The Indiana Fire Chiefs Association was awarded a FEMA SAFER Grant in 2020 and an integral part of this grant is to administer a survey. Your help is needed to obtain at least 800 responses. The survey needs both career and volunteer firefighter respondents and this can be accomplished by sharing and participating in the Indiana Volunteer Workforce Solutions statewide survey.
The survey is a critical part of the FEMA SAFER grant and without significant participation this could highly impact being awarded for future grant phases.
Please complete the survey and send it to every firefighter you know!
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey and your contribution today will help impact the future of Indiana's fire service. Please send this to every firefighter in your contact list.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Kindest Regards,
Megan Thiele
317-371-5259
mbthiele76@gmail.com
The survey is a critical part of the FEMA SAFER grant and without significant participation this could highly impact being awarded for future grant phases.
Please complete the survey and send it to every firefighter you know!
- The survey can be accessed at www.surveymonkey.com/r/INVWS.
- The survey will take about 5-10 minutes to complete and is 100% anonymous.
- The results will provide valuable information about key issues in Indiana: leadership, training, recruitment and retention.
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey and your contribution today will help impact the future of Indiana's fire service. Please send this to every firefighter in your contact list.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Kindest Regards,
Megan Thiele
317-371-5259
mbthiele76@gmail.com
Indiana Fire Chiefs Association Encourages Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention with FEMA-funded Campaign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2020 -- INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana fire departments need volunteers of all skill levels and abilities to provide emergency response to their communities. To help, the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA), in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has launched a new campaign to encourage volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention.
Supported by Volunteer Workforce Solutions, its mission is to help Indiana's fire departments achieve a viable and sustainable volunteer firefighter workforce. The program is funded by a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant awarded to the IFCA by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.
Eleven Indiana fire departments have been selected for the 2 ½ year program:
• Burlington Volunteer Fire Department (Carroll County, DHS District 4)
• Fire Department of Liberty Township (Hendricks County, DHS District 5)
• Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Department (Madison County, DHS District 6)
• Lakes of the Four Seasons Volunteer Fire Force Inc. (Lake County, DHS District 1)
• Lowell Volunteer Fire Department (Lake County, DHS District 1)
• Madison Township Fire Department (Marshall County, DHS District 2)
• Posey Township Clay County Volunteer Fire Department Inc. (Clay County, DHS District 7)
• Van Buren Township Volunteer Fire Department (Monroe, County, DHS District 8)
• Vanderburgh County, Suburban Fire Chief's Association (Vanderburgh County, DHS District 10)
• Versailles Fire Rescue (Ripley County, DHS District 9)
• Vincennes Township Fire District (Knox County, DHS District 10)
The departments will use geographic information systems (GIS) to take an in-depth look at their communities, and will use the demographic, cultural and economic data gathered to create targeted recruitment and retention plans specific to their communities.
The program outcomes and recruitment efforts will benefit all Indiana fire departments. A series of online and in-person trainings aimed at improving retention will be offered to all departments statewide, and a statewide media campaign focusing on the need for volunteer firefighters will also be conducted throughout Indiana to support the program.
“Being a volunteer is a rewarding experience, and one of the best ways someone can make a difference in their community,” said Shakir Mohammed, program director. “The skills and knowledge gained as a volunteer firefighter are invaluable and have a positive and lasting impact on others' lives.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2020 -- INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana fire departments need volunteers of all skill levels and abilities to provide emergency response to their communities. To help, the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA), in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has launched a new campaign to encourage volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention.
Supported by Volunteer Workforce Solutions, its mission is to help Indiana's fire departments achieve a viable and sustainable volunteer firefighter workforce. The program is funded by a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant awarded to the IFCA by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.
Eleven Indiana fire departments have been selected for the 2 ½ year program:
• Burlington Volunteer Fire Department (Carroll County, DHS District 4)
• Fire Department of Liberty Township (Hendricks County, DHS District 5)
• Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Department (Madison County, DHS District 6)
• Lakes of the Four Seasons Volunteer Fire Force Inc. (Lake County, DHS District 1)
• Lowell Volunteer Fire Department (Lake County, DHS District 1)
• Madison Township Fire Department (Marshall County, DHS District 2)
• Posey Township Clay County Volunteer Fire Department Inc. (Clay County, DHS District 7)
• Van Buren Township Volunteer Fire Department (Monroe, County, DHS District 8)
• Vanderburgh County, Suburban Fire Chief's Association (Vanderburgh County, DHS District 10)
• Versailles Fire Rescue (Ripley County, DHS District 9)
• Vincennes Township Fire District (Knox County, DHS District 10)
The departments will use geographic information systems (GIS) to take an in-depth look at their communities, and will use the demographic, cultural and economic data gathered to create targeted recruitment and retention plans specific to their communities.
