About this episode

Chief Tyson Converse discusses building a positive culture in volunteer fire departments and the importance of leadership and community.

What does it take to build a volunteer fire department where people actually want to serve? In this episode of National Fire Radio, Jeremy sits down with Chief Tyson Converse of the West Glens Falls Fire Department (Queensbury, New York) to discuss the leadership philosophy that has transformed department culture and helped bring **12 new members through the doors in just seven months.** Chief Converse shares why retention starts with respect, how treating members like family creates long-term commitment, and why a healthy culture is the single greatest recruitment tool any volunteer fire department can have. The conversation explores mentorship, leadership, balancing tradition with innovation, and the importance of building an organization where firefighters genuinely want to spend their time. The discussion also highlights West Glens Falls' newest addition to the fleet, an HME Ahrens-Fox Core 62 Spectr II pumper. The department's decision-making process behind selecting a spec apparatus. From hot-dip galvanized frame rails and stainless-steel construction built for harsh upstate New York winters to the practical compromises that shortened delivery time, Chief Converse explains…

People in this episode

Host: Jeremy

Guest: Chief Tyson Converse

Topics covered

• volunteer fire department
• leadership
• department culture
• recruitment
• mentorship
• community

Keywords

• volunteer fire department
• leadership philosophy
• recruitment
• department culture
• firefighter retention
• HME Ahrens-Fox
• community service

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: West Glens Falls Fire Department

Products: HME Ahrens-Fox Core 62 Spectr II pumper

Places: Queensbury, New York

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