Roundtable Talk - Solar Power Systems and the Fire Service: What Responders Need to Know
2026-08-06 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
As solar power systems become more common in homes and businesses, volunteer firefighters need to be ready for the unique challenges they present. This roundtable takes a practical, myth-busting approach to solar fire response — covering the three primary types of solar systems, Tesla battery classifications, and available suppression tools and tactics including PV extinguishers, tarps, and blankets. Panelists will explore what works, what doesn’t, and what every department needs to know before arriving on scene at a solar-involved incident.
Presenters: David Bullard (Moderator) and Bill Hopson

In-Person - Scenario-Based Hazmat Training
2026-08-09 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | North East Fire Company, Inc., 210 South Mauldin Ave., North East, MD, 21901, United States
This course focuses on the different types and scopes of scenarios that can be used in hazmat training. Attendees will learn the various student learning styles and how to use scenarios to bridge gaps in learning retention. The course will cover the concept of all hazards planning and how to engage key response stakeholders in scenario planning, training, and exercises.
Presenters: Corey McCartney and Tom Miller

In-Person - Scenario-Based Hazmat Training
2026-08-15 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Phoenix) | Bonneville County Fire District – Station 1, 2137 S Ammon Rd, Ammon, ID, 83401, United States
This course focuses on the different types and scopes of scenarios that can be used in hazmat training. Attendees will learn the various student learning styles and how to use scenarios to bridge gaps in learning retention. The course will cover the concept of all hazards planning and how to engage key response stakeholders in scenario planning, training, and exercises.
Instructors: Anthony Gaul & Bill Offerman

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2026-08-15 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Marion Community Fire Hall, 116 East Main Street, Marion, MI, 49665, United States
As the number of electric vehicles on the roadways increases, it is important for first responders to understand how a response involving these types of vehicles is different than those with an internal combustion engine. This awareness and fundamentals course will introduce first responders to hybrid and electric vehicles, share data and resources, and equip first responders with the knowledge and tools to respond more safely when a hybrid or electric vehicle is involved in an incident. This training will require space outside for a hands-on component with an electric vehicle.
Instructor: Doug deBest

Webinar - PFAS Free Firefighting Foams: What You Need to Know
2026-08-18 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in many environments firefighters encounter – including past firefighting foam products. However, with health and environmental concerns related to PFAS, there is now a lot of attention on the new generation of Class B (flammable/combustible liquids) PFAS free synthetic firefighting foams. This webinar provides answers to many common questions about PFAS free firefighting foams and their effectiveness. Attendees will learn about the types of foams used in fire response, including wetting agents, and gain a better understanding of the challenges and concerns surrounding their use. In addition, it will dispel the myth that foam doesn’t work and explain how with the proper application percentage and correct technique, foam can be an effective tool in your response. This webinar will help attendees gain a clearer understanding about firefighting foams so they can make informed decisions on the fireground.
Presenter: Brad Byczynski

In-Person NVFC Trainings
2026-08-22 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Onapa Volunteer Fire Department, 110847 Old Hwy 69, Checotah, OK, 74426, United States
Fit for Duty, Fit for Life: Firefighter Physicals and the Volunteer Fire Service (2 hours)
Firefighters do a dangerous job and face many risks. To mitigate these risks, firefighters should participate in occupational health screenings. This course discusses the importance of firefighter physicals, provides an overview of the options available to departments, and demonstrates how firefighter physicals save lives.
Incident Safety Officer Training Series (2-4 hours)
The NVFC’s Incident Safety Officer (ISO) training will give students an overview of the role of an ISO and cover communications and safety, as well as the practical application of this information. Please note, this is not an ISO certification program.
Planning and Implementing a Training Program (2 hours)
This course reviews best practices for creating a robust training program in a volunteer fire department. You will learn how to ensure your training program produces positive outcomes, accomplishes training goals, and prepares members to run safe and effective operations.
Instructor: Rob Ingram

In-Person - Teaching Basic Decon
2026-08-28 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial, 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV, 26505, United States
This course focuses on first responder safety by reviewing basic decontamination (decon) techniques. Attendees will learn the differences between the various levels of decontamination as well as alternate means of decontamination and how to set up a one-hour drill/exercise in their jurisdiction. Keeping the focus on safety, attendees will discuss how to utilize a safety officer when conducting decon drills.
Instructor: Tom Miller

In-Person – EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2026-08-29 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Delaware State Fire School, 1461 Chestnut Grove Road, Dover, DE, 19904, United States
As the number of electric vehicles on the roadways increases, it is important for first responders to understand how a response involving these types of vehicles is different than those with an internal combustion engine. This awareness and fundamentals course will introduce first responders to hybrid and electric vehicles, share data and resources, and equip first responders with the knowledge and tools to respond more safely when a hybrid or electric vehicle is involved in an incident. This training will require space outside for a hands-on component with an electric vehicle.
Instructor: Brian Focht

