The study found awareness gaps among potential recruits, and highlighted mentorship and family engagement as keys to retention

WASHINGTON — The National Volunteer Fire Council has released new research examining why people choose to volunteer with fire departments, what prevents them from joining and what factors influence whether they stay in the volunteer fire service. The research, conducted through surveys and focus groups with prospective, current and former volunteer firefighters, is intended to help departments strengthen recruitment and retention efforts amid ongoing staffing challenges.

According to the report, awareness remains one of the biggest obstacles to recruiting new volunteers. More than half of survey respondents said they did not know they could volunteer as a firefighter, while nearly two-thirds were unsure whether their local fire department was actively seeking volunteers.

The study found that prospective volunteers want clearer information about the realities of service, including expected time commitments and day-to-day responsibilities. Participants also expressed a desire to understand what support departments provide to help members manage the physical and emotional demands of firefighting.

The NVFC said the findings underscore the importance of communicating not only the need for volunteers but also the resources and support systems available to them.

To gather the data, the NVFC conducted four phases of research. Recruitment-focused research included an online survey of members of the general public who expressed at least some interest in becoming volunteer firefighters, as well as online focus groups with key audiences interested in volunteering. Retention-focused research included an online survey of current volunteer firefighters and online focus groups with former volunteers who had left the service.

The research sought to better understand who is interested in volunteering, what motivates them to serve, what barriers prevent participation and whether there are untapped audiences that departments should target in recruitment campaigns. The study also explored the characteristics of department environments that encourage volunteers to remain active.

Among current and former volunteers, organizational culture emerged as a significant factor in retention. Respondents indicated they want to serve in departments where they feel valued and supported. The report found that programs emphasizing social and emotional support, including mentorship opportunities and family engagement initiatives, can improve volunteer retention.

The NVFC said the research will inform the development of future recruitment and retention resources for volunteer fire departments nationwide. The organization noted that maintaining a strong volunteer workforce is critical to ensuring communities continue to receive effective fire and emergency services.

Download the NVFC report

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