For over 120 years, Rocky Hill Fire Department has protected the lives and property of the residents of Rocky Hill and the surrounding communities. Now, it seeks to grow its base of volunteers within the community. Rocky Hill Fire Department is happy to unveil the launch of its federally-funded recruitment campaign, aimed at expanding the volunteer firefighter base and increasing community involvement via JoinRockyHillFire.org
Averaging well over 200 emergency calls a year, Rocky Hill Fire is seeking eager, dedicated members of the community, ready to learn and deliver life-saving emergency services to those in need. Firefighters respond to emergencies ranging from structural fires to vehicular accidents to swift water rescue operations. No experience is required to join, and training and gear will be provided at no cost.
To kick off the recruitment campaign, volunteers participated in the brand development process, which led to the tagline “Tradition. Community. Pride.” The tagline, representing the guiding principles of a Rocky Hill volunteer, will be incorporated into all print and digital marketing materials, striving to inspire residents within the community to volunteer with the fire department.
“Being a member of the Rocky Hill Fire Department brings a sense of honor that is hard to describe. We are a dependable and efficient firefighting family that supports our neighbors and each other. We hope our recruitment campaign encourages members of our community to join us,” said Fire Chief Todd Harris.
To field inquiries and provide a centralized location for interested individuals to gather information about the fire department, Rocky Hill launched a recruitment website, JoinRockyHillFire.org.
The website provides a volunteer inquiry form for interested individuals. Upon completion, a member from the fire department will reach out, answer any possible questions and schedule a time for the individual to tour the station. In addition to the volunteer inquiry form, the website includes volunteer testimonials, volunteer opportunities, FAQ and photos.
The launch of the website is the first step of the four-year recruitment effort. The endeavor encompasses a 30-second commercial, promotional social media content, video testimonials, media relations with local news outlets and publications, tangible marketing materials and recruitment outreach at community events and festivals.
In order to fund this four-year recruitment campaign, without imposing a tax burden on residents, Rocky Hill obtained a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
How to Join Rocky Hill Fire Department
There are plenty of opportunities available for those interested in volunteering. The following volunteer roles are offered at Rocky Hill:
- Firefighter– Volunteer firefighters, ages 18 or older, respond to emergencies ranging from structural fires to vehicular accidents to swift water rescue operations. Rocky Hill Fire Department will support new volunteers in completing the NJ State Certified Firefighter I training.
- Junior Firefighter– High school students, between ages 14 and 17, can join Rocky Hill Fire Department’s Junior Program. Teenagers have the opportunity to learn fire safety skills from experienced and knowledgeable firefighters. Once the junior firefighter turns 18, he or she can pursue the Firefighter I Course necessary to become a firefighter.
- Administrative Volunteers– Associate members can assist the department with fundraising, social media, website and IT maintenance, representing the fire department at community events and more!
“I have personally benefited from my volunteer experience by learning many important life lessons, as well as becoming more connected with my community. There is no better feeling than being there for your community and making a direct impact,” said firefighter Paul Romano.
Learn more about the Rocky Hill Fire Department by visiting JoinRockyHillFire.org
Editor’s note: To set up an interview with a volunteer, please contact the Communication Solutions Group at 215-884-6499.