Nationwide Volunteer Recruitment for Fire Departments Kicks Off Tomorrow

Volunteer Fire Departments make up 70 percent of all departments in the state of Ohio.

As membership goes down, the number of calls goes up.

“In the last several years the membership of volunteer fire departments across the country has declined over 12 percent with the call volume of calls coming in for emergency services tripling so there’s a tremendous need for extra help and the resources to try to recruit volunteer fire fighters,” said Volunteer Fire Fighter Josh Snouffer.

FEMA recently granted money to fire departments nation-wide in order to allow them to recruit volunteers. Washington Township Fire Fighter Snouffer said a full staff of fire fighters makes the difference.

“Response times is number one… and saving lives and property,” said Snouffer. “Our goal is to get out the door as soon as possible. That’s going to allow us to have the man power and the staff to respond to the emergency a lot quicker.”

Anyone interested in joining those departments can visit “Make-me-a-fire-fighter.org” beginning August 1. The Fire Council will provide you with information about departments in your area.