volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention strategy

Resolve myths about volunteer firefighter service and convey facts in realistic andstraightforward ways, including clearly stating the expectations of volunteer firefighters.Use statistics on frequency of calls to help employers understand that the timecommitment is not unreasonable.Articulate the direct and indirect benefits to the employer, including:o outlining the training that volunteer firefighters receive and how that translatesinto better employees with stronger skill sets;o noting that volunteer firefighting results in young employees establishing firmerroots in the community, reducing the likelihood that they will leave the communityand the employer;o explaining the kinds of recognition the employer will receive from the department,and that will help promote their business in the community.Regularly update them on fire department events, including upcoming training sessions;Thank and recognize them for their ongoing support.Employers can be engaged by the fire department through a variety of means, including: open houses; Q&A sessions with employers; appreciation dinners; mailing out information packages; direct contact with Fire Chiefs, including one-on-one meetings; regional public relations (flyers, newspaper, and radio); newspaper advertising quarterly newsletters; appreciation dinners.Accompanying Tools:Sample Key Messages for Target AudiencesVolunteer Firefighting: Factsheet for EmployersTips & Best Practises: Liaising with EmployersLetter to Employers Not Yet Involved with the Fire DepartmentLetter of Thanks to Supportive Employer7. Engage community groups on a regular and ongoing basis.Active and regular engagement with community groups can support recruitment and retention ofvolunteer firefighters in direct and indirect ways.Involvement with community groups raises the profile of the fire department in the communityand provides the opportunity for fire halls to recruit those who are already volunteering for otherorganizations. Targeting those who already volunteer is likely to be a successful recruitmenttactic. Ten percent of volunteers donate 54% of total volunteer hours (CSGVP, 2007). ThoseVolunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Strategy & ToolkitPrepared by Volunteer Alberta for the Alberta Fire Chiefs’Association14