Recruitment and Retention Grant Program Initiative Firemen’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania 2017 Recruitment and Retention Grant Program Initiative Summary of Activities & Results The Firemen’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania’s SAFER Grant to enhance recruitment and retention for Pennsylvania’s fire and EMS Community was kicked off at the 2014 annual state convention with a presentation and announcement regarding the program. As part of this program, a local grant opportunity is being provided. The Firemen’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania (FASP) offer recruitment and retention grants to fire and EMS agencies in Pennsylvania as part of a comprehensive SAFER Grant. To date, the program has released $75,000 in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Details include, by accepting this grant, the agency hereby agrees to provide a report to the Firemen’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania Administrator or funds will be returned to the Association. The report form for completion is within the grant request. The maximum amount of the grant is $5,000. Grants will be awarded for fire/EMS agencies who want to customize and implement the core recruitment marketing materials developed by FASP. The funds can be used to customize the materials based on local recruitment issues as well as to pay for printing costs associated with the materials. The expected goal is that you will be able to recruit at least one qualified person for specific purposes. To qualify THE AGENCY (FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT) MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. These are the stories of the 2017 grant award recipients. Project managed by

Abington Township Fire Department $5,000 Grant Activity: Design, write content, layout, photography, and printing of 1,000 copies of a full color, six panel, tri-fold brochure. The Abington Township Fire Department in Montgomery County received a $5,000 grant. The funds were used to design, write content, layout, photography, and printing of 1,000 copies of a full color, six panel, tri-fold brochure. The brochure was distributed to elected officials and is distributed at numerous events attended by fire department personnel. They are extremely active at community activities. 6 new firefighters were recruited in the limited time it has been used as of this release. Result: 6 new firefighters

Alburtis Volunteer Fire Company $5,000 Grant Activity: Retention incentive request to equip a gym for firefighter use. All members were provided access. The Alburtis Volunteer Fire Company, Lehigh County received a $5,000 grant. Their greatest concern was retaining existing members. When asked, members indicated a desire for exercise equipment in the station. The equipment was provided with access made available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, - at the convenience of the member. The fire company reports all current members were retained, but the action did not result in new members being recruited. Result: 0 new firefighters 0 new support members However, ALL existing members were retained

Buchanan Valley Volunteer Fire Department $5,000 Grant Activity: Promotional materials Post cards, magnets, cups, Retention items for performing activities, events, etc. Hats, coffee mugs, cups, aprons, t-shirts The Buchanan Valley Volunteer Fire Department in Orrtanna, Adams County, PA recruiting 10 new junior firefighters via a mailer and open house, the mailer also added 10 new members interested with fund raising and station activities. Items were provided existing members that incented them to stay and continue to contribute. NO members left during the past year. Result: 5 new firefighters 20 new support members

Burgettstown Volunteer Fire Company $5,000 Grant Activity: Recruitment materials developed Awards event conducted for recognition and retention of members Morale and interest reportedly improved The Burgettstown Volunteer Fire Company, Washington County, received a $5,000 grant. The fire company used the funds to first develop printed materials which aided the recruitment effort. Items were purchased as part of the recruitment effort which also served as retention incentives. An awards event was held for retention purposes to recognize and honor members for their hard work and commitment. This reportedly helped the morale of the current members and interested others in joining. Various awards and incentives were provided to members at the award event. The Fire Company reports that four (4) firefighters were recruited as part of the campaign as well as one (1) support member. Result: 4 new firefighters 1 new support member

Chester County Fire Chiefs Association $5,000 Grant Activity: Revamped recruitment website for county-wide use Promotional /Marketing materials created and released www.helpfightfire.com The Chester County Fire Chiefs Association received a $5,000 grant. Chester County has revamped their recruitment website www.helpfightfire.com. Promotional items were also obtained to promote the program, marketing volunteer firefighting throughout the county at carnivals, fairs, community outings, etc. by the committee as well as the local fire companies. 12 new members were recruited county-wide, with recruitment efforts on-going using these promotional items. Result: 12 new firefighters county-wide

Delaware County Fireman’s Association $5,000 Grant Activity: Develop & release county-wide recruitment and retention website https://fightdelcofires.com The Delaware County Volunteer Fireman’s Association supports 67 fire companies in suburban Philadelphia. The funds were used to develop a county-wide recruitment and retention website, which went live in February 2017. The website includes information on why volunteer, ways to volunteer, frequently asked questions about training, age requirements, etc., information on the Delaware County Firemen’s Association and an online inquiry/interest section. In the first four months of operation, 3 new firefighters were recruited and 1 new support member was recruited. Result: 3 new firefighters 1 new support members

East Petersburg Volunteer Fire Company $5,000 Grant Activity: Grant used to support four fire companies. Obtain pop-up tents, tables, multiple handout materials and logowear for use at events and to promote their “Why Not You?” program. East Petersburg Volunteer Fire Company in Lancaster County was awarded a $5,000 grant on behalf of the East Petersburg, Mountville, Rohrerstown and West Hempfield Fire Companies, to supplement their ongoing recruitment and retention efforts. The companies used the fund to obtain pop-up tents, tables, multiple handout materials and logowear for use at events and to promote their “Why Not You?” program. They report seven (7) new members were recruited and four (4) new support members were recruited. Result: 7 new firefighters 4 new support members

