suggesting that as you render emergency care or show
off your firehouse to visitors that you obnoxiously
over-deliver the volunteer message. I am suggesting,
however, that there certainly are many appropriate
times and appropriate ways that it can be done. At
some point in your conversations with people, the
opportunity may present itself and you can gauge
the feasibility of discussing it further based on the
response you receive back. Many times people will
ask questions and want to talk about the service in
more detail. They may even ask about requirements
and duties. If there is a hint of interest, talk it up.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
If your department uses a formal application process,
keep applications handy and easy to get to. Having
members running around looking for an application
when a prospective member is at the door certainly
portrays an unprofessional image. Even worse would
be for that person to leave without an application.
Another good idea is to keep applications on your
rigs or take them with you to community events.
Again, it does not mean you pester people to join, but
be ready if somebody expresses interest in joining.
Whenever somebody does express interest or takes an
application home with them, I always like to get their
name and phone number before they leave. If after
a couple weeks I have not received the application
back, I would always follow up with the individual.
Sometimes they just need that one additional phone
call to get them to turn it in. There might have been
one fear or stumbling block that was preventing them
from do it and that one final phone call might be all it
takes to alleviate a fear or answer a question and get
them to join. I would make just one phone call, often
with tremendous success. If, after that, they did not
turn it in, I respected their decision and moved on.
Once they turn that application in, there should be
some sort of formal process that moves things along
or at least ensures clear communication with the
candidate keeping them informed and ensuring them
that the application is being acted upon. Nothing
would be worse than to lose prospective members
because of a poorly organized program that delays
brining members in or gives off an unorganized
and unprofessional image. Make sure prospective
members understand the application process.
All over the country, the demands of everyday life
are siphoning away the time people have to give
to various organizations, and many volunteer fire
departments are having a hard time filling their ranks.
The professional volunteer fire department works
hard every day not only to attract new members, but
to retain them as well.
Tom Merrill is a 30-year fire department veteran in the
Snyder Fire Department, which is located in Amherst,
New York. He served 26 years as a department officer,
including 15 years in the chief officer ranks, and recently
completed five years as chief of department. He also is a
professional fire dispatcher for the town of Amherst fire
alarm office. He can be reached at: tamerrill63@aol.com.
www.thebackdraftmagazine.com | A Volunteer Fire Service Publication | Volume 5 | Issue 1 | Backdraft Magazine 27