The Next Era of Firefighting: How Volunteer Firefighting is Changing
The world of firefighting is one of constant change and adaptation. This is especially true in volunteer firefighting.
Volunteer fire departments offer protection for 87% of American communities, and volunteers account for 65% of the firefighting force nationwide. Volunteers are not just our neighbors but also serve as the first line of defense for emergencies close to home.
With the introduction of the NFPA 1010l, which includes Chapter 5: Support Person, the fire service industry is undergoing another significant change. This shift is not just in protocol, but in how we prepare our firefighters.
A Shift in Public Awareness
Chief Kevin Quinn is the retired Deputy Chief of the Union Fire District in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, and has served on the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) board for more than 40 years. Chief Quinn has been a volunteer firefighter for 49 years while also working as a high school teacher. He is the recipient of the 2025 Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award, which will be presented by the Congressional Fire Services Institute in February.
As a volunteer firefighter for nearly five decades, Chief Quinn has seen many changes. One of the biggest is a shift in public awareness.
"Many citizens don't even realize that it's a Volunteer Fire Department," he said. This lack of recognition has driven a need for increased education from departments. "We need to do a better job at educating the public that we are a Volunteer Fire Department, and we do need your service," Quinn said, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.
The landscape of volunteer firefighting has also changed, with Chief Quinn observing that the Volunteer Fire Department was once a legacy passed down through generations. "The grandfather was a firefighter. The father was a firefighter," he says. Today, between family commitments and sporting events, there is more competition than ever for people's time and attention. Chief Quinn says departments must adapt their approach. "You have to become a marketer of your Volunteer Fire Department," he states. Utilizing social platforms, analytics, and other modern marketing tools has become essential. "We have to change with the times," Quinn says.
Changes to Training
One area where firefighting has already undergone the biggest change has been in how crews are trained. Chief Quinn says this change has been for the better, thanks to technological advancements.
"Technology has changed us for the better by far," he asserts, pointing to innovations like thermal imaging cameras as life-saving tools that require proficiency in their use. Chief Quinn shared stories of his early days as a volunteer firefighter, recalling times when he would "ride on the back step, the tail board of a fire engine in the Northeast and snow and rain." Today, safety is paramount.
Despite the changes, Chief Quinn said one thing has remained constant in volunteer firefighting: the heart of the service.
"The core is always the need to help others, to help your neighbor. It is as simple as that."
The Recruitment Challenge and Solution
One of the hurdles confronting volunteer firehouses today is the task of preserving their volunteer ranks. However, as Chief Quinn notes, the issue is not due to a shortage of enthusiasm.
"The MVFC did do research, maybe about eight years ago," he recalls, "and we found out that individuals under 35 really do want to volunteer with Volunteer Fire Departments." Chief Quinn points out that the challenge lies in bridging the gap between this eagerness and the actual enlistment. "We have to make the connections that we are a Volunteer Fire Department and we need quality candidates," he emphasizes.
Quinn understands that adapting to the mindset of the younger generation is key to successful recruitment. He notes that while some veteran firefighters might struggle to understand the new recruits' perspectives, it is important to embrace change. "We have to adapt and overcome and work with the many assets that today's youth brings. They have some great minds, and smart firefighters are great firefighters," he says.
Once new volunteers have been recruited, the next challenge lies in retaining them. Chief Quinn highlights the numerous advantages that come with being a volunteer firefighter.
“The carryover to their own occupations is huge because there is a bond in the fire service, and that can carry over through their other occupations... I think the skill sets of bonding together with firefighters and also being able to develop new skill sets can carry over to your day job, and the rewards that you have when someone's having their worst day in the middle of the night are immense,” he said. In addition to highlighting the benefits of service, Chief Quinn says the key to strong retention rates is ensuring volunteers feel valued and appreciated.
“Having the chief officer shake your hand or thank you, even if it’s at a training session, that goes a long way. We can never lose sight of the importance of being valued. If you can retain your firefighters, you will never have a recruitment problem.”
Recruiting a Diverse Firefighting Force
As times change, so do the demographics of populations. Today, there's a conscious effort to ensure that the composition of the fire service mirrors the community it serves.
