In his February 17th Morning Lineup features (and updated on February 20th), FireGeezer.com's Bill Schumm discusses and demonstrates the effectiveness, or ineffectiveness, of using video as a recruitment tool. While his perspective on why we face the recruitment and retention challenges we do are certainly part of puzzle, the value of his commentary lies in the subliminal call to action that we need to be more creative in creating the solutions.

Certainly, a recruitment video with appropriate visuals and a good, solid message can be effective, but FireGeezer proposes that we need to do something about our culture, our society, to inspire and perpetuate volunteerism. I couldn't agree more.

As I've said before:

“Simply put, it’s my belief that the survival and success of the volunteer fire service relies on our ability to create more opportunities – for more people – to volunteer less time.

Our success depends on our ability to effectively plan for, lead and manage people; whether you don’t have enough – or you have more than you can handle.

The possibilities for their involvement are only limited by our imaginations.”
- Tiger Schmittendorf – From: "A New Pyramid Scheme for your Volunteer Fire Department"

 

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DHS has revisited the existing policy on supplanting for the 2009 SAFER funding cycle.  The Secretary has decided that DHS will consider petitions for waivers on supplanting from 2009 grantees on a case-by-case basis and under certain conditions.

In order for all potential applicants to have sufficient time to consider this revised policy guidance, DHS will extend the 2009 SAFER application period.  The new application deadline will be 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Friday, January 15, 2010.

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I applaud their efforts to diversify their membership, both in age and in function. Fire Explorers, Junior Firefighters, and FireCorps members are a great way to expand your work force.

Allowing interested candidates to specialize as fire police or pump operators is a great way to spread the work load. As the article says, not everyone needs to be the person running into the burning building as all the sane people are running out.

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The City of Tonawanda Fire Department’s (Erie County NY) Explorer Post’s motto is “Our Best Today for a Better Tomorrow.”

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed as they were recently identified as winners of a National Junior Firefighter Grant sponsored by Baskin-Robbins as announced by the National Volunteer Fire Council.

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), in partnership with the Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation, has selected 10 outstanding junior firefighter programs and Explorer Posts from departments nationwide to receive a $5,000 grant through the NVFC National Junior Firefighter Program. 

 The local Tonawanda News reports that the Post has a history of welcoming teens with mental and physical disabilities into the program.

Congratulations to Chief Chuck Stuart and the Tonawanda Fire Department Explorer Post for making their community proud.

Fire Departments with Junior Firefighter programs can also register their nominations for two other awards at the NVFC site.

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“You Have to Want It!” is the message that Albion Volunteer Firefighters and EMTs are sending to their community in a new effort to challenge more citizens to become part of their local volunteer emergency response team.

Thanks to a four-year $134,500 grant from the US Department of Homeland Security specifically for the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters, the all-volunteer fire department will have the funding to develop recruitment efforts and marketing materials with the help of Tiger Schmittendorf, who also helped them write and secure the grant.

“The reality is that firefighting isn’t for everyone, but volunteering can be. We offer flexible memberships for non-emergency personnel to join our Support Team,” says Rocky Sidari, the fire department’s deputy chief.

“Volunteering can be challenging, exciting and rewarding without being dangerous. From accounting to auto mechanics and everything in between – if you have a skill, experience or just a passion to contribute to our fire department and your community – please contact us today!” added Sidari, co-author of the successful grant application.

The fire department officially kicked off their public efforts to recruit new members with magnets, brochures and a 7 ft. high banner at the Strawberry Festival in the Village of Albion on June 19-20, 2009.

In addition to promoting a recruitment marketing campaign, the grant will allow the fire department to offer response incentives, annual physicals, supplemental accidental injury insurance and tuition reimbursements to their existing members as well as new recruits who now join the fire department.

“We have a lot of great people here at Albion Fire-Rescue and we’re always looking for more just like them. Volunteer fire and emergency services present a wide range of exciting opportunities to get involved in the community. We offer a fast paced environment with unmatched rewards in terms of new experiences and personal satisfaction. It is the best job in the world and we do it for free,” said Chief Eric Bradshaw.

The fire department is supported by an active firefighter explorer post for young adults age 14-21. Exploring offers a positive environment for the youth of our community to learn and have fun while focusing on public service.

Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering with the Albion Fire Department should call the recruitment hotline at: (585) 589-9176 Ext. 123 or visit the fire company web site at: www.albionnyfd.com.

For more information about the campaign or this press release, contact Tiger Schmittendorf at 716-549-0022 or tiger@tigerschmittendorf.com.

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Their goal is to motivate their residents to “Start Your Next Adventure” at Doyle 1 Fire/Rescue/EMS. Armed with posters, billboards and other marketing materials, Doyle 1 is promoting the many flexible volunteering opportunities they offer.

The outdoor advertising campaign kicked off in late November and continues through mid-December. The billboard is located at 2060 William Street near the City of Buffalo line.

The theme, billboard and other collateral materials were designed by Tiger Schmittendorf as a service of the Erie County Department of Emergency Services and paid for by a SAFER grant from the US Department of Homeland Security.

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