The fire department has been separate from the City of Waverly since the mid-1970s. As a separate entity, it controls its own financing and equipment.

Creating a balance between working with the city and remaining independent can be tricky at times, although there are some advantages, according to Fire Chief Mark Karels.

“It’s kind of a toss up. There are some advantages to being independent, some advantages to being part of the city. As far as us controlling our finances, that is an advantage for us,” Karels said.

Equipment upgrades are keeping the department on its toes and ready for any emergency. It recently purchased a 2007 Sterling truck. This is a tanker used for hauling water to sites.

As far as the future is concerned, the department is weighing its options. Their plans are fairly ambiguous and could go in a number of directions.

As the City of Waverly expands, the department is called on more often, receiving 104 calls last year.

Even with that many calls, it’s been a fairly quiet year, according to Karels. He said that there weren’t any particularly earth-shattering calls.

Karels, who has been with the department for 22 years is hoping to add to the 16-member force. The ideal number of volunteer fire fighters would be 28 for the department, he said.

For more information on the Waverly Fire Department, or to become a volunteer, contact Mark Karels (763) 658-4662.