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.
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.
The National Volunteer Fire Council is calling on firefighters to contact lawmakers as the DHS shutdown has delayed grants and shuttered the National Fire Academy
The National Volunteer Fire Council is looking for volunteer firefighters to share personal stories for a new mental health video series aimed at raising awareness and encouraging wellness support
Colin Wall, a volunteer firefighter and former EMT, used CPR to revive an unresponsive man while picking up equipment just before Christmas
From Stewartville to St. Charles, multi-generational volunteer firefighters say family tradition, community service and dedication are keeping departments staffed
A crash in Boyne City killed one person and led to the suspension of a firefighter who was driving a personal vehicle to a call
The State Fire Marshal’s Division is offering in one-time funding to support equipment, gear and fire protection needs
Facing the challenges of a volunteer model, the Orwell Fire Department is hiring part-time firefighters to ensure consistent two-person staffing
Citing a lack of volunteers, rising costs and declining revenue, the East Prospect Fire Company will shut down at year’s end
Wellness Brief hosts weigh the moral-injury cost of punishing a Ky. fire chief who left his district to clear a child’s airway
Balancing duty, family and the limits of volunteer fire service after an entire department decides to resign
The National Volunteer Fire Council is recognizing volunteer firefighters, EMS providers, junior members and junior programs for outstanding service
NIOSH investigators found that dense fog, lack of road markings, inattentive driving and self-dispatching in a privately owned vehicle contributed to the crash
Investigators found that compromised size-up, poor risk/benefit decisions, weak crew integrity and missed 911 information all contributed to the Leonardtown incident
Caughey was presented the John M. Buckman III Leadership Award at the IAFC’s Symposium in the Sun conference
Former Cornersville Chief Matt Fox and his crew stepped down, citing administrative strain, burnout and funding challenges
Proceeds from Francis and Annola Schweitzberger’s donated farm helped build a modern facility with upgraded apparatus and safety features
Halloween fires account for an average of 25 deaths per year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration
With sleep deprivation being directly linked to poor decision-making, physical ability and communication, firefighters must be well-rested on and off the job
Getting a junior firefighter program off the ground requires policies, advisors and serious commitment – but it’s all worth it
Instructors and speakers have until Nov. 2, 2025, to submit their proposals
Despite statewide retention woes and closures, New Milford now fields 50 active members and 10 recruits, crediting hands-on entry training, a welcoming culture and early call experience
Carroll County officials say his operational suspension mirrors his Montgomery County status and reinstatement depends on the case outcome
Highlighted by the PWW Advisory Group, the South Dakota Ambulance Association-backed series details funding woes, long response times
Morgan County Commission approves paid position, salary, while incident command stays with volunteer departments
Lafayette, Witmer and Upper Leacock plan to share crews to ease the volunteer crunch, but the compact is paused for township review
With volunteer firefighter numbers declining as emergency calls rise, the Ohio Fire Academy has unveiled a new online portal to connect residents with local departments
A Tullahassee VFD firefighter was knocked down twice while working to extinguish a structure fire
In the Newbern’s first election in six decades, Firefighter Patrick Braxton won 66–26 to end the legal fight that once locked him out of city hall
Here’s how to live your best life in the fire service, according to Poor Richard’s words of wisdom
The initiative, developed with Bucks County Community College aims to build the next generation of first responders
With new fire trucks approaching $1 million and volunteer ranks thinning, departments are leaning on online raffles and summer events for as much as 90 % of their budgets
Dalton Pischke, Emily Kelzer and Zac Gehling joined Grand Meadow’s fire and EMS crews, hoping to inspire more young volunteers
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