“The old guard lived in a vacuum and didn’t realize they had to market," Chief Quinn reflects, acknowledging that previous generations did not grasp the necessity of marketing to a broader audience. This means recruiting a more diverse and inclusive group of firefighters that matches the neighborhood.
"Your recruits, your firefighters are coming from your community and those near you," he points out, emphasizing the importance of understanding and integrating with various local groups, from churches to cultural organizations. “You need to be able to make yourself part of the culture of your community.”
Chief Quinn highlights a particular challenge in recruiting one key demographic: "Our women are still a very small number in the fire service," he says, noting how only 9% of firefighters are women. Chief Quinn stressed the need to communicate that the role of a firefighter has evolved.
"Most of our calls now are medical calls," he says, dispelling the stereotype that firefighting is solely about physical strength and battling blazes. “You don't have to be burly and strong and throw ladders and everything else because most of the jobs are medical jobs. We have to put that message out there, that it's not all about firefighting. It's about helping people,” he said, advocating for aligning the profession with the community's needs and the diverse talents that all individuals, regardless of gender, can bring to the table.
Adapting Fire Training for Today’s Learners
In addition to his role as a volunteer firefighter, Chief Quinn is a career educator. He draws from this experience as a high school teacher to offer advice for those stepping into the role of firefighter training. His suggestion is an unconventional one.
"I call it ripping up the lesson plan," he shares, emphasizing the need for a shift in instructional methods. Chief Quinn notes that today's recruits and fire instructors are not content with passive learning. “They want action. They want hands on. They want to be involved with the learning," he says, pushing for an approach that fosters active participation and embraces the unique learning styles of the "multitasking generations," including Generations X, Z, and beyond.
Tips for New Firefighting Volunteers
Chief Quinn offers guidance for new volunteers that follows three fundamental principles: safety, communication, and teamwork. "Safety is critical," he emphasizes, urging volunteers to prioritize their well-being and that of their colleagues above all else. "We need to take care of ourselves and then take care of our public, but we have to be safe doing that." He underscores the importance of communication, noting that effective operations depend on clear and reliable exchanges, whether through radios, face-to-face interactions, or other means. Teamwork is equally vital, and Chief Quinn stresses that volunteers need to understand and embrace their roles within a larger collective.
"Being able to be part of a team and working as a team and understanding your role within the chain of command is essential," he advises.
The NFPA 1010 Standard
The introduction of the NFPA 1010 standard, which includes Chapter 5 Support Person (NFPA 1001), focuses on support personnel and is a major advancement for volunteer firehouses across the nation. This initiative, spearheaded by the NVFC, addresses the evolving needs of the fire service. The World Fire Congress, which convened representatives from dozens of nations, identified common challenges such as recruitment and resource allocation. NFPA 1010 addresses these issues by expanding the definition of service to include support roles, which will attract a wider range of volunteers.
"The inclusion of support roles will bring essential resources to communities and especially Volunteer Fire Departments across the nation," Chief Quinn says, acknowledging that contributions go beyond traditional firefighting roles. The new standard not only legitimizes the roles of non-combat support personnel but also provides structured training that enhances the overall mission of fire departments.
A “support person” is defined as a fire department member who is not trained to the Firefighter I level, but assists by performing duties in environments that are not hazardous. These duties can include assisting with communications, identifying hazardous environments, connecting a pumper to a water supply, opening and closing fire hydrants, operating emergency scene lighting, refilling SCBA air cylinders, and cleaning and checking equipment and tools.
Quinn also encourages volunteers to recognize the diverse contributions that can be made by members of the community, pointing out that everyone has a role to play in supporting the fire department. "This standard opens up so much for so many," he says, nothing the wide range of skills and resources that local businesses and individuals can offer to volunteer fire departments. From photographers to shop owners, every community member can contribute.
Chief Quinn's guidance to volunteers is clear: prioritize safety, excel in communication, and dedicate yourself to teamwork. By doing so, you will play a key role in your community.
Fundamentals of Firefighter Skills for Support Personnel with Navigate Advantage Access
Fundamentals of Firefighter Skills for Support Personnel meets and exceeds the job performance requirements (JPRs) in Chapter 5: Support Person (NFPA 1001) of NFPA 1010, Standard on Professional Qualifications for Firefighters, 2024 Edition.
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