Volunteer Fire Service Recruitment and Retention

by | Aug 27, 2024

Volunteer Fire Service Recruitment and Retention Survey

 

The Alberta Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA) Recruitment and Retention Committee is conducting a critical survey aimed at understanding the successes and challenges faced by volunteer fire departments across the province. Your participation is essential in helping us gather valuable insights that will guide our efforts to support and strengthen the volunteer fire service.

The purpose of this survey is to gather information on the experiences within volunteer fire departments, identifying both the successes and the challenges encountered. The data collected will be shared to encourage discussions among departments and communities about how to address these challenges. Additionally, the insights will help us develop targeted recommendations and tools for recruitment and retention.

This survey is intended for firefighters, fire chiefs, and municipal representatives who are involved in or have experience with a volunteer fire service. For the purposes of this survey, "volunteer" is defined as those who serve without remuneration, are paid-on-call, receive a stipend, are part of a composite department, or hold any similar position that fits the category of non-salaried fire personnel.

The survey is structured into three streams, each tailored to a specific perspective: firefighters, fire chiefs, and municipal representatives. The first question will ask you to select the stream or perspective you are responding from, and the survey will then guide you through the appropriate set of questions.

Please take the time to complete this survey by end of the day on Friday, September 27th, 2024. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of the volunteer fire service in Alberta.

Click → Volunteer Fire Service Recruitment and Retention Survey

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Thank you in advance for your time and input. Your participation will make a significant difference in our collective efforts to support and enhance the volunteer fire service across the province.

Alberta Fire Chiefs Association

Roadside Safety and Partners Incident Reporting

Roadside Safety and Partners Incident Reporting

by | Apr 27, 2024

Join Our Roadside Safety Initiative

Help Us Make Our Roads Safer

The Alberta Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA) is taking a proactive step to gather evidence and data to capture roadside safety issues.  We are gathering real-life accounts and data on near-miss situations, where crews, individuals, and personnel were endangered by passing motorists or other hazards while responding to road or highway emergencies, roadside assistance, public works, or construction sites.

To facilitate this, we have set up an easy report system designed to capture your experiences with minimal hassle. By using a one-click website link, you can directly access a form to report any incidents of road safety such as near misses, individuals not slowing down, or flying debris that posed a danger.

Your participation in this initiative is of the utmost importance. The data collected will serve as a strong foundation for advocacy efforts, and policy decisions.

We understand the challenges you face daily, and stand committed to supporting you in every possible way. Your voice is powerful, and together, we can push for the changes needed to protect everyone on the road.

Thank you for your dedication to public safety and for your cooperation in this critical matter.

Report Safety Issues Now

Number of Incidents Reported

29

Data Collection for Roadside Safety

Why Your Reports Matter

At the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association, we are committed to enhancing roadside safety through comprehensive data collection. Your firsthand experiences and reports are invaluable as they contribute significantly to our advocacy and policy-making efforts. Each submission helps us to better understand the risks and challenges faced on the roads, enabling us to argue more effectively for necessary changes and safety measures. By participating in this initiative, you are playing a crucial role in safeguarding the lives of emergency responders and the public at large.

🚨 FRIGHTENING INCIDENT – VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER STRUCK ON HIGHWAY 🚨

A volunteer with the Bassano Fire Department was seriously injured late on Saturday night while operating at the scene of a prior collision on Highway 1 near Lathom Road. She was standing by her fire truck when a vehicle, apparently travelling at high speed and failing to slow or avoid the emergency scene, struck her and then collided with the fire truck. Brooks Bulletin

Key details:
• The firefighter has nearly five years of service and was air-lifted to a Calgary hospital with injuries to the left side of her body. Brooks Bulletin
• The driver, an 84-year-old from Medicine Hat, was charged with dangerous operation causing bodily harm, along with speeding and failing to provide aid. Brooks Bulletin
• The fire chief remarked: “we try to make ourselves as safe as possible but sometimes it doesn’t work out.” Brooks Bulletin

🔑 Why this matters to all of us in fire services/road safety

  • Emergency responders are exposed to extreme risk when working roadside.

  • Drivers approaching scenes with emergency vehicles MUST reduce speed and remain vigilant.

  • As chiefs and leaders, we must reinforce these behaviours with our crews and public alike.

AFCA wishes our colleague a full and speedy recovery. Let this serve as a sober reminder to all motorists: when you see flashing lights — slow down, move over, pay attention.

Alberta Fire Chiefs Association

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