garden city fire department produces short film calling for volunteer firefighters

As the landscape of first response continues to face recruiting challenges, one volunteer service is turning to cinematic storytelling and digital recruitment marketing to find the next generation of firefighters.

Nationwide, an abundance of opportunity awaits those who serve as volunteer firefighters. In addition to the pride and purpose that underpin serving, the skills learned in emergency response can launch many careers in healthcare, bio-science, engineering, and more.

In the 4-minute short film, Garden City volunteer firefighters share from the heart about commitment, hardships, and triumphs. More than 300 hours of training are required before a new recruit can suit up for the real thing, and the men and women serving Garden City do so without compensation. But as Chief Matthew Pearn emphasizes in the film, volunteerism is critical to the fabric of many communities around the country. “Many people don’t realize that a majority of firefighters nationwide are volunteers. Everyone expects, ‘Oh I call 911 the fire department shows up - it’s a paid force.’ Most firefighters are volunteers.”

Filmed in January of 2022, the short film releases as part of a #GARDENCITYRECRUIT social media campaign that seeks to connect qualified men and women with a noble calling and the tight-knit team at GCFD.

Anyone interested in learning more is encouraged to fill out an inquiry at joingcfdny.com.