Volunteer firefighters are in high demand and in short supply. These individuals play critically important roles in protecting public safety. According to National Fire Protection Association estimates, there are 1,080, 800 volunteer firefighters throughout the U.S.
The main reason people serve in these positions is to provide a necessary service to their communities. However, important factors impede would-be candidates from taking steps to join local fire units.
What Are the Issues With Volunteer Recruitment?
Like other sectors of public service, emergency services are seeing signs of attrition. There is a multitude of factors driving this trend. Volunteer firefighter squads are experiencing similar vulnerabilities to social factors that reduce their ranks. Here are three issues at the forefront of decreasing numbers:
Time Limitations
Job and personal demands make it difficult for people to commit to volunteer roles. This type of service requires a high commitment level for fire departments that take on the responsibility and costs of training. This agreement is a significant investment by both parties, and individuals are reluctant to volunteer if they can’t commit to long-term participation.
Training Demands
Many hours of initial and ongoing training and practice go into volunteer work as firefighters. Persons must meet the essential equipment use and safety procedure requirements. These requirements frequently add up to many extra hours for people who already have full-time employment. Additionally, people with jobs have consistently growing demands that limit their ability and desire to take on volunteer duties.
Demographic Shifts
The demographics of society are changing. People locate closer to urban centers for the advantages of work and life opportunities. This shift takes them farther away from the small-town fire departments that need their assistance. In many small towns, their only sources of fire and rescue services have volunteer staff.
What Are Possible Solutions?
In the past, the principal reasons for volunteerism were a desire to give back and help neighbors. While these are still the most important motivations, some incentives could help a difficult situation.
Service Inducements
Some communities offer retirement benefits to attract people and secure long-term service pledges. Real estate abatements are another idea, giving volunteers tax breaks for their dedicated service. Other places focus on activities that provide fun relief for individuals and their families, so there are outside benefits related to a community volunteer firefighter position.
Professional Enhancements
One crucial idea is building the image around the work. Many people want to know their role in an organization has value. Team-building and improved communications are necessary to have a positive and engaging volunteer environment. Due to the nature of the work, support services for volunteers involved in crisis situations are great tools for retention.
Insurance coverage is a crucial protection for volunteer firefighters, whether at the scene or the station. Firefighting is serious business, and the right insurance products can provide peace of mind.
About Provident Fire Plus
At Provident Fire Plus, we offer custom-tailored packages to best protect firefighters and volunteer firefighters. We understand the risks that emergency response teams are subjected to on a daily basis, and have worked to serve these dedicated professionals for over 87 years. For more information about our products and policies, we invite you to contact our experts today at (855) 201-8880.