Fire departments in the United States are continuing to respond to emergencies despite a nationwide decline in volunteer firefighters that is increasing pressure on local services.
Volunteer firefighters have long formed the backbone of fire protection in many U.S. communities, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. However, fire service leaders say recruitment is becoming more difficult as departments compete with work, family, and other time commitments.
According to National Fire Protection Association data, the U.S. had about 635,000 volunteer firefighters in 2023, down from approximately 677,000 three years earlier.
For departments, like those in northeast Wisconsin, the trend means recruitment and retention are not one-time efforts but ongoing priorities.
“It’s hard to get men and women to volunteer for the fire department because they have to go through approximately 96 hours of training to be certified as a firefighter,” said Duane Nechodom, Little Chute fire chief.
Nechodom said Little Chute has been fortunate to maintain a strong roster of volunteers, but he added that many departments continue to face challenges bringing in new members.
In Little Suamico, Assistant Chief Chris Glinski said one of the biggest barriers is persuading residents that they can make the time to serve.
“I think the biggest barrier is just people assume that they’re not going to have enough time. It is an incredible time commitment,” Glinski said.
That time commitment affects more than recruitment. Glinski said it also shapes how volunteer departments respond when emergency calls come in.
He explained that residents often do not see the steps volunteer firefighters must take before they arrive at an emergency scene.
“That is the expectation. You call 911 and you expect, ‘Hey, the help is on the way.’ And the reality is, a lot of us might be in town shopping. We might be at a kid’s ball game. We might be out fishing. So the response times for volunteer fire departments can vary quite a bit,” Glinski said.
When departments need additional support, they can request assistance through the mutual aid box alarm system, known as MABAS. The system allows departments to share personnel and equipment during emergencies.
“It may take a little bit longer to get help, depending on where the departments are coming from. But you will get help to put out an accident or fire, whatever it may be,” Nechodom said.
