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This interactive, full-day workshop is designed specifically for volunteer and combination fire departments seeking practical solutions to today’s retention and recruitment challenges. Participants will explore the critical issues impacting the volunteer fire service, examine why volunteers leave, and identify strategies that encourage long-term commitment and engagement. The course walks attendees through a structured recruitment planning process and the five essential steps of onboarding new volunteers to set them up for success from day one. Through real-world examples, facilitated group discussions, and hands-on individual and team exercises,participants will assess their current practices and develop a customized action plan to improve retention, strengthen recruitment, and build a sustainable volunteer workforce for the future.
Chief Rudy Horist is a 43-year member of the fire service and Fire Chief for the McHenry (IL) Township FPD, a combination fire department of 140 personnel serving 9 communities. He has over thirty years of experience as a program developer, instructor and speaker on a variety of fire service topics. He has taught internationally, at national conferences, regional fire schools and throughout the state of Illinois. He has a Master of Science Degree in Public Safety Administration, is a graduate of the United States Fire Administration’s Executive Fire Officer program and holds the Chief Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Chief Horist is the 2023 recipient of the Illinois Fire Chief of the Year award from the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association.
WHEN: January 10, 2026
TIME: 0900-1700
WHERE: Saint Mary Parish Center
701 Route 35 North
East Dubuque, IL 61025
ACROSS THE HIGHWAY FROM RUNDE AUTO GROUP
REGISTRATION: [email protected]
COST: $50.00 per person
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
183 Sinsinawa Ave., East Dubuque, IL, United States, Illinois 61025
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