In-Person - Building a Healthy and High-Performing Fire Department
2026-09-03 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Oktibbeha County 911 Dispatch Building, 106 E Main Street, Starkville, MS, 39759, United States
This course from the National Volunteer Fire Council and the American Psychological Association’s Center for Organizational Excellence is designed to empower fire department leadership to promote and support healthy, high-performing fire/EMS departments. Based on the framework from the Psychologically Healthy Fire Departments initiative, this course focuses on six key practices – member involvement, health and safety, member growth and development, work-life-volunteer balance, member recognition, and effective communication – to facilitate member well-being and department functioning.
Instructor: Dave Lewis

In-Person – EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2026-09-12 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Washington County Public Safety Training Center, 18350 Public Safety Pl, Hagerstown, MD, 21740, United States
As the number of electric vehicles on the roadways increases, it is important for first responders to understand how a response involving these types of vehicles is different than those with an internal combustion engine. This awareness and fundamentals course will introduce first responders to hybrid and electric vehicles, share data and resources, and equip first responders with the knowledge and tools to respond more safely when a hybrid or electric vehicle is involved in an incident. This training will require space outside for a hands-on component with an electric vehicle.
Instructor: Corey McCartney

In-Person - Teaching Hazmat Basics
2026-09-12 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Hale Community Hall, 121 3rd Street, Hale, MO, 64643, United States
This course covers the foundations of teaching hazmat response and safety. Attendees will learn how to connect their hazmat training to the risks faced by the student audience. They will walk away able to take a limited hazmat resource list and develop at least three practical skills trainings of direct benefit to their students. Finally, attendees will be able to develop training drills and/or exercises that meet the needs of their jurisdiction in accordance with recognized national standards.
Instructors: Anthony Gaul & Bill Offerman

In-Person - Teaching Basic Decon
2026-09-13 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Hale Community Hall, 121 3rd Street, Hale, MO, 64643, United States
This course focuses on first responder safety by reviewing basic decontamination (decon) techniques. Attendees will learn the differences between the various levels of decontamination as well as alternate means of decontamination and how to set up a one-hour drill/exercise in their jurisdiction. Keeping the focus on safety, attendees will discuss how to utilize a safety officer when conducting decon drills.
Instructors: Anthony Gaul & Bill Offerman

In-Person - Building a Healthy and High-Performing Fire Department
2026-09-16 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Washington Hook & Ladder Co. #1, 272 County Avenue, Secaucus, NJ, 07094, United States

In-Person: Incident Safety Officer Training
2026-09-20 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Camp Dawson, 1000 Army Rd, Kingwood, WV, 26537, United States
The NVFC’s Incident Safety Officer (ISO) training will give students an overview of the role of an ISO and cover communications and safety, as well as the practical application of this information. Please note, this is not an ISO certification program.
Instructor, Brian Foley

In-Person - Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services
2026-10-17 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Peoria Fire Academy, 7130 North Galena Rd, Peoria, IL, 61614, United States
Quality leadership is essential for the fire and emergency services to accomplish the mission, improve member satisfaction, and best serve the community. This course examines leadership styles, qualities, ethics, and best practices to help your department function at a high level and avoid fire and emergency services leadership pitfalls. Retention research will also be discussed to help leaders understand retention concerns and identify solutions.
Instructor: Kait Meeker
To register email Kerry Federer at editor@illinoisfirefighters.org

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2026-10-17 14:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Peoria Fire Academy, 7130 North Galena Rd, Peoria, IL, 61614, United States
As the number of electric vehicles on the roadways increases, it is important for first responders to understand how a response involving these types of vehicles is different than those with an internal combustion engine. This awareness and fundamentals course will introduce first responders to hybrid and electric vehicles, share data and resources, and equip first responders with the knowledge and tools to respond more safely when a hybrid or electric vehicle is involved in an incident. This training will require space outside for a hands-on component with an electric vehicle.
Instructor: Bill Offerman
To register email Kerry Federer at editor@illinoisfirefighters.org

In-Person – EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2026-11-24 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Hastings Rural Volunteer Fire Station 10, 2985 S Baltimore Ave, Hastings, NE, 68901, United States
As the number of electric vehicles on the roadways increases, it is important for first responders to understand how a response involving these types of vehicles is different than those with an internal combustion engine. This awareness and fundamentals course will introduce first responders to hybrid and electric vehicles, share data and resources, and equip first responders with the knowledge and tools to respond more safely when a hybrid or electric vehicle is involved in an incident. This training will require space outside for a hands-on component with an electric vehicle.
Instructor: William Offerman

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2026-12-15 18:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Cheesequake Volunteer Fire Company, 113 Route 34, Matawan, NJ, 07747, United States
