The Current State of Recruitment & Retention at #MACoCon

Recruiting and retaining first responders of any type is an increasing challenge nationally. Experts discussed the current landscape and road ahead. 

During the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions, MACo took on the mantel of supporting first responder recruitment and retention efforts. The bulk of that work focused on firefighters and EMS, but finding the labor to staff emergency response departments is becoming an increasing challenge. MACo’s “Future First Responders: The Current State of Recruitment & Retention” panel dove into the challenges and solutions to Maryland’s first responder problem.

Tom Coe, Frederick County Fire Chief shared challenges in the volunteer service:

  • Volunteers are aging out of service
  • Many choices to be active in your communities
  • Mobility of the household
  • Affordable housing
  • Fire/EMS training demands

Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Chief Police Chief shared the climate and recruitment challenges of local policing:

  • Perception of Policing
  • Danger of Policing
  • Post COVID Employment Issues
  • Competition with other Agencies

Panelists described challenges facing Maryland’s first responders and explored solutions that state and local leaders can implement to ensure the safety of our communities. The panel recommended a number of solutions like local governments starting earlier and younger with recruitment. As well as creating a culture and environment that people want to work in by having a “listening culture.”

Description: For decades, the number of individuals starting careers as a first responder (EMS, fire, or police) has declined considerably. Historically these positions were competitive, but increasingly, counties are unable to fill their ranks. The 2023 Commission to Advance & Strengthen Firefighting & EMS in Maryland pointed to historic decreases in recruitment and retention, with trends projected to only get worse. Hear from experts about the headwinds currently facing Maryland’s first responders, and what state and local leaders can do to keep residents safe.

Speakers:

  • Tom Coe, Fire Chief, Frederick County
  • Bob Phillips, Maryland State Firemen’s Association
  • Robert McCullough, Police Chief, Baltimore County Police Chief
  • Andrew Nicklas, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs & Policy, Maryland Hospital Association
  • Anthony Rosano, Director, Division of Emergency Management, Frederick County

Moderator: The Honorable Dana Jones, Maryland House of Delegates