Apply for a Columbia Southern University (CSU) Scholarship!
Two NVFC members will receive a scholarship towards any of CSU's online degree programs. Applications due August 17.
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Training Summit: Registration Open
Join us for the 2026 NVFC Training Summit, June 26-27, in Arlington, VA.
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Upcoming Training
Join us on June 2 at 2pm ET for the Roundtable Talk - Safety Stand Down 2026: Fit to Serve, Fit for Life
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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.
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Heart-Healthy Firefighter Resources
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.
Access ResourcesNVFC Board of Directors Address Critical Issues, Present Annual Awards at Spring Conference
May 19, 2026:
NVFC Board of Directors
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) held its 2026 spring board conference on May 15-17 in Alexandria, VA. Nearly 50 directors representing 30 states attended. Topics...
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Anheuser-Busch Donates 1.5 Million Cans of Emergency Drinking Water to Volunteer Fire Departments
May 19, 2026:
Anheuser-Busch, its wholesaler partners, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have teamed up for the eighth year to provide emergency drinking water to volunteer fire departments across the...
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Application Period Now Open for the 2026 NVFC Scholarship to Columbia Southern University
May 19, 2026:
For the 18th year, Columbia Southern University (CSU) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) are helping volunteer responders achieve their educational goals through the annual CSU scholarship...
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Thank You Volunteer EMS Providers!
May 19, 2026:
It’s National EMS Week, and the NVFC is grateful to our nation’s volunteer EMS providers for the lifesaving services you provide in your communities every day. We are proud to be a partner of...
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DHS Makes $648 Million Available to Help Firefighters and First Responders Nationwide
May 19, 2026:
FEMA announced that the application periods for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants, and Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S)...
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Last Chance! Apply for New Turnout Gear and Helmets by June 1
May 19, 2026:
There is still time to apply for four sets of Globe® turnout gear and four MSA Cairns® Helmets through MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway, in partnership with the NVFC. The deadline is noon ET on June 1. A...
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The NVFC was proud to recognize this year’s annual award recipients at the 2026 spring conference. Attendees celebrated the recipients of the William J. Darley Lifetime Achievement Award, Chief James P. Seavey Sr. Health & Wellness Leadership Award, Junior Firefighter of the Year Award, and Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees and thank you for all you do to strengthen the fire and EMS service. Learn more about this year's award recipients: https://buff.ly/T8RMIz2
This EMS Week, we recognize the volunteer EMS providers and clinicians who are there for people on some of the hardest days of their lives. This year’s theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” is about more than medicine. It’s about the compassion, trust, teamwork, and dedication that help patients, families, and communities through moments that matter most. Thank you to all EMS providers for the lifesaving care, comfort, and support you provide every day. Learn more: https://emsweek.org/
Set the standard for safe habits behind the wheel. Put the phone down, buckle up, and show the next generation what responsible driving looks like.
The FY 2025 AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grant application periods open tomorrow, with applications due by June 22. These federal funding opportunities can help departments strengthen operations, improve safety, and better serve their communities. 🚒 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Supports departments with funding for PPE, turnout gear, SCBA, equipment, apparatus, training, and wellness initiatives. 👨🚒 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Helps departments increase or maintain staffing levels and supports volunteer recruitment and retention activities. 🔥 Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Supports fire prevention and education efforts, community risk reduction programs, and firefighter safety research initiatives. Find more information and learn how to apply here: https://buff.ly/PAttGFl Need help preparing your application? Check out the NVFC Virtual Classroom for grant-related training and resources: https://buff.ly/cfXtGyB
⏰ Final call to apply for MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway! MSA Fire, Nomex® and Kevlar® for Personal Protection, and the NVFC partner each year to help volunteer departments replace worn or outdated gear with new protective equipment. In 2026, 52 sets of turnout gear and helmets will be awarded. The application period closes at noon ET on June 1. Apply now at www.nvfc.org/gear.
The NVFC Step Strong Challenge begins June 1! Walk your way through June, earn bonus steps, and meet challenge goals for the chance to win prizes. 📲 Download the app & register now: hekahealth.com/nvfc26
The NVFC Spring Board Conference brought together board members, partners, and industry leaders for several days of collaboration, discussion, and planning to help strengthen and support the volunteer fire and emergency services. Throughout the conference, attendees participated in governance discussions, heard updates from national fire service and industry partners, explored the role of AI in the fire service, and took part in important conversations surrounding leadership, advocacy, and the future of the volunteer fire service. Thank you to our board members, presenters, and sponsors for helping make this year’s Spring Board Conference a success!
