Every Great Journey Begins with a Conversation:

Margaret Wheatley once suggested that if conversation is going to be started, “Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters.”

All across Chester County, volunteer fire companies are talking to residents about how serving can be an important and rewarding endeavor. At present, two-thirds of all firefighters in America are volunteers, and the need has never been greater than it is now for new recruits. County-wide, fire companies are inviting community members to engage in conversation to learn more about how they can help.

County-wide Recruiting Efforts

A report commissioned by the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics titled “Where Are America’s Volunteers?” explored adult civic engagement with community organizations in all 50 states. The report concluded that since 2005, the national volunteer rate declined from 28.8 percent to 24.9 percent.

Volunteer fire companies are keenly aware of the drop in volunteerism rates, which have created new challenges for many of them. While the reasons for the decline in volunteerism are numerous, the increased demands of life and work are among the most cited.

Chester County Fire Chiefs Association launched a county-wide recruitment campaign tw0 years ago to address the growing need for volunteers. The effort is 100 percent funded through a grant from FEMA. Learn more about it at https://www.helpfightfire.com/

In addition to the usual obstacles preventing more Americans from volunteering, there are specific challenges to firefighter recruitment. As the roles become more complex, additional training, drilling and incident response demands become greater.

That is not to say that volunteerism is not without its rewards. Volunteers who have experienced life-changing moments and rewarding encounters are part of the increased volunteer fire company recruitment effort. By sharing their stories, they help potential volunteers to see the merits of committing to serving their community.

Making a Difference, One Volunteer at a Time

Royce Dorman, a 34-year-old husband of two young children, spent most of his adult years living a much freer and more transient lifestyle. He was able to travel at will and “chase waves” without interruption. Working as an ocean lifeguard in San Diego for much of his 20s, Dorman developed not only a passion for surfing, but also for the lifesaving value of his work as a lifeguard. He pursued the growing interest by training as an emergency medical technician.

Once he married and began having children, he decided to take his training one step further by turning it into a career. When he moved back to Chester County with his family, Dorman began to have conversations with Glenmoore Fire Company about how to sort out his career plan and engage in a volunteer commitment.

“Being involved with the volunteer fire company is very fulfilling in the way that it’s a remarkable opportunity to help my friends and neighbors in times of distress,” he said. “ It’s great to know that when someone dials 911, I am able to respond and be of some kind of assistance, either in a medical situation, vehicle accidents, rescue or fire.”

In addition to completing his EMT training, Dorman earned his Firefighter I certification. Pursing his passion for saving lives opened doors for him, which led to full-time work as an EMT with the Keystone Valley Fire Company and a volunteer firefighter and member of the Quick Response Service Team at the Glen Moore Fire Company.

Dorman is just one of the many dedicated volunteers who make up the Glenmoore Fire Company. Mary McCabe has been a volunteer at the fire company since May of 2017. She also has had an accomplished career as a veterinarian for the last 36 years. Living close to the firehouse, she steadily became interested in getting involved. Through some of the firehouse’s outreach and recruitment events, and through follow-up conversations with her son and some of his friends who already were involved with the fire company, McCabe’s interest was piqued. She attended an open house at Glenmoore three years ago, which was the final piece in the puzzle for her.

“I went into it with some curiosity, but not really knowing what to expect,” she said. “What I found was first, a way to be involved in my community that provides a much-needed service that helps people out in times of crisis; and second, but equally important, a group of people who are dedicated to this service in spite of the hard work and time commitment required. It is a commitment – but also a privilege to be able to do this.”

McCabe and her 19-year-old son are now active members of the fire company. Following EMT training, McCabe has served as a volunteer on the Quick Response Service Team.

Starting the Conversation

While the journeys which brought both Dorman and McCabe to their volunteer experiences were different, there was one similarity: both started conversations with local fire companies that centered on their passions and interests.

Every worthwhile adventure in life begins with meaningful conversation. It is a lesson both are eager to share with other potential recruits.

“It’s a space for me to further my education on emergency situations, which will help me keep my family safe,” said Dorman. “I have two young children and a beautiful wife who I would do anything for. Also, Glenmoore Fire Company has given me the knowledge and opportunity to pursue a career as a first responder, by opening doors and meeting great individuals that have helped me along on this path.”

McCabe credits the volunteer experience with providing her with the kind of personally rewarding situation she was seeking in her life. “The training is interesting, and almost every call is different. I learn something new every time. I really value the chance to be involved in work that benefits others and is challenging, combining problem solving with physical action. The work has allowed me to serve, and hopefully understand my community better. These things are all rewarding and it’s now hard to imagine not being a part of the fire company.”

Interested in starting your own conversation about volunteering with a local fire company? Consider making a call, dropping by or attending a seasonal open house event to learn more. Volunteer information also is available on the Chester County Fire Chiefs website at https://www.helpfightfire.com/