When people hear the word firefighter, they often think of a person in full gear rushing into a burning building to save someone trapped inside. Firefighters are some of the bravest people out there, but there’s more to the job than risking their lives to help others in need. In this article, we will talk about how volunteer firefighters support departments, how to get more volunteers, and how to increase retention.

Although professional standards require at least 30 firefighters to battle the blaze that erupted in a 100-unit apartment building in Illinois, only five firefighters were available to respond. This is just one example of the impact of firefighter shortages that affect communities across the US. The fire service is a demanding and challenging profession that requires a high level of commitment and dedication. Fire departments must be proactive in their efforts to recruit and retain firefighters.  We've gathered a few tips below from fire chiefs and IAFC for managing recruitment, retention, and volunteer firefighters.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on first responders. Not only has it created a new normal that’s changed the way fire and EMS agencies operate, but it’s also left agencies short on volunteers as people take time off to quarantine or recover from illness. Many past volunteers are now unavailable: some are caring for sick family members; some are minimizing exposure to protect their health or that of loved ones who are at higher risk; and some have full-time jobs that currently prohibit them from doing volunteer work in order to minimize the exposure of other staff members. In the face of the volunteer shortage, what can agencies do to ensure they continue meeting public safety needs?