MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet Giveaway
MSA is giving away four Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmets to NVFC members in 2026. The first entry period is open through April 30 at noon ET.
ENTER NOW
Training Summit: Registration Open
Join us for the 2026 NVFC Training Summit, June 26-27, in Arlington, VA.
Register Now
Upcoming Training
Join us on April 14 at 2pm ET for the Webinar - Maximize Your NVFC Member Experience: Portal, Benefits, and More
Register now
NVFC Turns 50!
The NVFC marks its 50th anniversary this year. Celebrate with us by taking a trip down memory lane through our retrospective timeline of milestones and highlights from the past 50 years.
View TimelineState Farm® and the NVFC Increase Fire Department Readiness and Community Safety through $1.5 Million Grant Program
Apr 7, 2026:
State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) annually team up to support local fire departments and increase community preparedness through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program....
Read More »
Enter for a Chance to Win an MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet
Apr 7, 2026:
For the fifth year, MSA Safety has partnered with the NVFC to give away state-of-the-art helmets to volunteer firefighters. This year, NVFC members have four chances to win an MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire...
Read More »
Feedback Needed! Take the NVFC’s Retirement Experience Survey
Apr 7, 2026:
If you served in the volunteer fire or emergency services and have retired or are preparing to retire in the next five years, we want to hear from you. Your experience carries insight that can help us...
Read More »
From Boring to Engaging: How Breaking Down Training Makes a Difference
Apr 7, 2026:
Training is critical for first responders, but often it comes packaged in a way that is less than riveting. Luckily, there are simple things you can do to transform dull training into something...
Read More »
Apply for New Gear for Your Fire Department
Apr 7, 2026:
Does your volunteer fire department need new gear? The application period is open for MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway. A total of 13 departments will each receive four sets of Globe® turnout gear and...
Read More »
Apply for a Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant
Apr 7, 2026:
The U.S. Department of Transportation has released the FY26 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. Nearly $1 billion is available to support...
Read More »
NVFC Supporters
Social Feed
EMS Week is May 17-23, and the NVFC is proud to be a partner in recognizing the lifesaving work of EMS professionals. This year’s theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” highlights the power of collaboration in delivering high-quality care. Join us in celebrating EMS providers and find resources to participate in the week: https://emsweek.org/
Volunteer responders protect the majority of communities across the United States. The NVFC Training Summit brings these leaders together to share ideas, build connections, and strengthen the volunteer fire service. Be part of the conversation in Arlington, VA, June 26–27. 🔗 www.nvfc.org/summit
🚗📵 April is #DistractedDrivingAwarenessMonth — a reminder that one moment of distraction when driving can change everything. Stay focused. Stay present. Lives depend on it.
🔥 Don’t wait, FDIC International is right around the corner 🔥 📅 April 20–25, 2026 📍 Indianapolis, Indiana Fire and rescue professionals from across the world are gearing up for unbeatable training, world‑class education, and the industry’s most cutting‑edge innovations — all in one place. From high‑impact classroom sessions and hands-on training evolutions to energizing conversations that spark fresh ideas and lasting connections, FDIC International is more than an event; it's an experience you won't want to miss. 👉 Secure your spot for #FDIC2026 now: https://buff.ly/LImaH9K
🚨 Giveaway Alert The NVFC and MSA Fire are teaming up once again to give away four Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmets in 2026. The first entry period is now open! Designed with today’s firefighter in mind, this helmet delivers the performance, comfort, and protection needed on the job. Enter by April 30 👉 www.nvfc.org/helmet
As part of the NVFC’s 50th anniversary celebration, we’re continuing our State Association Spotlight series. This week, we’re highlighting the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter's Association and its 100-year legacy of representing the state’s fire service. As the First State, Delaware is home to 61 volunteer-run nonprofit fire departments and just one career department, making its fire service truly volunteer-driven. Delaware has also played a significant role in shaping the national fire service. Longtime NVFC leader E. James Monihan, a Delaware representative, helped guide the organization during its formative years and served as chairman for over a decade, leaving a lasting impact that continues today. Encouraging NVFC membership is one more way the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association supports the firefighters who serve their communities every day. Join today for just $24/year and stand with volunteers across Delaware and nationwide 👉 nvfc.org/join
