Eligible departments can apply for five sets of Ricochet Wildland Gear, a lightweight, breathable system designed to reduce heat stress, improve mobility, and provide protection during wildland and WUI operations. Applications are due at noon ET on September 30.
Apply now
Join us on October 7 at 2pm ET for the NVFC Train-the-Trainer Webinar – How to Effectively Give a Distracted Driving Presentation to Teens
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Protect the heart that protects others. Learn what you can do to support your heart health so you can keep doing the job you love.
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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.
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🏆 The Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program is getting national recognition! State Farm has been named a finalist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 2026 Citizens Awards in the Best Community Improvement Program category for its partnership with the NVFC to support volunteer fire departments across the country. Since 2024, the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program has provided $4 million to volunteer fire departments to help them purchase critical equipment and gear, strengthening firefighter safety and helping departments better protect their communities. We’re excited to see State Farm® and the impact of this partnership recognized on a national level. Learn more about the 2026 Citizens Awards finalists: https://buff.ly/f5vfQ8t #BusinessSolves
Let’s be honest: you probably don’t even remember what post you just scrolled past. But as a volunteer firefighter, you’ll make memories each day that’ll last a lifetime… Which one sounds better? Come build some real skills and lasting memories at MakeMeAFirefighter.org #MakeMeAFirefighter
🔥 Getting a firsthand look at what it takes to be a firefighter! Some NVFC staff recently participated in Firefighter 101 Day, hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute and Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. The annual event gives Congressional staff and fire service partners the opportunity to experience aspects of the job firsthand, from donning turnout gear and operating a fire hose to using the jaws of life and more. Thanks to CFSI and MFRI for another great opportunity to bring fire service partners together and provide a closer look at the work firefighters do every day! 🚒
📚 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
Helping Departments Recruit Smarter Volunteer firefighter recruitment takes more than a flyer and a Facebook post—it takes a real strategy. Responder MAX specializes in marketing, websites, and recruitment campaigns built specifically for public safety agencies. Whether your department needs a stronger online presence or a dedicated recruitment push, Responder MAX has the tools and experience to help. Learn more about how they can support your department: bit.ly/MAX-9-26
🔥 Fire Prevention Week is just a few weeks away! Is your department ready? This year’s Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10, focuses on “Charge Into Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower.” It’s a great opportunity to share important fire safety messages, connect with your community, and introduce residents to the volunteer opportunities available at your department. 🚒 The NVFC has gathered resources to help your department plan activities, educate your community, and make the most of Fire Prevention Week. 🔗 Get ready: https://buff.ly/kU5Jzkt
For nearly 30 years, Richard Presley has dedicated his time to serving his community through the fire service. As a lieutenant with the Broad River Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department in Asheville, NC, that service took on even greater importance during Hurricane Helene, when his department became a hub supporting five surrounding communities. Get to know Richard in his full NVFC Member Spotlight: https://buff.ly/KA3ikaY
This #ThankfulThursday, we’re recognizing our media partner CRACKYL Magazine for bringing real fire service perspectives to topics that impact life both in and out of the firehouse, including health and fitness, mental wellbeing, relationships, finances, and more. We appreciate CRACKYL’s continued partnership and commitment to supporting firefighters beyond the call. 🚒 Learn more at crackyl.com.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Take time this month to make behavioral health and suicide prevention part of your department’s training. The NVFC’s Preventing and Coping with Suicide in the Emergency Services course helps firefighters and emergency responders recognize signs and symptoms that may precede suicide, understand resources available to those in need, and navigate the healing process following a firefighter suicide. 🔗 Take the course: https://buff.ly/02335sK
🚑 Nearly 33,000 motor vehicle crash patients met the criteria for prehospital blood transfusion in 2025. A new map using NEMSIS data shows the potential impact of expanding prehospital blood transfusion programs across the U.S. and highlights the role this lifesaving intervention can play in improving post-crash care. Learn more about efforts to expand access to prehospital blood transfusion: https://buff.ly/A4aCNyN Take a closer look at the map 👉 https://buff.ly/eXvYYVC
🚒 Please join us in welcoming Galls as a new NVFC Advocate Member! GALLS® provides uniforms, duty gear, and equipment to fire, EMS, law enforcement, and other public safety professionals across North America. Thank you, GALLS®, for supporting the NVFC and the volunteer fire and emergency services community! 🔗 Learn more: https://buff.ly/cEIKKF1
When the going gets tough, true leaders stop scrolling and start serving. For #NationalPreparednessMonth, learn how to #StandReady in an emergency - from basic safety steps to volunteering at your local fire department. Visit MakeMeAFirefighter.org to take action in your community!
