Volunteer firefighter numbers are down across the nation and right here at home. It's another issue impacting local communities after learning taxpayers in three towns recently rejected plans to rebuild and renovate some local fire stations.
A new report outlines getting to the ideal status of the volunteer fire service -- including on boarding, staffing, and addressing retention and recruiting. The fire chief in Alplaus -- which is 100 percent volunteer, would love 15 or so more active members, on top of the 20 he already has.
The report from the International Fire Chiefs Association outlines goals for the future for local volunteer fire departments struggling near and far to recruit dependable members in a world where everyone is overbooked and personal schedules are just too busy.