Fairfax, Va. – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has selected the departments that will participate in the IAFC’s Volunteer Workforce Solutions National Recruitment and Retention program, funded by a Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grant. This program will focus on recruiting women and underrepresented groups in the volunteer fire service.
The 10 pilot departments are:
- Brooklyn Center (Minn.) Fire Department
- Central Whidbey Island (Wash.) Fire and Rescue
- Elkin (N.C.) Fire Department
- Santa Fe (N.M.) County Fire Department
- Ketchikan (Alaska) Fire Department
- Mountain View (Wash.) Fire and Rescue
- Prince George’s County (Md.) Fire Department
- Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton (Va.) Volunteer Fire Department
- Milton and Milton Township (Wis.) Fire Department
- Windsor Severance (Colo.) Fire Rescue
Over the next two years, liaisons from these departments will work with the IAFC to enhance their volunteer recruitment strategies and efforts, creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The departments will come together at the IAFC’s VCOS Symposium in the West, May 13-14, in Reno, Nevada.
Not only will the Symposium in the West be a launching point for the program, but it also provides a way for members of these departments to network, expand leadership skills and share ideas and solutions with others in the volunteer fire service.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.
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