Volunteer fire departments are the backbone of communities across the country, yet many are struggling to recruit the next generation of firefighters and EMS providers. Alannah Scardino's story proves that today's volunteers aren't born fearless—they're everyday people who discover confidence, purpose, and opportunity through service. Her journey reflects the mission of the IAFC's A Hustle Worth Having campaign: showing Gen Z and young Millennials that volunteering is more than giving back—it's a chance to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact.
🚒 A Journey Rooted in Courage
In Brighton, New York, 27-year-old Alannah Scardino is redefining what it means to serve her community. With a bright smile and a story rooted in courage, Scardino didn’t always see herself as a firefighter, in fact, she once feared heights, confined spaces, and fire itself. But through teamwork and determination, she transformed that fear into confidence.
While in college, Alannah joined the volunteer fire department in Massachusetts. Inspired by the camaraderie and physical challenge, much like the sports teams she once played on, she discovered a strong sense of belonging. Today, she continues to lean on her fellow volunteers to grow. “The more you learn, the more fear turns into confidence,” Alannah shared, emphasizing how learning alongside a supportive crew helped her push past her limits.
🌟 A Campaign with Purpose
Her journey reflects a broader movement. Across New York, more than 90% of fire and EMS departments depend on volunteers, yet recruitment is becoming increasingly difficult as call volumes rise. To address this, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) launched A Hustle Worth Having, the first unified national recruitment campaign designed to inspire Gen Z and young Millennials to step into volunteer service by highlighting purpose, growth, and fulfillment, not fear.
As part of that effort, Alannah has stepped forward as an ambassador for this national campaign, helping to share her story and reach new audiences. The campaign meets young people where they are, aligning with a generation that often seeks meaning and impact in everything they do, even their “side hustles.”
The campaign also challenges stereotypes about younger generations. “There are misconceptions that Gen Z doesn’t want to give back, but that’s not true,” says Alannah. Instead, many are searching for purpose beyond a paycheck, and volunteering offers exactly that: a chance to grow, serve, and be part of something bigger.
💼 Service That Opens Doors
For Alannah, volunteering opened unexpected doors. After just two years of service, she transitioned into a full-time role as an Assistant Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Specialist, where she now leads fire safety education programs, smoke alarm initiatives, car seat safety efforts, and community outreach events. She credits her volunteer experience for this opportunity.
❤️ Purpose Beyond the Firehouse
Beyond the firehouse, Alannah channels her passion into running a nonprofit that provides sports programming for incarcerated girls as another example of how her service has fueled confidence and a deeper sense of purpose in her life. That work reflects the same values that drew her to the volunteer fire service in the first place: showing up for others, building trust, and creating opportunities for people who need support. Alannah’s commitment to service extends far beyond emergency response.
✨ A Simple Message
Her message is simple: Take the first step. Stop by your local firehouse. Talk to volunteers. Imagine what your role could look like. “You won’t regret it,” she says. Because sometimes, the most rewarding hustle isn’t about earning more; it’s about becoming more.
Ready to make an impact? Visit your local volunteer fire or EMS department, talk with current volunteers, and learn how you can get involved. Explore A Hustle Worth Having to take the first step toward serving your community.