2014 VOLUNTEER RETENTION STUDY UPDATE

The start of the Volunteer Retention Study sponsored by the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System in partnership with VFIS of Texas and SFFMA has been postponed.  According to Michelle Jordan, Executive Director for TESRS, the start date for data collection has been postponed because not enough departments have signed up for a statistically valid sample.  Currently, 47 departments have agreed to participate, which is short of the goal by about 120 departments.  We’re hoping that a strong push in February will enable a March 1 start date.

In addition to a late start, the monthly reporting has been eliminated.  The data to be collected has been revised to include current roster numbers and demographics, as well as year-end numbers from the previous five years, and retention strategy information.  By eliminating the monthly reporting, the time and effort required to participate has been greatly reduced.

Any volunteer fire department in the state can participate, as well as combination departments (only information on the volunteer side will be reported). This study will predict statewide and regional declines over the past five years, as well as provide demographic information that may be helpful.  In addition, retention strategy information will be collected and shared.

This is an important study to determine whether or not pension programs and other incentives help to retain volunteers in Texas.  If you have any questions or would like to participate in this study, please contact TESRS at [email protected] for more info.

Thank you for your interest!

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