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.
FireRescue1 readers weigh in on viral article about harsh realities of response capabilities, funding and community support
“I reverted back to my own training days” Trooper Martin T. Derkovitz said about his actions at a Lockport fire
An investigation into the Flanders Fire Department has led to directives for the volunteer fire chief to seek counseling
Volunteer firefighter Kevin Swain was shot four times while responding to a welfare check
Caden Booth suffered severe burns after his babysitter sprayed him with hot water two years ago
Amanda Brazil learned 65 percent of the firefighters had no training in critical incidents or PTSD
A major concern is the unpredictable sound quality of a digital system that could lead to accidents
Spencer Township trustees voted to end the town’s fire department, citing fiscal responsibility as driving factor
Capt. Robert Montcrieff was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation after trying to save animals at the home
The firefighter was upset during a welfare check when he took off with a firearm in hand
The mayor blamed the fire department’s resignations on campaign agendas that included cutting taxes
The department still holds on to bits of the past, including wearing leather helmets
With a test measuring total heat loss accepted, is there room and need for a test measuring evaporative resistance?
Investigators need to assess what’s reasonable given what his belief was about whether danger existed or not
LODD of firefighter-paramedic John Ulmschneider is a tragic reminder of the potential for violence on every incident
Even seemingly low-level noise over time can damage hearing and lead to additional health risks
Terry Morris Sr. first became a fire cadet at the age of 12; he knew he wanted to be a firefighter after working beside his firefighting father
Capt. Peter Hacking and his two children were killed in a head-on crash; the driver, who was in Texas illegally, was arrested for manslaughter
Kevin Swain, 19, was shot four times while trying to enter a home to make a welfare check; firefighter-paramedic John Ulmschneider was fatally shot
Firefighter-paramedic John Ulmschneider died after he was shot; volunteer firefighter Kevin Swain, 19, is in serious but stable condition
Video showed him doing remodeling work despite claiming a fireground injury left him unable to work
Arriving crews found heavy fire coming out of the left side of the duplex and pulled five victims from the home
Firefighter-paramedic John Ulmschneider succumbed to his injuries; volunteer firefighter Kevin Swain is in serious condition
Officials say Lyndon Beharry shot his partner and their sons ages 4 and 7 before setting the house on fire and shooting himself
Sixty-six people were trapped in the nursing home by an earthquake that hit Japan barely 24 hours after another quake that killed nine
Officials said they’ve been trying for years to resolve staffing shortage, firefighter housing and funding issues
Capt. Alex Smith was investigating a possible leak at a gym when he fell; he suffered a contusion on his head and was taken to a hospital
Given the street-level dangers and improved technology, ballistic vests should be an option to all firefighters and medics
Zachary Barfield’s brother was killed in a car crash last year; he was an avid supporter of a children’s cancer research charity
Carl Strye Jr. is facing a felony charge that carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison; thefts in excess of $8,000 occurred the same year he stepped down as president and became mayor
When crews arrived, the garage was fully involved and a homeowner was trying to put out the blaze with a garden hose
The ambulance burst into flames while transporting a patient; no one was reported injured
Stolen items included two parade axes, two parade pike poles, a state flag and an American flag