Ohio Fire Marshal Highlights Importance of Local Volunteer Firefighters

COLUMBUS, OH – It’s National Volunteer Week and in recognition of that the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of the State Fire Marshal is highlighting a key role volunteer fire fighters play in keeping our communities safe.

According to Kevin Reardon, the State Fire Marshal, there are about 1,200 fire departments in the state and approximately 70% of them rely on volunteers; but the number of volunteers is dropping while the number of calls continues to rise.

From 2018 to 2021 there was a 6.5% decrease in the number of volunteer firefighters but during the same time from, calls increased to 9%.

“Volunteers are the foundation of the fire service here in Ohio, their service to their communities is second to none.” Reardon said. “What we have to keep in mind is these volunteers do this for their communities on top of their regular jobs. Whether it be in an office, factory, as a student, or whatever, house or home maker, whatever, they do this in addition to earning an income for their family, so that’s very notable, and our communities strive to have that kind of service.”

Following some recommendations by the Governor’s Volunteer Fire Service Task Force in 2023, the Division has taken steps to better support the volunteer fire services members.

The biggest step, making all training and classes offered at the Ohio Fire Academy free of charge for volunteer fire fighters as well as departments.

“If they really want to take and help add service to their community and have a feeling of fulfillment and knowing that you’re doing something good to help people.” Reardon said. “No matter what it may be, you should definitely become a volunteer. Volunteer firefighters don’t get in it for pay, they get into it to serve their communities.”

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter, you can head to com.ohio.gov/Volunteer to see what opportunities are close to you.