National Volunteer Fire Council

Essentials of Volunteer Retention and Recruitment
2025-01-11 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue, 36375 Highway 101 N, Nehalem, OR, 97131, United States
Many fire and EMS departments across the nation are struggling to find new volunteer members and retain their current members. This session discusses the challenges of recruiting volunteers, presents valuable research collected as part of the NVFC’s Make Me A Firefighter campaign, and offers ideas to help overcome recruiting challenges. Potential retention solutions and the importance of leadership will also be covered.

Webinar: Actions Firefighters Can Take to Reduce Cancer Risks
2025-01-16 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Occupational cancer continues to have an impact on the lives of our firefighters. Since 2015, fire service organizations across this country have prioritized the occupational issue and improvements have been recommended for implementation within the framework of our operations at incidents. While we’ve seen improvements in our cancer initiative, the need to continue to provide education on this topic and its impact on our firefighters and their families must continue. In this webinar, Chief Brian McQueen of the National Volunteer Fire Council, Chief John Buckman III of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and Scott Beecher of Ward Diesel Filter Systems will discuss the specific actions outlined in the Lavender Ribbon Report that firefighters and their departments can take to reduce the risk of occupational cancer, as well as how departments can embed these practices into their operations and culture. This webinar is sponsored by Ward Diesel Filter Systems.

Teaching Hazmat Basics
2025-01-18 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Mont Belvieu Fire Station, 11607 Eagle Drive, Mont Belvieu, TX, 77580, United States
The NVFC, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), is offering a hazmat train-the-trainer program: Partners in Training (PIT) Crew. This project will help first responders gain the knowledge and skills they need to train others in their communities on hazmat safety and response. Experienced hazmat trainers and those new to the field are welcome to participate. After course completion, attendees will receive a materials toolkit and session slides to help them teach these courses to others. Find out more at www.nvfc.org/hazmat.

Teaching Basic Decon
2025-01-19 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Mont Belvieu Fire Station, 11607 Eagle Drive, Mont Belvieu, TX, 77580, United States

Roundtable Talk: Community Risk Reduction for Fire Departments - Strategies for a Safer Community
2025-01-22 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Just in time for Community Risk Reduction Week (January 20-26), tune in for this NVFC Roundtable Talk focusing on actionable strategies to help your department develop and implement community risk reduction (CRR) programs that address unique risks within your service area. This panel discussion will cover essential elements, tools, and best practices to enhance fire safety, emergency preparedness, and community engagement.

R&R Coffee Talk: Supporting Families
2025-01-30 19:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | MA
Join Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny, along with guests Joe Maruca, and Mike and Anne Gagliano, for an interactive discussion on Supporting Families. The session will run 30 minutes and include audience Q&A.

Webinar: Essentials of Volunteer Retention & Recruitment
2025-02-13 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | MA

R&R Coffee Talk: Leadership
2025-02-20 19:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | MA
Join Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny, along with guests Doug Cline and Quentin Cash, for an interactive discussion on Leadership. The session will run 30 minutes and include audience Q&A.

In-Person - Scenario-based Hazmat Training
2025-02-21 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Owensboro Convention Center, 501 W 2nd St., Owensboro, KY, 42301, United States
The NVFC is teaching two hazmat train-the-trainer courses at the upcoming Bryant Stiles Officers School February 21-23 in Owensboro, KY, hosted by the Green River Firefighters Association. 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. Registration fee for a single session or the entire weekend is $75 per student for payments received prior to close of business on February 16, 2025. Registration fee will be $85 per student after February 16 and for any on-site registrations.

In-Person - Teaching Anhydrous Ammonia Awareness & Operations
2025-02-23 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Owensboro Convention Center, 501 W 2nd St., Owensboro, KY, 42301, United States
The NVFC is teaching two hazmat train-the-trainer courses at the upcoming Bryant Stiles Officers School February 21-23 in Owensboro, KY, hosted by the Green River Firefighters Association. This course focuses on the specific techniques and knowledge required to teach others about ammonia hazmat response. After completing the course, attendees will be able to relate the specific regional applications of the product and key response considerations; describe specific chemical properties of the product to their students; and transfer key strategies and tactics to students for dealing with an incident involving the product. Safety is a focus, and the course will stress teaching others the key safety considerations for application when dealing with an incident involving the product. Registration fee for a single session or the entire weekend is $75 per student for payments received prior to close of business on February 16, 2025. Registration fee will be $85 per student after February 16 and for any on-site registrations.

