by Nick Russo – NBC 25 News THOMAS TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Local fire departments are sounding the alarm. They don’t have enough firefighters. It’s a shortage facing crews in many Mid-Michigan communities. At one time Thomas Township had a waiting list of people who wanted to volunteer for the Fire Department. “The numbers are dwindling at […]
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Maryland fire companies show off skills to attract more volunteers
By Katiann Marshall – heraldmailmedia.com WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD — Volunteer fire companies from around Washington County gathered Saturday in hopes of recruiting more help. Held outside the Valley Mall, the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association hosted the Volunteer Strong Challenge, a friendly competition among fire and rescue teams while showing off skills by first responders. Firefighters […]
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Lack of volunteer firefighters in South Carolina reaching critical levels
by Caroline Balchunas Firefighter are a vital part of every community, but the number of volunteer firefighters is on the decline nationwide. In South Carolina, volunteer firefighters have decreased between 15 and 20-percent over the last 15 years, according to statistics from state fire officials. But their role is still crucial, especially for rural […]
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Northwest Indiana volunteer fire departments experience manpower shortage
By Chas Reilly Times Correspondent Local volunteer fire departments are putting out their own calls for assistance as more personnel is needed to help respond to burning buildings, vehicle crashes and other emergencies in their communities. Northwest Indiana fire officials say it’s not a trend specific to this area. Departments from across the country are […]
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6 Things You Know To Be True If You Grew Up With A Father In EMS And/Or Firefighting
He will always be your hero Keighla Lyons You had a lot of “Uncles” Your dad always saw his fellow colleagues as his brothers and would tell you they were your uncle and they all took that job seriously, always protecting you and taking care of you if you needed anything. Getting a […]
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No one told me…….
I remember sitting in our living room and telling my wife I wanted to join the Fire Department. I’d seen the look she gave me before. Married guys know exactly what I’m talking about. I told her “I like helping people, and it sounds like fun.” She had reservations, but after a few days and […]
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Scholarship programs attract, train tomorrow’s firefighters
By RITA MICHEL – PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE Many volunteer fire departments in the region are looking for ways to attract new — and keep old — members. And a unique scholarship program at Community College of Allegheny County is helping. The only program of its kind in the state, FireVEST — which stands for Fire Volunteer, Education Service […]
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Do Volunteers Need to Understand the FLSA?
BY CURT VARONE – FIREHOUSE.COM The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is one of a handful of laws that has a tremendous impact on fire departments across the United States. Many in the volunteer fire service have paid little attention to the FLSA, assuming it is only a concern to career departments because it addresses compensation […]
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Demands of volunteer firefighting lead some to burnout
By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN – BG Independent News As a young boy, Tim Schroeder remembers kids chasing behind fire trucks, then watching in awe as volunteer firefighters battled blazes. Children dreamed of becoming firefighters, and as soon as reaching adulthood, many joined the ranks. That was then. Now, most kids don’t race behind fire trucks, they […]
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CT City Eyes Fairer Tax Breaks for Firefighters
SOURCE: MCCLATCHY KILLINGLY, CT– Killingly town and fire officials are working to amend a property tax relief ordinance in an effort to make it fairer for all firefighters in town to meet eligibility requirements. The ordinance, which covers tax relief for public safety volunteers, currently sets the same standards for all volunteer firefighters in town, regardless […]
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