MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet Giveaway
MSA is giving away four Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmets to NVFC members in 2026. The final entry period is open until November 30 at noon ET.
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AES Safer Tomorrow Fund
Eligible volunteer departments can apply for a $20,000 grant to improve responder safety, operational readiness, and community resilience. A total of $200,000 is available!
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Register for this Upcoming Training
Join us on November 3 at 2pm ET for the NVFC Roundtable Talk – Reducing Risk: An Insurance Industry Perspective on Fire Service Claims and Prevention
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Register for this Upcoming Training
Join us on November 4 at 2pm ET for the NVFC Webinar – New Ways Volunteer Fire Organizations Can Use Drones
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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.
View TimelineSubmit Your Nominations for the NVFC’s 2027 National Fire Service Achievement Awards
Nov 3, 2026:
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is now accepting nominations for the William J. Darley Lifetime Achievement Award, Chief James P. Seavey Sr. Health and Wellness Leadership Award, Junior...
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Final Entry Period Open in the 2026 MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet Giveaway
Nov 3, 2026:
MSA Safety is giving away four MSA Cairns 1836 fire helmets to NVFC members in 2026, and your final chance to enter is now open. The helmet is lightweight, has a low ride height for comfort, and is...
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Find Free Training and Resources for Crash Responder Safety Week
Nov 3, 2026:
It’s Crash Responder Safety Week, and now is a great time to take action to improve roadway safety for responders and the public. Start by taking free traffic incident management training from the...
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Oppositional Defiant Disorder and the Volunteer Fire and EMS Service
Nov 3, 2026:
Have you ever encountered a firefighter who disregards rules, doesn’t respond well to authority, blames others, and is consistently argumentative? These are all signs that the individual is...
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Updates Made to the NVFC Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund
Nov 3, 2026:
Since 2005, the NVFC Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund has been providing stipends to assist eligible volunteer responders whose homes were impacted by a natural disaster or home fire. To provide...
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NVFC Receives Grant from General Motors to Increase Roadway Safety
Nov 3, 2026:
General Motors has awarded the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) a $155,000 grant to help improve the safety of emergency responders and the public on roadways. This is the sixth year the NVFC...
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The NVFC is extremely saddened by the passing of longtime board member and second vice chair Reid Vaughan. He made a lasting impact on the fire and emergency services in his home state of Alabama and across the nation, and he will be deeply missed by all those who had the good fortune to know him. Reid joined the NVFC board in 2012 and served in many roles over the past 14 years, including second vice chair, parliamentarian, and chair of the Standards and Codes Committee. He also served on the Executive Committee, Bylaws Committee, Family Support Task Force, OSHA Task Force, and Communications and Technology Committee. He was always a strong and steady voice for the volunteer and was well respected by all those he engaged with. In addition to his service with the NVFC, Reid was the chief of the Cuba Volunteer Fire Department and section chief of regional services of the Alabama Fire College. We send our deepest condolences to his wife Rindy, daughter Ashlynne, mother Karen, brother Casey, and the rest of his family, friends, the Cuba Volunteer Fire Department, the Alabama Fire College, and all those who are mourning this profound loss. His legacy will live on.
Meet Adam Cecys, a lieutenant with the Abington Volunteer Fire Department in Centerville, Indiana. His dedication to serving others reflects the impact volunteers can make in a short time. Adam encourages anyone who wants to make a positive difference in their community to consider joining the volunteer fire service. Interested in serving your community? Find volunteer fire service opportunities at www.MakeMeAFirefighter.org.