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-02-24 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Kuztown Fire & Rescue, 310 Noble Street, Kuztown, PA, 19530, 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 sponsored by General Motors 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.
Instructor: Marie Mire

Roundtable Talk: Safety in Action - Educating Drivers on Emergency Scene Awareness
2025-02-27 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Engaging the community in roadway safety is a key part of reducing first responder injuries and death in traffic incident management. In this NVFC Roundtable Talk, subject matter experts will discuss ways to motivate community members to adopt safe driving guidelines, how to communicate key topics such as distracted driving and moving over when passing an emergency scene, and innovative ways to reach even more drivers with these messages.

In-Person - Essentials of Volunteer Retention and Recruitment
2025-03-01 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | St. Joseph Township Hall/Fire Station #1, 3000 Washington Ave., St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
Many fire and EMS departments across the nation are struggling to find new volunteer members and retain their current members. This session discusses the challenges of recruiting volunteers, presents valuable research collected as part of the NVFC’s Make Me A Firefighter campaign, and offers ideas to help overcome recruiting challenges. During the second half of the session, retention challenges, potential solutions, and the importance of leadership will be covered. Hosted by: Berrien County Firefighters Association

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-03-01 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Glade Spring Fire Department, 318 E Glade Street, Glade Spring, VA, 24340, 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 sponsored by General Motors 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: Tom Miller

Webinar: Protecting Our Heroes - Women Firefighters’ Health and Wellness
2025-03-06 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Women make up half of communities but only a small percentage of the fire service, making them a great potential audience for recruitment. While there are many benefits to being a firefighter, there are also challenges when it comes to recruiting and retaining women. Some of these include health risks, ill-fitting gear, discrimination, and limited workplace policies that can impact physical and mental wellbeing. In this webinar, Brittany Hollerbach from NDRI-USA, Inc. will share groundbreaking insights on the health issues specific to female firefighters and highlight practical strategies to address these challenges. Join us to explore how departments can improve recruitment, retention, and safety by implementing inclusive policies, health-focused programs, and supportive environments for women firefighters. This webinar is sponsored by Fire Engineering.

In-Person - Wildland Fire Assessment Program Training
2025-03-08 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Roby Fire Department, 12248 Highway 32, Roby, MO, 65557, United States
The Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) will teach you how to work-side-by-side with homeowners to identify threats around their property that may be susceptible to wildfires. The WFAP is a joint effort between the National Volunteer Fire Council and the U.S. Forest Service to prepare fire department members with the necessary information, skills, and resources to conduct home safety assessments and provide residents with recommendations as to how to make their homes more fire adapted in the wildland-urban interface. To register email Chief Jeffrey Reed at chiefrobyfiredepartment@yahoo.com.

NVFC Annual Membership Meeting
2025-03-12 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | MA
The NVFC’s Annual Membership Meeting will be held via Zoom. 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. Register.

In-Person - Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP)
2025-03-27 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Kansas City Convention Center, 301 W 13th St., Suite 100, Kansas City, MO, 64105, United States
The Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) is a joint effort by the U.S. Forest Service and the National Volunteer Fire Council to provide volunteer firefighters and non-operational personnel with training on how to properly conduct assessments for homes located in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). This is the first program targeted to volunteers that specifically prepares them to evaluate a home and provide residents with recommendations to protect their property from wildfires in order to make their community more fire adapted.
Instructor: Steve McClintock
Event: Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Conference

R&R Coffee Talk: Behavioral Health
2025-03-27 19:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | MA
Join Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny, along with guests Jeff Dill and Sheri Nickel, for an interactive discussion on Behavioral Health. The session will run 30 minutes and include audience Q&A.

In-Person - Teaching Hazmat Basics
2025-03-28 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Thomson Depot, 111 Railroad Street, Thomson, GA, 30824, 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.

In-Person - Teaching Cargo Tank Awareness – MC-306 & DOT-406
2025-03-29 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Thomson Depot, 111 Railroad Street, Thomson, GA, 30824, United States
This course focuses on cargo tank regulations and standards, including NFPA 470 and 49 CFR regulations as they relate to cargo tanks, especially the MC-306/DOT-306. Attendees will learn how to teach others about the various types of bulk cargo tanks used in the transport and handling of hazardous materials. They will walk away with an understanding of the general characteristics, lids, and closures on MC306/DOT-406 cargo tanks. Attendees will also learn about the most common incidents and risks with these cargo tanks so that they can plan appropriate training.

