Some local fire chiefs say they have to look a little harder these days to find volunteers willing to make the considerable time commitment it takes to become a firefighter. But area fire departments aren’t facing the severe staffing shortages that are plaguing departments in other parts of the country. At least a few fire departments in south-central Minnesota are at full capacity. Most of the top firefighters surveyed by The Free Press said they’re looking for a few more volunteers to join their ranks. All of the chiefs said they are a little concerned about maintaining adequate staffing in the future. Many of their members are nearing retirement and interest from younger people is waning. “Recruiting is getting tougher all the time,” says New Ulm Fire Chief Paul Macho.