This is a Hustle Worth Having. 🚒💪
Today, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) launched a national volunteer firefighter recruitment campaign targeting the next generation of firefighters who can serve communities across the United States. 🇺🇲
“A Hustle Worth Having” is an edgy, fresh recruitment campaign targeting Gen Z and Young Millennial audiences who have never considered themselves for the role of a volunteer firefighter. The national campaign showcases volunteering as a firefighter is not just an act of service, it’s a fulfilling and energizing side hustle that gives back.
This national recruitment campaign is funded through a FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant, and has been developed over several months of data collection and research with firefighters and emergency responders across the country.
This campaign is authentic, utilizing real volunteer firefighters sharing their personal stories, highlighting the heart, teamwork, and fulfillment that come from showing up when it matters most. 🫶
🔗 Join us today. ahustleworthhaving.org
#HustleWorthHaving #volunteerfirefighter #communityservice #fireservice #InternationalAssociationofFireChiefs
👏 Please join us in welcoming our new CEO, Chief Donna Black! 📄 Read the official press release here: /about-iafc/press-releases/press-release/iafc-appoints-donna-black-as-chief-executive-officer
🔥 WUI Registration is Now Open! 🔥 Get ready—2026 is bringing new experiences, fresh learning opportunities, and an exciting lineup you won’t want to miss.
✅ Reserve your spot today: iafc.org/wui
📅 And mark your calendars—here’s what’s coming in 2026… iafc.org/events
❤️🚒 Congratulations to the Heart Safe Community Award Winners!
🏅 Small–Mid-Sized Community: Milton Fire Rescue, Milton, GA
🏅 Large Community: Montgomery County, MD
Join us as these outstanding communities are recognized at Fire-Rescue Med
📅 May 19–21, 2026 | 📍 Glendale, AZ
👉 Register now: iafc.org/frm-crr
🏆 Congratulations to the 2026 James O. Page Award recipient! We are proud to recognize Chief David Bryson for this distinguished honor.
Join us as he is formally presented with the award at Fire-Rescue Med
📅 May 19–21, 2026 | 📍 Glendale, AZ
👉 Register now: iafc.org/frm-crr
The National Fire Academy is Open for Classes! Take the next step in your professional development with world-class training and education designed for today’s fire and emergency service leaders.
Explore courses and secure your spot today:
👉 https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/nfacourses/catalog/search?availability=2
🗳️ IAFC Voting Has Begun! Make your voice heard. Check your eligibility and participate in shaping the future of the IAFC. Not a voting member—or not yet a member? There’s still time to join and vote. Deadline: May 10 👉 Learn more & join: iafc.org/membership
🕯️ National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
The IAFC was honored to pay tribute to our nation’s fallen heroes. In attendance were IAFC President Chief Trisha Wolford, Past Presidents Chief Josh Waldo and Chief John Butler, and IAFC CEO Chief Donna Black.
We stand together in remembrance, honoring the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of those who gave their lives in service to others. Their memory will never be forgotten. iafc.org
Sound the alarm!!! The Garden State is underway with their IAFC Recruitment & Retention Certification class. @oakhurst_fd
If you missed this one, we will be back in October!!!
Interested in hosting in your state, please reach out at [email protected]
Gardner State, WE ARE HERE!!!!
New Jersey asked IAFC to “pull-up” with our Recruitment and Retention Certification course, so we did just that!
S/O to Chief Brian Valentino and Oakhurst Fire Department for hosting tomorrow’s class, May 2!
Where can we “pull-up” next?
If you want to host a class, please send an email to: [email protected]. In the subject line, say, “Pull-up” and reference either of these three courses:
* Building Collaborative Teams
* Recruitment and Retention Certification
* Helping Members Find Their Spark Through Mentoring
They are FREE99!!! A syllabus for each course is available upon request.
See you soon!