🚒⚡ Firefighters in Tennessee got hands-on with electric and alternative fuel vehicle response during an NVFC EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques training on September 12 in Kimball, TN. Held as part of the 93rd Annual Tennessee Firemen’s Association Convention and First Responder Conference, the training gave attendees practical knowledge and techniques to help them safely and effectively respond to incidents involving EVs and other alternative fuel vehicles. Check out a few photos from the training! 📸 Want to bring this training to your area? Search for an upcoming training near you or request a FREE training for your department: https://buff.ly/2lAxyk0
Could your department use new PPE for wildland and WUI response? The Ricochet PPE Award Program is open to eligible volunteer fire departments that: 🔥 Respond to wildland and/or WUI incidents 👥 Are more than 50% volunteer 🏘️ Serve communities of 25,000 or fewer ⭐ Have at least one active NVFC member Selected departments will receive five sets of Ricochet Wildland Gear to help provide responders with the mobility, breathability, and protection needed during wildland operations. Apply by September 30 at noon ET: www.nvfc.org/ricochet
📣 NIOSH wants to hear from the fire service. Fire chiefs, officers, and firefighters are encouraged to complete a brief survey to help NIOSH better understand the human factors involved in firefighter line-of-duty deaths and serious injuries, including how people think, act, and make decisions. Your input can help improve the tools and resources used in investigations and by fire departments to strengthen firefighter safety. Take the survey: https://buff.ly/Da5nmtV
The anniversary may have passed, but remembering the sacrifice of September 11 cannot be limited to a single day. We encourage the fire service community to take a moment to recognize the lasting toll 9/11 continues to have on those who responded, their families, and the entire fire service. We remember all who have been lost and honor those who continue to carry its impact today. #NeverForget #TheSacrificeContinues
Join us for a FREE webinar and learn how to get the most out of your NVFC membership! 🔹 Walk through the NVFC member portal 🔹 Explore exclusive member benefits and resources 🔹 Learn more about the First Responder Helpline 🔹 Get practical tips for making the most of your membership 📅 September 15 ⏰ 2pm ET 👉 Register today: https://buff.ly/MAJuwqz Not an NVFC member yet? This is also a great opportunity to see what membership can do for you.
On September 11, we remember the lives lost, the heroes who answered the call, and the extraordinary courage and sacrifice shown in the face of tragedy. Twenty-five years later, we continue to honor the firefighters, emergency responders, and all those whose lives were forever changed that day. As we mark this solemn anniversary, NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch shares a message of remembrance and reflection: https://buff.ly/uXiCTrx We remember. We honor. We will never forget.
