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.
Due to staffing and budget challenges, the City of Meriden will deactivate the South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department at the end of the year
The tragic accident that killed Plainville Firefighter Raymond Moreau has sparked renewed focus on equipment safety, declining volunteer numbers and emerging health risks
Local leaders urged state lawmakers to invest in school-based training, public safety education and regional partnerships to attract the next generation of first responders
The 37-year-old Murdo firefighter died after being ejected from a fire apparatus in a rollover crash
Thousands of convenience stores across the U.S. will offer free coffee, drinks or snacks to uniformed first responders on July 24 as part of the 2025 24/7 Day
The new Utica Fire & Rescue will offer 24/7 fire and medical response, without EMS transport, as the township board rebuilds services following an interruption
East Branch Assistant Chief Jason McGlone was electrocuted after responding to a crash with a suspected DUI driver, where an electrical wire touched the top of his fire truck
Firefighter Jonathan Ashworth, 23, had served with Fire Protection District 4 since 2018
Potts Camp firefighters say they were told to stop serving and return equipment after a sudden Facebook announcement, not direct communication
200,000 sticks of DripDrop electrolyte powder to be donated, in partnership with the NVFC
Balancing high school, soccer and firefighter training, 17-year-old Lydia Kendziorski joined Beaver Township Fire as a cadet
Nearly 90% of Wyoming’s firefighters are volunteers, but a sharp decline in recruitment and aging personnel is putting wildfire response at risk
Botetourt County will pay volunteer firefighters $5 to $20 per call, with additional bonuses to support and grow its volunteer force
Senate Bill 466, passed by the House, would allow job training credits to count toward Firefighter I Certification and grant EMS agencies a grace period for state reporting
As West End Fire & Rescue celebrates 100 years of service, the once modest company began with a hand-me-down 1917 fire engine
As call volumes surge and volunteer numbers decline, rural Yolo County fire chiefs warn of a breaking point for their departments
Facing a nationwide shortage of volunteer firefighters, departments like Botetourt County are using camps, community outreach and flexible roles to raise awareness and inspire new recruits
Greene County residents face potential insurance hikes following the unexplained closure of the Ruckersville Volunteer Fire Company
The Moores Mill Volunteer Fire Department has increased its number of volunteers and has more currently in training
The Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating 50 years of service with the opening of its first firehouse
The new incentive program offers stipends of up to $5,000 for service and training, aiming to reverse declining volunteer numbers and revitalize fire service in North Tonawanda
The first 2,000 applicants also receive a free one-year NVFC membership with tools to support responder wellness and performance
Two NVFC members will each be awarded a scholarship covering up to 60 credit hours
Getting a junior firefighter program off the ground requires policies, advisors and serious commitment – but it’s all worth it
State Comptroller Sean Scanlon said a new report on firefighter staffing should serve as a wake-up call to secure more resources for fire departments
The Aurora Volunteer Fire Department partnered with Wells College to develop a student program providing a quarter of the department’s personnel
The Cuba (Alabama) fire chief talks FD recruitment, plus the programs helping his members better serve their community
It’s time to reevaluate our SOPs, eliminate insular groups, and see traditions as an honor, not an anchor
With fewer recruits and rising retirements, departments like East Hartford are turning to costly overtime and mutual aid to cover growing staffing gaps
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