Governor Mike DeWine and other officials are again highlighting the nationwide shortage of volunteer firefighters. More than two-thirds of county fire departments rely on volunteers, which they say is unsustainable in many communities.
“We believe there are many people in the state of Ohio who are not truly aware of the tremendous need for volunteer firefighters and who are not aware that they have the opportunity to volunteer,” DeWine said at a news conference Friday morning in Reynoldsburg.
Among the latest measures to address dwindling forces, the state will air public service announcements on television and social media platforms over the next eight weeks, he said Friday. In the two 30-second PSAs, area firefighters tell their own stories.
State statistics mirror national statistics and show that emergency calls increased 9% between 2018 and 2021, while volunteers decreased 6.5%.
According to Make Me a Firefighter job postings, there are nearly 400 unfilled volunteer positions in various volunteer departments in Ohio.
Kevin Reardon, fire marshal for the Ohio Department of Commerce, said these tasks often go beyond what Ohioans might think — it’s not just about using a ladder and hose. Volunteering can include everything from providing medical assistance to applying for grants to completing administrative tasks.
“They just have to show commitment and dedication to help their neighbors and their community,” Reardon said. “And they do it for free. Volunteering means just that — being a volunteer firefighter is free. In fact, you may have to spend some of your own money on equipment.”
In January 2023, DeWine’s Volunteer Fire Department Task Force released 31 findings and recommendations, including the creation and coordination of PSAs. Since last fall, Ohio has also been offering free Fire Academy training for new volunteer recruits and increasing grant offerings.
Further information about the volunteer fire department can be found here.
