With the rapid decline in the number of volunteers, more and more towns are forced to consider employing full-time staff – a decision that could run havoc with the financial well being of any community. The demands of family life, more volunteers working outside their home community coupled with employers unsympathetic to the need of the community, and the escalating training requirements are real factors contributing to the decline of volunteers. This article explores what can be done to preserve your volunteer fire & rescue.