Workforce development relates to the process of hiring, training, and acclimatizing employees to their work. For first responders, this involves the efforts of fire and rescue departments to recruit and retain employees through creating a work environment that is conducive to the physical and emotional well-being of all members. It also involves ensuring that the training new recruits receive and the continuing education seasoned employees pursue is of high quality. Fire departments must ensure that the day-to-day job duties performed by rank-and-file are in alignment with community needs and demands while maintaining the health and safety of the worker.

The United States fire and rescue service faces significant challenges that serve to hinder the rate of recruitment and retention within the workforce. Firefighting and EMS response are inherently dangerous professions—the risk of physical injury, psychological stress, and cancer are known occupational hazards. Issues like aging populations, suburban growth, natural disasters, and the rising rate of EMS calls contribute to an increasingly stressed and under-resourced workforce.

Domain 1 of the 2021 National Fire Service Research Agenda provides a comprehensive guide on how the fire and rescue service can strengthen recruitment, retention, and advancement within the fire and rescue service by addressing organizational culture of inclusion. This highlights the importance of having consistent metrics across departments to measure culture of inclusion effectively. By improving this metric, organizations can reap the benefits of a diverse workforce—higher job satisfaction, stronger connections with the community, and improvements in quality of service.

In alignment with these priorities, FIRST is leading important research, education, and practice to help fire and rescue departments bolster their workforce recruitment and retention efforts. Our goal is to help these organizations assess their culture of inclusion and their readiness to implement positive changes. We conduct assessments through surveys, interviews, and focus groups. We provide resources, including model policies, training and education, and evidence-based interventions, that can be helpful when creating a vision for workforce development and enacting change.

FIRST is engaged in several research, education, and practice interventions to help the fire and rescue service with workforce development:

Training and education

• FOCUS Culture Camp
• Workplace Violence (WPV) Prevention for First Responders online course and Practical Strategies
• CAMP-FIRE 
• Data competencies

Recruitment and retention

• Recruitment and Retention Assessment

Shift work

Healthcare and all hazards