For several years Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker has asked the city to fund at least a couple of full time positions in the fire department. As of today the only full time firefighter is Chief Parker himself. The other twenty seven members of the department are volunteers. Chief Parker said its becoming more difficult to recruit and retain volunteers and the city would benefit from having full time firefighters ready to respond at a moment’s notice. During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, Chief Parker requested and received permission from the aldermen to apply for a SAFER Grant which if approved would fund the staffing of two firefighters for the Smithville Fire Department for up to three years.