Since its start in 2004, Fire Corps has helped fire and EMS departments in 49 states to build more capacity by engaging community volunteers to assist in a variety of non-emergency roles. These community volunteers can make a real difference for their local department, both by expanding the services a department can offer and by enabling first responders to focus more on training and response activities. Fire Corps is a partner program under the Citizen Corps initiative and is funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.