Training isn’t just a requirement, it’s what keeps firefighters ready, safe, and effective on every call. This excerpt from Training Volunteer Firefighters to Be Combat Ready, reprinted on Fire Engineering, takes a closer look at what credentialing and certification really mean in the fire service and why training must be valued, not just completed. Read the article: https://buff.ly/zpJP0hw Looking to strengthen your department’s training approach? Explore the full guide here: https://buff.ly/oKufOi8
Funding opportunity for volunteer fire departments! Apply for a $5,000 Nutella Stacks for Giving Back grant, in partnership with the NVFC and Pearl Milling Company, to help fund what your department needs most: • Equipment & gear • Training • Recruitment & retention • Community outreach Or nominate a department for the chance to receive a Pancake Breakfast Kit to fuel their next fundraiser. ⏰ Deadline: April 30 at noon ET 👉 https://buff.ly/ZsZ8uUm
This #DistractedDrivingAwarenessMonth, we’re grateful for the continued support of OnStar. For 25 years, OnStar has helped protect drivers through services like automatic crash response, emergency assistance, roadside support, and real-time connection to trained Advisors, playing an important role in improving roadway safety. As a valued NVFC supporter member, OnStar’s commitment helps strengthen safety for both drivers and responders. Thank you to OnStar for supporting the fire and emergency services community and helping make our roadways safer. Learn more: https://buff.ly/JC4pNAc
Chief Cory Plemmons of the Camp Creek Volunteer Fire Department in Greeneville, TN, has served since 2004 and is driven by helping others in times of need. From creating lasting memories during school fire prevention visits to building community events like a 4th of July celebration, he values connection and service. He also prioritizes crew well-being through physical and mental health support. Read his full NVFC Member Spotlight here: https://buff.ly/jEW4UF4
Is your home as safe as it could be? Firefighters see firsthand how small, everyday habits can turn into big risks at home. In this article, three NVFC board members share common behaviors they would never do in their own homes and what you should do instead to keep your family safe. These are simple changes that can make a big difference. 🔗 https://buff.ly/lV8OHqW
🚒 Make the most of your NVFC membership. Join us on April 14 at 2pm ET for a webinar on how to maximize your NVFC member experience. Whether you are new, have been a member for years, or are thinking about joining, this session will walk you through the member portal, highlight exclusive benefits, and share tips to help you get the most value from your membership. 👉 Register now: https://buff.ly/uncjx8u
National Volunteer Week is almost here(April 19-25)! To help your department prepare, the NVFC is offering Volunteer Recruitment for the Emergency Services FREE for a limited time. This course breaks down today’s recruitment challenges, shares insights from the Make Me A Firefighter campaign, and gives you practical ideas to attract new volunteers. 👉 Take the course now in the NVFC Virtual Classroom: https://buff.ly/f0wHV1P
📣 Your voice matters. Make it count. FireRescue1 is now collecting responses for its annual “What Firefighters Want” survey, and they want to hear from YOU. This year’s focus is firefighter training. How often are you training? Is it realistic, relevant, and supported by leadership? Your feedback will help shape FireRescue1’s state-of-the-industry report coming out this August. 🚒 It is important that volunteer perspectives are included. Take a few minutes to share your experience and help drive meaningful change. 👉 Take the survey now: https://buff.ly/Uu85rYP
For 15 years, MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway has helped improve firefighter safety by providing volunteer fire departments with modern protective equipment. Through this partnership between MSA Fire, Nomex® and Kevlar® for Personal Protection, and the NVFC, 13 departments will receive a total of 52 sets of turnout gear and helmets in 2026. Apply by June 1 at www.nvfc.org/gear. 👨🚒
🚒 First impressions matter more than you think. When a prospective volunteer walks into your station, they are not just looking at your equipment. They are sizing up your culture. In this article, Walter Campbell introduces the “Kitchen Table Test.” It is a simple but powerful idea. How your crew welcomes, includes, and interacts with someone in those first few minutes can determine whether they join or walk away. 👉 Read the article and see how your department measures up: https://buff.ly/x0ve9jc
WEBINAR: Save More Lives on Rural Roadways: Strengthening Post-Crash Care 📅 April 1 ⏰ 2pm ET Hear from Gamunu Wijetunge, Director of NHTSA’s Office of EMS, as he shares real-world insights on advancing post-crash care in rural areas. Learn about evolving extrication practices, prehospital blood transfusion, and how your department can partner with EMS and highway safety leaders to save more lives. This session will also help departments prepare for the upcoming Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) funding opportunity. 🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/pBjGqao
National Volunteer Week is right around the corner, April 19–25. 🚒 It’s the perfect time to recognize the dedicated volunteers who keep your department running and to show your community how they can get involved. Looking for ideas? The NVFC has resources to help you plan for the week and support your recruitment and retention efforts year-round. 🔗 Read more: https://buff.ly/0rSHQk2
