The Professional Volunteer Fire Department: Turning a Volunteer Fire Department Around

The Professional Volunteer Fire Department: Turning a Volunteer Fire Department Around

In this episode of the Professional Volunteer Fire Department, host Tom Merrill welcomes Chief John Buchan of the Florissant (CO) Fire Protection District. Buchan shares how he turned a struggling volunteer fire department around in just one year—doubling membership while restoring community trust and morale. Facing low numbers, fractured leadership, and financial mismanagement, Buchan focused on realigning the department’s priorities around its volunteers and the community.
He introduced a fresh organizational structure, created clear avenues for diverse roles beyond traditional firefighting, and reshaped the firehouse into a vibrant hub where members want to be. By actively listening to volunteers’ needs, strengthening mutual-aid relationships, and emphasizing professional yet personal engagement—right down to establishing a kid-friendly firehouse environment—Buchan revitalized a once “ghost town” of a station. This candid conversation highlights practical strategies to recruit, retain, and inspire today’s volunteers while fostering a sustainable, respected, and thriving fire service.