Tuesday January, 12 2021

Nature: Recruitment & Retention Initiatives

Location:  Indian River Fire District

The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company continues to pursue the objectives of the 2017 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) – Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters Award.

Currently entering the third 12-month cycle, the Indian River has chosen two previous junior volunteer firefighters that continue to participate in Delaware’s fire service at Indian River; however, have been successful in parlaying their chosen volunteer duties into professional career paths.

These two firefighters for our Recruitment & Retention Campaign will highlight their respective volunteer experience and chosen career paths with hopes of encouraging others to reach our recruitment goals.

Volunteer Firefighter #1 – Chase Holden, joined the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company in 2017 as a volunteer firefighter and pursued all training requirements to fulfill his full membership status as an Active firefighter.  Currently Chase is employed with neighboring fire company driving emergency apparatus and pursuing his EMT certification.

Volunteer Firefighter #2 – Caitlin Sekcienski, joined the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company in 2017 as a volunteer firefighter and pursued all training requirements to fulfill her full membership status as an Active firefighter.  Currently, Caitlin is employed with the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center as an Emergency Communications Specialist.

These Recruitment & Retention television commercials will be aired in our immediate fire district over the next twelve months in order to attract potential volunteer firefighters.  Their respective scripts highlight their experience and encourage people to join the volunteer fire service.

What It Takes to Volunteer?

Being a volunteer firefighter or auxiliary member is not about what you look like, what degree you have, or where you come from. It is about one thing: heart. Do you have what it takes to serve your community?

Becoming A Volunteer?

If you're ready to serve your community in ways that few can, you have just about everything you need to get started. Your local fire department, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company, may have some other requirements, such as a background check. But when it comes down to it, volunteering as a first responder is all about having the heart and drive to make a difference where it's needed most.

Experience Volunteer Firefighting

Being a volunteer firefighter is about a lot more than just putting out fires. It’s an opportunity to learn cutting edge skills that prepare you to help members of your community when they need it most.

Learn What You Need On The Job

When you sign up to be a volunteer firefighter or emergency responder, you'll receive all the training you need. Depending on your department's needs and your desire, you'll learn skills to help your community during fires, medical emergencies, and road and air accidents, to highlight few. Check out your local fire department to learn more.

Learn more:

(1) Become a member: http://www.irvfc.com/page/become-a-member .

(2) Recruitment videos:

2018 Videos:

• https://www.dropbox.com/s/59zcntz333y520k/IRFDTHENEED.mp4?dl=0 , and

• https://www.dropbox.com/s/hkipoz8repuz5e2/IRFDJUNIOR.mp4?dl=0 ,

2019 Videos:

• https://www.dropbox.com/s/09sj6wya8my3prz/IRFDJAKE_trimmed.mp4?dl=0, and

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GrKTOlCdWk&feature=youtu.be

2020 Videos:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbhofnrP7-I

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKX9a2SE5Qk

(3) Scholarship Information: http://www.irvfc.com/gallery/detail/35132 ,

(4) Delaware Fire Service Facing Volunteer Shortage - Statewide:  http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail?id=37571 , and

(5) National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Public Service Announcement - Make Me A Firefighter Video: https://youtu.be/dXuSwakbI8Y .