Today, the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs (NCAFC), in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), formally kicks off their volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention campaign. The campaign is part of the Volunteer Workforce Solutions program designed to help North Carolina's fire departments achieve a viable and sustainable volunteer firefighter workforce. The program is funded by a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant awarded to the NCAFC by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enhance the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.

Fifteen North Carolina fire department groups, stretching across the East, West, and Piedmont regions, have been selected to participate in the two-year program and receive additional support. They are:

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• Chinquapin Volunteer Fire & Rescue (Duplin Co.)

• East Bend Volunteer Fire Department (Yadkin Co.)

• Elizabethtown Fire Department (Bladen Co.)

• Fall Creek Volunteer Fire Department (Yadkin Co.)

• French Broad Volunteer Fire & Rescue (Buncombe Co.)

• Gaston Volunteer Fire Department (Northampton Co.)

• Harnett County Chiefs Association (Harnett Co.)

• Hiwassee Dam Volunteer Fire Department (Cherokee Co.)

• Lewisville Fire Department (Forsyth Co.)

• Rural Hall Fire Department (Forsyth Co.)

• Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department (Wilson Co.)

• Town of Winterville Fire Department (Pitt Co.)

• Wake County Fire Services (Wake Co.)

• West Buncombe Volunteer Fire Department (Buncombe Co.)

• Youngsville Volunteer Fire Department (Franklin Co.)

The fire departments will use geographic information systems (GIS) to take in-depth looks at their communities, measuring demographic, cultural and economic data to create targeted recruitment and retention plans. 

The results and findings from the program and the recruitment efforts will benefit all fire departments in the state. Several leadership workshops aimed at improving retention will be offered to all departments statewide. In addition, a statewide media campaign focusing on the need for volunteer firefighters will be conducted throughout North Carolina.

Being a volunteer is a rewarding experience, and one of the best ways someone can make a difference in their community. The skills and knowledge gained as a volunteer firefighter are invaluable and have a positive and lasting impact on others' lives. Local fire departments need volunteers of all skill levels and abilities who are willing and able to respond to emergencies when needed.