National Volunteer Fire Council

Fire-Rescue International
2023-08-16 - 2023-08-18 | Kansas City Convention Center, 301 W 13th St., Suite 100, Kansas City, MO, 64105, United States
Visit the NVFC at booth #1827.

South Atlantic FIRE RESCUE Expo
2023-08-09 - 2023-08-12 | Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC, 27601, United States
Come visit the NVFC at booth #308!

FASNY Annual Convention
2023-08-09 - 2023-08-12 | Niagra Falls, NY, Niagra Falls, NY, United States

Webinar: Mastering De-Escalation, Part 2 — Advanced Techniques for Firefighters
2023-08-02 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
This empowering, highly anticipated sequel builds upon Part 1 and focuses on two essential tools: Emotional Labeling and the Pause Trifecta. Led by Kerry Mensior, a 30-year law enforcement veteran and executive director of IDEA (International De-Escalation Association), this session delves into the precise application of these techniques. Discover how to avoid common pitfalls, harness de-escalation effectively, and learn the intricacies of the innovative Pause Trifecta. Kerry Mensior’s extensive background as a first responder, including years as a firefighter and emergency medical technician, brings unmatched expertise to this invaluable training. Enhance your de-escalation skills, mitigate negative reactions, and contribute to a safer community. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a renowned expert in the field. Register.

LSFA 118th Annual Conference
2023-08-01 - 2023-08-05 | Crown Plaza Executive Center, 4728 Constitution Ave, 70808, LA, 70808, United States

Hazmat PIT Crew Train-the-Trainer
2023-07-29 - 2023-07-30 | Mercerville Fire House, 2711 Nottingham Way, Mercerville, NJ, 08619, United States
The following courses will be offered:

Teaching Hazmat Basics
Teaching Cargo Tank Awareness
Instructor Training for Flammable Gases

Webinar: Breaking Bad - Overcoming Bad Habits and Generational Gaps in Recruitment and Retention
2023-07-26 14:00 - 15:00
Recruitment and retention are two of the most pressing challenges facing many volunteer fire and EMS departments. This webinar, presented by Colby Cagle, will identify bad habits developed in today’s volunteer fire service that can impact recruitment and retention, debunk some common generational myths, and share takeaways and pro tips that you can apply in your local department. It will also explore resources to help improve local volunteer recruitment and retention.

This webinar is sponsored by ESO.

Roundtable Talk: Roadway Survival — What Your Department Can Do to Keep Everyone Safe
2023-07-20 14:00 - 15:00
Every year, first responders and their family members are impacted by the aftermath of difficult calls. Departments spend time and effort to ensure that members return home safely after working to protect the public from imminent danger. A very important variable in keeping everyone safe is roadway safety. Taking the necessary steps during every call to ensure that the risks and hazards are reduced requires diligence and training on a regular basis. Join the NVFC and a panel of subject matter experts during this Roundtable Talk to learn more about how proper traffic incident management training at your department can help save the lives of emergency personnel and the public. Join on Facebook or register on Zoom.

Webinar: Fire Service Legislation - Congressional and Regulatory Updates
2023-07-12 14:00 - 15:00
We are now over halfway through the first session of the 118th Congress and there has been significant movement on some of the NVFC’s legislative priorities, including reauthorization and funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER), and U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). The NVFC has also voiced support for a number of other policy initiatives that would address critical issues facing the fire service, such as the expansion of the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program to cover cancer and improve firefighter mental and physical wellbeing. This webinar, presented by NVFC chief of legislative and regulatory affairs Ryan Woodward, will provide an update on fire service legislation and what you as an NVFC member can do to help continue the progress that has been made.

R&R Coffee Talk With the Doc
2023-06-23 18:00 - 19:00
Coming to you live from the NVFC Training Summit, join Dr. Candice McDonald, Chief Joel Cerny, and Chief Doug Cline as they brew up ideas for onboarding. Register.

NVFC Training Summit
2023-06-23 - 2023-06-24 | Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel, 1 North Broadway Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK, 73102, United States
This event will provide an opportunity to participate in valuable classroom training and share ideas and best practices with emergency responders from across the U.S. Attendees will have their choice of breakout sessions to attend, with sessions addressing key topics in first responder health, safety, recruitment, and retention. The event will also feature keynote speakers, general sessions, networking events, and a vendor expo.

Safety Stand Down
2023-06-18 - 2023-06-24
Fire departments should take this week to focus on health and safety training and education. This year’s theme is “Lithium-Ion Batteries: Are You Ready?”

MSFA Convention & Conference 2023
2023-06-18 - 2023-06-23 | Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, 21842, United States
The NVFC’s GA Director, David Bullard, will present “Creating a Psychologically Healthy Fire Department” on June 20 at 1pm ET.

Webinar: Volunteer Fire/EMS Recruitment & Retention: Lessons from Top Gun
2023-06-15 14:00 - 15:00
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

R&R Coffee Talk with the Doc
2023-04-29 11:30 - 12:00
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
