Volunteer Fire Foundation exists to support volunteer firefighters in Northern California and beyond.
Nationwide, 65% of all firefighters are volunteers.
In Sonoma County, that number is 50% and falling – but we’ve never needed them more.
From medical calls to major disasters, volunteer firefighters have our backs – but who has theirs?
Volunteer firefighters have long been the backbone of emergency response throughout Sonoma and neighboring counties but the recent proliferation of mega-fires in California’s North Bay has elevated their role from provincial to central.
Despite their value, volunteer numbers are falling at alarming rates as funding wanes and the expense of local living soars.
Volunteer Fire Foundation exists to meet the real-world needs of volunteer firefighters, from supplies to scholarships and wellness to awareness.
Let this sink in: 85% of fire departments in the U.S. are entirely or mostly volunteer,* including more than half of all fire departments in Sonoma County.
To be clear, volunteer firefighters are highly skilled emergency personnel who complete the same trainings and answer the same calls as their paid peers but without the benefit of a salary, health insurance, or pension.
Most volunteer fire agencies rely on annual fundraisers to keep their lights on – but firefighting is expensive and pancake breakfasts don’t make a dent in their list of needs. Those needs include critical equipment upgrades, recruitment and retention strategies, physical and mental health support, and more. That’s where we come in.
*National Fire Protection Association
There are different kinds of volunteer firefighters, but they’re all indispensable when it comes to protecting Sonoma & neighboring counties
Whether it’s a third-generation volunteer in rural West County or a Geyserville volunteer-intern on a career track, volunteer firefighters serve their immediate communities in profound ways. And when catastrophe strikes, as it has all too often in recent years, volunteer firefighters provide a critical staffing surge when their paid peers need it most.
In our recent firestorms, approximately half of the earliest dispatched engines were staffed with volunteer firefighters who came from every corner of Sonoma County, from the valley to the coast.
Firefighter feedback.
“Thank you for your dedication and services to us. We aren’t used to being taken care of, but that’s what happened! It’s hard to put my gratitude into words but it is extreme.”
— V.B., Gold Ridge Fire District volunteer firefighter
“Thank you for thinking of us yet again! Your strike team supplies just got loaded up in case we deploy out of county for mudslides or other major event… huge help! It’s just an amazing feeling that you are out there supporting us at every turn. Truly heartwarming!”
— Bill Bullard, Graton Fire Chief
“Congrats on the success of the recent wellness days! You and your foundation continue to provide much needed and critical support to our firefighters! Thank You!!!