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.
Wildfires, acts of violence and declining numbers in the fire service will require training, data-driven approaches to emergency response
HOW TO BECOME A FIREFIGHTER
Modern firefighters do more than fight fires — they respond to medical calls, car crashes, hazardous materials and more
Detailing the process from training to application
Planning to serve your community? It starts with quality firefighter training.
From age requirements to interview prep, we’re answering the top questions we hear about how to become a firefighter
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
Follow these 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
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
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
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
“This research potentially shows us the mechanism through which the exposures that firefighters face on the job lead to increased health risks,” said Dr. Jeff Burgess
Dozens of firefighters gathered on the steps of the state capitol to show their support
Austin leaders are considering rule changes after a Texas law approved low-THC products to treat PTSD
Fully vaccinated responders will receive $500 in addition to the bonus for working during the pandemic
It’s vital to identify your capacity, who can help when needed, and what equipment is limited
The bill, which passed in the Senate and now heads to the House, could cost the state an estimated $20-22 million
Without firefighters at Shasta Fire Station 56, the nearest help will have to come from three miles away
One official said the integration allows for the deployment of EMS providers from an additional 10 locations throughout the territory
Why boot camp EMT classes are the wrong answer to putting meat in the seat
Polk County Fire Rescue will hire a full-time recruiter and offer $8,000 signing bonuses plus paid paramedic training
MOST POPULAR
- Dust storm causes fatal pileup, fires and disaster declaration in West Texas
- First responders switch from rescue to recovery after mid-air plane crash near Reagan National Airport
- How L.A.’s wildfires echo the London Blitz firefighting challenges
- Investigation finds hazmat train derailments strike every 2 months
- Wife of former Pa. fire chief killed at Trump rally refuses call from President Biden