Keeping The Middle Child Happy
We talk a lot about how to recruit and keep new members. It seems to be a big concern all over the place. It is hard to find good people who want to serve their local Volunteer Fire Department. What about the members we already have? Have we slacked on keeping the members who have been on our departments for 8, 9 or 10 years motivated? I’m not talking about our Company Officers and Chiefs, I’m talking about the Firefighters who have put their time in, don’t need to prove themselves and don’t need to be introduced to your Fire Department.
As our members grow and become senior Firefighters of non-rank, it is easy to put them aside and focus more on the new members. We want our new members to get experience managing hose lines and on the nozzle. We want our new members to get in on a good extrication and work the tools like it’s nobody’s business. We want our new members to be on the front lines during brush and grass fires. While all of this is taking place, our more senior members may be left for the less desirable work. No mistake, the work is important and essential, but less desirable. As Volunteer Firefighters, doing rewarding and desireable work is essential for retention.
While working a fire or accident scene, try to give these members some responsibility and show that you trust their knowledge. Put their skills to the test and be sure your new members learn something from them. Nobody said the Company Officer has to carry the Thermal Imager or the 4-Gas Meter. This is a great job for the senior Firefighter. Empower them with a leadership role, give them a “sector” at a vehicle extrication or a brush fire, if at all possible.
Let’s not lose our valuable senior Firefighters because there was a loss of interest and motivation. Empower them, quiz them and trust them.
