Volunteer Fire Departments Face Staffing Shortages, Hope Local Training Can Boost Recruitment

Barnet To Host Firefighter I Course Beginning In August

By: Paul Hayes

Outlets: Caledonian Record

Published: July 24, 2026

Words: 957

Last Updated: 1 week, 2 days ago

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CONCORD — Volunteer fire departments across the region are struggling to recruit and retain enough members to respond to emergencies, raising concerns about their ability to keep pace with calls.

Concord Fire Chief Jordan Belanger said his department struggled to muster a crew for a July 15 fire call, in part because of low membership.

The Concord Fire Department has about 10 members, but only three to …

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