Springfield volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention was examined for previous 25 years focusing on volunteer membership statistics, volunteer recruitment methods, and length of volunteer retention. Within its history, the Springfield Fire Department (SFD) has transitioned from a fully volunteer fire company to volunteers supported by career firefighters, then to career firefighters supported by volunteers and now, to almost a wholly career tire department. The problem is the SFD has not been successful in the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters. The purpose of this research is to determine what improvements to volunteer recruitment and retention methods are possible during the performance period of SFD's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant.

The following four research questions were answered: a) What is the success rate of the Springfield Fire Department in recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters? b) What is the proclivity of Springfield residents to volunteering as a firefighter? c) How are volunteer recruitment and retention programs implemented by other combination tire departments? d) What volunteer recruitment and retention methods should be integrated in SFD's SAFER grant project? The procedures were based on descriptive research that used data analysis and three survey instruments to establish the basis for recommendations tor what SFD recruitment and retention methods should be improved, changed or remain intact. The results found that recruitment methods need to be more systematic, there needs to be an increase in personal promoting and greater retention incentives need to be offered to stimulate volunteer motivation. Recommendations include developing a volunteer firefighter advisory committee and the designation of a membership coordinator.