NVFC leadership took to Capitol Hill this week for Advocacy Day, meeting with lawmakers to discuss critical issues impacting the volunteer fire and emergency services. Before heading to meetings with legislators, directors were briefed on the NVFC’s key policy priorities and the importance of continued Congressional support for the fire and EMS community. Thank you to these lawmakers for taking the time to meet and discuss the needs of volunteer responders and the communities they serve.
Applications are now open for the Columbia Southern University and NVFC Scholarship Program! 🎓🚒 Two NVFC members will receive scholarships covering up to 60 credit hours toward an online degree program through Columbia Southern University. If you’re a volunteer responder looking to further your education and strengthen your impact in the fire and emergency services, this is an incredible opportunity to invest in your future. Applications are open until August 17. Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/tmv5iNQ
The NVFC Spring Board Conference is underway! We kicked off this morning with the presentation of the colors by the Alexandria Fire Department Honor Guard, a welcome by Alexandria (VA) Fire Department Chief Felipe Hernandez, Jr., the Chair's Report by Steve Hirsch, and the CEO Report by Sarah Lee. Check out a few highlights from the morning below!
Next week marks National EMS Week™ (May 17-23) 🚑️ Please join us as we recognize the people behind the patch and reaffirm our commitment, as partners and communities, to Improving Outcomes, Together. The National EMS Week resource center is available to help you plan, publicize, and celebrate the event in your community. 🔗 https://buff.ly/7nssfsi
Volunteer fire service leaders from across the country came together today for the NVFC Advocacy Day during the 2026 Spring Conference. Supported by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the event provided an opportunity for NVFC Directors and state fire service association representatives to learn more about the legislative process, discuss key issues impacting the volunteer fire service, and prepare to effectively engage with policymakers on behalf of their departments and communities. Thank you to everyone who participated and continues to advocate for the needs of the volunteer fire and emergency services. 🚒🚑️
Becoming a volunteer firefighter impacts your entire family. The NVFC has resources to help families adjust to the volunteer fire service lifestyle, including an on-demand course in the Virtual Classroom. This course reviews topics such as key fire service terms, keeping relationships strong, being part of the fire department family, finding support resources, and more. For a limited time, take this course free of charge: https://buff.ly/UgEvL1r
When disaster strikes, the fire service family shows up for each other. ❤️ If you or a fellow responder experienced home damage or property loss due to a state or federally declared disaster or a home fire, assistance may be available through the NVFC Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund. Eligible responders can apply for a $350 stipend to help meet basic needs in the aftermath of a disaster. Learn more and apply here: https://buff.ly/6hbWevF If you know a responder who may need support, please help spread the word by sharing this post.
🧠 May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it serves as an important reminder that protecting your mental well-being is just as important as protecting your physical health. The NVFC is proud to provide resources and support services that help first responders navigate the unique challenges of the job. These efforts are possible thanks to the support of dedicated corporate members like Provident Insurance. Provident is not only a Chairman’s Club member, but also a valued partner in the NVFC First Responder Helpline, which offers 24/7 support to NVFC members and their families for a variety of behavioral health needs. 💚 Learn more about Provident and their commitment to responder wellness: https://buff.ly/Ef1TwTr
First responders face repeated stress, trauma, and challenges that can wear down even the strongest resilience systems over time. The NVFC’s in-person course, The Power of Hope: Strengthening Resilience and Wellbeing in First Responders, explores how hope can play a critical role in supporting responder wellbeing, resilience, and purpose, both personally and within the department. Through Dr. Richard Snyder’s Hope Theory, this course examines topics including moral injury, trauma, agency, peer support, mentorship, and the role leadership plays in cultivating hope within the fire and emergency services. Request this free training for your department or event today. Preference will be given to early July dates. Request the course: https://buff.ly/1RfgUFT
