Recruitment and Retention
Recruitment and retention is one of the most critical topics in the fire service, particularly the volunteer fire service, which has long been seeking to attract and maintain members. The recruitment and retention resource page provides critical content to help fire departments manage their personnel, from articles that inform prospective members are life as a volunteer to podcasts about recruitment best practices to new techniques being used to encourage new members, and so much more.
Detailing the requirements to become a wildland firefighter, what they do day to day, and how to get started on this career path
HOW TO BECOME A FIREFIGHTER
From identifying potential employers to securing the right certifications, learn what it takes to launch a successful career in private firefighting
From age requirements to interview prep, we’re answering the top questions we hear about how to become a firefighter
The firefighting career field is very competitive; here’s a quick breakdown of what you should and should not do as you prepare to join the fire service
Joining the fire service? Make sure you know the basics.
Use this checklist to make yourself the best candidate possible for the firefighter job you want
The leap from cadet to on-shift firefighter can be daunting; here’s how to manage those first impressions you leave and build bonds with the crew
We asked FireRescue1 readers what seasoned advice they would offer their younger selves, and they delivered
Follow these 20 rules from Day 1 to lay the foundation for a long and successful career in the fire service
Detailing the expectations of the job and the three steps to becoming a volunteer firefighter
If you recognize more than a few of the following traits in yourself, head over to headquarters and grab an application
Don‘t relax because you got accepted to a fire academy; this is the perfect time to be proactive and get things done
While completing fire academy training is a rigorous challenge that’s not for everyone, it’s a necessity if you want to enter the rewarding field of firefighting
Test how your personality aligns with the motivation, teamwork and key character traits that exemplify firefighters around the world
Success in the firefighter interview is about far more than answering the questions
We’re looking for fit, mentally tough individuals who can manage their time and demonstrate a commitment to serve
A snapshot of the national, state and local requirements needed to advance in the fire service
How to use your personal playbook in the weeks, days and hours before your interview – and then what to do when it’s over
From the classroom to the training ground, Marc Bashoor offers a 30,000-foot look at what to expect if you want to become a firefighter
Get a glimpse into rookie life, plus a value set that helps firefighters succeed in the industry
Breaking down key factors involved in getting into a fire academy, the differences among the types of academies, and how you can set yourself up for success
Plus learn tips for what chiefs are looking for in new recruits as well as the importance of public trust
Learn your learning style, focus on fitness, and understand your place on the incident scene
Crews detail a dramatic rescue of two individuals trapped in a ranch-style home
Brooke DeLeon was the only woman in her 21-member recruit class
Four tips for making it through the early transition into your probationary period as a firefighter
Make a good impression and launch your firefighter career on the right foot with these tips for probationary firefighters
The firefighter’s written exam covers everything from a math skills review to a personality assessment
If you want to become a firefighter, you might consider these top fire academies
Firefighter salaries and benefits vary by location and rank.
These next few months are going to test not only your resolve, but your mental and physical limits
A DAY IN THE LIFE
Part of building crew unity is taking the opportunity to have some fun, but there must be room for training – plus all those EMS calls
The engineer serves several roles, from equipment checks to throwing ladders, medic assists and more
The week starts with motivation, weaves through myriad activities, and concludes with a restorative weekend – and possibly some duty officer work
24 hours filled with constant alerts, plus meetings, training and little sleep
It’s one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs in the fire service
A Monday to Sunday breakdown of what’s it’s like to serve as a fire chief for a mid-size fire department
COMPLETE COVERAGE
The Hepburn Township Volunteer Fire Company stated the township supervisors dissolved the ambulance service due to a shortage of EMTs
Torrington Mayor Elinor Carbone said the department faced a “critical decision” on its future after spending nearly $10,000 on recruitment in recent years
Milford Fire Chief Anthony Fabrizi spoke in support of legislation that seeks to regain some of what is spent training new firefighters if they leave the department
The Chippewa Falls Fire & EMS Department is back to full strength, thanks to strategic hiring efforts, a voter-approved referendum and new incentives aimed at attracting firefighter/EMTs
The Aims Fire and EMS Xplore Academy introduces student to fire and EMS careers in several skill stations
The O’Haras met D.C. firefighters who found their son’s body and the rookie firefighter and Marine who stood guard over him
Durham will no longer pay a settlement for a firefighter hiring test deemed unfair to Black applicants after the Department of Justice dropped its civil rights case against the city
The key for fire service leaders is finding – and maximizing – members’ strengths, even when they aren’t a perfect fit
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