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. 💛 Firefighters and emergency responders face experiences most people never will. Knowing the warning signs, checking in on one another, and knowing where to turn for help can make a difference. The NVFC’s Preventing and Coping with Suicide in the Emergency Services course helps responders recognize signs and symptoms that may precede suicide, understand resources available to those in need, and navigate the difficult healing process following a firefighter suicide. In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, this on-demand course is free to all for a limited time. Consider adding it to your department’s September training schedule. 🔗 Take the course: https://buff.ly/02335sK If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
We’re feeling grateful this #thankfulthursday for our media partner FireRescue1! From expert analysis and training tools to grant support and breaking news, FireRescue1 keeps firefighters informed, connected, and equipped to serve safely. Thank you for your partnership and dedication to the fire service! 🚒🔥 🔗www.firerescue1.com
As part of the NVFC's 50th anniversary celebration, we're continuing our State Association Spotlight series. This week, we're highlighting the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, which is celebrating 121 years of supporting and advocating for firefighters across the Palmetto State. The association's legacy dates back to founding father Chief Louis Behrens, whose forward-thinking leadership helped establish a one percent tax on fire insurance premiums paid by property holders to benefit South Carolina firefighters. Today, South Carolina continues to look toward the future of the fire service through initiatives like the Fire Officer Academy: The Company Officer (FOA). Created to address a critical gap in middle-management training, the competitive program has built a network of nearly 200 company officers representing volunteer, career, and combination departments across the state. Its impact has also drawn interest from fire service leaders in other states who have audited the program. And a fun fact about the Palmetto State: South Carolina actually produces more peaches than its neighbor, the Peach State! 🍑 Join today for just $24/year and stand with volunteers across South Carolina and nationwide 👉 nvfc.org/join
Raise a glass to those who answer the call. 🚒🥃 The NVFC has teamed up with Championzgin for the new Hero Edition, created to recognize America’s volunteer firefighters and emergency responders while giving back to the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue community. For every bottle sold, Championz Gin will donate $12 directly to the NVFC to help support the programs, resources, and initiatives that serve responders nationwide. The Hero Edition is now available for pre-order online, with bottles also arriving at select retailers and hospitality partners in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, DC. Pre-order online here👉 https://buff.ly/vVsbMuh
🚗📱 Your brain wasn't built for this. Distracted driving puts everyone on the road at risk, including the first responders working to keep our roadways safe. The NVFC has released four new 15-second PSAs to help fire and emergency service departments educate their communities about the dangers of distracted driving and why our brains simply aren’t made to multitask behind the wheel. ▶️ Watch and share the videos on YouTube or Vimeo, and access additional outreach materials to help spread the message in your community: https://buff.ly/hRLg8Oe
We’re hiring! 🚒 The NVFC is looking for a full-time Membership Coordinator to join our team and help support the nation’s volunteer fire and emergency services. We’re seeking an organized, detail-oriented communicator to assist with member services, outreach and communications, membership records, and special projects. If you’re a membership professional looking to put your skills to work for a mission-driven organization, we’d love to hear from you! 🔗 View the full position description and apply: https://buff.ly/empPCGQ
🔋 Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere, and helping your community use and charge them safely is an important part of fire prevention. Join the NVFC for a free Roundtable Talk bringing together fire service and safety experts to share practical strategies departments can use to educate their communities, encourage safer charging habits, and reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires. The discussion will also help departments prepare for this year’s Fire Prevention Week (October 4-10) theme, “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging is a Superpower.” 📅 September 10 ⏰ 2pm ET 💻 FREE 👉 Register: https://buff.ly/lwf0la9
This week, our nation will mark 25 years since the September 11 attacks. As we approach this solemn anniversary, we remember the lives lost and honor the firefighters, emergency responders, and countless others who answered the call that day and in the weeks and months that followed. NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch shares a message reflecting on the lasting impact of 9/11 on the fire and emergency services and the importance of carrying forward the legacy of those who served and sacrificed. We will never forget. We Remember.
Wildland and WUI incidents demand gear designed for the conditions responders face. Through the Ricochet PPE Award Program, eligible volunteer fire departments can apply for the opportunity to receive five sets of Ricochet Wildland Gear, designed to provide lightweight, breathable protection while helping reduce heat stress and improve mobility. Applications are open through September 30 at noon ET. 🔥 Learn more and apply: www.nvfc.org/ricochet
Happy Labor Day from the NVFC! ❤️💙 For many volunteer firefighters and EMS providers, serving their community comes on top of a full-time job, family, and everything else life brings. Today, we recognize all of you who put in the work, both on and off the job, and still answer the call when your community needs you. Thank you for everything you do to keep others safe. Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday!
