Apply by March 31, 2023
For Recruitment and Retention Support
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NC Association of Fire Chiefs Receives Safer Grant
Grant Will Assist Communities in Recruiting and Retaining Volunteer Firefighters
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January 30, 2023 | Concord, NC – The North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs (NCAFC) proudly announces its receipt of a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Recruitment and Retention grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) in the amount of $839,380 over two years to support firefighter recruitment and retention. The NCAFC is partnering with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) to assist communities in achieving a viable and sustainable volunteer firefighting workforce across North Carolina.
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Through the grant, a statewide volunteer firefighter outreach campaign will be implemented, including social media, radio ads, recruitment videos, and an updated statewide campaign website. In addition, fifteen departments and/or county fire associations will be selected to receive tailored assistance, such as customized recruitment materials, a new technology-based toolkit created to capture necessary recruitment and retention data, and more. IAFC will be attending the NCAFC mid-Winter Conference February 2 – 3 in Concord, NC to promote the grant-funded recruitment and retention efforts, including a live demo of the new technology-based toolkit in booth 27.
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During the first quarter of 2023, the application period will open for interested fire departments to apply for customized recruitment and retention support. To help improve volunteer firefighter retention, online training and in-person leadership workshops will be conducted throughout North Carolina and open to all departments to participate.
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Being a volunteer is a rewarding experience and one of the best ways someone can make a difference in the community. The skills and experience gained as a volunteer firefighter are invaluable and have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others. Local fire departments need volunteers of all skill levels and abilities who are willing and able to respond to emergencies when needed.
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For information about the NCAFC, visit ncafc.com. For more information about the IAFC’s recruitment and retention efforts, visit iafc.org/WorkforceSolutions
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About the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs (NCAFC)
The mission of the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs is to provide a wide range of programs designed to meet the needs and enhance the skills of Fire Service Managers, so they may better protect and educate the fire service and public from the adverse effects of fire, sudden medical emergencies, or exposure of dangerous conditions created by either man or nature. Learn more at ncafc.com.
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About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, EMS, terrorism response, hazmat spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public-safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders. Learn more at iafc.org.
Requirements
DESCRIPTION
The Workforce Solutions (WS) program team will assist your department/county associations with recruitment and retention efforts by providing you with a GIS recruitment and retention toolkit that identifies your target audience and includes recruitment strategy ideas. You will also be given customized marketing materials to use for your recruitment campaign. The WS program will provide opportunities for you to network with others and attend leadership and recruitment trainings. In addition, you will be given access to an online recruitment and retention data collection system as well as other tools and templates to use for recruitment and retention purposes.
As a department/county association, you fully understand and are committed to actively participating in the WS program and will work together with the WS program team to improve your department's recruitment and retention efforts.
You understand and are committed to fulfilling the participant obligations as listed below:
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REQUIREMENTS
Duration
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Department must commit to participate in the program for 2 years
Required Attendance
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Key staff must attend and fully participate in the Workforce Solutions orientation webinar and kick-off meeting.
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Key staff includes fire chief(s), chief officers, program leader, volunteer coordinator, and ideally, at least one representative from the elected governing body, board chair, and/or the county/city/town administrator's office. The NC WS program team will determine the dates/times for the orientation webinar and kick-off meeting.
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Attend and participate in meetings and/or phone calls with the WS program team.
Expectations
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Participate in the WS program for two years.
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Identify a program leader or volunteer coordinator within the county group of departments who will manage and oversee the responsibilities associated with the WS program. You may also select coordinators at the department/company level, if applicable.
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Key staff must attend and fully participate in the Workforce Solutions orientation webinar and kick-off meeting.
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Key staff includes fire chief(s), chief officers, program leader, volunteer coordinator, and ideally, at least one representative from the elected governing body, board chair, and/or the county/city/town administrator's office.
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The NC WS program team will determine the dates/times for the orientation webinar and kick-off meeting.
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Provide images/logos and contact information for marketing materials.
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Create and submit a list and timeline/12-month plan of recruitment/retention activities that will be carried out during the program.
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Monitor, track, evaluate, and provide data related to the results of the recruitment campaign to the WS program team.
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Submit monthly tracking forms and fill out all required information, including recruitment and retention data.
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Respond to email, phone, and written inquiries from the WS program team in a prompt manner.
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Attend and participate in meetings and/or phone calls with the WS program team.
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Stakeholders on all levels (county/city/town managers/mayor, county/city/town/department fire chiefs/board chair, etc., must agree and adhere to the terms.
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Apply by March 31 2023 at 12:30 AM EDT
We still need more county associations/departments to apply and take advantage of this great program!
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Questions
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Chief Tracy Mosley
NCAFC Program Coordinator
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EMAIL: tmosley@ncafc.com
PHONE: 1-888-50-CHIEF (2-4433) opt. 3
