National Volunteer Fire Council

Webinar: Volunteer Fire/EMS Recruitment & Retention: Lessons from Top Gun
2023-06-15 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | IL
Sometimes lessons can come from surprising sources. Take the movie Top Gun. If we look closely with a recruitment and retention lens, there is much we can glean about building a strong team culture, providing effective communication, the importance of mentorship and recognition, and creating a strong sense of purpose and mission. These are all key elements for a successful recruitment and retention strategy. This webinar, presented by Walter Campbell, will explore the key strategies and lessons from Top Gun that can be used to enhance your fire or EMS department’s recruitment, retention, engagement, teambuilding, and communication. Register.

This webinar is sponsored by First Arriving.

Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association Convention
2023-06-14 - 2023-06-16 | Courtyard Muncie at Horizon Convention Center, 601 South High Street, Muncie, IN, 47305, United States

SFFMA 147th Annual Training Conference and Convention
2023-06-09 - 2023-06-14 | McAllen Convention Center, 700 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen, TX, 78501, United States
The NVFC’s WV Director, Tom Miller, will present “Electric Vehicles” on June 12 at 1:15pm and “Teaching Hazmat on a Budget” on June 13 at 1:15pm.

International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference
2023-06-08 - 2023-06-11 | Hilton Baltimore, 401 W Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, United States
Visit the NVFC at booth #617.

Safety Stand Down Roundtable Talk: Lithium-Ion Batteries – Are You Ready?
2023-06-05 14:00 - 15:00 | IL
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in products and equipment ranging from laptops and smartphones to electric vehicles and energy storage systems. As their usage grows, firefighters need to be prepared for the unique hazards and risks that are present when they are called upon to respond to an incident involving lithium-ion batteries. This year’s Safety Stand Down focuses on these challenges with the theme “Lithium-Ion Batteries: Are You Ready?” Join a panel of subject matter experts as they discuss the importance of this year’s theme; the daily focus areas of hazard recognition, operations, safety, post-incident considerations, and public education; and how your department can participate in Safety Stand Down.
This Roundtable Talk is moderated by Darin Wallentine and includes David Bullard of the National Volunteer Fire Council; Michael O’Brian of the International Association of Fire Chiefs; Sean DeCrane of the International Association of Fire Fighters; Brian O’Connor of the National Fire Protection Association; and Jim Barnhart of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association.
Watch live on Facebook or register to attend on Zoom.

Webinar: Lithium-Ion Batteries & Energy Storage Systems Series, Part 2 -- A Deep Dive into What Your Fire Department Needs to Know
2023-06-01 14:00 - 15:00 | IL
The use of modern energy storage system (ESS) technology, including lithium-ion batteries, has exponentially increased over the last decade and is now in almost every facet of our daily lives. In part 2 of this webinar series, presenters Tom Miller and David Bullard will walk you through the different types of ESS located in your area as well as plans for future development. Additionally, you will learn what resources and structured plans your fire department needs to be properly prepared for a response situation involving ESS technology. Register.

Roundtable Talk: Mental Health and Its Impacts on the Fire Service
2023-05-23 14:00 - 15:00 | IL
Observed each May, National Mental Health Awareness Month is designed to shed light on the psychological challenges faced by many people around the country. Mental health awareness has become an ongoing global effort and extends to the lives of firefighters and their families as well. It’s rare that a difficult call leaves a first responder feeling emotionally unscathed. Join the NVFC and a panel of subject matter experts for an in-depth conversation about mental health, suicide prevention, and how to support wellbeing at your department.
Watch the event live on the NVFC’s Facebook page or register to attend on Zoom.

National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner & Symposium
2023-05-22 - 2023-05-23 | Washington Hilton, DC, United States

R&R Coffee Talk with the Doc
2023-05-21 12:00 - 12:30 | IL
Join NVFC deputy CEO Dr. Candice McDonald, Recruitment & Retention Committee chair Joel Cerny, and a special guest for an interactive 30-minute conversation on family engagement taking place Saturday, May 21, at 12pm ET. Register.

NVFC Spring Board Meeting
2023-05-19 - 2023-05-21 | Renaissance Arlington Capital View, 2800 South Potomac Ave., Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
Annual spring meeting of the NVFC board of directors.

Webinar: Making Positive Change — The Opioid Epidemic and First Responder Behavioral Health
2023-05-18 14:00 - 15:00 | IL
Huntington, WV, was at the forefront of the opioid epidemic that has swept across the country. As a result of this lingering epidemic, the job of first responders has changed drastically, placing more stress than ever on those that serve our communities. This presentation by Huntington Fire Chief Jan Rader will provide an overview of the opioid crisis in Huntington and the programs that have been put in place to assist first responders that serve on the frontlines of this epidemic. Register.

This webinar is sponsored by PH&S Products.

WSFFA 100th Annual Conference & Fire School
2023-05-18 - 2023-05-21 | Wenatchee Convention Center, 121 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA, 98801, United States
The NVFC will be presenting a new training on electric vehicles/batteries. The training will be available in the NVFC Virtual Classroom in later 2023.