As part of the NVFC’s 50th anniversary celebration, we’re continuing our State Association Spotlight series. This week, we’re highlighting the Firefighter’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania and its ongoing efforts to support and strengthen the fire service across the Commonwealth. With the majority of Pennsylvania’s fire service made up of volunteers, the association plays a critical role in advocating for firefighters, collaborating with key partners, and supporting recruitment and retention efforts statewide. Through initiatives like grants and scholarships, the association is helping invest in the future of the fire service and ensuring departments have the resources they need to grow and succeed. Encouraging NVFC membership is one more way the Firefighter’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania supports the firefighters who serve their communities every day. Join today for just $24/year and stand with volunteers across Pennsylvania and nationwide 👉 nvfc.org/join
When seconds matter, especially on rural roadways, volunteer responders make the difference. Join the NVFC for an important webinar on strengthening post-crash care and improving outcomes in your community. 🚨 Webinar: Save More Lives on Rural Roadways: Strengthening Post-Crash Care 📅 April 1 ⏰ 2pm ET Hear from Gamunu Wijetunge, Director of NHTSA’s Office of EMS, as he shares real-world insights on advancing post-crash care in rural areas. Learn about evolving extrication practices, prehospital blood transfusion, and how your department can partner with EMS and highway safety leaders to save more lives. This session will also help departments prepare for the upcoming Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) funding opportunity. 🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/pBjGqao
March is National Kidney Month and now is a great time to learn about how to help a first responder in need through Kidneys for First Responders. About 37 million people in the U.S. have kidney disease and responders aren’t immune. Anyone has the power to save a life by becoming a living kidney donor. Find out how you can get involved here 👉 https://buff.ly/Osw5NzG
🚒 Nutella is giving back to the fire service — again! Nutella® has teamed up with the NVFC and Pearl Milling Company for the 2026 Stacks for Giving Back program: • Ten $5,000 grants • 350 Pancake Breakfast Kits NVFC members can apply for grants, and anyone can nominate a department for the chance to receive a kit. Deadline: April 30 👉 https://buff.ly/OFaRbr7
A high-quality challenge coin is a perfect way to commemorate an event or achievement. Wendell’s Mint proudly manufactures U.S.-made custom challenge coins using state-of-the-art minting and painting processes, delivering top-tier quality at competitive prices. Thank you, Wendell’s Mint, for your support and for being a Champion member of the NVFC! #thankfulthursday Learn more at https://buff.ly/rCzJtO1
We’re proud to recognize the recipients of the 2026 NVFC Fire Service Achievement Awards. 👏🚒 From a lifetime of service to the next generation of fire service leaders, these recipients represent the dedication, impact, and heart of the volunteer fire service. 🏆 William J. Darley Lifetime Achievement Award: Roger Beedy (IN) Sponsored by Darley 🏆 Chief James P. Seavey Sr. Health & Wellness Leadership Award: Frank Leeb (NY) Co-sponsored by VFIS - Firefighter & EMS and Ward Diesel Filter Systems 🏆 Junior Firefighter of the Year: Grace Isakson (TX) Sponsored by California Casualty 🏆 Junior Firefighter Program of the Year: Plano Fire Explorers Post 215 (TX) Sponsored by California Casualty Join us in congratulating this year’s recipients and learn more about their stories and impact: https://buff.ly/ZVA7TJE
Looking for a new helmet? For the fifth year, NVFC is partnering with MSA Fire to equip volunteer firefighters with top-of-the-line helmets. In 2026, there will be four chances to win. The first entry period opens on April 1. Make sure your membership is active and get ready to enter: www.nvfc.org/join
📚 Missed a recent live NVFC training? Catch the replay! All of our recent webinars and roundtable talks are now available to watch on demand in the NVFC Virtual Classroom — completely free. ▶️ Watch now at: virtualclassroom.nvfc.org
How can your department better connect with and serve your community? ☕🚒 Join the NVFC for a live R&R Coffee Talk on Community Involvement featuring Dr. Candice McDonald, Chief Joel Cerny, and guest Abena Bonso-Bruce. This interactive 30-minute session will include audience Q&A and practical insights you can take back to your department. 🗓 March 26 ⏰ 7:00–7:30pm ET 👉 Register here: https://buff.ly/tcRYdI5
Members of the NVFC board and NVFC staff participated in a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery last week. It was a meaningful moment to reflect, remember, and pay tribute to the brave individuals who served our nation and our communities. We are grateful for the opportunity to honor their legacy. ❤️
📢Grant Alert: Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation The next grant application period opens April 7 at 10am ET! Only 600 applications will be accepted! Once that cap is reached, the portal will close. Learn more: https://buff.ly/dpNV2hl
