The four-minute clip, titled From Zero to Hero, has been a smash hit online, grabbing the attention of tens of thousands and sparking a wave of interest from potential recruits.
GTA-style video takes off
Faced with a decline in young people joining local volunteer firefighting (OSP) units, the firefighters decided to take matters into their own hands with a novel approach. They planned, scripted, filmed, and edited the video over two months, carefully crafting a story that follows a young man on a mission to recruit new team members. The result? A slick, adrenaline-pumping film that captures the thrill and importance of being a volunteer firefighter, complete with fast cars, action sequences, and heroic moments.
The video’s reception has exceeded all expectations. Since it was released, the OSP team in Żory has been swamped with inquiries from people eager to sign up, proving that a bit of creativity can go a long way.
"This is real life!" - firefighters’ message strikes a chord
Sharing the video on Facebook, the Żory firefighters made their message clear: “This is not a trailer for a computer game where you can endlessly retry failed missions—this is real life!”
The team emphasized how critical it is to have new members join OSP units to ensure that help is always available when needed. “Each frame of our film shows the importance of fresh recruits who will continue the long-standing traditions of our ancestors and be there to help their neighbors,” their post added.
A national problem
With nearly 16,000 volunteer fire departments across Poland, and about 1,000 in the Silesian province alone, staffing shortages have become a serious issue. While exact numbers are hard to come by, estimates suggest that more than half of these units are struggling to find enough members.
(jh)
Source: TVP Katowice