Introduction to Fire Corps
Fire Corps Mission
• To utilize community members in non-emergency roles
to supplement fire/EMS departments
– Allows first responders more time to focus on training and
emergency response
– Departments able to expand services
– Community members gain understanding of fire/EMS services
and are better prepared in emergency situations
Photo courtesy of Dayna Hilton, Johnson County RFD#1 (AR)
What is Fire Corps?
• Launched December 2004 at the White House
• Fire Corps National Advisory Committee (NAC)
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Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI)
Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA)
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (IABPFF)
International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
International Association of Women in Fire & Emergency Services (iWomen)
International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA)
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International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI)
National Association of Hispanic Firefighters (NAHF)
National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)
North American Fire Training Directors (NAFTD)
Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS)
• Managed by the NVFC
• Promotes a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility
What is Citizen Corps?
• Goal is to unite communities and prepare the nation for
any unexpected situation
• Role of Citizen Corps Councils
– Generate awareness
– Promote Citizen Corps programs locally
– Work together with local fire/EMS departments
• Visit www.citizencorps.gov for more information
Making Communities Safer…
• 63% of departments with Fire Corps programs utilize citizens
for fire prevention efforts and fire & life safety education
Photo courtesy of Dayna Hilton, Johnson County RFD#1 (AR)
Stronger…
• 57% have increased support from the community
• Others have noted increased support from state and local
officials
“We have a growing Hispanic community here in Charlottesville and it's
important for our firefighters to become more familiar with the Hispanic
culture and language so that they can better serve those citizens.”
- Linda Seaman, Charlottesville Fire Corps Director (VA)
Photo courtesy of Charlottesville Fire Corps (VA)
And Better Prepared…
• 41% have more time to train and respond to emergencies
• 68% use citizens for special projects such as hurricane
relief, preparedness, and pre-planning
“We get constant comments from firefighters on how great it is to have a
support program. Anytime we can use a civilian member rather than a
fire department member, it helps.”
- Chief James Heenan, Northeast Teller County Fire Protection District (CO)
Photo courtesy of Dayna Hilton, Johnson County RFD#1 (AR)
Helping Fire/EMS
Achieve More
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Fire prevention/life safety education
Special projects
Fundraising/grant-writing
Assist in rebuilding/cleanup after natural disasters or other
catastrophes
• Rehab/canteen
• Chaplain services
• And more
Photo courtesy of Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department (VA)
Johnson County RFD #1 (AR)
• Comprised of members from local University
• Donated over 5,000 hours since March 2005
• Participate in 300 hours of fire safety training annually
Photo courtesy of Dayna Hilton, Johnson County RFD#1 (AR)
Fire Corps of Utah
• State taking lead to create a state-wide Fire Corps
program to reach 2.5 million people
• Focused on Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) safety and
education
• A partnership between Fire Corps of Utah and
Community Fire Councils
Tomball Fire
Department (TX)
• Retired engineers
• Serving community as pre-plan coordinators
• Completed 100 commercial building pre-plans
• Improves safety of emergency responders
Photo courtesy of Tomball Fire Department (TX)
Macomb Township
Fire Corps (MI)
• Assist department with fire safety education and promotion
• Assist with hose testing and in-station maintenance
• Evaluate, inspect, and install smoke alarms in residential homes
• Instruct residents in the use of fire extinguishers using BullEx Fire
Extinguisher Training System
• Assembled and distribute “After a Fire” kit to fire victims and families
• Teach CPR to public
• Participate in Adopt-a-Road Program
• Created a Rehab Response Team to set up and run rehab at emergency
scenes and large training events
Photo courtesy of Macomb Township Fire Department (MI)
How Can We Help
• www.firecorps.org: number one source for
information about the program
• Get access to:
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FAQs
Implementation tools
