Ohio's Governor, Mike DeWine, has highlighted the dwindling number of volunteer firefighters in the state, ushering in a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign to encourage Ohioans to consider this community service. According to information released by the Ohio Department of Commerce, the campaign kicked off yesterday and included television and digital platform advertisements.
The state has observed a concerning decline in its roster of volunteer firefighters, a workforce vital to the emergency response network, especially in rural areas. The PSA campaign, featuring actual Ohio volunteer firefighters discussing their reasons for serving, seeks to encourage residents to step into these critical roles. "Many Ohio communities rely on volunteer firefighters to keep them and their families safe every day," Governor DeWine stated during the launch at the State Fire Marshal’s campus. He added, "As volunteer numbers decrease, Ohioans are increasingly at risk, which is why it is important to spread awareness for Ohio’s need."
The declining trend isn't only an Ohio issue but also a national concern. The National Volunteer Fire Council indicates that approximately 65% of America's firefighters are volunteers. Alarmingly, the number of volunteer firefighters has hit a new low in the U.S., even as call volumes have surged over the last three decades.
In Ohio, volunteer firefighter roles are accessible through MakeMeAFirefighter.org, where potential recruits can search and apply for community openings. With nearly 400 available positions listed online. The emphasis on recruitment coincides with the troubling statistics shared by the state: a 6.5% decrease in volunteer firefighters from 2018 to 2021 contrasted with a 9% increase in emergency calls from 2018 to 2020. "There is no question that volunteers are a key component in our ability to maintain a strong, robust, and responsive fire service across the state," Ohio Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon highlighted.
Beyond the PSA efforts, Ohio is tackling the decline through practical measures such as making training at the Ohio Fire Academy entirely free for volunteer firefighters and stepping up financial support for departments with a $7.5 million grant funding pool.