Great things happening at Roscoe Volunteer Fire Department! Thanks to a laptop donation from State Farm, in collaboration with the NVFC, their team now has new tools to help streamline operations, strengthen training, and better serve their community. Programs like this are all about giving volunteer departments the resources they need to stay organized, efficient, and ready to respond. We’re proud to support departments like Roscoe VFD and the important work they do every day! The NVFC has special opportunities like these year-round. See what's coming up here: https://www.nvfc.org/opportunities
Join the NVFC for the webinar “Building Stronger Fire Service Teams: Leadership Lessons from Home and Abroad” on Thursday, March 26, at 2:00 pm ET. This session will explore research-based teamwork principles and real-world experiences from fire service training in the U.S. and across Africa. Hear from NVFC past chair Kevin Quinn, Africa Fire Mission Fire Safety Officer Jose Ngunjiri, and University of Kentucky researcher Amber Lynn Scott as they discuss leadership, communication, and trust in high-risk environments and how these lessons can strengthen volunteer and combination departments. Participants will also learn how U.S. firefighters can engage in meaningful international training efforts while bringing valuable insights back to their home departments. 🔗 Register here: https://buff.ly/5qWqoDI
The NVFC is proud to partner with Vector Solutions to bring innovative training solutions to volunteer fire departments. The new TargetSolutions Volunteer Edition is built specifically for smaller departments, helping streamline training, simplify compliance, and reduce administrative burden — all in one platform. With flexible access, digital tracking, and a flat annual price, departments can focus less on paperwork and more on readiness. Learn more and request a demo today 👉 https://buff.ly/KOe7CMW
New reports released by NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health highlight critical lessons learned from recent fire service incidents. The NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program has published two new reports to help departments better understand line-of-duty deaths and serious injuries and take steps to prevent future tragedies. These reports provide important insights into equipment performance, fireground conditions, and decision-making under pressure. Taking the time to review and apply these lessons can help protect your crew and strengthen your department’s safety practices. 🔗 Read the reports: • Evaluation of Three Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Involved in a Near Miss While Operating at a Structure Fire: https://buff.ly/zdQtZs5 • Senior Captain and Two Firefighters of Ladder Company Burned during Primary Search in Garden Apartment Fire – Texas: https://buff.ly/b7tV5O6
Stop chasing down paper sign-in sheets for calls, drills, and meetings. Meet the RedAlert Kiosk system. Digitize member attendance and fully automate attendance tracking. Attendance records sync directly with your events for streamlined reporting on accountability, participation, and more. Learn more: https://buff.ly/ibwU0Bt
🥞 Fundraisers just got sweeter! Through Nutella Stacks for Giving Back, fire departments will have a chance to receive a Pancake Breakfast Kit to support their next fundraiser. Nominate your local fire department by April 30: 👉 https://buff.ly/CQIvhlg
NVFC Member Spotlight: Steven Lowry Steven Lowry has served the fire service for more than 50 years! Now assistant chief of the Renfroe Volunteer Fire Department in Alpine, AL, he still runs the most calls in his department at age 69, responding to more than 375 calls last year. Passionate about mentoring younger firefighters and staying active in training, Lowry continues to give back to his community through volunteer service. Read his full volunteer spotlight here: https://buff.ly/YZIT5fc
It’s #thankfulthursday, and today we’re showing appreciation for FirstNet! They give first responders priority access to their network.📱🚒 We’re grateful for everything they do to support the fire and EMS community — and proud to have them as a Chairman’s Club member of the NVFC! Learn more about the only network built with and for first responders: https://buff.ly/j2XBkQ1
Members of the NVFC Training Team were on-site last weekend for hazmat training hosted by the Citizen Fire Company in Charles Town, WV. Instructors Tom Miller, Corey McCartney, and Ralph McNemar led an engaging and hands-on training for departments from West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. 📸 Check out highlights from the training below! Want to bring this type of training to your department? 👉 Learn more about upcoming hazmat trainings and how to request a course in your area: https://buff.ly/m5u8J7k
☕🚒 Join the Conversation on Community Involvement How can your department better connect with and serve your community? Join the NVFC for a live R&R Coffee Talk on Community Involvement featuring Dr. Candice McDonald, Chief Joel Cerny, and guest Abena Bonso-Bruce. This interactive 30-minute session will include audience Q&A and practical insights you can take back to your department. 🗓 March 26 ⏰ 7:00–7:30pm ET Bring your questions and be part of the discussion! 👉 Register here: https://buff.ly/tcRYdI5