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-03-29 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Houston Fire Rescue – Training Center, 226 East Madison Street, Houston, MS, 38851, 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 sponsored by General Motors 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: Rob Ingram

In-Person - Instructor Training for Flammable Gases
2025-03-29 13:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Thomson Depot, 111 Railroad Street, Thomson, GA, 30824, United States
This course focuses on the specific techniques and knowledge required to teach others about flammable gases hazmat response. After completing the course, attendees will be able to relate the specific regional applications of the product and key response considerations; describe specific chemical properties of the product to their students; and transfer key strategies and tactics to students for dealing with an incident involving the product. Safety is a focus, and the course will stress teaching others the key safety considerations for application when dealing with an incident involving the product.

In-Person - Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP)
2025-04-05 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Regional Public Safety Training Center, 5190 Spectrum Blvd, Reno, NV, 89512, United States
The Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) will teach you how to work-side-by-side with homeowners to identify threats around their property that may be susceptible to wildfires. The WFAP is a joint effort between the National Volunteer Fire Council and the U.S. Forest Service to prepare fire department members with the necessary information, skills, and resources to conduct home safety assessments and provide residents with recommendations as to how to make their homes more fire adapted in the wildland-urban interface. Learn more about WFAP at www.nvfc.org/wfap.

Instructor: Steve McClintock

Roundtable Talk - Balancing Act: Navigating Work, Life, and Volunteer Commitments
2025-04-24 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | MA
You’ve probably heard of the importance of work-life balance – but what about work-life-volunteer balance? Keeping two plates spinning is hard enough without adding the demands of a high-commitment volunteer role like being a volunteer first responder. April is National Stress Awareness Month, and the NVFC is hosting a Roundtable Talk with a panel of experts to provide insight into what it means to have work-life-volunteer balance, how to set your own boundaries, and how to approach your team’s work-life-volunteer balance as a leader. The session will include information on key resources to help you tackle this important topic.

In-Person - Scenario Based Hazmat Training
2025-04-25 08:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Edinburg Central Fire Station, 212 W McIntyre St, Edinburg, TX, 78541, 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.
To Register email Ubaldo Perez – bperez@cityofedinburg.com

In-Person - Teaching Cargo Tank Awareness
2025-04-26 08:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Edinburg Central Fire Station, 212 W McIntyre St, Edinburg, TX, 78541, United States
This course focuses on cargo tank regulations and standards, including NFPA 470 and 49 CFR regulations as they relate to cargo tanks, especially the MC-306/DOT-306. Attendees will learn how to teach others about the various types of bulk cargo tanks used in the transport and handling of hazardous materials. They will walk away with an understanding of the general characteristics, lids, and closures on MC306/DOT-406 cargo tanks. Attendees will also learn about the most common incidents and risks with these cargo tanks so that they can plan appropriate training.
To Register email Ubaldo Perez – bperez@cityofedinburg.com

In-Person - Instructor Training for Methanol
2025-04-26 08:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Edinburg Central Fire Station, 212 W McIntyre St, Edinburg, TX, 78541, United States
This course focuses on the specific techniques and knowledge required to teach others about methanol hazmat response. After completing the course, attendees will be able to relate the specific regional applications of the product and key response considerations; describe specific chemical properties of the product to their students; and transfer key strategies and tactics to students for dealing with an incident involving the product. Safety is a focus, and the course will stress teaching others the key safety considerations for application when dealing with an incident involving the product.
To Register email Ubaldo Perez – bperez@cityofedinburg.com

In-Person - Teaching Hazmat on a Budget
2025-04-26 08:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Edinburg Central Fire Station, 212 W McIntyre St, Edinburg, TX, 78541, United States
Teaching hazmat to your responders doesn’t have to be a costly undertaking. In this course, attendees will learn how to identify the key components of a hazmat training budget, including direct/indirect cost planning and using a risk-based needs assessment, and then determine how to align goals with their budget. In addition, attendees will learn how to find free and low-cost training materials, resources, and opportunities to support their program. After completing this training, attendees will walk away able to develop a practical hazmat training session or drills using no/minimal cost resources.
To Register email Ubaldo Perez – bperez@cityofedinburg.com

In-Person - Instructor Training on Flammable Gases
2025-04-26 08:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Edinburg Central Fire Station, 212 W McIntyre St, Edinburg, TX, 78541, United States
This course focuses on the specific techniques and knowledge required to teach others about flammable gases hazmat response. After completing the course, attendees will be able to relate the specific regional applications of the product and key response considerations; describe specific chemical properties of the product to their students; and transfer key strategies and tactics to students for dealing with an incident involving the product. Safety is a focus, and the course will stress teaching others the key safety considerations for application when dealing with an incident involving the product.
To Register email Ubaldo Perez – bperez@cityofedinburg.com