The program outcomes and recruitment efforts will benefit all Indiana fire departments. A series of online and in-person trainings aimed at improving retention will be offered to all departments statewide, and a statewide media campaign focusing on the need for volunteer firefighters will also be conducted throughout Indiana to support the program.
“Being a volunteer is a rewarding experience, and one of the best ways someone can make a difference in their community,” said Shakir Mohammed, program director. “The skills and knowledge gained as a volunteer firefighter are invaluable and have a positive and lasting impact on others' lives.”
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Indiana Fire Chiefs Association Statewide Volunteer Workforce Solutions Program: Recruitment and Retention Assistance Available for Departments
Contact: Megan Thiele, IFCA SAFER Grant Coordinator, mbthiele76@gmail.com
The Indiana Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA) is selecting ten departments to participate in Phase I of the Volunteer Workforce Solutions (VWS) program, which provides research on your jurisdiction, combined with turnkey marketing solutions, to enhance volunteer fire department staffing. In addition, there will be a statewide media campaign and trainings available to all departments in Indiana. Some of the VWS benefits include:
All support is provided free of cost to departments; the program is funded by the FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants. If you currently have another SAFER grant, you may still be eligible.
Informational webinars about the program and the application/selection process will be held on Thursday, May 14, at 7:00PM (EST) and Monday, May 18 at 7:00 PM (EST). You can register ahead of time for these free webinars by visiting the program’s website, www.VolunteerFireIN.org.
For more information about the program, including an informational flyer, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) and the application, please visit www.VolunteerFireIN.org. Applications are due Friday, May 29, 2020.
Please contact Shakir Mohammed, IAFC Program Manager, at 703-537-4841, or Megan Thiele, IFCA SAFER Grant Coordinator, at 317-371-5259, with questions.
# # #
About the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA)
The Indiana Fire Chiefs Association promotes excellence in the fire and emergency services by providing a forum for networking, information sharing, cooperative opportunities, and a unified voice for our diverse membership and partners through educational, legislative and technical means. More information about the IFCA is located at indfirechiefs.org.
About Volunteer Workforce Solutions
The Indiana Fire Chiefs Association was awarded a SAFER recruitment and retention grant in 2019 to identify recruitment and retention goals, strategies and marketing methodologies that would benefit not only participating departments, but all fire departments in the state. The program will combine traditional recruiting methodologies with Geographic Information system (GIS) based methodologies. The VWS program is also operating in Virginia through the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association and North Carolina through the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs. There is also currently a National VWS effort focusing on diversity and new trainings. More on information about IFCA VWS can be found at www.VolunteerFireIN.org
Contact: Megan Thiele, IFCA SAFER Grant Coordinator, mbthiele76@gmail.com
- Does your fire department need more volunteers?
- Would your department like more community support and visibility?
- Can your volunteer or combination fire department use assistance with its recruitment and retention efforts?
The Indiana Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA) is selecting ten departments to participate in Phase I of the Volunteer Workforce Solutions (VWS) program, which provides research on your jurisdiction, combined with turnkey marketing solutions, to enhance volunteer fire department staffing. In addition, there will be a statewide media campaign and trainings available to all departments in Indiana. Some of the VWS benefits include:
- Leadership support through the development and/or delivery of training and tools focused on the needs of volunteer and combination departments
- Recruitment and retention support, including development of unique recruitment strategies based on the features and characteristics of the community
- Department review to identify issues and challenges influencing the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters
- Strategic planning to increase departments’ visibility, viability and community support
- Customized printed recruitment materials and multimedia support
- GIS Tapestry reports to enhance the marketing and recruiting strategies of departments
All support is provided free of cost to departments; the program is funded by the FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants. If you currently have another SAFER grant, you may still be eligible.
Informational webinars about the program and the application/selection process will be held on Thursday, May 14, at 7:00PM (EST) and Monday, May 18 at 7:00 PM (EST). You can register ahead of time for these free webinars by visiting the program’s website, www.VolunteerFireIN.org.
For more information about the program, including an informational flyer, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) and the application, please visit www.VolunteerFireIN.org. Applications are due Friday, May 29, 2020.
Please contact Shakir Mohammed, IAFC Program Manager, at 703-537-4841, or Megan Thiele, IFCA SAFER Grant Coordinator, at 317-371-5259, with questions.
# # #
About the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA)
The Indiana Fire Chiefs Association promotes excellence in the fire and emergency services by providing a forum for networking, information sharing, cooperative opportunities, and a unified voice for our diverse membership and partners through educational, legislative and technical means. More information about the IFCA is located at indfirechiefs.org.
