Coffee shop looks to recruit younger volunteer firefighters

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Long before the sun comes up, things are heating up at Second Alarm Brewhouse as it extinguishes thirst with coffee strong enough for America's bravest.

Instead of ladders, they have lattes, and the "hot spot" they're most eager to put out is the drop in volunteer firefighters. Volunteer firefighters respond to fires, medical calls and more, and they also hold community events to bring people together. A recent drop in the number of volunteers has many worried about the ability for volunteer companies to stay open.

"It's absolutely apparent why you're here, what you're here to do, and what we're here for," said Duane McKee, president and CEO of Second Alarm Brewhouse, a nonprofit organization with a master plan. "Eventually, what we'd like to grow into hire recruiters, full-time, 40 hours a week, out in the streets to recruit volunteer firefighters."

The numbers of volunteer firefighters locally, statewide and nationally are dropping. The National Fire Protection Association reported 65% of firefighters were volunteers in 2020 -- that's an 8% drop from the year 2000.

"I think the generations have changed," McKee said.

"There was always, you know, younger guys replacing the older, and the older guys would retire and mentor the younger guys. Well, there's no younger guys," said Justin Kaltz, board member and volunteer at Second Alarm. "(There are) just no young people signing up to be a volunteer. There are some, sure, but not like it used to be."

The Ferndale Volunteer Fire Co. responds to about 200 calls a month. John Long Jr., president of the company, said there are about 400 volunteers who can respond to calls across Anne Arundel County.

"Eighty-five percent of those calls are EMS calls," Long said.

Long said that's about half the number they had five years ago.

"Those who know us appreciate us. After 9/11, we had tons of support. But since then, we have a whole generation now that hadn't even been born yet when 9/11 happened. So, the younger generation -- the 16 to 18-year-olds we would normally bring in as members -- (doesn't) know as much about the volunteer fire service," Long said.

The Anne Arundel County Fire Department also staffs fire companies with paid firefighters to ensure there's someone to respond to calls.

There are several benefits to being a volunteer first responder, including state income and property tax deductions, retirement benefits, scholarship opportunities and more.

Back at Second Alarm Brewhouse, one wall is lined with lights to represent all the volunteer fire companies in Anne Arundel County that flash white when a call goes out. Unfortunately, there are ones that stay red because they no longer have a volunteer company to respond.

"This is our way of proving that the service is struggling because these (red) lights weren't all on 20 years ago. They were all off," Kaltz said.

There are many ways to volunteer that don't involve responding to calls. People can work in administration or fundraising. To find out more, check out a volunteer firehouse near you, and for more information on Second Alarm Brewhouse, visit the following website.