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.
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
HOW TO BECOME A FIREFIGHTER
These next few months of fire academy training are going to test not only your resolve, but also your mental and physical limits
From identifying potential employers to securing the right certifications, learn what it takes to launch a successful career in private firefighting
With available tuition discounts, higher education can enhance a firefighter’s career growth, salary and leadership potential
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
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
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.
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
For the first time in 16 years, the Denver Fire Department will skip a training academy in 2025 as the agency reaches nearly full staffing, with 99.4% of its authorized positions filled
Chief Goldfeder offers several simple tips
The Los Angeles Fire Department’s Bureau of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion faces major cutbacks as Mayor Karen Bass proposes folding it into another division amid political pressure and budget cuts
Winston-Salem officials say cutting sick and vacation days could help fund more competitive salaries
With fewer recruits and rising retirements, departments like East Hartford are turning to costly overtime and mutual aid to cover growing staffing gaps
Fire departments across New York will open their doors for the 14th annual RecruitNY Weekend, recruiting new volunteers through community connections
With newly licensed paramedics, the Spring Lake Fire Department is one of only three departments in the county to offer ALS
Despite a looming $1-billion budget shortfall, Mayor Karen Bass is proposing 227 new positions, including firefighters and EMTs, after the city’s most destructive wildfire
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
With Inland Hospital closing, Waterville’s fire chief seeks funding to staff a third ambulance
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