Do you ever wonder what would happen if you called 911 and no one picked up? Spoiler alert: It’s a reality for many communities, and a lot of folks don’t even realize their volunteer fire departments are facing this issue. I spent nearly two years digging into this topic as part of my doctoral dissertation, and I came to one shocking conclusion: We eat our own.
Yes, you heard that right—We. Eat. Our. Own.
What does that even mean? Well, let’s take an unfiltered look at the volunteer fire service and figure out why people are quietly quitting—like the firehouse ghosting their own fire alarms. First, it's easy to blame leadership. I could write an entire novel about the disasters I’ve seen, but let’s face it: if leadership is weak, people will head for the exit faster than you can say “fire drill.” You can shout from the rooftops, “I’m in charge!” but if no one’s listening, are you leading? Spoiler: The answer is no. My research suggests people follow the person, not the title. So if you lack respect, your leadership may as well be a ghost—visible but not really there.
Now, let’s shed some light on why leadership can flop in the volunteer fire service. Here are a few head-scratchers:
1. Lack of Training and Support: Many leaders don’t get the training they need. Without proper guidance, they might as well be trying to herd cats.
2. Burnout and Overcommitment: Juggling multiple responsibilities can turn volunteers into zombies—disengaged and wandering aimlessly.
3. Communication Breakdown: Miscommunication runs rampant in informal structures. It’s like playing a game of telephone where the message gets lost, leading to misunderstandings and low morale.
4. Resistance to Change: Some groups cling to “the way we’ve always done it” like it’s a cherished family recipe. Spoiler: Stagnation is not a tasty dish.
5. Conflict Among Members: Personal feuds can create a toxic environment. If leaders don’t tackle these issues, they might find themselves in a reality show called “Survivor: Firehouse Edition.”
6. Lack of Recognition: Everyone loves a little appreciation. If leaders forget to acknowledge hard work, volunteers might start to wonder why they even show up.
7. Inconsistent Commitment: In the world of volunteers, commitment can be as solid as Jell-O. Leaders who can’t unite the team might end up with an empty firehouse.
8. Inadequate Resources: Sometimes, leaders just don’t have what they need—like trying to bake a cake without flour. Frustration ensues.
9. Poor Role Modeling: Leaders set the tone. If they act like grumpy cats, the whole team will start to hiss (or piss on the rug and run to hide)
10. Failure to Foster a Positive Culture: A negative culture can drive volunteers away faster than a cat from a vacuum cleaner. (sorry, maybe one too many cat references)
So what do I mean by “We eat our own”? It’s about how we often critique one another instead of lifting each other up. Instead of creating an environment where volunteers feel valued, we focus on shortcomings, fostering a culture of fear and discouragement. This has led to a decline not only in numbers but in the very spirit of service.
As I traveled and talked with folks, I heard tales of seasoned volunteers feeling abandoned, new recruits overwhelmed by criticism, and communities that seem to have forgotten the sacrifices made by those who serve. The passion that once fueled them has been overshadowed by negativity. Instead of trying to clean the litter box, they walk away leaving it to stink up the firehouse. (really, sorry about the cat stuff… I’m done)
If we want to revive volunteerism, we need to look in the mirror. It’s time to build a culture of support and encouragement. Remember why we got into this: to make a difference and be part of something bigger.
Now, I know what you command folks are thinking: “But we have all the experience!” That’s great, but experience alone doesn’t guarantee effective leadership. If you hear yourself spewing this horrible mantra, “This is how we’ve always done it,” just know that it’s often a sign of stagnation. Times change, and so should our approaches. Don’t leave yet, I have more to say…
And since I’m on my soapbox, let’s talk about mental health. This is where we tend to grind people down, chew them up, and spit them out. You’d think by 2024, we’d have this figured out, but the old-school mentality of “suck it up” is still hanging around like an unwanted houseguest. If you’re not taking mental health seriously, it might be time to step aside. Seriously, before you get someone killed. All joking aside, I am serious… you can’t take this stuff lightly. Why?
Here are the top three reasons why mental health is crucial for first responders:
1. High-Stress Environment: First responders regularly face traumatic situations. Prioritizing mental health helps them cope and prevents long-term issues.
2. Job Performance: Mental well-being affects decision-making and effectiveness. Healthy minds lead to better responses and outcomes.
3. Team Cohesion and Support: Addressing mental health creates a supportive atmosphere, strengthening relationships and teamwork.
So, where do we go from here… there is a big old spotlight on your forehead, Commander! Well, if you are still reading, that means there is hope, and you are not a complete lost cause.
Let’s commit to lifting each other up and recognizing the hard work that goes into every call. Just like you, the brother and sisters of the firehouse are giving up their time and mental health to serve alongside you. Yes, on-your-side… along side you… not beneath you.
If you can comprehend and respect what has been said in this blog, and you are willing to put your ego aside, I believe there is hope in adding to the first responder well. Only then can we hope for a resurgence in volunteerism, transforming those powerful words into a rallying cry for unity.
And if you take away anything from this, just ask your brother and sister members how their day is going. You never know when that friendly check-in might make all the difference—because you want to make sure the next time you call 911, the well isn’t dry!
Keep grinding away, and most importantly, stay safe – Dr. M
