In today's evolving landscape, fire departments across the nation (career and volunteer) face a growing challenge: attracting and keeping the best talent. This book delivers actionable solutions for leaders striving to strengthen their workforce and shape a more resilient, diverse, and dedicated fire service. Drawing from real-world case studies, data-driven insights, and firsthand experience, this book explores the root causes of staffing/volunteer issues and presents a roadmap to:
Develop compelling recruitment campaigns that resonate with modern candidates
Foster workplace cultures that support long-term retention
Implement mentorship and career development programs that inspire growth
Navigate generational differences and improve team cohesion
Build sustainable strategies tailored to overcome unique barriers
Whether you're a fire chief, recruiter, HR professional, community leader, or aspiring firefighter, this guide offers essential tools to reignite passion for the fire service and secure its future.
Sprache
Verlagsort
Zielgruppe
Maße
Höhe: 229 mm
Breite: 152 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-59370-606-7 (9781593706067)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Dr. Candice McDonald is an active volunteer first responder with two decades of experience as a firefighter, EMT, inspector, and instructor. She is the chief of the Office of Protective Services at the NASA Glenn Research Center, an adjunct professor with the University of Arkansas, a mem-ber of the Fire Engineering/FDIC Advisory Board, a past president of the Cumberland Valley Vol-unteer Firefighters Association, and a past deputy CEO of the National Volunteer Fire Council. She holds an associate's degree in health and human services, a bachelor's degree in organizational management, a master's degree in organizational leadership, and a doctorate in business administra-tion with a specialty in homeland security.
Foreword by Denis Onieal
Preface
1. Using Data for Recruitment and Retention Efforts
2. Understanding the History of the Volunteer Fire Service and Fire Department
3. The Value of the Volunteer
4. Find Opportunities to Express Volunteer Value
5. Understanding the Current Problem with the U.S. Volunteer Fire Service
6. Focus on Your Stakeholders
7. Understanding Why Firefighters Disengage
8. Becoming a Catalyst for Change in a World of Resistance
9. Developing a Recruitment and Retention Game Plan
10. Setting the Course for Organizational Success
11. The Power of Organizational Brand and Reputation
12. Citizen Engagement for Recruitment
13. Preparing for Outreach
14. Incorporating Social Media
15. Volunteering Is a Family Affair
16. The Value of Nonwage Benefits
17. Recognizing Volunteer Success
18. Tracking Your Progress
19. Final Thoughts Answers to Chapter Review Questions
References
Index
