In this episode, host Tom DeSorcy interviews Randy Schroeder, fire chief for the Town of Mayerthorpe & Lac Ste. Anne County and president of the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association. The conversation explores the challenges and complexities of maintaining a volunteer fire service, particularly in rural areas. The discussion delves into issues of recruitment and retention, acknowledging the increasing pressures on volunteers, particularly in light of the escalating scope of hazards and the growing demand for emergency services. Schroeder emphasizes the need for better communication and advocacy to address these challenges and the importance of cultivating passion and resilience within the fire service.