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.
Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company Firefighter/Secretary Janet Holbrook served for more than 25 years
Speaking to Connecticut public radio, Scott Eskwitt addresses recruitment and retention efforts, fire service culture, and pandemic-fueled stress
There are several ways to help AFG and SAFER funding reach more volunteer and rural fire departments
Cop to medic: ‘This will be the worst day of your life’
The largest problem in the coming year is how departments deal with young firefighters
The firefighter was in his car heading toward the fire house when he saw something distant in the trees on fire
N.H. volunteer Steven Whitcomb tried to save 30-year-old Katie Hamilton without recognizing his youngest daughter
Bronze statue serves as a reminder of the four firefighters who were shot in the 2012 Christmas Eve ambush
Lt. Lidke was directing traffic as the apparatus returned to quarters when he collapsed
Of all the stories to come out of 2013, these seem to best explain the current state of the fire service
The same level of job protection should be afforded volunteer firefighters deployed to disasters as military personnel get
The extraction process uses butane or other flammables to cook ‘pipe bombs’
We asked our readers to share the most profound memories they made in service this year, and they came up with some great ones
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said extending the injury coverage would impose “an undue burden” on municipalities before they have the opportunity to opt out of its provisions
There were no shortage of funny things happening on fire and EMS calls this year; here are the best three and two really close runners up
Firefighter Jon Schondelmayer, 44, told crew members he was going home to get medicine and would return to the station shortly
Addressing these five broad issues should be a high priority for the volunteer fire service in the coming year
Here’s a list of the most outstanding innovations to hit the fire service this year and a short list of those I hope to see next year
Ask your representative to the combat health-insurance requirement for volunteer employees that work more than 30 hours per week
Joshua Travis Smith, 25, died after his car went off a road and hit a cinder block entrance
Join us as we look back on the most read, commented and shared articles on FR1 over the past year
Easing families’ burdens during the holiday season is just one example of how firefighters aid their communities
Firefighters decided to provide a fun experience for children chosen by their school for a holiday treat
It’s still unknown why they decided to leave the department; sources say it stemmed from the handling of a personnel issue with another firefighter
Fire Chief John Wayman Sr., 69, died at his home a day after he responded to a heavy rescue incident
We asked readers if their departments ever ran calls without lights and sirens
The fire has destroyed 15 homes, including the home of Big Sur Fire Chief Martha Karstens
Perry Calvin, a volunteer firefighter, died along with 14 others; his wife was left with their two boys and a third baby on the way
David Brody, 41, died after he had answered a call and became ill later at home
Not having a hand tool reduces effectiveness and speed of crucial fireground tasks
“And, on the plaque, it says 50 years and continuing,” Firefighter Goza said. “So, I guess, I’ll have to stay around a while longer”