06/17/2026
The tried and true method, is still one of the best!
Do you want to attract people to your fire department? Do you want recruitment to be organic? Do you want to be sure that this job is staffed for generations to come?
Then open the doors. It’s that simple! If someone is in the firehouse, open the doors and let the curious come in. If we keep everything locked up, and run when visitors come by, you’re not doing anything for the service. Kids will remember how amazing it was to wander the firehouse and check out the rigs, but they’ll remember it even more if they’re not welcome.
This job can survive. We can continue to get people to volunteer for it, but it will require a little effort, and sometimes, that effort is just a flip of the switch, to open the doors.
Thank you to Stone Harbor Firefighters FMBA Local #151 for allowing the to come in and take a look yesterday, and for setting a positive example of what community engagement really looks like!
