Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of Iowa’s emergency response system, especially in rural areas. As the state faces a growing crisis in recruitment and retention, it’s time to take a closer look at the current state of Iowa’s volunteer fire service and why support is urgently needed.

What is the current state of the volunteer fire service in Iowa?

Iowa is home to approximately 16,100 firefighters and remarkably, 14,500 of them are volunteers. These dedicated individuals undergo extensive and rigorous training, respond 24/7, and risk their lives with no financial compensation all for the health and safety of our communities.

An astounding 92% of Iowa’s fire departments are volunteer-based, significantly higher than the national average of 70%. This highlights just how dependent the state is on the volunteer fire service – especially in smaller and rural communities where career departments are financially unfeasible. However, that system is under strain. Iowa currently loses more than 1,000 volunteer firefighters each year, and it is not uncommon for departments to close due to dwindling membership and lack of support.

What is the cost savings volunteer fire departments provide for a community?

Volunteer fire departments offer immense economic value. Nationwide, volunteers save U.S. taxpayers approximately $40 billion annually by delivering fire protection services without full-time salaries and benefits. In Iowa, the estimated annual savings to taxpayers can be as high as $500 million. With 883 of the state’s 942 cities having populations under 6,000 volunteer departments enable these small communities to maintain emergency services without the heavy financial burden of staffing full-time fire departments. This makes the volunteer fire service not only essential for safety–but also for the economic sustainability of hundreds of Iowa towns.

Why is recruitment down?

Recruitment is challenging due to rigorous training as well as inherent dangers of firefighting. Volunteer firefighters have the same training requirements and are exposed to all the same physical, mental, emotional challenges as career firefighters yet without pay or long-term benefits. The significant time commitment required for training, calls, and certifications, alongside family and full-time job responsibilities, further deters potential recruits. As demands rise and incentives remain limited, fewer Iowans are stepping into the boots of their local fire departments.

What does the future look like for volunteer fire departments?

Iowa’s fire service has long relied on volunteers, but many of today’s volunteers move on to career firefighting roles in larger or neighboring cities that offer salaries and benefits. This “brain drain” leaves smaller, rural departments critically understaffed, forcing some to close their doors. When a department shutters, response times lengthen – putting lives and property at greater risk. Compounding the problem, the demand for emergency services is rising: fire-related calls in Iowa have increased in recent years, even as the volunteer ranks shrink. Without new strategies to recruit and retain volunteers, rural communities will face longer delays, higher costs, and more devastating losses.

What incentives are there to become a volunteer firefighter?

At the legislature we work hard each year to provide a variety of meaningful incentives to recruit and retain people to join the volunteer fire department in their respective communities. Currently, volunteer firefighters in Iowa can take advantage of:

-Professional Training: Receive the same comprehensive firefighting, first aid, and emergency response training as career personnel – skills that can boost résumés and open doors in many fields.

-Community Connection: Join a department deeply rooted in its town, giving back to neighbors and forging lifelong friendships through strong camaraderie.

-Personalized License Plates: Order custom fire-department plates to proudly display your commitment.

-$250 State Tax Credit: Claim an annual credit when you file your Iowa tax return.

-Discounted Vehicle Tires: Purchase tires for your personal vehicle at the state’s bulk-buying rate–some volunteers save up to $850 annually.

-NEW THIS SESSION: The LOSAP (Length of Service award Program) just passed this session! This is a national incentive program that states/cities have used for years as a recruitment and retention tool to keep their small departments stable.

How does it work?

This is a voluntary program. If a city chooses to participate the fire chief would annually send the city a list of firefighters who passed the criteria that they established in order to receive this award. The city would commit to giving up to $500 to each firefighter to be put into an account for them and the state will match it. This investment will grow over the years while vesting, hoping to keep firefighters to make a longer term investment in their communities. Municipalities or fire districts contribute to this tax-deferred account on behalf of eligible volunteers. These contributions can be invested, and the earnings accumulate until the volunteer is eligible to receive benefits, after a vesting period. This is happening in many other states and would be a nice addition for a fire chief to present as an incentive and investment as they are recruiting new members. These benefits recognize the critical role volunteers play in keeping Iowans safe and help make the commitment more rewarding – both personally and financially.

LOSAP will need some Administrative Rules established for the program. While the state is working on the rules we are encouraging fire departments to get registered to participate. The first round of awards could be disbursed as soon as Dec 31st and you will need to be registered.

The form can be found at the Iowa Firefighters Association website https://www.iowafirefightersassociation.com/losap-1 or by contacting Pedersonconsulting@gmail.com.

What more can be done?

There are many other incentives we have been working on to help volunteer firefighters. Property tax relief for first responders, discounts on license plate renewals, help with cancer care and mental health support to name a few. We are open to ideas from cities and fire departments to collaborate on ideas to keep your volunteer departments strong!

Cyndi and John Pederson and Libby Crimmings are lobbyists for the Iowa Firefighters Association.