Fire departments nationwide are facing a similar challenge: recruiting and retaining enough qualified staff
The number of firefighters in the U.S. today is the lowest it has been since 1991.
That number has been trending downward yearly for over three decades when the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported roughly a little over a million career and volunteer firefighters. Many factors are at play in this decline, but fire departments nationwide are facing a similar challenge: recruiting and retaining enough qualified staff to meet the needs of their communities.
Once seen as a career path with inherent stability, purpose, and a sense of service, firefighting today is grappling with declining applicant numbers. Over the last few years, many fire service leaders have cited recruitment and retention as top priorities, especially as today’s workforce has different values and priorities than past generations.
Millennials brought their own expectations to the fire service—primarily around work-life balance and professional development—but now, as they step into leadership roles, departments are beginning to see the generational needs of Gen Z. This digital-native generation values innovation, flexibility, and impact. Meeting these needs could mean making changes, both to recruitment tactics and the way departments embrace new technology.
Understanding the New Recruitment Reality
Unlike previous generations, recent trends show us that Gen Z hasn’t naturally gravitated toward the fire service. Firefighting is a dangerous and demanding line of work, and when it also seems outdated and lacks innovation, recruits could fail to see the value it can bring to them and their communities. Today’s candidates are looking for a deeper purpose in their work but are also highly attuned to work environments that offer respect, growth, and flexibility. Some fire service leaders say that to reach Gen Z, departments must align with this generation’s unique expectations for autonomy, inclusivity, and work-life balance.
Gen Z also brings new concerns into career decisions, including job stability, social impact, and economic pressures. They are also highly motivated by technology, efficiency, and autonomy. Nearly 70% of Gen Z employees answered a survey for Adobe saying they would leave their jobs for better technology. Another 70% of Gen Z’s regularly use generative AI and put their trust in technology to help them make informed decisions. By adopting innovative technologies, departments can modernize operations, addressing Gen Z’s needs while enhancing safety and efficiency.
Three Ways to Leverage Technology in Firefighting to Appeal to Gen Z
1. Highlighting the Tools of Tomorrow
When departments adopt cutting-edge solutions, they showcase to Gen Z recruits that they’re stepping into a physically demanding and rewarding career that embraces the latest technology. This transformation turns firefighting into a high-tech, forward-thinking profession that offers a unique and impactful career journey.
Akron Brass and its fellow IDEX Fire & Safety brands are no strangers to innovation. With over a century of experience in the industry, Akron Brass is committed to providing first responders with innovative fire and safety products and solutions. Innovative tools and equipment like SAM™, SAM BOOST™, and the SAM Smart Nozzle, which modernize the fireground experience, can position fire departments as forward-thinking and attractive workplaces that resonate with Gen Z values.
SAM technologies simplify fireground operations, from automated pump operations to precision water flow control. Introducing digital tools into fire service is a natural evolution for a generation raised on technology. Tools like these reduce manual tasks and errors and make firefighting more efficient, allowing firefighters to focus on decision-making and strategic tasks that enhance safety and effectiveness on the scene.
SAM technology is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of Gen Z by:
- Providing advanced technology that is user-friendly and intuitive
- Promoting mobile-friendly platforms and integrated tools
- Introducing innovative approaches to workplace challenges
- Prioritizing technology in job roles
2. Supporting Work-Life Balance and Well-Being
Gen Z is the first generation to openly prioritize work-life balance and mental well-being as part of their criteria in selecting a career path. SAM technology aligns with this by reducing physical and mental demands on firefighters. The system minimizes repetitive tasks, reduces the risk of injury, and gives firefighters tools that provide instant, accurate data, helping reduce on-the-job stress.
By emphasizing technology that supports well-being, departments can signal to prospective recruits that they care about the quality of their work experience and mental health. Studies have shown that dealing with a limited number of tasks lessens the cognitive load. This provides firefighters with more time, which they generally tend to use to reflect on the available options to make the best decision possible on the fireground.
3. Creating a Culture that Attracts and Retains
Fire departments are beginning to recognize that they must offer more than a compelling recruitment pitch—they need a workplace culture that supports recruits from day one. New hires must be valued from the start, treated with respect, and included as part of the team. This inclusivity is critical, as Gen Z has shown they want to feel a sense of belonging and value from their employers.
Technology also helps improve culture. Fire departments with integrated technology and data-sharing platforms empower all members to contribute ideas and insights, enhancing morale and promoting collaboration. When Gen Z firefighters see a culture that values innovation and teamwork, they’re more likely to stay, knowing their voices and skills are respected.
