Why are volunteer firefighters disappearing in America?
Unlike my last post, it isn’t entirely linked to leadership flaws within the agency. One major factor is the overwhelming demands of modern life. With busy schedules and countless commitments—like work, family, and social obligations—many people find it challenging to carve out time for volunteering. When faced with the choice of rushing to a fire or tackling personal tasks, it’s no surprise that many choose the latter.
To add some credibility to this blog, I want to revisit my research for my dissertation study, where I came across concerns about burnout in the literature. Of course, everyone is aware of burnout and its dangers, but do you think anyone truly pays attention to it? Does anyone dig deeper to understand why it occurs? Well, the verdict is still out on this one for me, but let's think about it for a moment.
Consider the constant barrage of calls for service. Imagine getting pinged all day long, only to arrive and find that you're the lone hero in a sea of crickets! It’s like throwing a party, and no one shows up—except this party involves flames and sirens. Over time, that can take the wind out of your sails and lead to some serious burnout. You start to wonder if you’re running a fire department or just practicing your solo act!
Oh, man… yes, I’m going to bring up social media! But first, let me say I’m all for good content—I love seeing fire-related pictures online! However, sometimes it feels like people take it a little too far, bringing themselves into the forefront of a sharable meme. I think what folks don’t understand is that social media plays a huge role in shifting perceptions about volunteering. These days, it seems some firefighters would rather post a stylish photo in full gear than respond to a call. I mean, it’s way easier to rack up likes for a perfectly posed shot than to deal with the real-life chaos of firefighting, right? Well, I’d rather be in the red stuff, but I’m old… school.
Unfortunately, this trend can shift the focus away from the genuine sense of community service that used to inspire so many volunteers. It’s like we’re living in a world where the highlight reel takes precedence over the actual hard work (oh, btw make sure you ‘like’ and ‘subscribe’ to my Facebook… I told you I was old). So, while I appreciate the fire pics, let’s not forget that being a hero means more than just looking good on Instagram!
I know this next one is a bit petty, but it is worth saying since I see it often while I am trying to get a few reps in. The rise of gym culture further complicates matters. Yes, I said it. Why? With so many individuals prioritizing fitness in controlled environments, the physical demands of firefighting can seem daunting. While staying fit is important, many might find it easier to lift weights than to engage in the intense and unpredictable nature of firefighting. The allure of a comfortable gym setting can easily overshadow the commitment required to be a firefighter. As a fire service instructor, I often see students who are in good shape until you get them under some high-heat conditions and crawling around on their hands and knees. Fortunately, many of them are good-humored about looking fit, but not being “fit” in the sense of what it takes to be a “firefighter.” Now, add the volley world in the mix and the different backgrounds of the members (know where I am heading), and fitness is usually not a priority. Between volunteering and trying to balance life, fitness is something that is only thought about as you are lugging an inch and three-quarter down a hallway after squeezing a dozen tacos down your gullet. It comes down to finding a balance that isn’t built on superficial muscle and weak backs.
Additionally, though this one is a bit odd, I believe it is still applicable to my rant. I think Hollywood is hurting the service. For instance, the influence of superhero movies cannot be ignored. With larger-than-life characters capturing the public's imagination, real-life firefighters may feel overshadowed. Yes, our feelings can be hurt… so, be nice! Think about it, though… when the narrative is filled with fantastical heroes saving the day, the everyday heroism of volunteers can sometimes go unnoticed. How often do you see a volunteer firefighter sitting at home watching Rescue Me re-runs, waiting for a call on the big screen? Exactly! Never! I wouldn’t see it because it is boring! Unless the alarm bells sound for the “big one,” then I might tune in for the action scenes, but turn the channel for the boring stuff.
Wait! Speaking about… I hear the tones dropping on the scanner next to my desk… oh, crap… not our department, and back to the typing I go. But, Hollywood, if you are reading this, can you please drop me a “Like” and maybe we can talk about collaborating on a movie. Anyway, sorry… let’s continue.
Ultimately, the decline in the volunteer fire service represents a broader societal trend that is linked to so many facets of our lives that it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of why volunteer fire departments are not flooded with members. As the pressures of daily life increase and perceptions shift, it’s crucial to recognize the invaluable role these individuals play in our communities. These folks are making a real difference, often at great personal sacrifice, with little support. People expect someone to show up when 911 is called, but for some communities, this is starting to strain resources because “the well” isn’t plentiful (I just had to refer to last night’s blog).
In the coming weeks, I plan on diving deeper into this topic. I’ve discovered that the best way to tackle the issue of recruiting and retaining volunteers is to look at it from every angle—like a firefighter checking every corner of a burning building! Sure, leadership is important, but let’s be real: the social pressures of today’s world and a rocky economy might just be the final nail in the coffin for volunteer service. Could this be the ultimate downfall? It’s like watching a reality show where the heroes are in danger of getting voted off the island! Stay tuned as I explore this further—who knows where the finger of blame will land next!
Keep answering the call when no one else will. We thank you and support you all Stay safe, Dr. M
