The "What Firefighters Want in 2026” report is available for download. Access the number one resource for fire service leaders seeking to elevate their understanding of their members’ on-the-job experience.
About WFW
The What Firefighters Want project calls on all active firefighters to share their opinions and insights through FireRescue1’s comprehensive survey that goes beyond statistical exercise to serve as a platform for firefighters to voice their concerns, aspirations and ideas for evolution within the profession. The project is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T and supported by the International Public Safety Data Institute (IPSDI) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC).
This year's report examined how firefighters view the relationship between safety and tactical aggression. The results reveal both alignment and disconnect.
Firefighters want to train.
That may seem like an obvious statement, but our 2026 What Firefighters Want survey confirms that respondents are pursuing certifications, attending regional training and seeking opportunities to sharpen their skills.
At the same time, they also point to significant barriers to adequate training, namely time and resources.
A few findings stood out immediately:
- Only 37% of respondents rated the quality of their department’s training as very good or excellent.
- Scheduling conflicts and lack of time were identified as the No. 1 barrier to training, cited by 60% of respondents.
- Emerging technologies remain largely untapped, with nearly 80% reporting that AI-driven training accounts for little or none of their department’s training.
Those numbers tell only part of the story. Throughout this report, you’ll find deeper analysis of what firefighters are training on, where they feel least prepared, who is leading instruction and how departments can better align training with operational readiness.
Fill out the form to download your copy, discuss it with your crew and explore the What Firefighters Want resource page for additional analysis.
What Firefighters Want 2026