The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), an organization representing the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders, has launched a national recruitment campaign aimed at attracting volunteer firefighters.
Nationally, more than 60 percent of fire and EMS departments are staffed by volunteers. In some areas, this is as high as more than 80 percent. Departments are struggling to maintain minimum staffing requirements.
The recruitment campaign, A Hustle Worth Having, uses imagery, videos and an interactive website to present volunteer firefighting as an act of service and a fulfilling and energizing side hustle. It is aimed at younger Millennials and Gen Z.
“With the growing demand for emergency response, and a decline in those stepping up and serving, this unified, national recruitment campaign comes at a critical moment for the fire service,” Jason Caughey, IAFC Volunteer & Combination Officers Section board member, said.
“Many people in our communities who are served by these volunteers do not realize when they call for help, a volunteer is the person who is answering their call. We hope this campaign educates our communities on volunteer firefighters and the vital role they play in maintaining public safety in communities across the nation,” said Caughey, who also serves as the Fire Chief of Laramie County Fire Authority in Wyoming.