drawn engine — still lettered Claypool VFD, still turned out for parades and Founder's Day.

Since 1894

130 Years of Neighbors Answering the Bell


When the department was organized in 1894, the alarm was a bell and the engine was pulled by horses. The men who answered it were the same farmers and shopkeepers you'd see on Main Street the next morning.

The trucks have changed. The radios have changed. What hasn't changed is who shows up: volunteers from this town, for this town.

Read Our History

Mark Your Calendar

Come Out and Support Us


Our pancake & sausage breakfast is how we bridge the budget gap — and honestly, it's some of the best food in the county. Bring the family.

Check Facebook 🥞

Pancake & Sausage Breakfast

Claypool Fire Station · Free-will donation

All you can eat, cooked by the crew. Coffee's on and the door's open. Dates are announced on our Facebook page as soon as they're set.

We're Always Recruiting

You Don't Have to Be a Hero. You Have to Show Up.


No experience needed — we'll train you and pay for your certifications. And if running into a burning building isn't for you, we need support members just as badly: drivers, air-pack refills, rehab, fundraising, and bookkeeping.

  • 18 or older with a valid driver's license
  • Live or work near Claypool for response time
  • Willing to train — we cover the cost
  • Support (non-firefighting) roles available
See What It Takes
1894Organized
130+Years of Service
24/7On Call
100%Volunteer

Find Us

The Station on North Main


Need a smoke alarm? If you live in our district and can't afford one — or can't safely climb up to install it — call us. We'll come out.

Contact the Department