When a wildfire threatens a community, many homeowners expect firefighters to save every home. But wildfire mitigation starts long before the first apparatus arrives. Join the NVFC on May 19 at 2pm ET for the Roundtable Talk: Shifting the Homeowner Mindset: Shared Responsibility in Wildfire Mitigation. Hear from Mark Howell, Mike Johnson, and Josh Nigro, moderated by Charlie Kludt, as they discuss how fire departments can help residents better understand wildfire risk, take proactive mitigation steps, and become stronger partners in community protection. Register now: https://buff.ly/tfy7wJD
Join the NVFC, TOMORROW, May 13 at 2pm ET for a webinar breaking down the transition from NFIRS to NERIS and what you need to know now. Hear from Tyler Gibbs of Alpine Software as he walks through key changes, reporting requirements, and practical steps to help your department stay compliant. 🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/8eABdI1 This Webinar is sponsored by Alpine Software
The 2026 NVFC Training Summit is almost sold out! Don’t miss your chance to join volunteer firefighters and emergency service personnel from across the country on June 26-27 in Arlington, VA. This year’s summit features nationally recognized instructors, real-world leadership and training sessions, and practical takeaways you can bring back to your department immediately. Spots are limited and registration is nearly sold out. Register today: www.nvfc.org/summit
Join the NVFC, TOMORROW, May 12 at 2pm ET for the Roundtable Talk Crisis at the Crossroads: Addressing EMS Recruitment and Retention in Volunteer Departments. Hear from fire and EMS leaders as they dig into what’s driving the struggle to recruit and retain volunteers, from the time and cost of training to work-life balance, economic pressures, leadership gaps, and the growing disconnect between community expectations and the realities of volunteering. 👉 Register here: https://buff.ly/zHuRAgp
Lace up, log in, and start stepping! 🚶♂️ The NVFC Step Strong Challenge kicks off June 1. Sign up today and join first responders nationwide stepping up their fitness while competing for the chance to win prizes. 👉 Register now: hekahealth.com/nvfc26
Firefighters gathered at the MAAC Foundation in Valparaiso, IN, for the NVFC’s Instructor Training for Flammable Gases. Bill Offerman led this hands-on training opportunity, helping strengthen instructor knowledge and prepare responders to safely and effectively teach critical hazardous materials response skills in their own communities. Find more in-person training opportunities or request a training at your department here: https://buff.ly/PGb6zfn
Looking to advance your fire service leadership and operational skills? The National Fire Academy has immediate openings for resident classes starting May 24. Apply by May 13 for: • Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incident Management • Special Operations Program Management and Leadership • Command and Control Decision-Making at Multiple Alarm Incidents • Command and Control of Incident Operations • Hazardous Materials Code Enforcement • Leadership in Supervision • New Executive Chief Officer • Fire Investigation: Forensic Evidence Collection and Documentation NFA resident classes are free of charge, with free lodging provided, transportation to and from BWI included, and travel stipends available for eligible attendees. View available courses and apply: https://buff.ly/S7dNMB3
As part of the NVFC’s 50th anniversary celebration, we’re continuing our State Association Spotlight series. This week, we’re highlighting the West Virginia State Firemen’s Association, a cornerstone of the state’s fire service since 1928. West Virginia’s fire service is deeply rooted in tradition and community, with departments dating back to the early 1800s alongside newer organizations formed within the last two decades. Today, the state is home to 434 fire departments, with only 19 being career or combination, making it a truly volunteer-driven fire service. The association has played a key role in honoring and supporting firefighters across the state and encouraging NVFC membership is one more way the West Virginia State Firemen’s Association supports the firefighters who serve their communities every day. Join today for just $24/year and stand with volunteers across West Virginia and nationwide 👉 nvfc.org/join
📵 That text? It can wait. When you're behind the wheel, your focus should be on the road — not your phone. Every distraction is a risk not worth taking.
