Independence Volunteer Fire Department Launches New Website to Serve Community Better

Independence, Louisiana – The Independence Volunteer Fire Department (IVFD) is thrilled to introduce its newly revamped website, indyvfd.org, developed in collaboration with BlakSheep Creative. This enhanced online platform is specifically designed to cater to the needs of the residents of Independence and Tangipahoa Parish, offering quicker access to emergency information, fire prevention resources, and department services, thereby enhancing community safety and well-being.

Founded in 1926, the IVFD has nearly a century of service under its belt. As it nears its 100-year milestone, the department recognized a need to modernize its communication with the public. The previous website was outdated, burdensome to update, and did not reflect the professionalism or range of services IVFD provides.

A Website Built for Mission-Readiness

BlakSheep Creative, a firefighter- and veteran-owned web agency based in Denham Springs, Louisiana, was selected to lead the redesign. With a deep understanding of public safety operations, BlakSheep crafted a completely custom WordPress website tailored to the department’s needs.

The site features a modern, mobile-responsive design and includes custom backend tools that allow IVFD personnel to update pages, share safety tips, publish news, and manage services with ease. The use of WS Form Pro powers advanced forms for volunteer recruitment, smoke alarm requests, and public contact, ensuring a user-friendly experience. Elementor Pro and Meta Box were utilized to create a flexible and easy-to-use editing experience.

The structure includes dedicated sections for fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazmat response, dive rescue, education and prevention, apparatus, team members, and more—ensuring visitors can quickly and intuitively find what they need. “The amount of control we now have over our content is a game changer,” said Spencer. “We can post updates within minutes, which is critical in emergency situations.”

According to a 2023 report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), over 70% of fire department calls in the U.S. are for medical aid rather than fires. Spencer emphasized, “Public education is a significant part of our mission. With a clear, fast, and informative website, we can reach out to people even before they make the call, demonstrating our commitment to proactive community safety.”

The project is a shining example of Professional Website Design for Public Safety Agencies, combining technical precision with mission-first thinking to try to make those calls more preventable.

Community-Focused Results

Since the website’s launch, the department has experienced a surge in community engagement and has been lauded by both residents and internal team members. The platform has evolved into a central hub for timely updates, event announcements, fire prevention education, and emergency communications, demonstrating the community’s active participation in the department’s initiatives.

“We couldn’t be happier with the website BlakSheep built for our fire department,” said Tommie Spencer of the Independence Volunteer Fire Department. “From start to finish, their team was professional, responsive, and truly understood our mission and community needs. The new site has made it much easier to share updates, safety information, and event announcements—and the community has noticed.”

The new site also improves local SEO performance, enhances mobile accessibility, and gives the IVFD a scalable foundation for future growth. Department staff now manage all site content in-house, saving time and improving communication. “We’ve received messages from residents saying how much easier it is to find what they need,” Spencer added. “That’s the kind of impact we were hoping for.”

BlakSheep Creative founder Clint L. Sanchez noted, “This project meant a lot to us—not just because of the technology, but because we know what it’s like to serve. We’re firefighters and veterans ourselves. We build websites for people who protect communities, and we take that seriously.”

About Independence Volunteer Fire Department

The Independence Volunteer Fire Department is a full-service public safety agency serving Independence, LA, and the greater Tangipahoa Parish. Since 1926, the department has remained dedicated to protecting lives, educating the community, and responding with professionalism and care. Each year, the department responds to hundreds of calls ranging from structure fires to auto rescues and emergency medical assistance.

About BlakSheep Creative

BlakSheep Creative is a digital agency based in Denham Springs, Louisiana. Veteran- and firefighter-owned, the firm specializes in building custom websites for public safety agencies, small businesses, and nonprofits. Their work combines technical expertise with mission-driven service.

Media Contact

BlakSheep Creative
Clint L. Sanchez, Owner
📞 (225) 505-3834
📧 info@blaksheepcreative.com
🌐 https://blaksheepcreative.com