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Author: Christine M. Trexler Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 119
Book Description
The steady decline of volunteer firefighters across the United States is becoming problematic. The lack of adequate volunteer firefighters compromises the effective service given to the community as well as the safety of the firefighters. The purpose of this qualitative embedded single case study was to explore community member perceptions of social and economic motivational factors about firefighter participation. The sample was composed of 10 non-volunteer community members, 10 current volunteer firefighters, and 10 previous volunteer firefighters. Analysis of the data was performed to assess community members’ perception to volunteer or not volunteer as a volunteer firefighter. The findings demonstrated many of the non-volunteer community members perceptions supported the need to educate the community on the needs of a volunteer fire department, the need to effectively retain those currently involved and to evaluate internal governance. Recommendations for practice were for rural volunteer fire companies to develop a strategic marketing plan built upon the platform of educating community members, actively supporting and maintaining current volunteers. Recommendations for future research included a study about on motivation of high-risk volunteering specifically in the fire service area.
Author: Christine M. Trexler Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 119
Book Description
The steady decline of volunteer firefighters across the United States is becoming problematic. The lack of adequate volunteer firefighters compromises the effective service given to the community as well as the safety of the firefighters. The purpose of this qualitative embedded single case study was to explore community member perceptions of social and economic motivational factors about firefighter participation. The sample was composed of 10 non-volunteer community members, 10 current volunteer firefighters, and 10 previous volunteer firefighters. Analysis of the data was performed to assess community members’ perception to volunteer or not volunteer as a volunteer firefighter. The findings demonstrated many of the non-volunteer community members perceptions supported the need to educate the community on the needs of a volunteer fire department, the need to effectively retain those currently involved and to evaluate internal governance. Recommendations for practice were for rural volunteer fire companies to develop a strategic marketing plan built upon the platform of educating community members, actively supporting and maintaining current volunteers. Recommendations for future research included a study about on motivation of high-risk volunteering specifically in the fire service area.
Author: Justin R. Heim Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 192
Book Description
A large majority of the United States is served by volunteer and mostly-volunteer fire departments. While the number of emergency calls for service has been increasing, the number of volunteers has been decreasing. The problem was there was a lack of understanding of the impact of interdepartmental politics and the decision-making process of leaders on volunteer firelighters' morale and retention. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to examine the phenomenon of the impact of interdepartmental politics and the decision-making process of leaders on volunteer firelighters' morale and retention. This study explored three fire departments in the States of Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin using a multiple case study design because the training, organizational culture and traditions among firelighters are generally consistent throughout the United States but there is enough variance in the system that no two fire departments are identical. Participants consisted of 30 leaders (fire officers) and firelighters from each of the participating volunteer fire departments. Interpretational analysis of the data was used to identify similar codes and patterns from within the data. The results of the study revealed three prominent themes emerged from the data and research questions very quickly; (1) interdepartmental politics are not a barometer for volunteer retention, (2) interdepartmental politics significantly influence the morale of the organization, and (3) fire officer decision-making has a limited, if not non-existent, role in moderating morale and retention of volunteer firefighters. The results of the research demonstrated that volunteer fire departments arc driven more by peer motivation as opposed to the normal bureaucratic hierarchy that exists in many industries. Recommendations for future research included a need to conduct similar research to identify if (a) the peer-centric, consensus based leadership style is unique to Midwestern volunteer fire departments, (b) a comparison of volunteer fire department expectations to perceptions of expectations from new or previous applicants within the volunteer fire service, and (c) replication of the study in fire departments staffed with paid and volunteer employees or fully paid personnel to identify if leadership style has an impact on retaining personnel.
Author: Jack W. Snook Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning ISBN: 0763742074 Category : Political Science Languages : en Pages : 145
Book Description
This must have resource examines the challenges of providing volunteer fire protection in modern day America. Readers are guided through a process of self-assessment and planning using case studies and activity worksheets. Skills and strategies are developed, yielding practical assistance to those charged with leading a volunteer fire department.
Author: Pamela W. Martin Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 90
Book Description
The main objective of this study was to answer the question: What, if any, cost burden is assumed by California's volunteer firefighters? While there are many studies on volunteerism in fire service, none directly examine the out of pocket expenses that may be incurred by non career-track firefighters. Volunteer fire departments represent a substantial cost savings in areas such as rural communities. However, studies indicate that often volunteer fire departments do not provide adequate equipment, leaving volunteers in the potential position of having to buy their own equipment. A more complete understanding of the price of being a volunteer firefighter would inform future policies designed to retain and support fire service volunteers. Sources of Data I obtained relevant data from a telephone survey. Responses were gathered from twelve fire chiefs in randomly-selected, all-volunteer fire departments throughout the state. Respondents discussed the costs of training and equipment and related expenses, as well as the non-monetary costs of the hours volunteers must spend in training and on duty. Conclusions and recommendations The results suggest that although volunteer firefighters do have out of pocket expenses, the costs do not appear prohibitively high, and volunteers for the most part accept expenditures as a part of the responsibility of service. Some volunteers are also on a career track, which may induce them to regard training and equipment as an investment. Based on the findings, the state should consider policy options designed to help communities that wish to augment the training and equipment that may be lacking at the level of the volunteer fire department. Such policies could include offering grants, matching funds, and low-interest loans. A follow-up study, including a comprehensive survey of volunteer firefighters, is needed to obtain a clearer picture of the state of volunteer fire service in California.
