Roundtable Talk: The Virtual Fireground — Evaluating Immersive Learning for Fire Service Training
2024-08-29 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Is immersive learning, including augmented reality and virtual reality, the future of fire service training? These tools are already used in many other disciplines, including military and medicine, and the industry for fire service immersive learning technology is thriving. This Roundtable Talk will feature discussion on how immersive learning can be used for the fire service and special implications and considerations for volunteers. Register.

NVFC Roundtable Talk: Hazmat Response Training -- Zooming In from National to Local
2024-09-03 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join NVFC Hazmat Partners in Training (PIT Crew) lead subject matter experts and trainers Tom Miller, David Bullard, and Bill Offerman, along with moderator Rachel Buczynski, NVFC chief of training and education, for a discussion on lessons learned from a year of offering hazmat trainings nationwide. They’ll share how your department or agency can utilize national resources for practical use in your own community’s hazmat training programs. Register.

Iowa Firefighters Association Convention
2024-09-04 - 2024-09-07

Webinar: OSHA's Proposed Emergency Response Standard Update: What Comes Next?
2024-09-05 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
The public comment period for OSHA’s proposed Emergency Response Standard has closed, and a public hearing is scheduled. So what happens now? In this session, presenter David Denniston will provide a brief overview of the proposed standard, what it could mean for your organization, where we are in the process, and what comes next. Attendees will hear a summary of the public comments published to date and how you can take action by testifying at the informal hearing and communicating with your elected officials. The session will conclude with time for Q&A. Register.

Partners in Training Crew Training -- Las Vegas, NV
2024-09-09 | Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, West Hall, Las Vegas, NV, 89109, United States
The Partners in Training (PIT) Crew program provides hazmat train-the-trainer courses to first responders to help them educate others in their departments and communities on hazmat safety and response.
When: September 9, 2024
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, West Hall, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Hosted by: EMS World Expo and the National Volunteer Fire Council
Course being offered: I have a HAZMAT Patient – Now What?: Scenario-Based Hazmat Training

Webinar: Collective Impact — Collaborative Strategies for Fire and Life Safety Education
2024-09-10 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Instructor: Angela Potter
Community education is a key part of the fire service, but departments don’t always have funding or resources to implement these programs. Presenter Angela Potter will cover how she connected with other fire and life safety educators, found resources, and developed a regional program to increase knowledge in her own community and beyond. Key topics will include finding free and low-cost resources that you can utilize for your program; building effective outreach plans; and collaborating with other educators to increase your collective impact. Register.

Webinar: Safe Roads, Safe Responders - Educating Communities on Roadway Incident Safety
2024-09-17 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Engaging the community in roadway safety is a key part of reducing first responder injuries and death in traffic incident management. Just in time for your fall open house, this webinar presented by Todd Leiss and Jack Sullivan will discuss ways to incorporate key topics such as “move over,” preventing distracted driving, and how to pass an emergency scene safely in your community education initiatives. Register.

NVFC Fall Meeting
2024-09-18 - 2024-09-20 | Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza, 4445 Main Street, Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
Annual fall meeting of the NVFC board of directors.

FireShowsWest
2024-09-23 - 2024-09-25 | Grand Sierra Resort Hotel, 2500 E 2nd St., Reno, NV, 89595, United States
The NVFC will be presenting the following sessions:

Wildland Fire Assessment Program – Sept. 23
Collaborative Programs: Pipeline Safety and Response – Sept. 24
Creating a Psychologically Healthy Fire Department – Sept. 25

View the full program here.

Roundtable Talk: Planning for Fire Prevention Week
2024-09-26 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Fire Prevention Week (FPW) will take place October 6-12, 2024, with the theme “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™” Join the NVFC for a live panel discussion that will focus on the importance of this year’s theme, how your department can participate in FPW, and tips and ideas you can use for public education throughout the year. Register.

Wildland Fire Assessment Program Training
2024-10-19 09:00 - 2024-10-20 14:00 (America/New_York) | Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority, 11 A Street, Edgartown, MA, 02539, United States
This free two-day course will teach the fundamentals of assessing a home and working with residents to make their property more resilient to wildfires. There is a classroom session and a hands-on training included. Register by October 6. Learn more. This course is brought to you by the Edgartown (MA) Fire Department.
The Wildland Fire Assessment Program is a joint initiative between the National Volunteer Fire Council and U.S. Forest Service to prepare fire department members to conduct home safety assessments and make homes more fire adapted in the wildland-urban interface.

Roundtable Talk: The Role of Fire Department Chaplains
2024-10-24 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
What is the role of a fire department chaplain? How can your department enlist a chaplain and help them succeed? What do newly-appointed chaplains need to know? Join Chaplains Dick Brown, Jim Cook, Jimmie Duncan, and John F. Long, Jr. for a panel discussion on what a fire service chaplain does and why a fire department should consider having a trained chaplain as part of their operational command structure. Attendees will also learn about the role chaplains play in providing behavioral health support to help a department thrive. Register.

Volunteer Voices Live: Volunteer Performance Evaluations and Expectations
2024-10-30 15:00 - 16:15 (America/New_York)
Recruiting volunteers is not easy, so it can be difficult to evaluate the ones you do have. However, when done regularly and efficiently, volunteer evaluations can benefit both the department and the volunteer by highlighting strengths, showing areas in need of improvement, and offering an opportunity for one-on-one interactions between leadership and volunteers. This live interactive discussion will focus on methods for evaluating volunteer performance, how to reward top performing volunteers, and how to help those who do not meet expectations to improve their performance. Come prepared to share and learn from one another. This discussion will not be recorded. Register.

Webinar: What You Need to Know Before Testifying at OSHA’s Emergency Response Public Hearing
2024-11-07 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
So, you’ve reserved a spot to testify at OSHA’s upcoming public hearing regarding the proposed Emergency Response Standard. Have questions about what to say? The hearing procedure? How to answer questions from the OSHA panel and the audience? This session will cover the answers to these questions and allow time for audience Q&A so that you’re prepared for your testimony. Register.

Webinar: So You’re a Training Officer – Now What? Incorporating Adult Learning Theory into FD Training Programs
2024-11-13 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Congratulations, you’re a training officer! But…how to do you teach adult learners? When we think of the science of how humans learn, we often think of children (i.e., pedagogy). However, there are learning theories unique to adults: how people learn in formal and informal ways once they are over 18. Many training officers (in all industries) find themselves in the role of educator with little to no background knowledge of andragogy (the science of adult learning). This webinar, presented by Rachel Buczynski, will help you understand more about andragogy so you can further build your skillset as a fire department trainer and reinforce techniques you’re already using. Register.

National Kickoff Webinar: Crash Responder Safety Week 2024
2024-11-18 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Program invites all EMS, fire and rescue, law enforcement, public works, towing and recovery, transportation, and other traffic incident response professions to participate in the national kickoff webinar for Crash Responder Safety Week. This event, hosted by FHWA Office of Transportation Operations, will honor responders, provide an overview of activities taking place across the country, and connect all responder stakeholders to kickoff this important week. Register.

Roundtable Talk: Shared Vision - What Your Department Can Do to Support the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy
2024-12-05 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join the NVFC for a Roundtable Talk focused on how fire departments can actively participate in the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, a collaborative effort to address the nation’s wildfire problems. This panel-style discussion will provide a comprehensive overview of the strategy and highlight actionable ways for departments to contribute to wildfire management and resilience efforts. Led by NVFC Wildland Fire Assessment Program Advocates, this session will focus on the objectives of the cohesive strategy, the role of departments, implementation strategies, and available resources to support your involvement. This Roundtable Talk is ideal for department leaders, planners, and other stakeholders involved in wildfire management and community resilience. Register.

NVFC Office Hours for AFG Application Questions
2024-12-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-12-18 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Are you working on an application for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and have questions? Join David Lewis, NVFC director from Maryland and grants subject matter expert, for open office hours on December 17 from 10-11am ET or December 18 from 7-8pm ET. Join in at any time during the hour to ask your own questions or hear what others are asking as you finalize your grant application.

Roundtable Talk: Understanding the Risks – Big-Box Fires and Non-Fire Emergencies
2024-12-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
In small towns, where land is less expensive and highway/interstate access is convenient, distribution centers, warehouses, and industrial spaces continue to absorb land. Volunteer fire departments in these small communities protect a large portion of the millions of square feet that will require intervention with limited fire resources. In order to respond efficiently and safely, it is important to prepare for the challenges ahead. While sprinklers contain the fire, firefighters still have search, rescue, extinguishment, salvage, and overhaul. Join the NVFC and a panel of experts for this Roundtable Talk to explore big-box fires and, among other topics, firefighter air. During a firefight, air management plays a critical role in the life and health of a firefighter. This webinar is sponsored by Firefighter Air Coalition. Register.

Webinar: Unlocking Opportunities - Tips for Crafting an NVFC Grant and Giveaway Application
2025-01-08 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) regularly teams up with partners to provide grant, giveaway, and scholarship opportunities for the fire and emergency services. Are you ready to boost your department’s resources and make the most of these opportunities? Join NVFC board member Joel Cerny and program manager Lori Shirley for this webinar to learn how to identify key opportunities, craft compelling applications, use appropriate data, and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re applying for funding, gear, or education, this session will provide actionable strategies to help your department produce a competitive NVFC grant or giveaway application. This webinar is sponsored by MSA Safety.

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)
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)
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)
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)

R&R Coffee Talk: Leadership
2025-02-20 19:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
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.
