According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number of volunteer firefighters has largely decreased nationwide — from 897,750 in 1984 to 676,900 in 2020.
Overview
Our mission is to support Pennsylvania fire departments as they build and maintain strong, dedicated teams of firefighters.
Whether you are a volunteer or career fire department, we are here to help you navigate the challenges of recruiting and keeping dedicated firefighters, ensuring that your community stays safe and well-protected.
Challenges
Fire departments across Pennsylvania face a unique set of challenges in recruiting and retaining firefighters. These include:
Nearly 90 percent of Pennsylvania fire departments are volunteer-based. That’s 20 percent more than the national average.
Recruiting New Members
Here are six ways to recruit new members to your fire department:
1. Community outreach
Engage with local schools, colleges, and community organizations to raise awareness about firefighting careers and volunteer opportunities. Consider working with local schools to develop fire service clubs, or even offer credit for fire services training.
2. Social media campaigns
Use social media platforms to share stories, testimonials, and the impact of your firefighters’ work. Highlighting the personal and professional benefits of joining the fire service can attract new recruits.
3. Recruitment events
Host open houses, fire station tours, and career fairs to provide a firsthand look at the life of a firefighter. These events can help demystify the profession and inspire interest.
4. Make it easy
Keep the process clear and easy to get started. Pennsylvania has no minimum training requirements for firefighters, so municipalities and fire departments can work together to develop their own training programs that best serve the needs of their communities. This flexibility allows fire departments to develop programs that make it easy for recruits to get started, and allows volunteers to grow into more critical positions as they acquire the necessary training over time.
5. Take advantage of recruitment resources
Use available resources like the National Volunteer Fire Council’s Make Me A Firefighter campaign and volunteer portal, and/or the International Association of Fire Chief’s Recruitment and Retention toolkit with customizable marketing materials and templates.
6. Create a welcoming environment
Develop initiatives to ensure your fire department is inclusive and welcoming to all. Promote diversity and inclusion in your recruitment materials and make an effort to reach out to communities who may have previously been overlooked or are underrepresented.
Keeping Valued Members
The people who help keep our communities safe are valued, and it’s crucial that they feel that way. Four ways to boost morale:
Recognition and rewards
Recognize and reward the dedication and achievements of your firefighters. This can include awards, public acknowledgments, and small tokens of appreciation.
Professional development
Offer continuous training and career advancement opportunities to keep your team motivated and engaged. This shows a commitment to their personal and professional development.
Supportive environment
Foster a supportive and inclusive culture within your department. Ensure that all firefighters feel valued and heard. Provide resources for physical and mental health and wellness.
Engaging the whole family
Make it a family affair. Welcome spouses and kids to the firehouse to see what their family member is doing to serve the community and get buy in from the whole family.
Successful departments are in tune with what their members want and employ multiple strategies to keep their volunteers engaged.
Funding Sources
Explore funding opportunities to support your recruitment and retention efforts:
Grants & Loans
Use local, state and federal government funding. It provides financial assistance for training, equipment, and other critical needs.
Federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant
Some counties have local share grants from gaming funds available
Contact us to learn more about what grants and loans might be available for your fire department or municipality.
Local Partnerships
Partner with local businesses and organizations for sponsorships, donations, and community support. Consider targeting community industries or businesses that may be at a higher fire risk.
Incentives
Incentives are a great way to recruit and retain volunteer and career firefighters. Consider the needs of your community and the needs of potential recruits to create an appealing incentive package.
Incentives could include:
Tuition reimbursement
Sign-on bonuses
Training/certification reimbursement
Health and wellness: Comprehensive health benefits, mental health support, fitness facilities
Retirement/pension plans
Family support like childcare assistance
Uniform, housing or relocation assistance
- Stipend programs
Want to get started with financial incentives, but need guidance? Email us!
