For Millennials and Generation Z, learning and understanding new technologies tends to come naturally. These two generations practically grew up with technology at their fingertips and have become accustomed to having technology present in almost every aspect of their lives—both personally and professionally.
That same energy and passion also comes through when they are seeking job and career opportunities. In a world that is changing culturally and economically with AI and other technologies becoming more and more prevalent, the firefighting industry will likely have to shift how it thinks about encouraging younger people to join a profession they might not know a lot about.
Firefighting is not a career that younger generations have been drawn to for the past several years. This is due in large part because it is often labeled as a career that simply isn’t as technological as many others. As Baby Boomers continue to retire at a high rate, those in leadership in the firefighting industry admit that recruiting the next generation of firefighting leaders continues to be a challenge. Leading to industry-wide changes in how to approach a field that has long been known for its hesitancy to evolve.
The Role of Technology in Fire
In a recent survey conducted by IDEX Fire & Safety in partnership with Lexipol, the teams uncovered the value of embracing technology in the firefighting industry. Earlier this year, nearly 700 firefighters shared their perspective about the future of firefighting and the role technology will play. They were also questioned about other critical issues, including safety and the value of proper training as the industry continues to evolve. Rural and urban fire departments participated in this critical research. The survey indicated something many already know: fire departments face some of the same challenges regardless of their size and location. Now is the time to address what the future of firefighting is going to look like. Waiting will only lead to greater problems.
While the industry is in the midst of some dramatic shifts and changes, technology is proving to be critical in not recruiting Millennials and Generation Z, but it is also helping those already in the industry feel safe when they are on the job.
Take a look at the report below or visit the report here Lexipol and IDEX Fire & Safety Results - Q1 2025
Recruiting with Technology
Despite being labeled as an industry that is not most technologically savvy, those who participated in the survey overwhelmingly support and embrace technology and innovation, and what it can potentially bring to the firefighting industry:
- 86% believe technology will have an impact on the recruitment of future generations of firefighters
- 64% believe that the use of technology plays a positive role in their job satisfaction
Embracing technology will be critical to preparing the next generation of leaders for this dynamic, challenging career path. The industry is competing for the top candidates in roles in science and technology, requiring a new approach to recruitment efforts in today’s competitive job market.
In an effort to support innovative, dynamic recruitment efforts, IDEX Fire & Safety recently launched a recruitment toolkit aimed at helping firefighting leaders find talent for an industry that needs the best and brightest. The toolkit will play a supporting role in helping departments develop a talent pipeline that will ultimately strengthen the entire firefighting industry.
Younger people not only want to make a difference, but they also want technology to be a part of their jobs. For an industry that is evolving, innovation and a new approach to recruitment will be some of the primary ways to get younger people excited about an industry they haven’t typically thought aligned with their areas of interest.
For more on how IDEX Fire & Safety is supporting recruitment, check out the Recruitment Toolkit.
Technology in Dangerous Situations
In firefighting, there isn’t time to overanalyze the situation. In an emergency, firefighters have to act quickly while considering the overall safety of those they are protecting as well as themselves. There is no time to second guess themselves. But now, the role also requires being comfortable with significant technological advancements that the industry has and will continue to see.
Firefighting in the future is going to look very different from what it did just 10 years ago. According to the survey, 87% of respondents indicated that technology has helped them save time in a dangerous situation, while 86% of respondents indicated that technology has helped them avoid or reduce risk in a dangerous situation.
Dedicated to Safety and Innovation
IDEX Fire & Safety noticed this trend early on and has worked tirelessly to develop products that help firefighters become even more efficient.
This dedication to innovation, safety and technology has led to the creation of several products including SAM, SAM BOOST, E3 CONNECT and the Smart Nozzle. These products and technologies put critical data in the hands of first responders at the moment they need it--helping them make critical, often life-saving decisions. Having this data at their fingertips has led to better outcomes for firefighters and the public they are saving.
Nearly 60% of survey respondents said they feel much safer on the job with technology. When firefighters feel safe, the more likely they are going to be able save more lives and property. With the technology that IDEX Fire & Safety is developing, fire crews are able to pay more attention to the scene and the actual emergency rather than having to worry about panel pressure or other maintenance-related issues. The integrated technology allows them to focus on what is most important in the moment—they are always ready.
Preparing for the Future
When respondents were asked specifically about trust and training surrounding technology, they expressed the following:
- 68% indicated that technology is reliable in high-stakes situations, with 26% indicating sometimes and 6% do not think reliable
- 40% feel comfortable using technology on the job and 38% indicated they have received sufficient training
For those who have been in the firefighting industry for an extended period, utilizing technology is new. The products and technologies that IDEX Fire & Safety is implementing are leading to a fundamental shift in the industry.
It’s Time to Embrace Change
Working to bring Millennials and Generation Z into the firefighting industry will require leaders not only embrace technology but also keep an open mind when it comes to how to recruit the next generation. Like generations before them, Millennials and Generation Z have a different perspective about what they want their careers to look like.
The survey data shows there is still some apprehension and uneasiness when it comes to embracing technology. But like any other industry, firefighters need to be willing to embrace change—even if it is in small doses. In an industry that serves the public and saves lives, being left behind simply isn’t an option.
