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.
$50,000 in fire department grants and 350 pancake breakfast fundraiser kits will be awarded
The new Quick Response Unit designation allows Ferndale firefighters to respond to medical calls and reduce long ambulance wait times in their rural community
The state is sending funding to 114 volunteer fire companies to help pay for wildfire gear, equipment, communications tools and training ahead of peak spring fire season.
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
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
Fire departments across New York will open their doors for the 14th annual RecruitNY Weekend, recruiting new volunteers through community connections
Detailing the expectations of the job and the three steps to becoming a volunteer firefighter
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
We should never put dispatchers in a situation where they have to wonder if members are playing hot potato with the call
From a firefighter sponsorship program to themed dinners at the firehouse, check out these out-of-the-box strategies for raising your department’s profile in the community
Bentonia firefighters are salvaging what they can and relying on neighboring departments after losing their firehouse
As a fire officer, there are times you’ll have to be a referee between firefighters and not properly playing the role will only worsen the conflict
Recruitment efforts can focus on non-traditional members, people who live outside the area and even members of neighboring departments
Carroll County’s Department of Fire and EMS has successfully staffed 13 of 14 stations 24/7 with over 200 career personnel, completing its transition plan a year ahead of schedule
The Mechanic Falls fire chief said the time of the fire made it a struggle to get manpower on the scene
Despite rising call volumes and training requirements, more volunteers can be recruited and retained with effort and forethought
Lower Merion Township offers a 100% real estate tax credit to active volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel who live and own property in the township
Torrington Mayor Elinor Carbone said the department faced a “critical decision” on its future after spending nearly $10,000 on recruitment in recent years
State Farm and the NVFC are donating refurbished laptops to 100 fire departments to boost efficiency, with applications open until March 31
A Danville firefighter suffered a medical emergency at the firehouse after a call
A Ridgeville volunteer firefighter died from an apparent medical event while preparing to respond to a mobile home fire
The 2025 application period is open from March 10-16
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