A lot of volunteer fire departments are worried about the dwindling number of new recruits.
But what about holding onto the members already in the ranks?
That takes a little effort and it may require some structural changes, too.
It may be necessary, though, because turnover is the enemy of a solid volunteer department.
Here to discuss that with me is Ed Dolan.
He’s been a member of the Catskill Fire Department in New York for 30 years, and he’s served 16 years as a chief officer.
Ed’s article: 19 Ways to Slow the Bleed in the Volunteer Fire Service
Article: Volunteer Fire Departments Are Struggling to Retain Firefighters
Article: Volunteer Departments Can Improve Retention through Specialization