🚑 How prepared are EMS and fire-rescue agencies to care for pediatric patients? A new national study offers the first comprehensive assessment of pediatric readiness across the U.S., highlighting both progress and areas for improvement. Ensuring responders are equipped to treat children is critical to patient outcomes. 🔗 Read the article: https://buff.ly/bVd3PI2
The first line of defense in a home fire is proper smoke alarm placement, installation, and having enough alarms in each home. This on-demand training was created to help firefighters understand the need for community-based fire safety education and alarm installation and equip you with the tools to help your neighbors reduce the risk of being injured or dying in a house fire. Take this course free for a limited time in the NVFC Virtual Classroom: https://buff.ly/suX9n24
How does your volunteer department decide who responds where and when? Join the conversation and share your perspective. Your insight could be featured in Fire Engineering Magazine. 👇
Join us on Thursday, March 19, at 2pm ET for a roundtable discussion on Strengthening Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Through Effective Social Media. Whether you manage your department’s social media or just want new ideas to support recruitment and retention, this session will give you tools you can start using right away. Register here: https://buff.ly/ibMxLzH
Fire service research is valuable, but it is not always easy for department leaders to turn that information into action. Science to the Station’s new S.C.A.N. briefs are designed to change that. These short, practical summaries translate research into clear, usable insights for the fire service. The first S.C.A.N. brief is now available and explores the hierarchy of contamination control in the fire service to help departments better protect firefighters from harmful exposures. 🔗 Read S.C.A.N.: https://buff.ly/hn1G841
Strong leadership and teamwork are essential for firefighter safety and operational success. Join the NVFC for the webinar “Building Stronger Fire Service Teams: Leadership Lessons from Home and Abroad” on March 26 at 2:00 pm ET. This session will explore research-based teamwork principles and real-world experiences from fire service training in the U.S. and across Africa. Hear from NVFC past chair Kevin Quinn, Africa Fire Mission Fire Safety Officer Jose Ngunjiri, and University of Kentucky researcher Amber Lynn Scott as they discuss leadership, communication, and trust in high-risk environments and how these lessons can strengthen volunteer and combination departments. Participants will also learn how U.S. firefighters can engage in meaningful international training efforts while bringing valuable insights back to their home departments. 👩🚒 Presenters: Nancy Moore, Jose Ngunjiri, Kevin Quinn, and Amber Lynn Scott 🔗 Register here: https://buff.ly/5qWqoDI
The NVFC is pleased to welcome Missioncit as a Champion Member. Founded by first responders, MissionCIT helps public safety agencies fulfill their core objectives by providing services in retention and recruitment, firefighter and EMS training, strategic planning, emergency management, hospital emergency management, and entry/promotional testing. MissionCIT’s goal is to build well-trained, strategically prepared personnel that are ready for any incident. Learn more: https://buff.ly/fUt3jUH
⚠️ Responder Alert: Dangerous Air Bag Inflators NHTSA is warning about substandard air bag inflators that can rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments into the vehicle cabin. These failures have already been linked to 8 deaths and 2 serious injuries. If you encounter a suspected case during a response, reporting it can help prevent future tragedies. Stay informed and learn what to look for! 🔗 Read the article: https://buff.ly/KFSCg58
Join us tomorrow, March 17, at 2pm ET for the Webinar: NIOSH Report Review – Improving Volunteer Firefighter Safety in Privately Owned Vehicles On July 15, 2025, a volunteer firefighter was killed and another injured while responding in a privately owned vehicle. The incident was investigated by NIOSH through the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program so the fire service can learn from what happened and prevent future tragedies. Join investigator Rick Lago as he reviews the incident details, contributing factors, and key recommendations to help departments strengthen POV response safety. Register here: https://buff.ly/3DjNl9S
Happy 50th Anniversary, NVFC! 🚒 Today marks 50 years of the National Volunteer Fire Council supporting volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. Since our first meeting on March 15, 1976, the NVFC has worked to advocate for and strengthen the volunteers who protect communities across the nation. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead to the future and remain committed to supporting the volunteer emergency services through advocacy, training, resources, and programs that help departments and responders thrive for the next 50 years and beyond. Thank you to the volunteers, partners, and supporters who have been part of this journey. The work continues. 🔥
Join us on March 19 at 2pm ET for a roundtable discussion on Strengthening Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Through Effective Social Media. Whether you manage your department’s social media or just want new ideas to support recruitment and retention, this session will give you tools you can start using right away. Register here: https://buff.ly/ibMxLzH