Understanding and Mitigating Firesetting Youth Issues – A Guide to Success
2023-05-08 14:00 - 15:00 | IL
Youth firesetting is an ongoing problem throughout the United States and around the world. Fire misuse behaviors in children may be attributed to curiosity or experimentation. Children observe adults using matches/lighters but may not be taught about important fire safety practices. They may also observe unsafe uses of fire in media, videos, and gaming. The fire misuse may be motivated by other things in a child’s life, such as underlying struggles with impulse control, emotional regulation, social/interpersonal skills, childhood trauma, or other behavioral/mental health conditions. This webinar, presented by Karla S. Klas, will share current best practices and tips to prevent and mitigate firesetting youth in communities across the country. Register.

Move Over/Distracted Driving Conference
2023-05-08 - 2023-05-10 | Maritime Conference Center, 692 Maritime Blvd., Linthicum Heights, MD, 21090, United States
NVFC representatives will be among the conference speakers. It will be a hybrid event.

National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
2023-05-06 - 2023-05-07 | National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park, 16825 S Seton Ave, Emmitsburg, MD, 21727, United States

International Firefighters Day
2023-05-04 | IL

R&R Coffee Talk with the Doc
2023-04-29 11:30 - 12:00 | IL
Join Dr. Candice “Retention” McDonald and special guest Tiger “Recruitment” Schmittendorf for a live 30-minute discussion via Zoom to connect with others and brainstorm on issues facing today’s volunteer fire service. Join the event on April 29 at 11:30am ET here: bit.ly/NVFCZoom

FDIC
2023-04-24 - 2023-04-29 | Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium, 100 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, 46225, United States
Come visit the NVFC at booth #13016! Also, attend Successful Strategies for Recruiting, Training, and Utilizing Volunteers on April 25, 8am-12pm, presented by the NVFC’s deputy CEO Dr. Candice McDonald.

Webinar: Roadway Safety – Beyond the Basic Traffic Incident Management Class
2023-04-20 14:00 - 15:00 | IL
Many of us have taken the basic four-hour National Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Training Course, but now what? Since 2019, 33 fire and EMS providers have been struck and killed in the United States along with another 173 law enforcement, tow truck operators, and DOT workers. This webinar presented by Todd Leiss will look at next steps for you and your agency including developing an SOP/SOG for roadway safety, additional training, implementing an ongoing training plan, and preparing our personnel, apparatus, and equipment for a safer roadway response. Register.

Roundtable Talk: How to Recruit and Retain Volunteers Despite Challenges
2023-04-18 16:00 - 17:00 | IL
Many volunteer fire and EMS departments struggle to maintain sufficient staffing. Major factors contributing to recruitment challenges include increased time demands, more rigorous training requirements, and the proliferation of two-income families whose members do not have time to volunteer. So, how can departments attract volunteers and encourage them to stick around, despite these challenges? This Roundtable Talk, taking place during National Volunteer Week, will feature a panel of subject matter experts to discuss recruitment and retention strategies that will make volunteering with your fire or EMS department an attractive option. Learn why and how to implement both tangible and non-wage benefits, the value of live-in programs, and how to foster a positive department culture people want to be a part of.
Watch the event live on the NVFC’s Facebook page or register to attend on Zoom.

Webinar: Fire Service Legislation -- Your Role in Advocacy
2023-04-13 14:00 - 15:00 | IL
This Congress, the NVFC will be supporting funding for Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER), the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants (VFA), National Firefighter [Cancer] Registry (NFR), and Rural EMS Training (SIREN) Grants. The NVFC will also be advocating for the passage of legislation to reauthorize SAFER, AFG, and USFA, fund the renovation and construction of fire stations, improve mental health care for first responders, and expand the eligibility of federal housing benefits to volunteer first responders.
If enacted, each of these policy and funding priorities will greatly assist the volunteer fire service in keeping Americans safe. You, as an NVFC member and volunteer responder, have a valuable role to play in encouraging Congress to act on these initiatives. This webinar presented by Ryan Woodward, NVFC chief of legislative & regulatory affairs, will provide a primer on the current political climate in Washington, the NVFC’s policy priorities, and what you can do to encourage your Senator and Member of Congress to support these priorities.
Register.

Volunteer Voices Live: Improving Your Department -- How to Obtain (And Use!) Effective Feedback from Volunteers
2023-04-12 17:00 - 18:15 | IL
An important aspect of recruitment and retention is asking volunteers how they feel about their experiences and using their feedback to make improvements in the department. But how do you narrow down the right questions, how do you ask them, and perhaps most importantly, what do you do with the answers you get? And if you’re not in a leadership position, how can you make sure that your department is listening to your concerns?
This conversation is for all volunteers, whether you serve in a leadership position, as a firefighter or EMS/rescue personnel, or as an administrator. Let’s talk about ways you’ve communicated about what is and isn’t working in your department. How have you shared your thoughts in the past? What methods have you used to gauge volunteers’ experiences? Did you obtain helpful feedback? How did you use the feedback you got to make changes in your department? What about volunteers’ family members…have you asked for their opinions?
This discussion will not be recorded. Discussion notes will be shared in Volunteer Voices after the session.
Moderators:
Tiger Schmittendorf, First Arriving
Dave Denniston, ESIP
Staff:
Rachel Buczynski
Maggie Mojab
Laura Towers
Register here.
See conversation at https://volunteervoices.nvfc.org/discussion/internal-volunteer-firefighter-survey

