Statewide Campaign to Recruit more Firefighters

ZANESVILLE, OH – Fire Departments Statewide in Ohio are in desperate need of more firefighters.

Ohio State Fire Marshal, Kevin Reardon, has started a statewide campaign called “Make Me Firefighter” to encourage the younger generation into a possible career path.

Josh Snouffer, President and Firefighter at the Washington Township Fire Department, says the average age of a volunteer firefighter in 2024 is 54-years-old.

“In the last few years, the decrease in people volunteering has been nearly 9%.” Snouffer said. “With the increase of call volume or runs and emergencies and so forth is up around 10%. 70% of the fire departments in the state of Ohio are volunteer, in recent times volunteers have dwindled and we’re really making a push to find some more volunteers.”

Snouffer says becoming a firefighter is very rewarding because you know that you’ll be helping out your fellow community members.

“You’re always there to help somebody, we’ve all been in that position where we need help,” Snouffer explained. “And it’s just nice to know that you’re there and you can make a difference in your community.”

If you are interested in becoming a firefighter you can either stop into your local fire department or head to MakeMeAFirefighter.org.