Ricochet PPE Award Program: EMS, Wildland, & Technical Rescue
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is proud to partner with Ricochet to provide high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) to volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue departments across the U.S. through the Ricochet PPE Award Program.
In 2026, departments can apply for one or more of three distinct gear packages, each designed for a specific type of response: EMS/technical rescue, wildland firefighting, and dual-certified wildland + technical rescue operations. This ensures departments receive gear tailored to the real-world demands of the calls they run.
Five departments in each category will be awarded five sets of gear (jacket and pant) to enhance responder safety and operational effectiveness.
Criteria • What’s Available • Selection • Contact • Program Partners
To be eligible for the Ricochet PPE Award Program, departments must meet the following baseline criteria. Additional requirements may apply depending on the specific gear package, so be sure to review each option carefully.
- Respond annually to the type of calls corresponding to the gear they are applying for (i.e. EMS/rescue and/or wildland)
- Have at least one active NVFC member. Check your membership status HERE; learn more about member benefits and join HERE.
- Be over 50% volunteer; paid on-call is considered volunteer
- Serve a population of 25,000 or less
- Be located in the U.S. and legally organized under state law
- Demonstrate a need for the gear and articulate the impact it will have on the department
- Be willing to share a department photo or video and publicize the award (NVFC will provide sample promotional tools and templates to help)
- Report back within four months on how the gear was used
Departments can apply for any or all of the following gear packages based on their operational needs. Please note, each package has its own application period, specifications, and additional criteria. Be sure to look at each package individually to see if your department qualifies. Applying for and/or being awarded one type of gear does not make you ineligible to apply for another.
- Ricochet Out Front™ Technical Rescue Gear
When the call doesn’t require structural gear, but still demands protection, you need gear that works with you, not against you. The Ricochet Out Front™ Technical Rescue Gear delivers dual-certified protection, reduced weight, and real-world functionality for the calls you run every day – from extrication to EMS to technical rescue operations. Click here for package specifications.- Additional criteria: department must provide emergency medical and/or rescue services
- Application Period: Monday, August 3 at 12:00pm (noon) Eastern to Monday, August 31 at 12:00pm (noon) Eastern
- Ricochet Wildland Gear
Developed from direct firefighter feedback, this lightweight, breathable system is built to reduce heat stress, improve mobility, and limit unnecessary exposure during wildland and WUI operations so you’re not overbuilt for the job at hand. Click here for package specifications.- Additional criteria: department must annually respond to wildfires (includes grassfires/brushfires)
- Application Period: Tuesday, September 1 at 12:00pm (noon) Eastern to Wednesday, September 30 at 12:00pm (noon) Eastern
- Ricochet Wildland + Technical Rescue Dual-Cert Gear
One garment, two certifications. This gear is NFPA 1977 & 1951 compliant, lightweight, and has a single-layer design (no moisture barrier). This latest product in the Ricochet lineup introduces a new standard in multi-use protection. Package specifications coming soon!- Additional criteria: department must annually respond to wildfires (includes grassfires/brushfires) and provide emergency medical and/or rescue services
- Application Period: Thursday, October 1 at 12:00pm ET to Friday, October 30 at 12:00pm ET
After each application period closes, a panel selected by the NVFC will review the applications. For each gear package, five departments will be selected to receive five sets of gear (jacket and pant). The selection process is nondiscriminatory. All applicants will be notified by December 31, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact Lori Shirley, senior program manager, at lori@nvfc.org or 202-887-5700 ext. 125.
About Ricochet
At Ricochet, we know what volunteer firefighters face – tough calls, tight budgets, and the constant pressure to protect their communities. That’s why every set of gear we build is designed with real firefighter input – so it performs when lives depend on it, without unnecessary cost or complexity. From structural and wildland to technical rescue and EMS, our NFPA-compliant PPE is crafted with pride in Philadelphia and built to last. Making the switch to non-PFAS gear? We make it easy – same protection, durability, and comfort, plus clear guidance and grant-friendly options – because your health matters as much as your safety. Volunteers choose Ricochet for trusted protection, budget-smart solutions, and gear that stands up to years of service. Because making it home matters most. Learn more or contact us at RicochetGear.com or call 215-849-1971.
About the NVFC
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire and emergency medical services. The NVFC unites and supports volunteer and combination fire and EMS organizations through education, advocacy, leadership development, and collaboration. Guided by professionalism and innovation, we provide the tools and resources needed to protect communities, advance responder health and safety, and prepare leaders for the future. Learn more and join at www.nvfc.org.