Webinar: Mentoring Volunteer Firefighters and Leaders - Why You Should Care
2023-04-06 14:00 - 15:00 | IL
Recruiting and retaining volunteers in your department is an important and exciting part of your job as a leader. Understanding why volunteers decide to stay at your department requires individualized relationships and conversations with each person. Mentorship offers a significant return on investment for both the department and the volunteer, and it asks leaders to consider the needs of others on a deeper level. This webinar, presented by NVFC Director (MA) Joe Maruca, will focus on how department leaders can utilize mentorship as a volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention tool. Register.

Roundtable Talk: Protection for All -- Preparing for & Responding to Emergencies Involving Individuals With Developmental Disabilities
2023-03-27 14:00 - 15:00 | IL
First responders are responsible for protecting everyone in their community, and to best do this means adapting to different communication needs to reach all segments of the population. This Roundtable Talk, taking place during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, will help responders better communicate fire and life safety messages to individuals living with developmental disabilities, better respond to emergencies involving this at-risk population, and learn how to use this knowledge to overcome communication barriers with any demographic in your community. Join the NVFC and a panel of subject matter experts for an informed conversation about this important topic, so you can ensure your community risk reduction and training plans best serve all members of your community.
Panelists include: Meri-K Appy, director of strategic partnerships at Vision 20/20 and national project manager of Sound Off with the Home Fire Safety Patrol; Monica Colby, fire and life safety specialist at Rapid City (SD) Fire Department; Tom Felter, founder of The Emily Talk and longtime first responder; and Brian Focht, fire service veteran and advocate for fire safety involving those with autism.
Watch the event on the NVFC’s Facebook page or register to attend on Zoom.
This Roundtable Talk is sponsored by First Alert. First Alert is the most trusted brand in home safety. For more than 60 years, First Alert has been committed to providing innovative home safety technologies and products to help protect what matters most. For more information, visit www.firstalert.com.

2023 Illinois Fire Inspectors Association Annual Fire and Life Safety Conference
2023-03-22 - 2023-03-24 | Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino, 21 Blackjack Blvd, East Peoria, IL, 61611, United States
The NVFC’s deputy CEO, Dr. Candice McDonald, will give two presentations:

Change YOUR Mindset, Change YOUR Community on March 22, 8:30-10am
Communicating With Candor and NOT Chaos on March 22, 10:30am-12pm

NVFC Regional Wildland Symposium
2023-03-17 - 2023-03-18 | Black Hills State University – Rapid City, 4300 Cheyenne Boulevard, Box Elder, SD, 57719, United States
This wildland fire focused event will be an opportunity for fire and EMS personnel from across the region and country to participate in valuable classroom training as well as exchange ideas and best practices with their peers. The conference is focused on the Plains region, but open to department personnel nationwide.

NVFC Annual Membership Meeting
2023-03-08 13:00 - 14:00 | IL
The Annual Membership Meeting of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) will be conducted via Zoom on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at 1:00 pm Eastern. This meeting is open to all state, individual, and corporate members of the NVFC. Attendees will hear reports on the NVFC’s business and financial operations. State member representatives may vote on matters raised at the meeting. To attend this meeting, register here.

Webinar -- Putting Out Fires: Verbal De-escalation Tips for the Fire Service
2023-02-23 14:00 - 15:00 | IL
When encountering an upset or angry person in your fire or EMS department, it can be difficult to know what to do. Most de-escalation trainings encourage you to apply logical solutions to emotional situations, which does not work. In this highly interactive webinar presented by Kerry Mensior, you’ll learn effective communication and de-escalation skills that are easy to understand, easy to remember, and even easier to implement in your department. Register.

International Firefighter Cancer Symposium
2023-02-23 - 2023-02-24 | Fire Tower Ballroom, 8000 NW 21st Street, Doral, FL, 33122, United States

Live Discussion: Serve Strong -- The Importance of Firefighter Physicals
2023-02-21 14:00 - 15:00 | IL
February is American Heart Month, and this is a great time for firefighters and EMS providers to focus on their health. Join the NVFC and subject matter experts to learn why it is important for responders to get an annual medical evaluation, how firefighter physicals are different from regular physicals, how departments can implement a physicals programs, and options for firefighters who don’t have a department-wide program.
Panelists include: Kevin D. Quinn, first vice chair and RI director of the NVFC; Dan Kerrigan, director-at-large of the International Association of Fire Chiefs Safety, Health, and Survival Section and author of the bestselling book Firefighter Functional Fitness; Brittany Hollerbach, Ph.D., associate scientist & deputy director of the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research; and Richard Kline, retired fire chief and national speaker on firefighter health & safety.
Watch the event on the NVFC’s Facebook page or register to attend on Zoom.
