Session Line-up Announced for 2026 NVFC Training Summit

December 23, 2025

Save the date, because the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Training Summit will take place on June 26-27, 2026, in Arlington, VA. This signature event features three learning tracks that focus on responder health and safety, volunteer recruitment and retention, and emergency service leadership. Registration will open in January, but the line-up of sessions and instructors is now available.

Attendees can choose from 18 sessions taught by nationally recognized subject matter experts and fire service leaders. Course titles and instructors will be as follows:

Health & Safety Track

  • The Power of Hope: Strengthening Resilience and Well-Being in First Responders – Wendy Norris
  • Response Time Matters in Early Cancer Detection – Sandy Danault
  • Developing a NFPA/OSHA Compliant Fire Department Training Program – Douglas Cline
  • Using AI to Enhance Educational Messages and Outreach – E. Brene Ball
  • Red Lights, Blue Lights, Gun Fights: Tactics for Violent Calls – Dane Yaw
  • Realistic Training for Brush Fire Response – Jeremy Keller

Leadership Track

  • Money Matters: Grants and Growth for Departments – Dan Kramer
  • Holding the Line: First In Leadership for Safer Roadway Incidents – Todd Leiss
  • Going Combination & Preserving Your Volunteers – Joseph Maruca
  • Building a Culture of Excellence, Teamwork, & Camaraderie – Thomas Merrill
  • High Performance Leadership in Emergency Services: A Chief’s Olympic Perspective – Jason Read
  • Iron Sharpens Iron: Building Stronger Fire Service Leaders – Al Yancey

Recruitment & Retention Track

  • Successful Volunteer Retention and Recruitment in the Fire Service – Dr. Candice McDonald
  • Igniting Purpose: Encouraging Women to Explore the Fire Service – Jen Elleraas
  • Is Your Department a Place You Would Join? – Lee Price
  • Managing People, Not Just Fires: HR in Volunteer Service – Pamela Rogers
  • Are You Telling Your Story Effectively? Marketing for Fire Departments – Kimberly Hilsenbeck
  • Finding the Why: Passion-Driven Recruitment for Fire & EMS Volunteers – Walter Campbell

Stay tuned for the registration announcement and applications for travel stipends in January. Learn more about the Training Summit and sign up to receive updates here.