Is your fire department ready to take advantage of new opportunities in drone technology? Drones are changing the way fire and emergency services respond to incidents, improve situational awareness, and protect their communities. Recent regulatory changes are opening even more possibilities for volunteer fire departments. Join the NVFC tomorrow at 2pm ET for a FREE webinar with retired Chief Charles Werner, director of DRONERESPONDERS, to learn about these changes and what they mean for your department. There's still time to register! 🔗 Register for free: https://buff.ly/Ep10pSd
Enter NOW until November 30 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
What can insurance claims teach us about keeping firefighters and EMS personnel safer? Join the NVFC tomorrow, November 3, at 2pm ET for a FREE Roundtable Talk featuring insurance industry experts who will explore common claims, injury trends, and emerging risks facing fire and EMS departments. Learn practical strategies to reduce risk, prevent injuries, and better protect your personnel and department from costly claims. Don't miss this opportunity to hear directly from industry experts and take valuable insights back to your department. 🔗 Register for free: https://buff.ly/T3urUfI
Slow Down. Move Over. Lives Are On The Line. It's Crash Responder Safety Week! The NVFC stands with the U.S. Department of Transportation in raising awareness about the importance of protecting traffic incident responders as they work to provide roadside assistance and keep our roads safe. Every day, firefighters, EMS personnel, and other roadside responders put their lives on the line to help others. When you see flashing lights, slow down, move over when safe to do so, and give responders the space they need to work safely. Help protect those who protect us. Share this message from NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch and remind others to Slow Down and Move Over. #CRSW2026 #CrashResponderSafetyWeek #SlowDownMoveOver
🚑 Have a voice in the future of EMS! The National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) is hosting a virtual meeting on November 4 from 1–5pm ET, and the public is invited to attend! Hear from EMS representatives as they discuss key issues impacting the industry, including the nationwide implementation of prehospital blood transfusion programs, strategic planning, and federal EMS updates. 💬 Attendees will also have an opportunity to engage with council members during the public comment period. 🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/boCREnu
Who will lead your department next? Strong leadership doesn't happen overnight, and waiting until a chief is ready to retire can leave departments unprepared. Join the NVFC on November 18 at 2pm ET for a free Roundtable Talk on developing the next generation of fire and EMS leaders. Learn how to identify leadership potential early, preserve valuable institutional knowledge, and build a succession plan that sets your department up for long-term success. 🎙️ Presenters: John Alston, Jeff Cash, Denis Onieal, and moderator Ken Willette. 🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/d66oIfR
From enhancing emergency response to improving situational awareness, drones can be valuable tools for public safety. Recent regulatory changes are also expanding how volunteer fire organizations can use this technology. Join the NVFC and retired Chief Charles Werner, director of DRONERESPONDERS, for a FREE webinar exploring these changes and how your department can benefit. 📅 November 4 | 2 PM ET 🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/Ep10pSd
On this #thankfulthursday we’re recognizing NVFC Advocate member Firecraft Safety Products. FireCraft manufactures structural, extrication, and work gloves and is a master distributor of Sensit gas detectors for the fire industry. Learn more about them at https://buff.ly/BYFRsX5!
👏 Congratulations to NVFC CA director Dick Brown and his therapy dog, Rodney, on receiving the Chaplain of the Year Award from the Federation of Fire Chaplains! Dick and Rodney have dedicated themselves to supporting first responders, providing comfort, promoting mental health awareness, and making a difference in the lives of those who serve. Thank you both for all you do! This honor is well deserved! ❤️🐾
Is your fire department doing enough to reduce risk and protect its members? From firefighter injuries to costly insurance claims, understanding the risks your department faces is an important part of keeping personnel safe. Join the National Volunteer Fire Council on November 3 at 2pm ET for a FREE Roundtable Talk featuring insurance industry experts who will share insights on common claims, emerging trends, and practical strategies to help fire and EMS departments reduce risk. 🔗 Register for free: https://buff.ly/T3urUfI
NVFC CEO Sarah Lee attended the Tesla First Responder Training Event at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Academy! The training covered important information first responders need to know when responding to incidents involving Tesla electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and other emerging technologies. As technology continues to evolve, opportunities like these help keep first responders informed, prepared, and safe. Thanks to Tesla and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue for hosting!
