CLEARFIELD – In an inspiring initiative to address the critical shortage of volunteer firefighters, Clearfield, Cambria and Indiana County fire departments have announced the regional launch of a dynamic campaign aimed at overcoming recruitment and retention challenges.
Supported in part by a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this four-year campaign is poised to establish a sustainable model for future recruitment efforts.
This recruitment campaign, labeled “Everyday Heroes,” juxtaposes how everyday people can make a greater impact and difference in their communities. The video, copy, Web site and promotional materials showcase people engaged in everyday activities, such as hunting or nursing, with firefighting to show that no matter a person’s background, anyone can be an “everyday hero” by becoming a firefighter.
“It shows everyday people in everyday activities … to show that anyone can be an ‘Everyday Hero,’” said Chief Trail Officer Tim Hindes. “’Everyday Heroes’ reflects the extraordinary actions of ordinary individuals who step up and make a difference. It embodies the courage, compassion and community spirit that drive our volunteers.
“We want everyone to see themselves in this campaign because everyone has the power to make a difference and become an ‘Everyday Hero.’
“[The campaign] speaks to the hidden potential within each of us to be heroes in our everyday lives, transforming ordinary into extraordinary through acts of service and bravery.
“We want to recruit and inspire a new generation of ‘Everyday Heroes’ who see themselves in each story of heroism and service we depict.”
Hindes also wants everyday people to picture what their community might look like without the men and women in fire services.
“Fulfilling this critical need takes all of us–together” … and while there’s certainly a desperate need for firefighters in our region, he said there’s also a myriad of ways that anyone can help mitigate the local crisis from spreading the word about the campaign to becoming a volunteer. “Each department has a way for you to become involved—so reach out to your local department and ask how you can become an ‘Everyday Hero.’”
This campaign represents a crucial step in addressing the nation-wide volunteer firefighter shortage. Having been a volunteer firefighter and EMT, I understand the vital role volunteers play in keeping our communities safe, especially in rural areas, said U.S. Congressman Glen “GT” Thompson. “By launching this initiative, Clearfield County sets a valuable model for other communities facing similar challenges.”
Leading this ambitious campaign is TrailBlaze Creative, a Pittsburgh-based marketing and creative consultant specializing in work with non-profits, small businesses and local government clients, as well as Decoplan Associates, a consulting firm for first responders, who were tasked with the preparation and submittal of the FEMA application and now management of the SAFER grant for this campaign.
Together, TrailBlaze, Decoplan and the fire departments aim to recruit 160 volunteers across 17 different departments over four years, combining proven recruitment methods with modern, digital techniques to appeal to a new generation of volunteers.
The uniqueness of this campaign is the combination of these approaches outlined around four key elements:
In-Depth Research: Using a survey, the team collected demographic and volunteer motivation data. The findings spotlighted volunteer motivations that include a welcoming atmosphere, good communication and modernization.
Digital Infrastructure Development and Engagement: Leveraging social media platforms for community engagement is a priority. Many departments currently lack this vital digital presence, which will be developed and strengthened through this initiative.
Training and Empowerment: Developing training modules for local fire departments is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of recruitment efforts. Marketing education and training modules will equip departments with the necessary skills to attract volunteers independently beyond the life of the SAFER funding.
Community Collaboration: Engaging with local businesses, media and community leaders will amplify the campaign’s reach and create a supportive network for volunteer firefighters.
(Photos are by GANT News Editor Jessica Shirey)
This campaign addresses the real “crisis” facing Pennsylvania’s fire services, said State Fire Commissioner Tom Cook, noting that while there’s a need for various types of resources, there’s also a very great need for firefighters. Those—who are not already serving with their community fire department—we call out to you, he said, adding that not all firefighters need to run into a burning home or building.
Fire departments have other volunteer options, ranging from administrative and bookkeeping to maintenance and mechanics. And, “we need your help.”
Cook went on to boast of the fire services’ unique opportunity to have an immediate community impact while being part of a tight brotherhood where bonds go beyond service together.
“Every day, our community relies on the dedication and courage of volunteer firefighters to keep us safe,” said Elliott Neeper, chief of Lawrence Township Fire Department. “The Everyday Heroes campaign is essential for the well-being of Clearfield County, ensuring we have the manpower needed to respond effectively to emergencies and protect our residents.”
The full grant, totaling $2,439,860, supports the recruitment campaign, as well as underwriting equipment and training for new recruits to ease the financial burden of joining a department.
The campaign kicked off on Monday in Clearfield with a fanfare of fire trucks from each of the 17 participating departments. During the event with community stakeholders, the team discussed details of the grant funding, the state of counties’ current volunteer recruitment and previewed the “Everyday Heroes” campaign, which includes campaign kits for each of the departments.
The “Everyday Heroes” campaign will be implemented in phases, starting with targeted social media campaigns and the development of training modules for local fire departments. Community engagement initiatives will raise awareness and support for volunteer firefighting.
For more information about the “Everyday Heroes” campaign, to see how you can get involved and to see if you have what it takes to be an “everyday hero,” please visit www.herocheck.org.
(Provided images)