Vermont’s first coordinated statewide firefighter recruitment effort.

Operation Mayday is Vermont’s first coordinated statewide firefighter recruitment effort aimed at bringing new firefighters into the Vermont Fire Service.  The program highlights opportunities to serve in the Vermont Fire Service, either as a volunteer, paid-on-call, or career firefighter   It is easy for every fire department in Vermont to participate and there is no cost to the local fire department.

To participate in the program, a fire department first registers on the “Make Me A Firefighter” website.  This is a free resource to advertise your need for firefighters.  A multi-media advertising campaign will direct the community to seek out fire service opportunities using this website.

Next, beginning in March, advertisements will run on WCAX television, the WCAX website, Facebook, and Instagram highlighting the need for new members to join the fire service.  The ads will direct community members to the “Make Me a Firefighter” website and also highlight a statewide recruitment event to take place on May 13, 2023.

We encourage local fire departments to host an open house and recruiting day on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  This event will be your opportunity to recruit in-person and hold demonstrations to spark community interest.

Take these simple steps to participate in this event.

Step 1:  Enroll

Enroll your fire department on the “Make Me A Firefighter” website (www.makemeafirefighter.org).  Enter your opportunities to join the fire service here into a searchable database.  You then have access to customizable marketing materials, resources, tips, and recruitment ideas.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Step 2:  Identify

Identify a recruitment officer for your department to organize and coordinate your local recruiting efforts.

Step 3:  Notify

Notify the Operation Mayday program that you are participating and that you will be holding an open house on May 13, 2023.  We will add you to the list of participating departments.  CLICK HERE TO NOTIFY US

Next, start adversiting locally to notify your community that you are participating by distributing flyers, making social media posts, web postings, and more. 

Step 4:  Host

Host an “Operation Mayday” open house at your fire station on May 13, 2023 where you have an opportunity to meet perspective members, conduct demonstrations, and make the need for help known to the community.  

Need more information?

Click Here for a brochure with more information.

If you need more information about this program, you can contact the Vermont Fire Academy at 802-483-2755.