Marketing materials
E-update and other news
Program database
Networking opportunities
Program profiles and highlights
Technical Support
• Fire Corps national office staff is available to:
– Answer questions
– Provide resources
– Support your program
• Fire Corps State Advocate Program
– Create awareness of Fire Corps and its mission, opportunities, and
benefits within the state
– Serve as the point-of-contact for registered and potential programs
– Work directly with State Citizen Corps Councils
– Monitor progress and challenges at the local level
Resources
• Fire Corps logo request
• Conference request form
• Example documents provided by other Fire Corps
programs
• Customizable sample documents
• New and innovative ideas and best practices
• Found at www.firecorps.org
Guides & Toolkits
• Fire Corps Department Starter Kit
• Fire Corps Resource Guide
• Fire Corps Liability Guide: Managing the
Unexpected in Fire Corps Activities
• CERT & Fire Corps: Working Together to Build
Stronger Communities
• Getting Started With Firewise Toolkit
• Home Safety Checklist
• All-Ways Fire Safe at Home Module
• 1-800-FIRE-LINE Toolkit for States
Outreach & Marketing
Materials
• Promotional/informational videos
• Community outreach presentation
• Public service announcements
– Video
– Radio
– Print
• Brochures
• Press releases
Highlight Your
Program
• Retain members by highlighting accomplishments
and innovative activities
• Program profile
• Volunteer spotlight
• Use profile information form found at www.firecorps.org
Photo courtesy of Ingleside Volunteer Fire Department (TX)
Grants & Funding
• Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG)
• Fire Prevention & Safety Grant (FP&S)
• Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response
(SAFER)
• Citizen Corps funding
• Local, state, and national foundations
• Visit grant section of Fire Corps web site
1-800-FIRE-LINE
• Toll-free telephone number anyone in the U.S. can
call to find information about volunteer opportunities
in their community
• Recruitment tool
• Publicize 1-800-FIRE-LINE
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Video, radio, and print PSAs
Flyers
Web site banners
And more
Getting Started
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Visit www.firecorps.org for important tools and resources
Perform needs assessment
Designate a leader
Register with Fire Corps
Draft an action plan
Photo courtesy of Ingleside Volunteer Fire Department (TX)
Consider
• Costs:
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Time and/or salary and benefits for program coordinator(s) if paid
Applicant screening
Specialized on-the-job training
Supplies, equipment, uniforms, etc.
Recognition
• Liabilities:
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Consult legal counsel and insurance provider
Utilize liability waiver or release form
Consult other volunteer programs within local government agencies
Applicable liability laws vary by state
Refer to Fire Corps Liability Guide for additional information
Recruiting Volunteers
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Identify key places to recruit
Communicate that department needs assistance
Utilize Fire Corps resources at www.firecorps.org
Stress benefits and rewards for volunteering
Photo courtesy of Dayna Hilton, Johnson County RFD#1 (AR)
Selecting Volunteers
• Communicate your needs to the community
• Use a variety of media outlets to convey your message
• Volunteer application form
– List skills, experience, and availability
– Screen applicants
• Interview
• Accept/decline
Photo courtesy of Macomb Township Fire Department (MI)
Retaining Volunteers
• Provide uniforms
• Recognize volunteer efforts
– Write letters of commendation
– Nominate volunteers for awards
– Post photos of volunteers in action
• Ask for feedback and act on it
Photo courtesy of Macomb Township Fire Department (MI)
Share Your Success
• Participate in Citizen Corps Council
• Research local businesses or other community
organizations as possible partners to support your program
• Submit press releases to local media outlets
• Inform government officials about successes and program
contributions
Thank You!
“When firefighters can stand side by side with citizens
in promoting fire prevention and general safety efforts,
and are able to invite citizens to assist with nonemergency responsibilities, the overall security and
safety of their community is greatly enhanced.”
7852 Walker Drive, Suite 450
Greenbelt, MD 20770
1-888-FC-INFO1 (324-6361)
202-887-5291 fax
Info@firecorps.org email
www.firecorps.org
- Chief R. David Paulison
Former U.S. Fire Administrator and FEMA Director
Questions?
Photo courtesy of Dayna Hilton, Johnson County RFD#1 (AR)