Volunteer firefighting and the hard look ahead

Volunteer firefighting and the hard look ahead

July 1, 2025 · 1h 2m · Season 7 · Episode 7

About this episode

David Polikoff and Jason Rivera discuss the challenges of volunteer firefighting, focusing on recruitment, retention, and innovative training methods.

In this conversation, David Polikoff and Jason Rivera discuss the challenges and experiences within the fire service, with a focus on recruitment, retention, and training. Jason shares his extensive background in firefighting, highlighting the importance of community and interpersonal relationships in maintaining volunteer engagement. They explore innovative training methods and incentives that can help attract and retain firefighters, as well as the impact of local training programs and initiatives on recruitment efforts. In this conversation, Jason Rivera and David discuss the evolution of live-in programs in firefighting, the challenges faced by volunteer firefighters, and the importance of hands-on experience in career progression. They emphasize the importance of continuous learning, particularly in special operations, and the value of camaraderie and community service within the fire department.

People in this episode

Host: David Polikoff

Guest: Jason Rivera

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