Franklin Borough Volunteer Fire Company $5,000 Grant Activity: Electronic billboard advertising Yard signs The Franklin Borough Volunteer Fire Company in Cambria County received $5,000. The funds were used to initiate an electronic billboard advertising campaign and to obtain and distribute yard signs. The advertising campaign just began as the grant close out took effect and it was too early to determine any success. Result: Recruiting/Advertising campaign just began at grant close out, not enough time to evaluate success

Greenwood Hose Company #1 $5,000 Grant Activity: Develop and release a strategic direct mail effort Banners to use in local businesses Officers indicated the effort generated significant interest in a small community. The Greenwood Hose Company #1 of Moosic PA, Lackawana County received $5,000 to develop and implement a strategic direct mail effort to reach close to 6,000 residents in Moosic Borough and edge portions of the city of Scranton, Pennsylvania; attempting to recruit for all types of positions. The organization purchased 3 display banners as well to be placed in local businesses on a rotating basis. The fire company reports that the effort generated significant interest in their small community. Two (2) new firefighters were recruited. Result: 2 new firefighters 0 new support members

Goodwill Fire Company of Trexlertown $5,000 Grant Activity: Website updated & enhanced for recruitment Implemented numerous retention items Firefighter of the month Awards for various activities Training awards The Goodwill Fire Company of Trexlertown, Lehigh County received a $5,000 grant. The grant was used to first update and enhance its website to be more recruitment oriented for both firefighters and support members. Next they focused on retention including Firefighter of the month recognition, Awards for various activities performed and training awards The fire company reports that the effort generated significant interest resulting in Eight (8) new firefighters being recruited as well as three new members to their ladies auxiliary support team. Result: 8 new firefighters 3 new support members (Ladies Auxiliary)

Hastings Volunteer Fire Company $5,000 Grant Activity: Designed, created, installed and used a recruitment and retention sign Hosted a recruitment & retention awards thank you dinner, and outing. The Hastings Volunteer Fire Company in Cambria County received $5,000. The company designed, created, installed and used a recruitment and retention sign for use in the community and held a recruitment & retention awards thank you dinner. 1 new firefighter, and 1 new support member joined and all current members were retained. Result: 1 new firefighters 1 new support members All current members retained

Malvern Volunteer Fire Company $5,000 Grant Activity: Obtained and developed promotional recruitment & retention materials The Malvern Volunteer Fire Company in Chester County received a $5,000 grant. The fire company The company Obtained and developed promotional, recruitment & retention materials The company also started an explorer program (joint venture with the Boy Scouts of America) to create interest and develop a “pipeline” of younger recruits that will hopefully develop into senior volunteer firefighters and EMS responders. The fire company reports that 6 new firefighters and 12 new support members were obtained. Result: 6 new firefighters 12 new support members

Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department $5,000 Grant Activity: Mail recruitment flyers to every address in the district Advertise on social media (paid ads) Purchase recruitment signs Provided incentives to existing members who displayed commitment and dedication to the organization The Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department in Franklin, Venango County Pennsylvania received a $5,000 grant. The funds were used to: - Mail recruitment flyers to every address in the district - Advertise on social media (paid ads) - Purchase recruitment signs, and - Provided incentives to existing members who displayed commitment and dedication to the organization The company reported it just started the recruitment effort and it is too early to determine new members. Result: program just introduced too early to determine

Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company $5,000 Grant Activity: Obtained Special Events Tent Obtained Digital Display Sign Conducted public events The Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company, Montgomery County, received a $5,000 grant. The funds were used to obtain a special events tent for use at community events and a digital display sign for regular recruiting messaging. The recruiting/advertising campaign just began at grant close out and not enough time was available to evaluate success Result: Recruiting/Advertising campaign just began at grant close out, not enough time to evaluate success

West Bradford Fireman’s Relief Association $5,000 Grant Activity: Obtained and used a tent at community functions and recruitment events. T-shirts and sweatshirts were provided as retention recognition to members who assisted in recruitment activities. The West Bradford Firemen’s Relief Association, Chester County, received $5,000. The money was used to purchase a tent for use at recruitment events and community functions. Retention recognition was provided through t-shirts and sweatshirts were used for members to advertise participation in the organization. Five new applicants were obtained as firefighters and one new support member was secured. Result: 5 new firefighters 1 new support members

2017 FASP Recruitment and Retention Grant Program Summary $75,000 committed in grant money 15 fire/EMS agencies & 83 members as follows: 46 firefighters, 0 live-in members 10 junior firefighters 0 fire police and 27 active/support members. The FASP offered 15 grants in 2017 totaling $75,000. The results were recruitments of a total of 94 new members statewide; 53 firefighters, 0 live-in members, 10 junior firefighters, 0 fire police and 31 active/support members.