About Volunteer Workforce Solutions
The Indiana Fire Chiefs Association was awarded a SAFER recruitment and retention grant in 2019 to identify recruitment and retention goals, strategies and marketing methodologies that would benefit not only participating departments, but all fire departments in the state. The program will combine traditional recruiting methodologies with Geographic Information system (GIS) based methodologies. The VWS program is also operating in Virginia through the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association and North Carolina through the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs. There is also currently a National VWS effort focusing on diversity and new trainings. More on information about IFCA VWS can be found at www.VolunteerFireIN.org
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Program Contact
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Megan Thiele Program Coordinator |
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Indiana Fire Chiefs Association Receives SAFER Grant
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA). The IFCA was awarded a SAFER recruitment and retention grant in 2019 to identify recruitment and retention goals, strategies and marketing methodologies. The IFCA will partner with the Volunteer Workforce Solutions (VWS) team of the IAFC to assist communities in achieving a viable and sustainable volunteer firefighting workforce.
Currently, 91.1% of all the fire departments in Indiana use volunteers, and 74.2% are entirely volunteer based. There are only 16,500 volunteer firefighters in Indiana for the 820 volunteer and combination fire departments, according to the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association (IVFA). These volunteer departments are facing a shortage that is reaching a critical level, and they are unable to recruit new volunteers due to departmental budget constraints and socioeconomic issues.
The SAFER grant will assist in the implementation of a statewide volunteer firefighter media campaign, which will include social media and radio ads, a recruitment video/PSA, and a statewide campaign website. In addition, ten departments throughout the state will be selected to receive further assistance, such as customized recruitment materials, a targeted recruitment/retention plan based on geographic information systems data, and more to increase volunteer membership in their communities.
During the first quarter of 2020, an application period will open for interested departments to apply for extra support. The goal is to help improve volunteer firefighter retention, online training, and in-person leadership workshops that will be conducted throughout Indiana and open to all departments to participate.
Serving as a volunteer firefighter is a rewarding experience and a significant way to make a difference in local communities. The skills and knowledge gained as a volunteer firefighter are invaluable and have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others. Local fire departments need volunteers with all skill levels and abilities who are willing and able to respond to emergencies when needed.
For more information about the IFCA, visit indfirechiefs.org. For more details on the IAFC's Volunteer Workforce Solutions program, visit iafc.org/VolunteerWorkforceSolutions.
About the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA)
The Indiana Fire Chiefs Association promotes excellence in the fire and emergency services by providing a forum for networking, information sharing, cooperative opportunities, and a unified voice for our diverse membership and partners through educational, legislative and technical means. Learn more at indfirechiefs.org.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, EMS, terrorism response, hazmat incidents, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public-safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders. Learn more at iafc.org.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA). The IFCA was awarded a SAFER recruitment and retention grant in 2019 to identify recruitment and retention goals, strategies and marketing methodologies. The IFCA will partner with the Volunteer Workforce Solutions (VWS) team of the IAFC to assist communities in achieving a viable and sustainable volunteer firefighting workforce.
Currently, 91.1% of all the fire departments in Indiana use volunteers, and 74.2% are entirely volunteer based. There are only 16,500 volunteer firefighters in Indiana for the 820 volunteer and combination fire departments, according to the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association (IVFA). These volunteer departments are facing a shortage that is reaching a critical level, and they are unable to recruit new volunteers due to departmental budget constraints and socioeconomic issues.
The SAFER grant will assist in the implementation of a statewide volunteer firefighter media campaign, which will include social media and radio ads, a recruitment video/PSA, and a statewide campaign website. In addition, ten departments throughout the state will be selected to receive further assistance, such as customized recruitment materials, a targeted recruitment/retention plan based on geographic information systems data, and more to increase volunteer membership in their communities.
During the first quarter of 2020, an application period will open for interested departments to apply for extra support. The goal is to help improve volunteer firefighter retention, online training, and in-person leadership workshops that will be conducted throughout Indiana and open to all departments to participate.
Serving as a volunteer firefighter is a rewarding experience and a significant way to make a difference in local communities. The skills and knowledge gained as a volunteer firefighter are invaluable and have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others. Local fire departments need volunteers with all skill levels and abilities who are willing and able to respond to emergencies when needed.
For more information about the IFCA, visit indfirechiefs.org. For more details on the IAFC's Volunteer Workforce Solutions program, visit iafc.org/VolunteerWorkforceSolutions.
About the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA)
The Indiana Fire Chiefs Association promotes excellence in the fire and emergency services by providing a forum for networking, information sharing, cooperative opportunities, and a unified voice for our diverse membership and partners through educational, legislative and technical means. Learn more at indfirechiefs.org.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, EMS, terrorism response, hazmat incidents, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public-safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders. Learn more at iafc.org.