A National Firefighter Shortage is Putting Communities at Risk
Volunteer numbers have dropped from about 900,000 to 700,000 over the past two decades. At the same time, emergency call volumes have tripled—putting increased pressure on crews and raising safety risks for both firefighters and the communities they serve.
Career firefighter and IDEX Fire & Safety leader Jason Cerrano notes that departments never had to actively recruit in the past. Today, however, they must adapt to changing workforce expectations—especially among younger generations seeking purpose, modern tools, and a sense of belonging.
“The fire service is at risk in so many different ways, and people do need to understand that the more people out there, the safer. Or, if there is technology out there to help us do the job in a steady, consistent manner—or more efficiently—that is really important for the fireground.”
Jason Cerrano
IDEX Fire & Safety Recruitment Toolkit
ICYMI: To help departments tackle this challenge, IDEX Fire & Safety created a free Recruitment Toolkit designed to attract and retain the next generation of firefighters. The toolkit includes ready-to-use videos, outreach materials, and messaging.
Built on the belief that “strong departments make safer communities,” it features engaging content—like the fan-favorite Fire Department Coffee videos. These resources help departments connect with new recruits and showcase the real impact of the fire service.