Volunteer Fire Service
Volunteer firefighters provide fire suppression, rescue and emergency medical services in communities of all sizes. Volunteer firefighters, motivated to help others and serve their community, balance training and service with jobs and family obligations. Learn more about latest volunteer fire service news, access FireRescue1 training resources and explore funding and recruitment resources for volunteer fire departments.
Detailing the expectations of the job and the three steps to becoming a volunteer firefighter
With volunteer numbers declining and emergency calls rising, Franklin County is expanding paid EMS staffing and launching creative recruitment efforts to keep up with demand
We should never put dispatchers in a situation where they have to wonder if members are playing hot potato with the call
From a firefighter sponsorship program to themed dinners at the firehouse, check out these out-of-the-box strategies for raising your department’s profile in the community
Bentonia firefighters are salvaging what they can and relying on neighboring departments after losing their firehouse
As a fire officer, there are times you’ll have to be a referee between firefighters and not properly playing the role will only worsen the conflict
Recruitment efforts can focus on non-traditional members, people who live outside the area and even members of neighboring departments
Carroll County’s Department of Fire and EMS has successfully staffed 13 of 14 stations 24/7 with over 200 career personnel, completing its transition plan a year ahead of schedule
The Mechanic Falls fire chief said the time of the fire made it a struggle to get manpower on the scene
Despite rising call volumes and training requirements, more volunteers can be recruited and retained with effort and forethought
Lower Merion Township offers a 100% real estate tax credit to active volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel who live and own property in the township
Torrington Mayor Elinor Carbone said the department faced a “critical decision” on its future after spending nearly $10,000 on recruitment in recent years
State Farm and the NVFC are donating refurbished laptops to 100 fire departments to boost efficiency, with applications open until March 31
A Danville firefighter suffered a medical emergency at the firehouse after a call
A Ridgeville volunteer firefighter died from an apparent medical event while preparing to respond to a mobile home fire
The 2025 application period is open from March 10-16
The longtime volunteer, safety and health advocate underscores the power of showing your members you care
A New London volunteer firefighter died after being involved in a crash while responding to an earlier MVC
Volunteer fire captain and steelworker Jeff Denard’s story was told in part of President Trump’s speech on tariffs and American jobs
A Pinedale volunteer firefighter suffered major head trauma during a grass fire
With sleep deprivation being directly linked to poor decision-making, physical ability and communication, firefighters must be well-rested on and off the job
Whether new or used, apparatus costs are skyrocketing, and departments need to develop a plan
Most of these skill-building exercises can be used year-round and with minimal cost and equipment
Four common retention pitfalls, plus simple solutions for improving department culture and keeping firefighters happy
Developing a firefighter recruitment plan starts with getting real about why people aren’t joining the fire department
Town of Ulster officials are allowing a property tax reduction to first responders who live in a district other than the one they serve
Barneveld volunteer firefighters were on the roof trying to remove snow minutes before the collapse
The issue of age isn’t a simple problem to solve, particularly in the volunteer fire service that’s struggling for members
