Creating a Culture of Retention in a Volunteer Fire Department

Creating a Culture of Retention in a Volunteer Fire Department

Richard Ray

The volunteer fire service is a true gem of the service. However, over the past few years the volunteer side has seen a decrease in the number of firefighters that are serving. The reasons for the decrease are many and numerous volunteer fire departments have focused on recruitment. However, the best recruitment tool lies in the department’s ability to retain members. How well does your volunteer department retain its membership? What type of culture has been created? This class is designed to help volunteer fire departments evaluate their current culture, provide some tips for improving culture that will help with retention, and how a positive culture is the lifeline of the organization. The skills learned can be applied in the fire station and on the fire floor. The practices and concepts taught are effective, inexpensive, and can be applied immediately.