I was a member of a volunteer fire dept. for 15 years and was Chief for 2.5 of those. In my honest opinion the greatest challenge facing the volunteer fire service today is the recruitment and retention of members. Particularly difficult to obtain are those members who are of an appropriate age to be able to fight a fire. The fire service is so laden with training and and government mandated responsibilities that most people don't have the time or desire to participate. About 70% of this nation's fire fighting force is volunteer but that number is decreasing. Keep it up, get your training and serve your community! I applaud you!

Brian