Why Firehouse Trust Is the Best Defense Against Burnout

December 9, 2025

By Mike Domitrz

In volunteer fire and rescue departments across the country, few resources are more strained than time and energy. From Arlington to Anchorage, a quieter emergency is unfolding, one that’s not driven by call volume or budget cuts, but by burnout.

And while equipment upgrades and advanced training get top billing at conferences, more departments are realizing that the real key to long-term resilience isn’t gear. It’s trust.

Burnout in the fire service rarely stems from a single moment. It’s built through small, repeated breakdowns: the sarcastic remark that goes unchecked, the crew member who feels ignored, the quiet tension no one names. These micro-frictions may seem minor, but they quietly erode morale, and in volunteer and combination departments, where turnover is high and retention is mission-critical, that erosion can be devastating.

The good news? Trust is rebuildable. And it doesn’t require a big budget. Departments that invest in psychological safety and respectful communication consistently see higher engagement, stronger team dynamics, and better performance on-scene.

When volunteers feel heard and valued, regardless of rank or how long they’ve been on the roster, they show up differently. They are more likely to stay, speak up, and support each other under stress.

Respect-based leadership isn’t about being soft. It’s about creating a station culture where people feel safe being honest, asking for help, and holding each other accountable. That culture doesn’t emerge through formal policies, it’s built in the everyday. When senior officers model respect in conversations, when conflicts are addressed directly, when check-ins become the norm, not just after tough calls but during slow weeks, trust deepens.

The best part? These aren’t abstract ideas. I teach fire leaders to implement what I call the 7 Daily Choices – simple, repeatable behaviors like listening without interruption, asking before assuming, and addressing disrespect in the moment. These choices don’t just improve morale. They improve outcomes.

Departments that embrace this shift report fewer cases of burnout, more effective communication, and a greater ability to adapt to the unpredictable. And in volunteer houses especially, where every crew member matters, trust isn’t just helpful, it’s survival gear.

As fire service leaders look ahead, one thing is clear: resilience isn’t just about what’s in the truck. It’s about what’s in the room. Respect and trust may not cost a dime, but they pay off in loyalty, cohesion, and performance that holds under pressure.

Because when the tones drop, what matters most isn’t just who shows up, but whether they trust each other to lead, follow, and come home safe.

Mike Domitrz is a Hall of Fame speaker, author, and founder of The Center for Respect, where he has spent over 30 years transforming how organizations and communities build trust, safety, and performance through respect. His practical, audience-driven approach has empowered leaders across Fortune 500 companies, schools, and U.S. military commands worldwide. A recognized media voice featured on Dateline NBC and in The Wall Street Journal, Mike equips teams with actionable tools to foster environments where everyone feels valued, heard, and respected.