By Dr. Candice McDonald
Fire departments nationwide are facing one of their greatest modern challenges—recruiting and retaining the best talent. Successful Volunteer Retention and Recruitment in the Fire Service by Dr. Candice McDonald provides fire service leaders with the proven strategies, tools, and insights needed to build and sustain a strong, committed workforce.
Drawing on years of experience, real-world case studies, and data-driven research, author Candice McDonald offers a practical roadmap to:
- Develop compelling recruitment campaigns that resonate with modern candidates
- Foster workplace cultures that support long-term retention
- Implement mentorship and career development programs that inspire growth
- Navigate generational differences and improve team cohesion
- Build sustainable strategies tailored to overcome unique barriers
From understanding why volunteers leave to creating a game plan that overcomes organizational barriers, this resource addresses the core issues behind staffing shortages and provides actionable solutions for both volunteer and career departments.
Whether you’re a fire chief, recruiter, HR professional, or community leader, this book will help you reignite passion for service, strengthen retention, and ensure your department’s success for years to come.
The future of the fire service starts with the people who power it—this is your guide to finding them, keeping them, and helping them thrive.
