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.
An estimated 2 million gallons of water was used to extinguish the fire in Sterling
Harford County’s NEXT GEN Responders Student Loan Relief is an incentive in fire, EMS recruitment and retention
Charles Erickson joined the department when he was 16 and then became an EMT because there were only a few in the area
The experience has been so positive for two juveniles that they are now junior firefighters
Chief Doug Decker died after being struck by a vehicle while checking water levels on a highway
Firefighter Dave Lemponen, a 60-year veteran, was directing traffic near an intersection when he was struck
Bob Smith said that a tragic fire prompted him to become a volunteer firefighter
Statistics show that 10 to 30 percent of fire and EMS providers will at one time or another suffer from PTSD
Karry Max Taylor hoped his station would be called for a real emergency while other crews were tied up at the VA hospital
Unions representing paid firefighters argued that all firefighters, regardless of status, should be certified
The program, which could address the shortage of volunteer firefighters and rescue personnel, would likely cost $2 million
Thane “Bobby” Lucas was burning garbage when something inside exploded and struck him in the neck
The bus was driving down a highway when the back door swung open
At 29 years old, Danielle Rose is also the youngest chief to serve in the department
The funds will be used to purchase wildland gear, equipment and all-terrain and utility vehicles
Gail Cesternino was married to the chief of the department when she allegedly stole the money
Town officials said the department went $75,000 over budget last year and don’t know where the money is going
Another firefighter can be heard telling the firefighter that he’s on fire
The firefighters were responding to a structure fire when the crash occurred
Officials said they would be allowed to carry in restricted areas only
Brett McBride started smelling smoke after he arrived home from working a shift
Kevin Swain and John Ulmschneider were responding to a medical call when a homeowner opened fire
Video showed firefighters in a rescue bucket talking with the passengers, none of whom appeared to be in distress
Chief Brian Schmitt was under fire for not meeting the town’s firefighting certification requirements
Volunteer fire crews would have basic training but wouldn’t have specialized training, which could be provided through mutual aid
Deputy Chief Chuck Hipple said some parents “just can’t seem to let the kids have fun”
Newly appointed Fire Chief Will Pryor said he will replace the firefighters if they do not return to duty immediately
Charles “Rick” Gentilcore, 52, leaves behind a wife and a son
Jake Slater, 21, received first- and second-degree burns to over 70 percent of his body
Getting the right amount of water to the fire quickly may mean not doing what’s always been done
Andrea Manske, 23, died in a 2011 car crash; her family donated four thermal imaging cameras as well as a Smart Board for training
There are 35 volunteers today, down from 145 five years ago and 220 in 2010
Officials said James H. Yiengst, 72, was one of the most active firefighters in the county
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