Recruiting the next generation relies heavily on creating a positive workplace culture that encourages them to stay. Departments that value culture see benefits beyond internal satisfaction—they build trust and rapport within the community, which can also improve recruitment efforts.
When departments work to mirror the diversity of the communities they serve, they attract recruits who feel a deeper connection to the job. Community reputation, established through strong relationships and reliable service, creates an organic recruitment pathway. When fire departments cultivate a positive culture and community engagement, they serve their community at their best.
The Role of Culture in Retention and Community Engagement
Enhancing Training to Meet Gen Z Expectations
Training plays a dual role in recruitment and retention. Adopting new technologies in fire departments can transform how recruits are trained, making the process more engaging, efficient, and aligned with the expectations of today’s digital-native workforce.
Using systems like SAM in training allows recruits to experience the latest fireground technology, preparing them to handle real-life emergencies with confidence. With automation support, recruits can focus on decision-making rather than manual tasks, like pump adjustments, which SAM can automate. This allows recruits to learn how to prioritize tasks and analyze situations without being overburdened by technical operations.
Experiencing real-time decision-making through innovative systems helps recruits build situational awareness and improves their ability to respond under pressure. As a result, they can better adapt to the dangers and demands of firefighting.
Furthermore, providing ongoing training with new technologies shows recruits a commitment to their growth and development, an attribute highly valued by this generation. Departments that train both their new hires and leadership to foster respectful and supportive work environments demonstrate a commitment to long-term investment in their people.
By embedding technology into training, fire departments create a robust, immersive learning environment that equips recruits with the skills, confidence, and adaptability they need to excel in today’s firefighting roles. This tech-driven approach speaks directly to the values of Gen Z, fostering an innovative and collaborative atmosphere that enhances individual and team performance on the fireground.
Conclusion: A New Era of Firefighting
Technology like SAM offers younger firefighters a clear path for skill development and career progression. This generation wants to build a career where they can continuously grow, and these tools enable just that—transforming firefighting into a physical role that requires technological proficiency and offers continuous learning. By emphasizing these opportunities, departments can attract candidates eager to grow within a modern, tech-savvy environment.
The recruitment challenges faced by fire departments today are significant, but they are also an opportunity to build a modernized fire service that resonates with the values of the next generation.
Through technology, fire chiefs can show prospective Gen Z recruits that firefighting is not only a career of purpose but also one of progress, inclusivity, and growth. With advanced tools like SAM, SAM BOOST, and the SAM Smart Nozzle, and by fostering a culture of respect and teamwork, departments can create a compelling career path that combines the legacy of service with the promise of innovation.
Ultimately, attracting and retaining Gen Z firefighters means showcasing firefighting as a dynamic field with the tools, support, and community impact they seek. By bridging traditional firefighting with next-generation technology and values, the fire service can successfully navigate today’s recruitment landscape and build a resilient, forward-thinking workforce.
Innovation Firefighters Can Rely On
Since its founding in 1918, Akron Brass has been synonymous with quality, reliability, and continuous innovation. Starting with durable brass fittings and hose nozzles, the company quickly earned a reputation for producing equipment that could withstand the harshest firefighting conditions. The company’s commitment to innovation has been unwavering, consistently developing reliable water flow equipment that firefighters depend on worldwide.
In the early 20th century, when modern firefighting was still developing, Akron Brass’s products became a cornerstone of fire departments across the United States and beyond—redefining how fire departments approach water delivery and control. From the introduction of adjustable flow nozzles to valves designed for precise pressure control, Akron Brass has always been ahead of the curve.
The SAM Smart Nozzle is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation, carrying forward Akron Brass’s legacy by meeting today’s firefighting challenges head-on. As with every product Akron Brass has introduced, the SAM Smart Nozzle is designed to improve efficiency, enhance safety, simplify training, and empower the next generation of firefighters.
By providing nozzle operators with real-time data, independent control, and automated pressure adjustments, the SAM Smart Nozzle redefines what’s possible on the fireground. Firefighters no longer have to wait for water — they can charge their own lines, monitor their water supply, and make critical decisions in the moment.
Additionally, this cutting-edge technology reflects Akron Brass’s dedication to meeting the ever-changing needs of firefighters. By providing a tool that enables quicker, safer, and more efficient firefighting, Akron Brass ensures that firefighters can trust the SAM Smart Nozzle in even the most stressful situations.
If you’re looking for cutting-edge equipment or a fire department seeking to improve operational efficiency, safety, and effectiveness, the SAM Smart Nozzle is an investment that simplifies water flow control while enhancing overall performance.
Empower your team with Akron Brass — where history, technology, and trust come together to protect and serve.
