HIXTON, Wis. — Volunteer fire departments across the country are feeling the financial impacts of the pandemic. Here in Wisconsin, it’s no different. 

At the Hixton Fire Department located about 40 miles south of Eau Claire, 76-year-old firefighter Edward James Jensen proudly shows off a portrait of his mom and dad. That's because his parents, Sidney and Helen Jensen are the founders of the Hixton Fire Department where helping others is generations strong. 

“I've been with the department 59 years, this year, right now, " Jensen says. “My dad and two other guys started the fire department in 1936.”

This is why at 76 years young, Eddie is still a volunteer firefighter with the HFD.

"I'm doing it for my dad," he says.

Once you become a firefighter it stays in your blood, but it's money raised through the community that keeps this volunteer fire department alive.

"The biggest benefit we have as a department is our fundraisers and COVID-19 creates a unique challenge," says Hixton Fire Chief Tom Davidson.

"We have seen a 15% decrease in fundraisers this year that may not seem like a lot to some, but for us, that's huge,” Davidson says. “That's money that goes toward paying our bills for this volunteer fire department.  So between the lack of fundraisers because of COVID and budget restraints, it's brought a lot of struggle and stress to those who pay the bills of the department.”

The HFD covers a big chunk of Jackson County which includes a stretch of I-94 in western Wisconsin. They also provide mutual aid for others that need help. 

It's the priceless dedication from volunteer firefighters like Eddie that keeps this area of Wisconsin safer.

"It's not always rainbows and sunshine; there are plenty of rainy days we all have to get through together,” says Chief Davidson.