As the majority of communities are nationwide, the Stayton Fire District in Oregon is in dire need of not only recruiting volunteers, but keeping them.
So, they’ve teamed up to share ideas on how to it.
“We realized early on, that all of us are facing the same struggles. The majority of our volunteers work outside the fire district,” explained Matt Aalto, recruitment and retention coordinator & firefighter/EMT for the Stayton Fire District.
Instead of meeting every other month as they used to, recruiters are now just a click away from getting ideas to pursue.
“We expanded the oregonfirerecruitmentnetwork.com to have resource links, a shared calendar, and a comprehensive directory of the fire departments in Oregon with links to their sites and more,” he explained.
Aalto is excited about the effort, and is anxious to let others know.
“Word has started to get around about our website and we are hoping it becomes a model for other agencies to follow since it brings people together and allows those without media creative skills, finances or other resources to use previously used media resources (flyers, banners, videos, grant info, etc.) for free.”
When someone signs on the dotted line in Stayton, they can expect a phone call or follow up e-mail.
They are also sharing efforts on what they’re doing to keep those people,” he added.
Applicants just don’t simply sign on the dotted line, and wait, either.
Each is invited to a station for an orientation where they learn about what’s involved in becoming a firefighter or first responder. Personnel will talk about their experiences and the training required.
After passing a physical and fitness test, the recruit is encouraged to participate in the activities in their station.
“While they are waiting for formal training which takes about a year, we want them to go down to the fire station and hang out. That’s the only way they’re going to get to know people,” he said, adding that they also will be picking up tips from veteran firefighters.
Rookies also may participate to a certain point in monthly drills as well.
“We’ve found a higher success rate once they start the academy because many know the various tools and tasks…And, they know what’s involved and the commitment necessary.”
With some classes online now, recruits are getting trained and out in the field a bit sooner. But, there are no shortcuts either.
“We’re hurting for people just like everyone else is,” he said. “And, the majority of our volunteers don’t work in the fire districts where they live.”
Keeping volunteers is always a challenge as well.
Firefighters at one of Stayton’s stations came up with the idea of flag presentations as recognition.
Instead of giving the slightly worn flags to veterans’ groups for proper disposal (burning), they are folding them and placing them in special cases.
“It’s become a really big deal. When they are presented to a person, it’s special because it’s flown over their station.”
Aalto added that it’s imperative that people make volunteers feel welcome and appreciated.
