Providing Guidance For Recruitment & Retention of Volunteer Firefighters
Fire departments continue to have recruitment and retention challenges for volunteer firefighters. The root causes for this have remained similar over the past decade. The demand on the volunteer’s time, increased training requirements, and poor leadership are a few of the reasons.
To help departments overcome some of the hurdles of recruitment and retention, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) released a manual for fire service agencies with guidance on the retention and recruitment of volunteers.
The manual provides direction for marketing, addresses the challenges of recruitment and retention, and suggests ways to work with local governments to implement effective strategies.
Chief Richard Patrick, director of the National Fire and EMS Division, for the U.S.F.A . described this manual as “a comprehensive resource for volunteer departments to overcome obstacles and ensure the continued safety and protection of their communities.”
The USFA manual is organized into 4 primary sections:
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- Critical recruitment and retention challenges
- Collaborating with the local government
- Recruitment Strategies
- Retention Strategies
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According to the National Fire Protection Association, there has been a steady decline in volunteerism over the last 40 years. The number of volunteer firefighters has decreased from 897,750 in 1984 to 676,900 in 2020.
That’s a loss of over 200,000 volunteers, which leaves a significant gap and impact on public safety, considering how busy and understaffed fire agencies are. There are many reasons for declining numbers, and one of the biggest barriers is TIME.
Time is scarce for many. Some people work multiple jobs, share in childcare, or are caring for aging parents. Time is also necessary to fulfill training requirements. A lot of it. How do you overcome this hurdle? Make it worth their time and don’t waste it. Volunteers should feel valued and respected. Effective leadership a key to this. This begins with acknowledging your member’s contributions.
Acknowledging Volunteer’s Contribution
Studies on employee retention reveal that when leaders acknowledge volunteers for their contribution it makes them feel that they are valued and important to the organization.
This requires good leadership and good supervision, as well as a supportive and inclusive work environment. Every person brings skills, knowledge, and experience that can benefit the team. Empowering volunteers to take on leadership roles will also make them more invested in the organization and more likely to stay. Community service remains an integral and important part of many people’s lives. Being recognized for their time and sacrifice increases motivation and personal satisfaction. These are just a few ways to retain your volunteers.
Strategies to Overcome Recruitment & Retention Challenges
When you are developing strategies for attracting new volunteers start by highlighting some of the exceptional benefits of being a volunteer firefighter.
Most people understand the comradery that exists within the fire service family, but many may not be aware of how far-reaching and lasting these relationships will be. In addition, they may not fully comprehend the level of personal and professional support or invaluable experiences they will have along the way.
Volunteers not only will have the satisfaction of giving back to their community in a vital and meaningful way, but will also receive ongoing professional training, develop useful skills, and have opportunities, unlike any other community volunteer position.
Team Building With Volunteers
Building a strong and dedicated team of volunteers who are committed to serving their communities is essential to the success of any fire department. At the end of the day, without proper staffing, fire and EMS departments cannot provide the services and protection their communities need.
References:
https://www.iafc.org/topics-and-tools/resources/resource/guide-for-creating-a-diverse-and-inclusive-department
https://www.nvfc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20Aug-NVFC-Retention-Research-Report-FINAL.pdf
International Association of Fire Chiefs “State of the Volunteer Fire Service Report 2018: Recruiting and Retaining the Volunteer of the Future.”
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/retention-and-recruitment-for-volunteer-emergency-services.pdf
https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/nfpa-journal/2020/11/02/culture-clash
https://www.firehero.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/usfa-2023-fact-sheet-firefigther-recruitment-retention.pdf