America has a long trad-ition of volunteerism in the fire service, from our colonial forefathers and bucket brigades to today’s well-trained volunteer firefighters and EMS providers. Today’s volunteer firefighters respond to a myriad of complex emergencies from injuries and illnesses to structure fires; from hazardous materials incidents to automotive, rail, and aircraft accidents; and from commercial and industrial incidents to natural and man-made disasters. Hand-powered pumps have been replaced with high-technology equipment including thermal imaging cameras; personal protective clothing; and sophisticated computer applications for dispatch, command and control, and community planning.
According to the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), volunteer firefighters comprise approximately 75 percent of all firefighters in the country, account for approximately 89 percent of the fire departments in America, and protect approximately 43 percent of the population.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE SUPPORT
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has a long history of providing support and assistance to the volunteer fire service through training, programs, and products and services. The USFA, as a partner with the NVFC through a cooperative agreement, develops materials of value to the volunteer fire service. This effort fosters the exchange and communication of ideas, as well as provides information on topics of high priority to the volunteer fire service.
In 1998, the USFA and NVFC cohosted the National Volunteer Fire Service Summit, conducted at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Participants examined the current state of the volunteer fire service in America; discussed critical issues affecting it; and made recommendations for action and further study in such areas as training, firefighter health and safety, leadership, and operational issues. This summit increased the level of awareness of federal and other government officials related to challenges facing America’s volunteer fire service. In response to recommendations contained in the final report on the summit, the USFA and the NVFC developed the publication Retention and Re-cruitment in the Volunteer Fire Service: Problems and Solutions. This USFA/NVFC partnership also produced The Fire Service Resource Guide, which provides up-to-date information related to training, funding, benefits, and other topics of importance. The summit report and these manuals can be ordered through the USFA Web site at www.usfa.fema.gov.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
USFA partnerships have also produced several training opportunities for the volunteer fire service. These include a leadership management seminar that was codeveloped with the International Association of Fire Chiefs Volunteer/Combination Chief Officer’s Section; The Arson Mitigation for the First Responder course developed in conjunction with the International Association of Arson Investigators; and a course on Wildland Fire Training developed in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service. Each of these courses is conducted on weekends for the volunteers’ convenience. Registration fees are waived. For more information regarding upcoming seminars, visit the NVFC Web site at www.nvfc.org.
NEW DOCUMENTS
Recognizing the tremendous financial challenges facing volunteer fire departments, the USFA recently released an update to its successful Funding Alternatives for Fire and Emergency Services manual. This document highlights current information related to grant funding for the fire service, including EMS reimbursement, private sector grant and foundation funding, and a state-by-state breakdown of available state-level government funding programs.
The USFA develops a wide array of materials that supports the volunteer fire service, including programs for EMS recruitment and retention, information on firefighter health and safety, and a manual on the development of standard operating procedures. To view the full list of available USFA documents and order copies for your department, visit the USFA Web site.
The USFA recently entered into a partnership with the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association (CVVFA) to develop a plan to document best practices for fire police who serve volunteer fire departments. When completed, there will be a videotape providing guidance for safe operations while performing duty on America’s highways. From 1971 to 1997, 72 fire police have died while on duty. Awareness of model practices will enhance the occupational safety and health of fire police personnel.
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY COURSES
The USFA’s National Fire Academy (NFA) has the following resident and off-campus training opportunities for the volunteer fire service:
- The Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP). Initiated in 1988, this series of intensive on-campus, six-day educational opportunities is specifically designed for the volunteer fire service officer. The NFA has compressed two weeks of course work into six days and tailored the course to meet the needs of the volunteer fire officer while still maintaining content, quality, and integrity. The VIP ensures a totally successful learning experience while keeping time commitment to a minimum.
- State weekends. Weekend training programs sponsored by participating state fire training systems are delivered and hosted by the NFA. These exceptional programs are targeted at experienced fire service personnel who wish to sharpen their skills.
- Outreach classes. In addition to the above programs, each state receives direct delivery outreach classes from the NFA for in-state delivery. They include hand-off instructional kits to facilitate delivery of the course material.
In development is the two-day motivational outreach course “Fire Prevention for First Responders and Small Departments,” which is specifically targeted at volunteer and other small departments.
- EMS Internet-based course. In support of the volunteer EMS community, the NFA is finalizing the development of an Internet-based conferencing course designed to provide training in leadership and management skills critical for first-line managers of volunteer EMS organizations. EMS Administration for Volunteers will utilize innovative instructional methods that require students to practice and demonstrate these skills on an interactive basis, via the Internet.
Information on these training opportunities may also be obtained from the USFA Web site.
Firefighters are among the most community-oriented individuals in America. They volunteer in a litany of civic and community service organizations in addition to serving the community as firefighters and emergency responders. Several USFA staff members serve their communities as volunteer firefighters and EMS responders on an off-duty basis. I am proud of these individuals who use their skills and abilities as volunteers to serve their neighbors. There is no higher calling than public service, nor no greater offer of stewardship within one’s community than to volunteer one’s time to public service. Therefore, I am committed to the USFA’s supporting America’s volunteer fire service through effective programmatic and training offerings-and by providing support to you.
KENNETH O. BURRIS, JR., is the chief operating officer of the U.S. Fire Administration. He retired as fire chief from the City of Marietta, Georgia. He has an MPA from Kennesaw State University and a bachelor’s degree in fire protection and safety engineering technology from the University of Cincinnati. He formerly served as treasurer of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
