Why volunteer firefighters do what they do; why they quit
This foundational study examines why volunteer firefighters join, remain with, and leave their departments. Based on qualitative interviews with 35 volunteer firefighters representing 11 departments, the research identified recurring themes involving leadership, communication, family, training, workload, camaraderie, politics, skills, ownership, and organizational support. The study also documents the early development of PEOPLE FIRST™, providing an important historical link between the original volunteer-firefighter research and the later Legacy Engine Research Program.
Citation:
McKellips, T (2026). Reversing the Trend: Why Volunteer Firefighters Do What They Do; Why They Quit. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.25056.07687
Abstract
The following work is a qualitative study which addresses retention and recruiting of volunteer firefighters. The study is performed as a qualitative work which allowed the participants to expand on questions which prior quantitative studies missed. The work then allows one to take on grounded view of the root causes in involving volunteer recruiting and retention. The study reveals that a combination of interrelated issues arise which affects the recruiting and retention areas. Positive and negative themes rising to the top were leadership, communications, politics, camaraderie, and duty. The study reveals an emotional jail which many volunteers are trapped in by seeing a need to stay based on duty but a desire to leave due to negative internal factors. The study also reveals a limit to the hours a person will volunteer before burnout and leaving the service.
About This Research
Title
Reversing the Trend: Why Volunteer Firefighters Do What They Do; Why They Quit
Author
Dr. Tom McKellips, DM
Research Type
Qualitative Grounded-Theory Study
Research Sample
35 volunteer firefighters representing 11 fire departments
Focus
Volunteer firefighter recruitment, retention, leadership, communication, culture, family pressures, workload, training, camaraderie, and organizational conditions.
Purpose
This study examines what attracts people to volunteer firefighting, what supports continued participation, what contributes to withdrawal and departure, and what organizational practices may support recruitment and retention.
Historical Significance
The research documents the original fieldwork and analysis that contributed to the early development of PEOPLE FIRST™ and later Legacy Engine research into volunteer-fire-service sustainability.
Research Questions
What brings volunteers into the fire service? What keeps them involved? What drives them away? What supports recruitment and retention?
