Publications
At Science Alliance, we believe research matters most when it informs practice. Our researchers and collaborators are generating evidence that helps answer real-world questions and improve responder health, safety, and performance. Explore our latest publications and see how science is being translated into meaningful action.
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Authors: Brittany Hollerbach, Ken Willette, and Joe Maruca
Summary:
Contrary to a common belief in the volunteer fire service, the study found that "too much training" is not the primary barrier to recruiting or retaining volunteer firefighters. Instead, what matters most is how training is designed and delivered. Training is viewed as essential by volunteers, but it must be flexible, locally accessible, hands-on, and focused on the skills departments actually need.
Drawing on a national survey of more than 2,000 volunteer firefighters, along with focus groups, interviews, and a literature review, the research found that department leaders are more likely than rank-and-file volunteers to perceive training as a barrier. The findings suggest that improving training delivery—not reducing training requirements—can strengthen recruitment and retention, particularly in small and rural volunteer departments.