The Professional Volunteer Fire Department: Enhancing Recruitment and Retention in Volunteer FDs

In this episode of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, host Tom Merrill welcomes Deputy Chief Kent Swarts from the Rehoboth Beach (DE) Volunteer Fire Company. With extensive experience in both the volunteer fire service and business, Swarts shares actionable strategies for improving recruitment and retention within volunteer departments. Emphasizing the importance of responsiveness, mentorship, and positive engagement, he reveals how his station has successfully onboarded an impressive number of new members in a challenging tourist community over the past few years. The discussion also covers the significance of a welcoming culture, effective outreach methods (QR codes, anyone?), and the pivotal role of appreciation and communication. 

 

 

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