By Jack Freedman

Staff Writer

Entering into the new year, residents of Belton take the time to reflect on the challenges the previous year brought. Two groups that have seen plenty of challenges and helped people through their own challenges are the police and fire departments. 

“We obviously don’t respond to just fires, but also EMS calls, wrecks, and even minor things like elevator malfunctions,” Deputy Fire Marshal Jeffrey Glover said. “In terms of legitimate fires, we only had about two to three this year. Since then, we’ve been able to rectify every issue we had at the beginning. Most fires seem to start from electrical issues, usually overloading circuits or misusing extension cords. We just had one on Jan. 7. Thankfully the house didn’t burn down.” 

Like the fire department, the police department has seen plenty of action in the past year. 

“[In 2025] we had a lot of change,” Police Chief Larry Berg said. “We’ve had some major crimes such as homicides, sexual assaults, and some fatal accidents. We’re seeing a lot of concern on the interstate. But that and then internal struggles. We’ve lost some of our own family through health issues. My predecessor retired two years ago, and so it’s been kind of an adjustment. I was his deputy chief.” 

Both the fire department and the police have been especially busy in 2025 with the large number of cases they have had to deal with. 

“The police received over 4,000 calls, and the fire department received over 300 calls,” public relations coordinator Cristina Waits said. 

Despite the hardships, the first responders of Belton receive incredible support from the community. 

“Belton is not shy about taking care of their first responders,” Berg said. “We have a really robust volunteer program. We’ve got about 70 volunteers that back the police department. They’ll help out with the Fourth of July parade and Christmas on the Chisholm Trail. So, the citizens are really, really giving. Plus, when it comes time for Police Week, they will bring so many treats and meals.” 

The community has also helped to promote and support the fire department. 

“Belton’s residents love us and we love them back,” Glover said. “They’re always willing to come by the station and leave snacks and food. At one point we started a social media campaign to support firefighters and paramedics who were leaving, and we received a lot of positive feedback from the community.” 

Both the fire and police departments are known to work closely, supplying the needs of either party when appropriate. 

“There are times like interstate accidents where we work hand-in-hand together,” Berg said. “Obviously if we have a victim of a crime who has some type of medical trauma, the fire department will come out with the EMS.” 

In addition to their normal duties, one of the most important skills first responders have learned during their careers is empathy. 

“The most difficult part of the job is probably seeing the suffering of other people and having to carry that with us,” Glover said. “You see that over and over, but still have to remain professional.”