Overview
Title
Webinar - Strengthening EMS Teams: Effective Recruitment & Retention Strategies
Description
Join the NVFC for this engaging and insightful webinar designed to help emergency medical service (EMS) agencies tackle one of their biggest challenges: recruiting and retaining dedicated volunteers, including EMTs, paramedics, and support staff. As the demands on EMS grow, agencies must adapt to attract and keep talent across generations. This webinar will explore proven strategies for recruitment and retention, including how to effectively engage volunteers from various age groups, best practices for bridging generational communication gaps, and the power of using modern tools like social media to connect with prospective volunteers. Whether you’re a leader, recruiter, or administrator within an EMS agency, this session will provide you with actionable tips and innovative approaches to strengthen your team and ensure long-term sustainability.
This webinar is sponsored by First Arriving.
Day and Time
May 15, 2025, 1400-1500 EST
Presenters
Walter Campbell
Jonathan Dayton
Eric Quinney
Contact
NVFC: Amanda Tegtmeyer, amanda@nvfc.org, 202-887-5700
Webinar Sponsorship
This webinar is sponsored by First Arriving. First Arriving is the leading marketing and technology partner dedicated to the success of volunteer fire, rescue, and EMS departments, as well as the agencies, associations, and nonprofits that support them. Founded and led by lifelong volunteer firefighters, we understand the unique challenges volunteer organizations face and provide the tools, resources, and services needed to thrive. Our comprehensive solutions—including website development, marketing, recruitment and retention strategies, association management, digital dashboards, and more—empower volunteer departments to grow, engage, and succeed.
Speaker(s)
Walter Campbell
First Arriving
| Walter A. Campbell is a highly skilled recruitment and retention strategist at First Arriving, known for his innovative ideas, strategies, and solutions that help organizations attract top candidates. As a retired US Air Force recruiter, he continues to be enthusiastic about recruiting techniques and focusing on ways organizations can create a more diverse workplace, address equity issues and foster inclusivity. Walter is a certified diversity and inclusion thought leader, recruitment and retention strategist, and morale & humor enhancement professional. |
Jonathan Dayton
Jonathan Dayton is a dedicated leader and committed community servant from Western Maryland, with a strong focus on fire and rescue services. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Maryland Rural Health Association (MRHA), Jonathan is also an active volunteer firefighter/EMT with the Potomac Volunteer Fire Company and Baltimore Pike Volunteer Fire Company. He holds key leadership roles, including Assistant Secretary for the Maryland State Firefighters Association and President of both the Allegany County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office Fire Police.
Jonathan has taught courses on firefighter retention and recruitment all across the United States, from California to Rhode Island, sharing his expertise with fire and rescue organizations nationwide. His passion for building strong volunteer systems has made him a sought-after instructor in the fire service community.
Beyond his volunteer and teaching roles, Jonathan serves on several important public safety boards, including the Maryland Governor’s Emergency Management Advisory Council and the State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness.
A Maryland Licensed Emergency Medical Technician, Jonathan holds an Associate degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University, a BS in Psychology Pre-Medicine from Frostburg State University, and an MS in Management and Leadership from Western Governor’s University. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Public Health at Capella University. Through his work, Jonathan continues to make significant contributions to fire and rescue services, focusing on strengthening and supporting volunteer organizations nationwide.
Eric Quinney
21 years as Chief Administrative Officer for Uinta County Fire and Ambulance, Evanston, Wyoming
9 years as a Wyoming NVFC Director
4 years as Chairman of the EMS/Rescue Section
President, Wyoming Fire Chiefs Association
Treasurer, Wyoming EMS Association
Appointed to the Wyoming Governor’s Advisory Committee on EMS and Trauma
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