Recruit support volunteers
Not every volunteer needs to go on calls. Support volunteers keep the equipment and station in shape, the books in order and the community informed, which leaves your responders more time to train and respond. Many people who can't commit to firefighting can give a few hours a month.
What to ask for
People sign up for a job, not a category. Ask for something specific:
- A mechanic to help keep the engines and tenders running.
- Someone handy for station repairs, painting and grounds.
- A bookkeeper, or someone to keep training and equipment records.
- A photographer to cover training nights and community events.
- A grant writer, or help with the annual fundraiser.
- People to staff open houses, school visits and community events.
- A rehab team that brings water and food to crews at long incidents.
Who to reach
- Retirees with trades, office or business experience and daytime hours.
- Local businesses whose owners and staff have the skill you need.
- Former members who stopped running calls but still want to help.
- Families of your members, who already know the department.
- Students who need community service hours, for photography, social media and events.
Make it easy
- Say how much time it takes. "Two Saturdays a year" gets a yes when "join us" doesn't.
- Say what you require, such as a background check for anyone at the station.
- Let people help once before they commit. Someone who helps at one open house often comes back.
- Thank them in public, the same way you thank responders.
Send them here
Our page for applicants explains support volunteering: volunteer in a support role. People who want to help once, or give something other than time, can use offer help.
More ideas: how to recruit more volunteers.