Volunteer Firefighting Recruitment and Retention

I've responded to many threads on this site, but I've never actually started one. I have put a lot of effort into keeping my volunteer company healthy and active, and have come up with some of the things people dothat seem to be aimed at trying to intentionally kill a volunteer company.(  

(NOTE: Two weeks ago I posted the 13 ways to kill a Volunteer Department. Bonnie sent me this response, and I loved the positive response and positive attitude. So here's a few words from the other side. -JZ)  

What personal characteristics are most important for success as a firefighter? Integrity, dedication and tolerance all made the list. You may be surprised at what didn't.  

Volunteers at the Syosset firehouse are earning their stripes at an older age; they are a welcome addition with recruitment down  

  

  

  

As I sit here in the cold, rainy, unpredictable weather of Connecticut, I cannot help but look forward to the next ‘Cruisin for Solutions’… We had a great week of fun and sun, oh yeah, and we learned quite a bit from each other.  

Over the past two weeks we have discussed the importance of good management, and the qualities that make a good officer. This week I will look at how to actually get that ‘good’ officer into the position.  

There comes a time in each department when for one reason or another they would be better off without Joe Blow. While some may think it is impossible, you can fire a volunteer. It is also possible to turn down an application, but both firing and hiring are sensitive issues.  

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