Successful Volunteer Retention and Recruitment in the Fire Service

By: Candice McDonald 

Fire departments nationwide are facing one of their greatest modern challenges—recruiting and retaining the best talent. Successful Volunteer Retention and Recruitment in the Fire Service by Dr. Candice McDonald provides fire service leaders with the proven strategies, tools, and insights needed to build and sustain a strong, committed workforce.

Drawing on years of experience, real-world case studies, and data-driven research, author Candice McDonald offers a practical roadmap to:

• Develop compelling recruitment campaigns that resonate with modern candidates
• Foster workplace cultures that support long-term retention
• Implement mentorship and career development programs that inspire growth
• Navigate generational differences and improve team cohesion
• Build sustainable strategies tailored to overcome unique barriers

From understanding why volunteers leave to creating a game plan that overcomes organizational barriers, this resource addresses the core issues behind staffing shortages and provides actionable solutions for both volunteer and career departments.

Whether you’re a fire chief, recruiter, HR professional, or community leader, this book will help you reignite passion for service, strengthen retention, and ensure your department’s success for years to come.

The future of the fire service starts with the people who power it—this is your guide to finding them, keeping them, and helping them thrive.

*****

Table of Contents

Foreword by Denis Onieal

Preface

1. Using Data for Recruitment and Retention Efforts
2. Understanding the History of the Volunteer Fire Service
   and Fire Department
3. The Value of the Volunteer
4. Find Opportunities to Express Volunteer Value
5. Understanding the Current Problem with the U.S. Volunteer Fire Service
6. Focus on Your Stakeholders
7. Understanding Why Firefighters Disengage
8. Becoming a Catalyst for Change in a World of Resistance
9. Developing a Recruitment and Retention Game Plan
10. Setting the Course for Organizational Success
11. The Power of Organizational Brand and Reputation
12. Citizen Engagement for Recruitment
13. Preparing for Outreach
14. Incorporating Social Media
15. Volunteering Is a Family Affair
16. The Value of Nonwage Benefits
17. Recognizing Volunteer Success
18. Tracking Your Progress
19. Final Thoughts

Answers to Chapter Review Questions

References

Index