Factors Impacting Volunteer Firefighting: Balance to Serve (Some Advice)

“Nothing is stronger than the heart of a volunteer.”

 Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle, April 18, 1942,

Volunteer firefighting is very important for our nation and is becoming increasingly important as global warming and weather patterns change. Much of the nation is loosing its volunteer firefighters and some of the reasons likely relate to the overall competing commitments but it could also be part of how these volunteer firefighters are seen and managed. A few tid bits of knowledge below as a firefighter. You can see the psychology of management kick in. 

First, read the 2022 dissertation on firefighting and the basic discussion points.

Understanding Factors Impacting Volunteer Firefighters' Work, Family, and Volunteer Balance to Serve Family, and Volunteer Balance to Serve

A few discussion points in the study:

-Volunteer Firefighting is on decline. 

-Work and family obligations get in the way.

-67% of all firefighters are volunteer/part-time.

-Volunteer firefighters move beyond expectations and have internal motivation.

-(Side point: Volunteer firefighting isn't a paid occupation which means it is a labor of love. Others studies have shown that such fire fighters come with prosocial values and want to help their communities. That is a strength and it should be showcased.)

A few recommendations for organizations in the study: 

-Consider individual firefighter needs.

-Over strictness may cause issues.

-Recognize triggers such as work and family to keep them involved even if they have competing activities.

(Let me also add that personalities are important. The news is full of fire departments that dissipated because of toxic personalities and interpersonal conflict. Improving management abilities and people skills can help in ensuring the best managed departments and retainment of fire fighters. Make sure everyone has the same goals and is willing to build an environment where others thrive. )

A few recommendations from the study for the community:

-Many organizations may be strong on management and poor on leadership. 

-Recognize the commitment that volunteers make and support that. 

-(I'm going to add that it is important to include as many different people in these organizations as possible because the world is much more diverse than the typical talent pool. Reaching out to these large communities opens a whole new fertile recruitment grounds. I know from experience these groups will engage if the culture of departments are inclusive and they were encouraged and welcomed. If your departments are not diverse in a diverse area than something can be improved.)

-(Let me also add that many organizations do not know how to market and inform the community of their positive actions. There is official and unofficial marketing. All departments need policies and those policies should encourage community engagement and connectivity through social media, marketing, events, fund raising, parades, etc. Where policies are not aligned with the needs of the community by being too strict, we may find support waning due to lack of openness and lack of community connection. Basically, get out there and share your stuff but be respectful of scenes, privacy, good taste, and other. Being a fully develop person means you know what is appropriate and what is not.)

A couple of other points:

The study helps highlight the deeper motivations of firefighters. If you have management abilities and reasonable physical ability you may want to consider joining your local volunteer fire department. Its a very rewarding experience. With new thoughts and ideas we may be able to reverse the trend. It is one way to train on leadership in a real life scenario. Put your leadership and management skills to work. 

I'm looking for grants for a local fire department so if you have corporate donations monies and would like to help fund firefighting and training equipment let me know and I will point you to a great organization that could use it. Reach out to the right contact form. You can do your part and ask your corporate liaison if they donate to first responders. Consider those in your area or an organization like ours.