Join the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on November 2 for the National Kickoff Webinar for Crash Responder Safety Week! Hear from traffic incident management leaders and safety advocates from across the country as they highlight efforts to protect emergency responders and motorists, share valuable resources, and discuss ways we can all help improve roadway safety. 📅 November 2 | 1 PM ET 🚒 Fire, EMS, law enforcement, towing and recovery, transportation, and all traffic incident responders are encouraged to attend. 🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/4APrzyt #CrashResponderSafetyWeek #ResponderSafety #MoveOverSlowDown
📣 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
Join the NVFC on October 29 for a FREE, 30-minute R&R Coffee Talk exploring the unique challenges combination departments face and strategies to recruit and retain firefighters. ☕ October 29 | 7 PM ET Hear from fire service leaders, ask questions, and join the conversation! 👉Register here: https://buff.ly/GISlygb
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🚨 Last call! Applications for the October Ricochet PPE Award Program close October 30 at noon ET. Eligible volunteer fire departments that respond annually to wildfires and provide emergency medical and/or rescue services can apply for the chance to receive five sets of Ricochet Wildland + Technical Rescue Dual-Cert Gear. With NFPA 1977 and 1951 compliance in one lightweight garment, this gear is designed to provide versatile protection for departments responding to a range of incidents. Submit your department’s application by noon ET on October 30. 🔥 Apply now: www.nvfc.org/ricochet
Fire departments face unique challenges when it comes to meeting safety standards while working within their staffing, budgets, and resources. So, what’s required, what’s recommended, and where do departments have flexibility? Join the NVFC on October 28 at 2pm ET for a Roundtable Talk as industry experts break down common misconceptions about NFPA standards and discuss how departments can make informed decisions based on their needs and resources. 🔗 Register today: https://buff.ly/0QVW2HB
New opportunities are opening up for volunteer fire departments to use drones! From enhancing emergency response to improving situational awareness, drones can be valuable tools for public safety. Recent regulatory changes are also expanding how volunteer fire organizations can use this technology. Join the NVFC and retired Chief Charles Werner, director of DRONERESPONDERS, for a FREE webinar exploring these changes and how your department can benefit. 📅 November 4 | 2 PM ET 🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/Ep10pSd
🚒 Congratulations to the latest recipients of MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway! Maynard (AR) Volunteer Fire Department and Fallon (MT) Fire Area Department will each receive four sets of Globe® turnout gear and four MSA Cairns® helmets to help keep their volunteer firefighters protected and ready to respond. Through MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway, MSA Fire, Nomex® and Kevlar® for Personal Protection, and the NVFC are helping volunteer departments get the critical gear they need to serve their communities safely. Since the program began in 2012, more than $2 million worth of gear has been donated to volunteer fire departments across the country. Learn more about the latest recipients: https://buff.ly/WrZ7zwN
🚒 Struggling with recruitment and retention in your combination department? Join the NVFC on October 29 for a FREE, 30-minute R&R Coffee Talk exploring the unique challenges combination departments face and strategies to recruit and retain firefighters. ☕ October 29 | 7 PM ET Hear from fire service leaders, ask questions, and join the conversation! 👉 Save your spot: https://buff.ly/GISlygb
Today, we’re grateful for our NVFC Advocate member, International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA-FPP). IFSTA is dedicated to strengthening the fire service through high-quality training and education. Their work helps identify critical training needs and supports the development and validation of materials that improve firefighter safety and performance nationwide. Thank you, IFSTA, for your continued commitment to advancing firefighter training and protecting our fire service. To learn more, visit www.ifsta.org.
Are training requirements creating unnecessary barriers for volunteer fire departments? 🚒 Training is essential, but when requirements don't reflect the needs and resources of smaller departments, they can make recruiting and retaining volunteers even more challenging. In this article, retired Chief Joe Maruca explores why training standards should prioritize essential skills while allowing flexibility to meet local needs.
🚒 New research is helping advance our understanding of cancer risks in the fire service. The National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer has released a new paper examining firefighter participation during the program's first three years and the progress of its recruitment efforts. Launched in 2023, the NFR is the largest national effort to better understand and reduce cancer risks among U.S. firefighters. 📄 Read the new paper: https://buff.ly/ag4NryM 🔥 Not registered yet? Learn how you can participate and help support this important research: https://buff.ly/jr4X0wJ
Does adopting NFPA standards have to be an all-or-nothing approach? Fire departments face unique challenges when it comes to meeting safety standards while working within their staffing, budgets, and resources. So, what’s required, what’s recommended, and where do departments have flexibility? Join the NVFC on October 28 at 2pm ET for a Roundtable Talk as industry experts break down common misconceptions about NFPA standards and discuss how departments can make informed decisions based on their needs and resources. Hear from moderator John Buckman and panelists Doug Cline, Joe Maruca, and Robin Zevotek. 🔗 Register today: https://buff.ly/0QVW2HB
