Webinar - Smarter, Not Harder: Using AI to Support Volunteer Responder Recruitment & Retention
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Artificial intelligence (AI) can be a practical and accessible tool for volunteer fire and EMS departments without being complicated, expensive, or replacing the people at the heart of the fire service. This NVFC webinar presented by Daniel Chapek will explore how volunteer departments can use simple, easy-to-adopt AI tools to support recruitment, retention, and member engagement. Designed for all experience levels, the session focuses on real-world applications rather than technical jargon, including creating recruitment and outreach materials, reaching diverse audiences, organizing and analyzing existing data, supporting grant writing, and assisting with training and onboarding efforts. Participants will gain a clear understanding of what AI is – and what it is not – and leave with practical ideas they can apply immediately, regardless of department size or budget.
Daniel Chapek
With over 20 years in the volunteer fire service, I’ve served as firefighter, EMR, training officer, secretary, and rural board member in eastern Nebraska. I’m currently with the Weston Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department and co-chair the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association (NSVFA) Recruitment & Retention Committee, where I help departments statewide strengthen membership and engagement.
Professionally, I’m the Content Marketing Manager for the Autodesk Tandem team, leading programs that help teams adopt emerging tools—including AI—to improve communication and operations. I bring that same focus on practical, scalable solutions to the fire service, helping small volunteer departments modernize without losing their community spirit.
Over the years, I’ve taught with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and other state level associations throughout the midwest, focusing on recruitment, retention, and technology adoption. My approach is simple: use real examples, stay people-first, and make tools work for the department—not the other way around.
At the end of the day, I believe the strength of the fire service comes from shared experience and a willingness to help each other get better. That’s what’s kept me involved for more than two decades.
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