The Norwalk Fire Department provides emergency response services across a wide and diverse coverage area, serving both city residents and surrounding rural communities.

Department officials say Norwalk firefighters respond within the city limits while also covering a large rural area outside the city. Norwalk Fire Marshal and Deputy Chief Jeremy Cross tells KNIA News the department provides contracted fire and emergency medical services for the City of Cumming and nearby townships.

“Obviously, we cover Norwalk city limits, and then we also take care of a large rural area around us, and then we also have contractual services with the City of Cumming. We handle all their fire and EMS needs for that, and then that includes a couple townships, also.”

Cross said the department operates under mutual aid agreements with multiple neighboring fire departments, including Indianola, Martensdale-St. Mary’s, Northern Warren, and metro-area agencies. Dispatching is handled through Westcom, allowing for coordinated responses when additional resources are needed.

Norwalk Fire’s Training Lieutenant Austin Lancaster tells KNIA News there are benefits to a wide response area, but it can also be challenging.

“Our territory’s very unique compared to some other metro cities just because we have that mix of rural and city, which can pose some challenges. But, other than that, it’s a good place to work, and you get a variety of calls.”

The two officials noted that regional cooperation is essential to ensuring effective emergency response, particularly during large incidents that require support from multiple agencies.

The full Special Edition Public Safety interview with Norwalk Fire’s Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal Jeremy Cross and Training Lieutenant Austin Lancaster can be heard below: