Working through conflict and building trust within volunteer departments takes many skills and abilities. Some of these skills include leadership, respect for the department’s history and dynamics, positive vision building and clear communication. While these are not the only skills needed, they are the foundations of a successful organization for a voluntary fire service leader. […]
Advocating for Volunteer Fire Departments
NVFC chief of regulatory and legislative affairs, Dave Finger, recently wrote an op-ed piece for The Hill outlining some key legislative priorities for the volunteer fire and emergency services. These include fire station construction and funding for critical grant programs. Read article. You can take action by using the NVFC’s Legislative Action Center to ask […]
5 Tips for the New Volunteer Officer
Sometime in the past, you wandered through the doors of your local volunteer fire department with an idea. You wanted to make a difference. Maybe a friend in the department convinced you this was the right way to do it. Or perhaps you’re a legacy – one of the kids who grew up around the […]
Prepare for Impact: Possible Post-Pandemic Volunteer Separation
As some volunteer firefighters return to their paying jobs in an office after a year and a half of enforced remote work, fire service leaders should prepare for the long-term impacts the changes may have on the volunteer fire service. In 2016, I conducted a research study on retention in the volunteer fire service, and […]
The New Volunteer: How to build a system for accepting first-timers and lateral-movers
The membership is the heart and soul of volunteer fire organizations. You may have an accountant, doctor or plumber who has joined your organization with the purpose of serving their community – or just to drive the big red engine. Your members’ experiences can be priceless, but they can also impact your culture and direction. […]
NVFC Volunteer Spotlight: Frank Speth III
Name: Frank M. Speth III Title: Fire Chief Department Name: New Ashford Fire Department Location: Pittsfield, MA Why are you an NVFC member? I had joined the NVFC several years ago after speaking to Mike Bird [NVFC director from MA, who passed away in 2019] regarding the association. Mike was instrumental in the fire service […]
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