First Arriving Taps Tiger Schmittendorf to Drive Recruitment & Retention Solutions for Fire/EMS

Newly Created Role of VP, Strategic Services Enhances Company’s Depth in Helping Departments & Organizations Grow Their Ranks

Richmond, Virginia (Feb. 7, 2018) – Lifelong public safety veteran and noted recruitment specialist Tiger Schmittendorf has joined First Arriving in the newly created role of Vice President, Strategic Services for Public Safety.

He joins a talented team of industry professionals focused on helping Fire/EMS Departments, industry associations and non-profits expand their recruitment and retention footprint leveraging the latest best practices, strategies and technology platforms.

“We’re excited to continue our growth by adding Tiger’s incredible experience and idea bank on all aspects of recruitment and retention,” First Arriving Co-Founder and Senior Vice President Chris Hebert said.

Schmittendorf served the Erie County (NY) Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Services for more than 20 years until retiring in January-2018 as Deputy Fire Coordinator. There he was responsible for coordinating the recruitment, training and operations of the county’s 97 fire departments. Schmittendorf created a county-wide recruitment clearinghouse that netted thousands of new recruits. He has been a firefighter since 1980 and is an active Life Member of the Evans Center Volunteer Fire Company in Angola, NY.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to help so many people and agencies realize their full potential for a healthy and growing membership,” Schmittendorf said. “The strategies and solutions we’ll provide will fulfill a vision I’ve long held to serve as mutual aid for marketing the mission of Fire/EMS organizations across the nation.”

Tiger’s initial focus includes working with the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association and Maryland State Firemen’s Association, First Arriving’s latest clients. The company’s work for both associations includes new statewide volunteer recruitment websites, promotional and documentary video creation, branding, and marketing campaign strategy and management.

Schmittendorf can be reached at tiger@firstarriving.com, 716-313-2273.

About Fire Arriving
First Arriving is a leading marketing and technology agency focused on providing solutions for the fire service, EMS, law enforcement and local government. The company works with departments, agencies, county and state associations, national organizations, non-profits and businesses. Learn more about First Arriving at FirstArriving.com, via email getstarted@firstarriving.com or by calling 877-962-FIRE (3743).Read Next: 10 Tips to Drive Volunteer Firefighter & EMS Recruitment in 2018