SAFER 2008

The focus of this grant is to assist the Fire Departments in Western Oklahoma to recruit candidates for volunteer firefighter.  It is interesting that only about 10% of all who inquire actually become a volunteer firefighter.  Many factors weigh in on this issue, but it seems the most frequent is the candidate doesn't follow up with the Fire Chief or drop interest because they weren't put on a department within the first week they inquired.

Dwindling population is a primary factor with the ready pool of volunteers diminishing with the number of residents.  Unfortunately, the need for firefighters remains the same... hence this project to provide on-site recruitment for local Fire Departments at their annual festivals, fundraisers and at county fairs.

If you are a Fire Chief in a department that operates West of I-35 and you would like the OSFA to setup a recruiting booth at your event, please call 1800-FIRELINE, or 405-424-1452 and ask for Jimmy Edwards, Grant Coordinator.  We try to make as many events as possible. 

If we setup at a county fair, we recruit for ALL of the departments for the county and not just for the city or town the fair is being held.  Certainly, with the 800-FIRELINE in place, we recruit for the entire state of Oklahoma!