Just outside of Fairbanks on the Parks Highway is the small community of Ester, Alaska. The town of Ester prides itself in being unique. Often referring to itself as the ‘People’s Republic of Ester.’
The Fire Department there is no different. It is made up largely of unpaid volunteer help. Of the 29 members, there are only three paid staff.
"We, I believe, rely on our volunteers more than the majority of departments," Fire Chief Jeff Conner said.
He explained that many fire departments have volunteers that help, but because of their budget, Ester has to rely on them more than most.
On Wednesdays, he said the volunteers do it all, “There is no paid people here. We have 29 total members, three paid people... and on Wednesdays, the volunteers have stepped up in covering that entire 24 hour period."