Why Volunteer Firefighters Matter More Than Ever in Maryland Communities
About 65% of firefighters in the United States are volunteers. According to the National Fire Protection Association, roughly 676,900 of the nation’s 1,041,200 firefighters serve in a volunteer capacity.
That means the majority of people responding to fires, vehicle accidents, and other emergencies across the country are not full-time career firefighters. They’re your neighbors, coworkers, students, parents, and even retirees, who step away from their daily lives to protect the community they call home.`
The Kensington Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) is proudly part of that percentage. KVFD firefighters volunteer their time to protect Kensington and the surrounding Montgomery County, MD communities by responding to emergencies and supporting public safety efforts year-round.
For many communities like Kensington, volunteer firefighters are not just helpful, they are essential. As we celebrate National Volunteer Month in April, it is the perfect time to recognize just how important volunteer firefighters are and why their role continues to grow more vital every year.
Why So Many Communities Depend on Volunteer Firefighters
Across the United States, approximately 85% of fire departments rely entirely or partially on volunteer firefighters. These departments protect millions of residents, particularly in suburban communities and smaller towns, where maintaining a fully career fire department would be financially difficult.
Volunteer firefighters help ensure that communities have reliable emergency response coverage, even when budgets or staffing levels are limited. Many departments rely on volunteers to respond to fires, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, and rescues that occur at all hours of the day.
Volunteers also help departments expand their capabilities without placing additional financial strain on local governments. Studies estimate that volunteer fire departments collectively saves communities nearly $140 billion each year in personnel costs. Without volunteer firefighters, many communities would face difficult choices — including higher taxes, reduced emergency services, or longer response times during critical incidents.
Volunteer Firefighters Are Needed Now More Than Ever
Despite their importance, volunteer fire departments across the country are facing a long-term decline in membership. In 1984, the United States had nearly 898,000 volunteer firefighters. Today that number has dropped to about 676,900, even though the population has continued to grow.
As communities expand, so does the demand for emergency services. Fire departments are responding to more calls than ever before, including medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, and rescues, in addition to fires. Meeting these growing demands requires extensive training and a significant time commitment from volunteers.
Many balance emergency response with full-time careers, college classes, and family responsibilities, while still stepping up when their community needs help most.
As a result, fire departments across the country are facing a widening gap between the number of emergencies occurring and the number of volunteers available to respond.
Learn how KVFD Volunteers Balance Life, Work, and Service.
Where Community and Emergency Response Meet
One of the defining characteristics of volunteer fire departments is their close connection to the communities they serve. Unlike many career departments, volunteer firefighters often live, work, or attend school in the same areas where they respond to emergencies. They’re protecting familiar streets and supporting the places they call home.
That connection often extends beyond emergency calls. Volunteer fire departments frequently participate in community events, public safety demonstrations, and local outreach programs that help residents stay informed and prepared.
At KVFD, that connection is part of everyday life. From the department’s annual Open House and summer movie nights to visiting local schools for fire safety demonstrations, these events give residents a chance to meet the firefighters who serve their community while learning important safety information. Our members reflect the community they serve and help strengthen the relationship between the fire department and the people it protects.
Building the Future of Volunteer Fire Service
Volunteer fire departments like KVFD depend on community members who are willing to step up and serve. As emergency calls continue to increase and volunteer numbers decline nationwide, the need for dedicated volunteers has never been greater.
If you are interested in learning new skills, working as part of a team, and making a real impact in your community, becoming a volunteer firefighter could be the right opportunity.
No prior experience is required. The Kensington Volunteer Fire Department provides professional training, hands-on experience, and flexible opportunities for members who want to get involved. We are also recruiting volunteers for administrative support roles, offering additional ways to serve the community behind the scenes.
To learn more about volunteer firefighter opportunities and member benefits, visit kvfd.org/join. Have questions? Contact recruiter@kvfd.org.