Looking for a night of laughs with people who understand the first responder life? 🚒😂 The Heroes Off Duty Comedy Tour brings together first responders and veterans to share their experiences through comedy, connection, and plenty of stories from life on and off duty. In recognition of Labor Day, discounted tickets are currently available for upcoming shows. Check out the tour and see if they’re coming to a city near you: https://buff.ly/tBcsZ8x
Individuals diagnosed with autism are seven times more likely to have an experience that requires emergency services. To increase awareness, this course will explain how symptoms of autism impact a person’s daily life and train you on how to identify autistic traits so you can provide the utmost diligence and care when attending these calls. Take this course free for a limited time in the NVFC Virtual Classroom 👉 https://buff.ly/oSpnBdc
The U.S. Department of Transportation has released its 2026 National Roadway Safety Strategy, outlining a roadmap to reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries across the country. The strategy focuses on three core objectives: 🚗 Safer People 🛣️ Safer Roads 🚙 Safer Vehicles It also recognizes the important role emergency responders play in roadway safety, including efforts to improve traffic incident management and reduce secondary crashes. Take a look at the strategy and see what it means for safer roadways and the responders who work on them: https://buff.ly/LEBolGr
For this week’s #thankfulthursday, we’re recognizing our media partner, Fire Engineering! 🙌 For generations, Fire Engineering has helped keep the fire service informed through trusted training, education, news, and insights from those who know the job firsthand. Thank you for your partnership and continued support of the fire and emergency services! 🚒www.fireengineering.com
Are you getting the most out of your NVFC membership? 👀 Whether you’re a new member, have been with us for years, or are considering joining, this free webinar will show you everything your NVFC membership has to offer. Join us on September 15 at 2pm ET to: 🔹 Walk through the NVFC member portal 🔹 Explore exclusive member benefits and resources 🔹 Learn more about the First Responder Helpline 🔹 Get practical tips for making the most of your membership 📅 September 15 ⏰ 2pm ET 💻 Free webinar 👉 Register today: https://buff.ly/MAJuwqz Not an NVFC member yet? This is also a great opportunity to see what membership can do for you.
🚒 Free training opportunity for firefighters and emergency responders in the Akron, OH, area! Ethanol-related incidents can present unique challenges for responders. Build your knowledge and preparedness at an upcoming Ethanol Emergency Response Seminar, featuring in-depth training on proper response techniques for ethanol-related emergencies. 📍 Akron Training Academy | Akron, OH 📅 Choose from September 16, 17, or 18 ⏰ 8:30am–2pm 💲 FREE to attend Register 👉 https://buff.ly/djYIQN8
As part of the NVFC's 50th anniversary celebration, we're continuing our State Association Spotlight series. This week, we're highlighting the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY), representing more than 80,000 volunteer firefighters across New York State. FASNY supports the volunteer fire service through recruitment, training, advocacy, wellness initiatives, youth programming, and more. Its RecruitNY statewide open house and Fire in You campaigns alone have helped add more than 20,000 volunteers to the fire service. The association's commitment to its members also extends well beyond their active years of service. For more than 125 years, FASNY has maintained the Firemen's Home in Hudson, providing residential healthcare and support to former volunteer firefighters. FASNY also helps preserve the history and legacy of New York's fire service through the Museum of Firefighting in Hudson. FASNY is part of the NVFC’s nationwide network of state firefighter associations working together to strengthen, support, and advocate for the volunteer fire service. Join today for just $24/year and stand with volunteers across New York and nationwide 👉 nvfc.org/join
🚶♀️🚒 234 MILLION steps. 1,000+ participants. One month of moving for better health. Firefighters and EMS providers across the country stepped up during the NVFC’s second annual Step Strong Challenge, turning June into a month of movement, motivation, and a little friendly competition. Participants didn’t just rack up the steps. They built healthier habits, got their crews and families involved, and found new motivation to keep moving. And with the addition of team competition this year, departments had even more reason to step up together. 👟 Hear directly from participants about their Step Strong experience and see how 234+ million steps added up to a healthier fire and emergency services community. 👉 Read the article: https://buff.ly/sydAu3H
🔋 Charge into fire safety this Fire Prevention Week! Lithium-ion batteries power more of our everyday lives than ever, but how we charge and use them can make a big difference in preventing fires. Join the NVFC on September 10 for a Roundtable Talk featuring fire service and safety experts discussing practical ways departments can educate their communities about safer charging habits and help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires. 📅 September 10 ⏰ 2pm ET 💻 Free to attend 👉 Register: https://buff.ly/lwf0la9 This discussion will help departments prepare for Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10, and this year’s theme, “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging is a Superpower.”
