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5 – Solutions and Mitigation
Paid Administration
How can indivuals and groups support the volunteer firefighter’s concerns and mitigation advisory committee.
Paid Administration
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Paid administration can show genuine respect for local volunteer firefighters by backing words with consistent, visible actions. Here are practical, meaningful ways to do that:
Encourage the elected official to form a volunteer firefighter’s concerns and mitigation advisory committee.
- This should not be a concern for you unless you are unsure of your work ethic or you are a micromanager.
- Volunteer firefighters require different types of management skills; they require unique management skills.
- Embrace the volunteer firefighter’s concerns and mitigation advisory committee.
- Become part of the team for the community.
Respect Their Time and Service
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Avoid excessive paperwork or meetings that don’t add value.
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Be flexible with training schedules and deadlines.
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Acknowledge that volunteers are donating time that others are paid for.
Treat Volunteers as Professionals
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Include volunteer officers and representatives in planning meetings, policy discussions, and after-action reviews.
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Share information transparently so volunteers aren’t the last to know about decisions that affect them.
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Speak about volunteers publicly with the same respect given to career staff.
Support Them With Resources
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Ensure volunteers have safe, up-to-date equipment, PPE, and apparatus.
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Fund training, certifications, and continuing education without unnecessary barriers.
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Make scheduling, reporting, and administrative requirements realistic for people who also have full-time jobs.
Recognize and Appreciate Contributions
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Publicly recognize volunteers at council meetings, town events, and in official communications.
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Celebrate milestones, years of service, and notable calls.
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Support awards, appreciation events, or small benefits (stipends, tax relief, fuel cards, or LOSAPs where possible).
Advocate for Them
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Defend volunteer departments when budgets or policies are discussed.
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Push back against unfair criticism or misinformation from the public.
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Actively seek grants and funding opportunities on their behalf.
Build Trust Through Consistency
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Follow through on promises.
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Apply policies evenly and fairly between paid staff and volunteers.
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Address conflicts privately and respectfully, not through rumors or public reprimands.
Listen—and Act
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Regularly ask volunteers what they need and what’s not working.
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Take feedback seriously and show how it influences decisions.
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If something can’t be done, explain why honestly.
Lead by Example
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Attend drills, ceremonies, and funerals when possible.
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Be visible at stations and community events.
- Show personal gratitude—simple thank-yous from leadership go a long way.
At its core, respect means recognizing that volunteer firefighters are not “free labor,” but trained professionals who choose to serve their community. When administration demonstrates that understanding through action, trust and morale follow.