The Third District Volunteer Fire Company in Bristol, Pa., has long been recognized as a cornerstone of the state’s fire service excellence. Known for its premier Tower Truck, the department has built a reputation for professionalism, rigorous training, and preparing firefighters for success on and off the fireground. Despite these strengths, the department faced a familiar challenge: recruiting and retaining volunteer members to sustain its mission.
The department partnered with First Arriving to tackle these challenges, beginning with a strategy session involving leadership and volunteer members. This collaborative meeting revealed a critical issue—losing new members during onboarding. It was clear that the solution needed to go beyond recruitment and create a meaningful connection between the department and its recruits.
First Arriving worked closely with Third District to revamp their approach, starting with a fresh, mobile-friendly website. The new site became a hub for recruitment, showcasing the department’s opportunities and reinforcing its message to prospective members. A professionally produced recruitment video highlighted the department’s dynamic environment and was shared widely on social media platforms.
“The results of our recruitment campaign far exceeded our expectations, thanks to the efforts put forth by the First Arriving Team,” said Third District VFC Treasurer and project coordinator Joe Gasper.
The campaign extended beyond digital strategies, with First Arriving providing offline recruitment tools such as a branded tent, door hangers, and yard signs to strengthen the department’s presence in the community. Social media posts and paid advertising campaigns further amplified the department’s outreach. Regular coaching calls ensured the strategies evolved with ongoing feedback and insights.
Gasper noted, “First Arriving was instrumental in providing the framework that allowed us to recruit more than 20 members during our campaign.“
The campaign’s results were nothing short of transformative. By the end of 2024, the department generated 54 leads, tripling its annual goal of 18. Since the start of the project, it has brought in an incredible 109 leads, achieving over 605% of its original goal. These results reflect a successful campaign focused on connecting with the community and emphasizing the importance of the department’s work, resulting in their ability to both attract and retain the right recruits, rather than continuing to lose new members during onboarding.
The Third District Volunteer Fire Company is now poised for continued growth, equipped with tools, strategies, and a renewed sense of purpose. This campaign demonstrates that volunteer fire departments can overcome the toughest recruitment challenges with the right message and targeted efforts.