Many homeowners expect the fire department to protect their property during a wildfire. But the reality is, effective mitigation starts long before the call. Join the NVFC on May 19 at 2pm ET for a Roundtable Talk: Shifting the Homeowner Mindset: Shared Responsibility in Wildfire Mitigation. Hear from Mark Howell, Mike Johnson, and Josh Nigro, moderated by Charlie Kludt, as they break down common misconceptions about wildfire response and share practical ways departments can help residents take action to better protect their homes. Register now: https://buff.ly/tfy7wJD
Today we're giving a big shoutout to State Farm® for their incredible support of the volunteer fire service through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program! 150 volunteer departments will each receive a $10,000 grant to purchase lifesaving equipment in 2026. It’s your last chance to apply! The application period closes TODAY at noon ET. Thank you, State Farm! ❤️#thankfulthursday 🔗 Apply today: www.nvfc.org/statefarm
Join the NVFC on May 12 at 2pm ET for the Roundtable Talk Crisis at the Crossroads: Addressing EMS Recruitment and Retention in Volunteer Departments. Hear from fire and EMS leaders as they dig into what’s driving the struggle to recruit and retain volunteers, from the time and cost of training to work-life balance, economic pressures, leadership gaps, and the growing disconnect between community expectations and the realities of volunteering. 👉 Register here: https://buff.ly/zHuRAgp
⏰ Last Chance to Apply! The clock is ticking! Apply now for the State Farm® & NVFC Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. 150 volunteer departments will be awarded $10,000 each to purchase critical equipment. Don’t miss out on this chance to support your department and community. The application period closes Thursday, May 7, at Noon ET. 📍 States with 10 or more eligible applications are guaranteed at least one grant recipient. 🔗 Apply now: https://buff.ly/DjzThSG
NFIRS is out. NERIS is here. What does that actually mean for your department? Join the NVFC on May 13 at 2pm ET for a webinar breaking down the transition from NFIRS to NERIS and what you need to know now. Hear from Tyler Gibbs of Alpine Software as he walks through key changes, reporting requirements, and practical steps to help your department stay compliant. 🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/8eABdI1 This webinar is sponsored by Alpine Software
Training looks different when your team is balancing jobs, family, and the call to serve. Join the NVFC on May 7 at 2pm ET for a Roundtable Talk: Training Under Pressure — Addressing Volunteer Firefighter Training Challenges. Hear from industry leaders as they break down real challenges volunteer departments face and share practical ways to: • Make training more efficient • Work within limited time and budgets • Use training to support retention • Maintain readiness without burning out your team 🎤 Moderator: David Bullard 👥 Panelists: Jeff Cash, Brian Focht, Robbi King, and Matt Shronts 👉 Save your spot: https://buff.ly/LNrtAnp This Roundtable Talk is sponsored by Vector Solutions
Please join us in congratulating NVFC director of education, David Bryson, on being named the 2026 James O. Page Award recipient by the International Association of Fire Chiefs EMS Section and ZOLL Medical Corporation. This prestigious national award recognizes leaders who have made a lasting impact on fire-service-based EMS, and Dave’s career is a true reflection of that mission. We’re proud to have Dave on our team and grateful for the impact he continues to make on the fire and EMS community. Join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition 👇
National EMS Week takes place May 17-23, recognizing the EMS professionals who deliver critical care when it’s needed most. This year’s theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” highlights the teamwork behind every response — from dispatch to on-scene care to hospital handoff. Explore daily themes and ready-to-use resources to help your department celebrate and engage your community. 🔗 Read more: https://buff.ly/hN4oADG
🚨 NOW OPEN: 2026 Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program! 🚨 State Farm® and the NVFC are awarding $1.5 million to help volunteer fire departments purchase essential equipment. 150 departments will receive a $10,000 grant and the first 2,000 applicants will receive a FREE one-year NVFC membership! Apply now — the application period closes at noon ET on Thursday (May 7): www.nvfc.org/statefarm
Someone in your life answers the call. Today is a good day to remind them it matters. International Firefighters’ Day ❤️🚒 Tag a firefighter who shows up when it counts. #InternationalFirefightersDay #ThankAFirefighter
🚒 $1.5 million in funding is available! The State Farm® Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program will award 150 volunteer fire departments with $10,000 each — but the application period is only open from noon ET on May 4 to noon ET on May 7. Need help preparing? Join NVFC Office Hours to get answers to your questions: 🗓️ May 4 at 3 pm ET 🗓️ May 6 at 7 pm ET Details and Zoom links: https://buff.ly/SjXUMn3
Volunteer firefighters don’t have unlimited time to train. Jobs. Family. Calls. It all competes. Join the NVFC on May 7 at 2pm ET for a live Roundtable Talk on how departments are making training work in the real world. Learn how to: • Train smarter with limited time • Work within tight budgets • Use training to improve retention • Stay ready without burning out your team 👉 Save your spot: https://buff.ly/LNrtAnp This Roundtable Talk is sponsored by Vector Solutions
After a historic shutdown, the Department of Homeland Security has officially reopened. For the fire and emergency services community, this means critical funding and support are back in place for programs and agencies we rely on every day, including the FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency. Disruptions to DHS funding put essential resources at risk, from AFG and SAFER grants to training, coordination, and national response capabilities. Volunteer departments depend on these programs to remain equipped, staffed, and ready to respond. The NVFC continues to advocate for strong, stable investment in the fire and emergency services.
