Volunteer fire departments across the country are struggling to recruit new members as participation continues to decline, with younger generations less likely to join.
WYOMING, Ohio (WXIX) — An international firefighting organization is working on a marketing campaign aimed at encouraging more people to take on emergency response roles.
The shortage is especially challenging for rural communities that cannot afford full-time professional fire departments. Even in places like Wyoming, limited staffing can put pressure on resources across the area.
“For the past several years, it’s been a big problem to get people in because of the time commitment,” said Wyoming Fire and EMS Chief Dennis Brown.
Brown said recruitment remains a constant effort, as departments need enough personnel to respond effectively to emergencies.
The lack of volunteers not only impacts response times locally but can also strain neighboring departments.
“If we’re not effective in getting our crews out and doing the job, then we’re relying on mutual aid, and that becomes a problem,” he said.
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