🎓 Congratulations to NVFC members Jeremy Spencer of Wisconsin and Ben Wexler of Tennessee on being selected as the 2026 Columbia Southern University scholarship recipients! Each recipient will receive a scholarship covering up to 60 credit hours toward an online degree program at CSU. Both Jeremy and Ben have demonstrated a strong commitment to the fire service, and we're excited to see them continue their education and strengthen their leadership skills. Thank you to Columbia Southern University for its continued partnership in supporting the educational goals of volunteer first responders! 🚒 Read more about this year's recipients: https://buff.ly/r3TaThj
What can insurance claims teach us about keeping firefighters and EMS personnel safer? 🚒 Join the NVFC on November 3 at 2pm ET for a free Roundtable Talk featuring insurance industry experts who will discuss common fire service claims, injury trends, and practical ways departments can reduce risk. From preventing injuries to understanding emerging legal trends, learn how your department can better protect its members and minimize costly claims. 🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/T3urUfI
Why train just for the mirror? Let’s train to protect our communities. Find your true strength, stamina, and grit when you become a volunteer firefighter. Do something for real. Join us at MakeMeAFirefighter.org #MakeMeAFirefighter
For volunteer and combination departments, the first 15 minutes on the fireground can be especially challenging when resources are stretched thin. Join the NVFC on October 21 at 2pm ET for Behind the 8 Ball: The First 15 Minutes on the Fireground, presented by Timothy Cowan. Learn how staffing levels impact incident operations, what the data tells us, and how departments can use that information to make informed decisions and improve fireground effectiveness. 📅 October 21 | 2pm ET 💻 Register now: https://buff.ly/NlnTtou
🔥 Wildland response. 🚑 Technical rescue and EMS. One versatile PPE system. Eligible volunteer fire departments can apply through the Ricochet PPE Award Program for the chance to receive five sets of Wildland + Technical Rescue Dual-Cert Gear. NFPA 1977 and 1951 compliant, the gear features a lightweight, single-layer design without a moisture barrier, helping provide protection and mobility across a variety of emergency response operations. Applications are due by October 30 at noon ET. 👉 Apply now: www.nvfc.org/ricochet
Recruiting and retaining firefighters in a combination department comes with unique challenges. Let’s talk about them! 🚒 Join Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny, along with special guests Douglas Cline and Chief Corey Smedley, for the next NVFC R&R Coffee Talk focused on recruitment and retention in combination departments. ☕ October 29 | 7 PM ET This interactive, 30-minute discussion will include audience Q&A, so bring your questions and join the conversation! 🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/GISlygb
A little team building, a little history, and a lot of fun! The NVFC staff recently gathered in Washington, DC, for our annual get-together at The Mansion on O & O Street Museum. From exploring hidden doors to spending time together outside the workday, it was a great opportunity to connect and strengthen the team behind the NVFC's mission!
🚨 EMS and 911 professionals should be aware of three fentanyl-related substances increasingly found in the illicit drug supply: carfentanil, fluorofentanyl, and methylfentanyl. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA) is alerting responders that these substances have been identified nationwide, may not show up on standard drug screenings, and can require multiple doses of naloxone during an overdose response. Learn more about these threats and what responders need to know: https://buff.ly/ODATDPB
NVFC board members attended a White House Rose Garden luncheon yesterday honoring our nation's first responders. The NVFC was proud to shine a spotlight on the dedication and service of the volunteer firefighters and EMS providers who give back to their communities every day. During the event, NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch presented President Donald Trump with a firefighter helmet on behalf of the volunteer fire service. We appreciate the opportunity to represent the nation's volunteer responders and bring attention to the important role they play in protecting communities across the country.
Applications are NOW OPEN for the AES Safer Tomorrow Fund! The AES Corporation and the NVFC are providing up to $200,000 to support volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue departments. Ten eligible departments will each receive up to $20,000 for equipment, training, emergency preparedness and prevention, recruitment and retention, or other priority needs. Departments must be at least 50% volunteer and serve a community that hosts an AES energy project. Additional eligibility requirements apply. Applications are due January 15. View the full criteria and apply: www.nvfc.org/aes-safer-tomorrow-fund
Sending thanks to Pierce Mfg for the hard work they put into manufacturing custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, minipumpers, and more. We appreciate their NVFC Advocate membership! #thankfulthursday https://buff.ly/OnsPENZ
Jack Sullivan has dedicated decades to improving the safety of firefighters and emergency responders. A former lieutenant and safety officer with the Lionville (PA) Fire Company, Jack turned his focus to roadway incident safety following a 1998 Pennsylvania Turnpike tragedy, when 10 firefighters were struck while responding to a crash. Since then, Jack became a leading advocate for safer roadway response practices, helping educate responders across the country. Interested in serving your community? Find volunteer fire service opportunities at www.MakeMeAFirefighter.org.