Volunteer fire and EMS leaders are being asked to do more than ever before. Build stronger teams. Navigate growing demands. Lead with confidence. The 2026 NVFC Training Summit delivers real-world strategies you can take back to your department. Join us June 26–27 in Arlington, VA. 🔗 www.nvfc.org/summit
A new study on volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention takes a closer look at how training structures, requirements, and delivery methods impact departments. The findings confirm that training plays a critical role in both attracting and keeping volunteers, but challenge the assumption that training hours alone are the main barrier. What does make a difference? How training is delivered, how flexible it is, and how well it fits into volunteers’ lives. If your department is looking to strengthen recruitment and retention, this research is worth a look. 👉 View the key takeaways or download the full report: https://buff.ly/rpELMoY
With a focus on health, safety, and sustainability, Fire-Dex offers innovative products and services such as turnout gear, alternative PPE, boots, hoods, gloves, helmets, and PPE rentals. On this #thankfulthursday we appreciate their NVFC Advocate membership! Learn more: https://buff.ly/3QQObXK
🔥May 4-7 ONLY: Apply for a $10,000 Fire Department Grant! State Farm® and the NVFC are teaming up again to support volunteer fire departments through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. $1.5 million in grant funding will be awarded to 150 departments — each receiving $10,000 to purchase critical equipment that boosts firefighter safety and performance. 📍 States with 10 or more eligible applications are guaranteed at least one grant recipient. The application period will be open from noon ET on May 4 to noon ET on May 7. Don’t wait – prep your application now with guidance, FAQs, and more! www.nvfc.org/statefarm
Meet NVFC member Barry Kushnir of the Wanamassa Fire Company in Ocean Township, NJ. Barry joined the fire service in 2023 to fulfill a lifelong dream. From responding to calls to teaching kids during Fire Prevention Week, Barry brings passion, purpose, and a strong commitment to serving his community every day. 👉 Read his full NVFC Member Spotlight: https://buff.ly/uPVBj8i
Volunteer EMS is facing real challenges and it’s time to talk about it. Join the NVFC on May 12 at 2pm ET for the Roundtable Talk Crisis at the Crossroads: Addressing EMS Recruitment and Retention in Volunteer Departments. Hear from fire and EMS leaders as they dig into what’s driving the struggle to recruit and retain volunteers, from the time and cost of training to work-life balance, economic pressures, leadership gaps, and the growing disconnect between community expectations and the realities of volunteering. 👉 Register here: https://buff.ly/zHuRAgp
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is May 2. Is your department ready? 🔥🌲 This national day of action is all about reducing wildfire risk and helping communities stay safe. The Wildland Fire Assessment Program offers free online training plus ready-to-use tools to help your department conduct home safety assessments in the wildland-urban interface. It’s a simple way to make a real impact in your community. 👉 Start the training and access resources: https://buff.ly/gfnXWCH
Looking to build the next generation of your department? Junior firefighter programs don’t just teach skills. They create a pipeline for future volunteers and leaders. For a limited time, the NVFC’s Training the Next Generation series is available FREE in the Virtual Classroom. This four-part course helps department leaders and junior program advisors strengthen mentorship, prioritize safety, and build sustainable programs. 👉 Start the course: https://buff.ly/7zJLwRv
🚨 Final Call! Last chance to take part in Nutella Stacks for Giving Back, in partnership with NVFC and Pearl Milling Company: ✔️ Ten $5,000 grants ✔️ 350 Pancake Breakfast Kits Applications and nominations close April 30. 👉 https://buff.ly/AyV92M1
We honor the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of those who gave their lives in service. ❤️🚒 The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend will take place May 2–3 at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, recognizing 204 firefighters who died in the line of duty. Through the Candlelight Service and Memorial Service, families, departments, and communities will gather to remember their sacrifice and legacy. Take time to honor fallen firefighters in your own community and learn more about this year’s tribute. 👉 Find details, see who is being honored, and ways to participate: https://buff.ly/RPoa5kP
🧯 Does your department need new gear? Applications are open for MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway! In 2026, 13 volunteer fire departments will each receive four sets of Globe® turnout gear and MSA Cairns® helmets through this annual program provided by MSA Fire, Nomex® and Kevlar® for Personal Protection, and the NVFC. Apply by June 1 at www.nvfc.org/gear.
Only ONE Week Away! The 2026 Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program application period will be open from noon ET on May 4 to noon ET on May7 only. Is your department ready? 💰 150 volunteer fire departments will receive $10,000 each 🎁 First 2,000 applicants get a FREE NVFC membership 📅 Don’t wait – prep your application now with guidance, FAQs, and more: https://buff.ly/w2gDvox