IAFC GIS toolkits help US fire departments tackle recruitment and retention
Iain Hoey
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IAFC launches GIS toolkits to aid recruitment and retention
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has announced the release of new Geographic Information Systems (GIS) toolkits aimed at helping US fire departments strengthen recruitment and retention strategies.
According to the IAFC, the project was delivered in partnership with the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs and the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association, and supported by funding from FEMA’s SAFER grants programme.
The toolkits are designed to help departments visualise local demographic data, infrastructure coverage, and staffing gaps to better inform recruitment efforts.
The IAFC stated that a live demonstration of the new GIS tools will be held during the Fire-Rescue International (FRI) 2025 conference on 14 August 2025.
The session, titled Mastering Recruitment & Retention with Technology, will provide attendees with access to the free tools and guidance on their application.
What is a GIS toolkit
A GIS toolkit is a set of digital tools that allows users to collect, display, and analyse data based on geographic location.
In fire and emergency services, these toolkits are often used to map information such as fire station locations, service coverage areas, road networks, population demographics, and infrastructure.
By layering different types of data on an interactive map, departments can identify areas that may be underserved, regions with high recruitment potential, or locations where additional resources are needed.
GIS toolkits typically include visual dashboards, editable templates, and data export functions that make it easier for fire departments to plan strategically.
They are especially useful for aligning resource planning with demographic trends, tracking the effectiveness of outreach programmes, and supporting grant applications with clear visual evidence.
Toolkit developed with support from FEMA SAFER grants
According to the IAFC, the GIS toolkits were developed under the SAFER 7 funding cycle.
The organisation explained that the tools were shaped using input from focus groups and feedback from departments of various sizes across the country.
The IAFC said the aim of the toolkits is to offer a free resource for departments to map local labour pools, assess their recruitment positioning relative to nearby agencies, and identify areas where infrastructure gaps or data shortages may hinder effective strategy.
It added that the toolkit includes a new National Recruitment and Retention Toolkit, with downloadable templates and communication guidance.
According to the IAFC, this toolkit enables departments to assess their own recruitment and retention status and build customised plans using standardised approaches.
GIS data supports strategy and planning
The IAFC stated that the toolkits transform publicly available geographic data into visual planning aids.
By using GIS overlays, departments can locate areas with potential candidates and assess whether traditional recruitment strategies are aligned with the population’s characteristics.
The association said these data-led methods are designed to replace guesswork with evidence-based decision making.
According to the IAFC, early pilot tests in select states have led to an increase in the number of applications received by participating departments.
Departments will also be able to use the toolkits to align their strategies with available SAFER grant funding opportunities.
Fire-Rescue International 2025 session to feature live demo
The IAFC confirmed that the toolkit demonstration will be held during the Fire-Rescue International conference in Orlando, Florida.
The session will take place on 14 August 2025 at 1:30 PM EST in Room W303A.
According to the event schedule, the session will include an overview of the toolkit’s capabilities, a walkthrough of data visualisation functions, and tips on integration with department goals.
The IAFC stated that fire departments are encouraged to attend to learn how to implement the free GIS tools in their own jurisdictions.
Following the presentation, attendees can visit the IAFC Pavilion kiosk for further discussion or support.
Recruitment data highlights national firefighter shortages
The IAFC noted that firefighter staffing shortfalls remain an ongoing concern for departments nationwide.
The association said traditional recruitment methods often fail to target underrepresented demographic groups or make efficient use of local workforce data.
It explained that GIS-based approaches are intended to bridge these gaps by giving departments access to demographic and infrastructure data that may otherwise be overlooked.
By using these insights, departments can tailor their messaging, prioritise outreach efforts, and better track the results of their recruitment campaigns.
The IAFC added that the toolkits are available free of charge to all fire departments in the United States.
IAFC GIS toolkits help US fire departments tackle recruitment and retention: Summary
The IAFC has released new GIS toolkits to support firefighter recruitment and retention in the United States.
The toolkits were developed with the North Carolina and Indiana fire chiefs associations and funded by FEMA SAFER grants.
They are intended to help fire departments map local talent pools and infrastructure gaps.
The IAFC stated that the toolkits provide free, data-led planning resources.
A live demo will take place at Fire-Rescue International on 14 August 2025.
The toolkits include a national recruitment and retention planner with editable templates.
Departments can use the toolkits to apply for further SAFER funding.
The IAFC said pilot tests showed an increase in firefighter applications.
The toolkit development was informed by fire service feedback.
The IAFC added that the toolkits aim to replace guesswork with data-driven recruitment strategies.