🏠 Fire prevention is just one part of keeping your community safe. From fires and falls to poisonings and other household hazards, many in-home emergencies can be prevented through education and awareness. The NVFC and First Alert have teamed up to offer Whole Home Safety: Reducing Preventable In-Home Injuries and Deaths through Community Education, a course designed to help fire and emergency service personnel educate residents about common household risks and ways to prevent them. 🚒 Take the course FREE for a limited time in the NVFC Virtual Classroom: https://buff.ly/Fu63Efs
🚒 Limited staffing. Critical decisions. No time to waste. For volunteer and combination departments, the first 15 minutes on the fireground can be especially challenging when resources are stretched thin. Join the NVFC on October 21 at 2pm ET for Behind the 8 Ball: The First 15 Minutes on the Fireground, presented by Timothy Cowan. Learn how staffing levels impact incident operations, what the data tells us, and how departments can use that information to make informed decisions and improve fireground effectiveness. 📅 October 21 | 2pm ET 💻 Register now: https://buff.ly/NlnTtou
The NVFC is looking for speakers to share their recruitment and retention successes at the 2027 NVFC Training Summit, June 25–26 in Albuquerque, NM. From innovative outreach efforts to successful retention programs and leadership strategies, your department's experiences could help others facing similar challenges. 🔥 Share what's worked, what you've learned, and how you're strengthening your department for the future. Submit a presentation proposal here: https://buff.ly/XNR5TgN
Is adopting NFPA standards really an all-or-nothing decision? Many fire departments struggle to balance safety standards with the realities of staffing, budgets, and available resources. But what’s actually required, what’s recommended, and where is there room for flexibility? Join the NVFC on October 28 at 2pm ET for a Roundtable Talk exploring how departments can navigate NFPA standards, understand their options, and make informed decisions that work for their communities. Hear from moderator John Buckman and panelists Doug Cline, Joe Maruca, and Robin Zevotek. 🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/0QVW2HB
Volunteer fire departments across the country are facing a growing challenge: finding enough people to answer the call. 🚒 A recent story from NPR’s Marketplace takes a closer look at volunteer firefighter recruitment challenges in Wyoming and features insights from NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch and Massachusetts Director Joe Maruca. 🎧 Listen to the story: https://buff.ly/qk6MlIQ
Every community has unsung heroes. Now's your chance to help tell their stories! 🚒 Unsung Heroes, a new web series sponsored by Mitti, will shine a spotlight on the hardworking individuals and organizations making a difference in their communities. The producers are currently seeking stories of frontline workers to feature in their pilot episodes. Know someone who deserves recognition? Nominate them today! 🔗 Learn more: https://buff.ly/hmMjqS2 🔗 Submit a nomination: https://buff.ly/fKIQTnk
🚒 More than $3 million in federal grant funding will help the NVFC expand critical programs supporting the volunteer fire and emergency services! Funding from FEMA and PHMSA will support volunteer recruitment and retention, behavioral health and responder wellbeing, and hazmat training and preparedness. These grants will help the NVFC continue providing resources, training, and support to volunteer responders and departments across the country. 🔗 Read more: https://buff.ly/ADj6NxE
Does your department respond to both wildland fires and EMS or rescue incidents? The Ricochet PPE Award Program is designed with you in mind. Eligible volunteer fire departments can apply for the opportunity to receive Ricochet Wildland + Technical Rescue Dual-Cert Gear. To qualify, departments must: 🔥 Respond annually to wildfires, including grassfires and brushfires 🚑 Provide emergency medical and/or rescue services 👥 Be more than 50% volunteer 🏘️ Serve a population of 25,000 or less ⭐ Have at least one active NVFC member The gear is NFPA 1977 and NFPA 1951 compliant, providing a versatile PPE option for multiple types of response. Apply by October 30 at noon ET: www.nvfc.org/ricochet
This Tuesday, October 13, the NVFC will host a webinar examining the lessons learned from a fatal oxygen-limiting silo explosion that claimed the lives of two volunteer firefighters. Presenters from NIOSH and RescueTechs, LLC, will discuss contributing factors, recommended prevention measures, and initial strategies and tactics for responding to silo fires. 📅 October 13 at 2pm ET 💻 Register: https://buff.ly/pQevY6C
The NVFC is a proud supporter of NFPA this #FirePreventionWeek. When charging on a plane, keep portable charging devices on the tray table. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments and never charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to be able to respond quickly. For more info: fpw.org. #firesafety #batterysafety
Take a look back at the 2026 NVFC Fall Board Conference in Owensboro, KY! From September 23-25, 59 directors representing 39 states came together to conduct business, hear from industry leaders, discuss critical issues impacting the volunteer emergency services, and celebrate 50 years of the NVFC. 🎥 Watch the highlights from this year's conference and see how fire service leaders are working together to support the future of the volunteer fire service. ▶️
NVFC CEO Sarah Lee joined fire service leaders at the 2026 Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association - FEMSA Conference in Louisville, KY. During the conference, Sarah provided an industry update and participated in a panel discussion exploring the future of the fire service. The event brought together leadership from the NVFC, IAFC - International Association of Fire Chiefs, North American Fire Training Directors Inc. (NAFTD), and Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) with the FEMSA Board. Thank you to FEMSA for the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the fire service!