🔥 Applications are now open for the Ricochet PPE Award Program! Eligible volunteer fire departments can apply for the opportunity to receive five sets of Ricochet Wildland Gear, a lightweight, breathable system designed to reduce heat stress, improve mobility, and provide protection during wildland and WUI operations. To be eligible, departments must: ✔️ Be more than 50% volunteer ✔️ Serve a population of 25,000 or less ✔️ Have at least one active NVFC member ✔️ Meet the program eligibility requirements Applications close September 30 at noon ET.👉 www.nvfc.org/ricochet
Join the NVFC, TOMORROW, September 2 at 2pm ET for Hometown Sound Off: Reaching Communities Served by Volunteer Fire Departments with Free Resources. Sound Off with the Home Fire Safety Patrol provides volunteer departments with free, professionally designed resources to deliver fire safety education, family activities, smoke alarm installations, and fire drill practice. 🔗 Register: https://buff.ly/VXb2Sb5
Every few seconds, a responder puts their life on the line to aid crash victims and quickly clear crashes that could otherwise result in a secondary crash. Proper training as well as public awareness are keys to keeping responders safe at roadway incidents. Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW) takes place November 2-6, with the theme “Slow Down, Move Over. Lives are on the Line!” Start planning now: https://buff.ly/gqsT4kk
Meet Brené Ball, a fire and life safety educator and digital content specialist for the Pinecroft Sedgefield Fire District near Greensboro, North Carolina. During her 24 years as a volunteer in the fire service, she has shared her passion for technology and education not only across North Carolina but across the United States. Watch her NVFC Volunteer Spotlight at https://buff.ly/D4VY6xB
Join the NVFC TOMORROW at 2pm ET for the free webinar Building Local Training with Community Risk Reduction: A Five E’s Approach. Presenter Ken Brown will explore how departments can identify local hazards and priorities and use Community Risk Reduction principles to develop targeted training and public education. Learn how the five E’s can be applied at the local level: ✅ Education ✅ Engineering ✅ Enforcement ✅ Economic incentives ✅ Emergency response 📅 September 1 ⏰ 2pm ET 👉 Register: https://buff.ly/CRJb7if This webinar is sponsored by Vector Solutions
FirstNet is the only network built with and for first responders, because nothing should slow down life-saving calls. 🔗 https://buff.ly/XMlhPOR
📚 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
For over 52 years, Fire News has been a trusted voice for the fire and EMS community. We’re proud to have Fire News as an NVFC media partner and thank them for their continued commitment to keeping the fire service informed, inspired, and connected. 🙌 #thankfulthursday 👉 FireNews.com
☕ Grab a cup and join us for the next NVFC R&R Coffee Talk! On September 2 at 7pm ET, Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny will be joined by guests Sheri Nickel and Meredith Herman for a conversation on Fire Prevention Week & Recruitment. Learn how your department can use Fire Prevention Week as an opportunity to connect with your community and support your recruitment efforts. This interactive 30-minute session will also include time for audience Q&A. 🔗 Register: https://buff.ly/GV1pnbn
🚑 EMS professionals: NHTSA wants your input. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is seeking feedback from the EMS community on how motor vehicle crash records are linked with injury and hospital data through NEMSIS. Your practical, on-the-ground experience can help inform best practices and future guidance for how this data is connected and used. 📅 Comments are due October 6. 👉 Submit your comments: https://buff.ly/W3xuKlW
Help bring proven fire safety education to the children and families in your community. 🏠🔥 Join the NVFC on September 2 at 2pm ET for Hometown Sound Off: Reaching Communities Served by Volunteer Fire Departments with Free Resources. Sound Off with the Home Fire Safety Patrol provides volunteer departments with free, professionally designed resources to deliver fire safety education, family activities, smoke alarm installations, and fire drill practice. Learn how to bring Sound Off to your community using Community Risk Reduction best practices, including options for departments that may not have staff available for daytime classroom visits. 🔗 Register: https://buff.ly/VXb2Sb5
Congratulations to the latest recipients of the 2026 MSA Globe Gear Giveaway! The Andover Borough Fire Department (Andover, NJ) and the Goldbug Volunteer Fire Department (Williamsburg, KY) have each been awarded four sets of Globe® turnout gear and four MSA Cairns® helmets to help keep their volunteer firefighters protected on every call. A total of 13 volunteer fire departments will receive gear through this year's program, with additional recipients announced each month. Read more and see the latest recipients: https://buff.ly/G0k5Yz6
LAST CHANCE: Enter NOW until August 31 for a chance to receive a personalized MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet! 🔗 www.nvfc.org/helmet 🚒 Must be an NVFC member & active U.S. volunteer firefighter