The OVFA supports Recruitment & Retention of volunteer responders throughout Oregon in many ways. We offer a number of benefits that individual associations may use as enticements to recruit members. We are continually looking at national benefits to bring to Oregon, including the 1-800-FIRELINE program, which allows individual agencies to use this number throughout their district as a toll free information number. The call is answered in our Salem, Oregon, office and local phone numbers and information are given out. We also contact the agency directly and pass on the call’s contact information. We have road signs and posters to augment this program. We are applying for grants as the state association to be used on behalf of all volunteer agencies, and as these grants are awarded we will share this information.
OVFA played an instrumental part in developing the Task Force Report on Recruitment & Retention of Oregon Fire Service. The OVFA will send a representative to your agency to explain the benefits of membership as well as assist you in developing a local campaign. We share information on Length Of Service Awards Programs (LOSAP) and how these can be used as a retention tool. Because our board is comprised of members from around Oregon, we can bring a number of different views and programs to you. Likewise, we have the ability to network with other state associations for information or programs they might have. We are here to serve and, as our motto states, “Represent Those Who Volunteer.”
