July 23, 2025 (Ocala, FL) In support of recruitment efforts within the changing firefighting industry, IDEX Fire & Safety today announced the launch of its recruitment toolkit. As Baby Boomers reach retirement age and begin to transition out of the industry at a fast rate, recruiting and preparing the next generation of firefighting leaders is a top priority for fire departments across the country. Recent NFPA research shows there has been a 4% decrease in the number of firefighters across the country. This is the lowest quantity reported since 1991, primarily due to a significant drop in the number of volunteer firefighters.
In an effort to allow firefighters to make decisions based on data and become more efficient, technology is playing a much more significant role in the industry. These changes are motivating leaders to rethink their approach and overall recruitment efforts, leading to an evolution in the industry. As an industry leader, IDEX Fire & Safety is dedicated to creating products and technologies that can assist in helping fire departments recruit younger candidates who are digital natives.
"It takes a truly exceptional person to step into a leadership role in the firefighting industry. At IDEX Fire & Safety, we are committed to helping fire departments identify and recruit the best and brightest talent, stated Milla Austin, Director of Marketing and Sales Enablement for IDEX Fire & Safety, North America. “At a time when wildfires and other natural disasters are becoming more common, it is vital to have a bench of firefighting talent ready to step up. Having the proper recruitment techniques in place is the only way we will be able to adequately fill the bench. When our fire departments are fully staffed and properly functioning, our communities are safer.”
The toolkit includes several elements including videos, brochures and tips for how fire department leaders can speak about the technological advancements the industry is currently experiencing. Bo Cheney, a former fireman and paramedic who now works as a recruiter across the country played a critical role in helping lead and design the development of the toolkit.
“Whether fire departments are large or small, they are all facing a lot of similar issues --staffing being one of most pressing. I have worked as a firefighter and paramedic for more than 20 years. This industry has played a big role in shaping me personally and professionally. Today our industry is in the midst of a significant transformation,” stated Bo Cheney, with the Chair of the Human Relations Committee for AFFI (Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois). “As Baby Boomers retire and technology begins to play a larger role in our day-to-day operations, recruitment is more important than ever. It’s essential for leaders to adopt a fresh perspective on how to attract and retain the next generation of firefighters. The toolkit developed by IDEX Fire & Safety is the first step in helping fire departments plan for the future.”
To view the entire toolkit visit: https://www.idexfiresafety.com/recruitment/toolkit
About IDEX Fire & Safety
IDEX Fire & Safety brings trusted brands together to deliver innovation in both customer experience and integrated solutions that revolutionize performance and technology to make the fireground and rescue scene safer. Our brands include Akron Brass, Alco, AWG, Captium, Class 1, Dinglee, Godiva, Hale, HURST Jaws of Life ® , Godiva, Lukas, SAM, Vetter and Weldon. The IDEX Fire & Safety brands represent business units of IDEX Corporation [NYSE: IEX], an applied solutions company specializing in fluid and metering technologies; health and science technologies; and fire, safety and other diversified products.