Volunteer Compensation and Benefits

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Fringe Benefits for Volunteers

Most volunteer positions are with fire departments or EMS organizations.

Recognizing the cost savings given the volunteer services (and understand there is some debate as to the cost savings in the long run), more communities are establishing fringe-benefit programs for their volunteers. A dollar value is easily attached to some benefits; the value of other benefits may not be monetary but more a matter of convenience. In addition to previously mentioned benefits of direct payment for calls, clothing allowances, personal vehicle mileage, and length of service awards (annuity insurance), there usually are local insurance coverages in addition to regular workers' compensation for line-of-duty injury, plus liability coverage for errors and omissions. (All personnel, volunteer and career, should know the limitations of "save harmless" insurance and tort liability relating to individuals.) Some volunteers are provided life insurance, and many states provide for a lump-sum payment to survivors of volunteers whose deaths were determined to be in the line of duty. In some states this payment is specified under a "volunteer fireman's death benefit" law.

Some communities provide volunteer firefighters with low cost, next-to-station housing (or a housing supplement), with membership in a physical exercise club, or free admission to community exercise and recreational facilities. In some states, firefighters are exempt from jury duty, and receive more protection from civil service position elimination. In one state, for example, anyone serving as a volunteer firefighter for five years can claim lifetime exemption from jury duty.

More volunteer fire stations are including such facilities as an auto repair bay, an area and tools for handicrafts, and a computer for personal use, along with an attractive lounge area and provisions for picnicking, sporting events, dinners, social events, table tennis, etc. The concept is that the more time volunteers spend at the station, the quicker the response time. Volunteers are thus provided desirable facilities and the community gets more volunteer "on-duty-at-the-station" time.

Some departments provide housing facilities for college students/volunteers. Resident firefighters are allowed to live at the fire station and serve as firefighters while attending the local college or university. This is especially popular for fire protection provided for major universities or in jurisdictions that surround a major university.

In some cases such resident firefighters may earn a small salary for specified "on call hours" or for working in some other capacity.

Resident programs have become and continue to be a subject of controversy regarding potential FLSA issues. If your agency has a resident program, be certain to obtain legal advice regarding this issue.

Summary: Compensation and Benefits


Career and volunteer fire service personnel receive a variety of types of compensation and benefits in recognition of their service.

Compensation and benefits programs are more complex today and reflect what managers and officials have learned about human resource development. There are more "business" concerns over compensation packages due to increasing governmental regulations and legal decisions. Improved total compensation packages and benefit programs reflect more human relations issues. For example, the popular tax-deferred compensation programs in industry reveal a growing concern for a viable retirement, while the "cafeteria-style" benefit programs recognize different health, social, family, and retirement needs of workers.

While we have provided a brief overview, you are strongly encouraged to do more reading in this area.

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