Author: Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 34
Book Description
This research paper was done to evaluate the lack of ethnic diversity within the volunteer membership at the Basalt & Rural Fire Protection District (BRFPD). The problem is that the BRFPD has not identified ways to improve the diversity of the volunteer membership to be reflective of the community demographics. The purpose of the paper was to identify ways the organization can be more effective in recruiting volunteers from the underrepresented populations of the community. The research questions were (a) identifying the current ethnic make-up of the organization and the community, (b) examine what other volunteer fire service organizations are doing to increase ethnic diversity, (c) examine what the BRFPD is doing to increase ethnic diversity, and (d) identify models that exist that are aimed at ethnic minority recruitment. The research method was descriptive. Data was gathered through surveys of the volunteer members, local fire departments, and departments across the country as to the depth of the problem and probable solutions. These surveys yielded information suggestive of a fire service wide problem when considering the involvement of minorities in the volunteer fire service. It is the recommendation, based on this data, that the BRFPD and other volunteer fire service organizations develop ways to (a) integrate with ethnic minorities in their communities, (b) communicate with those minorities, and then (c) develop a recruitment campaign that would center on the cultural aspects of that minority.
Author: Publisher: ISBN: Category : Fire fighters Languages : en Pages : 104
Book Description
From Book's Introduction: Firefighting continues to be one of the nation's most dangerous and hazardous jobs with heart attacks, high physical stress levels, and sprains and strains all too common. In the past five years, the fire service has focused its attention on overcoming these issues by working to change the service's culture. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has spent much time redeveloping and revamping their health and wellness standards, while career departments have been working with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) on a wellness initiative that began in 1997. Volunteer personnel also face similar risks when it comes to health and wellness. The nature of member time constraints and tight departmental budgets in the volunteer service often inhibits the creation of comprehensive health and wellness programs. Implementing a comprehensive health and wellness program could overwhelm the resources of many volunteer departments. Time, lack of program leadership, and insufficient funding pose serious challenges to most departments, which often struggle to deliver basic fire suppression capabilities. This guide provides the rationale and suggestions for successfully implementing a health and wellness program volunteer service. It also addresses many common roadblocks.
Author: Bart J. Eltz Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 85
Book Description
Reducing the level of occupational risk posed to firefighters is a goal throughout the entire fire service. Significant research has been performed regarding firefighters and the level of risk they are willing to take not only on the job, but also on the risk they take during their personal lives, however little research has been done comparing the level of acceptable risk that is willing to be taken by career versus volunteer firefighters. In this study, a comparative analysis between career firefighters and volunteer firefighters was performed to determine which group was more likely to take excessive risk while performing occupational duties. A causal-comparative design that is sometimes called an ex-post facto design (Turner, 2011), was used to study risk taking behaviors and how they relate to volunteer and career firefighters. The participants of the study were part of a community fire department in Georgia. The study found that there is a statistical difference between volunteer firefighters versus career when it comes to the impact of training and rules compliance on levels of acceptable risk. Although this study is not generalizable to all fire departments, the department in this study can use the results to consider ways of lowering the level of acceptable risk. Ways to lower the level of occupational risk include improving training surrounding occupational safety and operations. Setting clear expectations of what the fire department leadership considers acceptable levels of risk, and coaching individual firefighters on lowering the risk tolerance surrounding their work on the fire ground.
Author: Joe Nedder Publisher: Fire Engineering Books ISBN: 1593704887 Category : Technology & Engineering Languages : en Pages : 176
Book Description
Risk management is one of the most important but frequently ignored fireground management skills. The volunteer fire service is particularly vulnerable because of a lack of understanding and training in a risk management system, why we need it, how it works, and how to use it. What are some risk reduction strategies? How do you identify risks and dangers and how they affect firefighters? How do you control those risks and limit danger to firefighters? How often have firefighters taken unnecessary risks? Firefighting is a dangerous job, but risks need to be measured against the capabilities of the responding firefighters. Do their capabilities match the immediate needs of the size-up? What about your personal capabilities? Are you truly prepared? "Joe Nedder knows risk, safety, and firefighting and brings clarity to often diametrically opposing objectives. Joe writes with clarity and insight gained from real-world experience and skin in the game. Managing Risk in the Volunteer Fire Department is a must-read for every firefighter, career or volunteer!" —Chief Bobby Halton, editorial director, Clarion Fire Rescue Group, and educational director, FDIC International "Everything you want to know about managing risk in your volunteer department is here in this new book by Joe Nedder, who dedicated his fire service career to providing better training for volunteer fire departments. He understands the specialized needs of departments big and small and tailors his teaching to encompass departments across North America." —Diane Rothschild, executive editor, Fire Engineering, and conference director, FDIC International
Author: Christine M. Trexler
Author: Christine M. Trexler
Author: Justin R. Heim
Author: Jack W. Snook
Author: 
Author: Pamela W. Martin
Author: Robert J. Freimuth
Author: 
Author: 
Author: Bart J. Eltz
Author: Joe Nedder