First Responder Virginia
2023-09-23 | Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA, 23666, United States

Firehouse Expo
2023-09-25 - 2023-09-29 | Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 North High Street, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Visit the NVFC at booth #440.
The NVFC’s deputy CEO, Dr. Candice McDonald, will present “CPR for the Volunteer Fire Service” along with Jack Smith, chief of the Ohio Fire Academy, on September 27 at 11am.

Hazmat PIT Crew Train-the-Trainer
2023-09-30 - 2023-10-01 | Pearisburg Fire Department, 720 Mountain Lake Ave, Pearisburg, VA, 24134, United States
The following courses will be offered:

Tools in Hazmat Training
Teaching Basic Decon
Teaching Cargo Tank Awareness
Instructor Training on Placards, Labels, and Markings

Roundtable Talk: Fire Prevention Week — Cooking up a Plan for Your Department
2023-10-04 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Fire Prevention Week (FPW) will take place October 8-14, 2023, with the theme “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.™” Join the NVFC, moderator Michael McLeieer of the Michigan State Firemen’s Association, and a panel of subject matter experts on October 4 at 2pm ET for a live discussion 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. More information about FPW can be found at www.nfpa.org/fpw.
Panelists include Andrea Vastis (National Fire Protection Association), Bruce Bouch (U.S. Fire Administration), and Josh Fullbright (National Fire Academy instructor, community risk reduction (CRR) subject matter expert, and chief of CRR for the South Carolina State Fire Marshal’s Office).
Register on Zoom or watch live on Facebook.

This Roundtable Talk is sponsored by First Alert.

Webinar: Lithium-Ion Batteries & Energy Storage Systems Series, Part 3 — A Risk-Based Approach
2023-10-05 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
As energy storage system (ESS) technology continues to rise in popularity, it’s critical that emergency personnel are prepared to respond to incidents involving this new technology. Join presenters Tom Miller and David Bullard on October 5 at 2pm ET for the third part of this webinar series, which will walk through how to utilize a risk-based approach to ESS technology incidents. Attendees will also learn how to start their planning process, conduct response area risk assessments, develop training programs and incident action plans, network with community and key stakeholders, and understand the hazards involved. Register.
This webinar will be recorded and available afterward here.

Hazmat PIT Crew Train-the-Trainer
2023-10-07 - 2023-10-08 | Potosi Fire House 1, 313 E Jefferson St., Potosi, MO, 63664, United States
The following courses will be offered:

Instructor Training for Flammable Gases
Instructor Training for Chlorine
Instructor Training for Methanol
Instructor Training for Flammable Liquids

Litchfield County Regional Fire School
2023-10-21 | Litchfield County Regional Fire School, 606 Burr Mountain Road, Torrington, CT, 06790, United States

Hazmat PIT Crew Train-the-Trainer
2023-10-21 - 2023-10-22 | Mahoning County EMA, 700 Industrial Rd, Youngstown, OH, 44509, United States
The following courses will be offered:

Scenario Based Hazmat Training
Instructor for Placards, Labels, and Markings
Instructor Training for Ammonia

Hazmat PIT Crew Train-the-Trainer
2023-11-04 - 2023-11-05 | Orangeburg County Fire District, 131 Firefighter Lane, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States
The following courses will be offered:

Teaching Hazmat Basics
Scenario-Based Hazmat Training
Teaching Hazmat on a Budget
Teaching Cargo Tank Awareness – MC 306 & DOT 406
Instructor Training for Flammable Gases
Instructor Training for Flammable Liquids
Instructor Training for Ammonia
Instructor Training for Chlorine

Volunteer Voices Live: EMS Scene Safe -- Situational Awareness for Scene Safety
2023-11-07 15:00 - 16:15 (America/New_York)
Every EMS provider knows the phrase “BSI Scene Safe,” but what does it really mean to develop and maintain a safe scene? What challenges are your EMS crews facing that cause difficulty in gathering information or resources for scene safety?
EMS scene safety and situational awareness is an ever-evolving topic encompassing many factors (distracted drivers, limited crew, chemical exposures, hostile environments, difficult bystanders, etc.).  Join our EMS subject matter experts for a discussion on the challenges of maintaining safety and best practices for maintaining scene safety.
Come prepared to share your experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another.  This is a live, interactive discussion via Zoom. We’d love to hear your voice and see your face while we learn more about EMS Scene Safe, so if possible, please turn on your camera and be ready to turn on your microphone when you have something to share!  Our discussion will not be recorded, but notes will be shared in Volunteer Voices after the session.
Register.

Symposium in the Sun
2023-11-09 - 2023-11-12 | Hilton Clearwater Beach, 400 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater, FL, 33767, United States

Webinar: Get Schooled — Initiating Partnerships With Schools for Junior Firefighter Recruitment
2023-11-15 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Junior firefighter programs provide fire and EMS departments the opportunity to engage local youth in learning about, and ultimately becoming members of, the emergency services. However, starting a program and finding interested juniors can seem challenging. Connecting with a high school is a great way to introduce your program to local youth and identify strong candidates for service. This webinar on November 15 at 4pm ET, presented by Ellen Yarborough, will walk through how your department can secure a partnership with your local high school as well as what motivates Generation Z to serve. Register.

This webinar is sponsored by ESO.

Roundtable Talk: Leveraging State Resources -- How to Best Engage with Fire Training Academies
2023-11-29 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Each year, thousands of volunteer firefighters attend training provided by their state fire academies. But are you getting the most out of what these academies have to offer? This Roundtable Talk from the NVFC and North American Fire Training Directors (NAFTD) will explore best practices and case studies to help volunteers fully engage with fire academies to meet their training needs. Moderator Ken Willette and panelists David Bullard, Jim Keiken, Lisa Pine, and Reid Vaughan will also showcase how departments can utilize state fire training academies to enhance their department’s training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Register on Zoom or watch live on Facebook.

Webinar: Understanding Solar and ESS Technologies - Information for Emergency Responders
2023-12-06 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join the NVFC for this webinar presented by Charles Picard of Tesla that provides a brief overview of solar and energy storage system (ESS) technologies, design concepts, and safety considerations for emergency responders. A library of tools and resources will be provided to assist responders in making appropriate operational decisions when responding to emergencies involving these products. Topics covered will include best practices for identification, assessment, and proper shut down procedures. Register here.

Roundtable Talk: Finding Grant Funding
2023-12-13 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Many volunteer and combination fire and EMS departments rely on grants to help fund needed gear, equipment, and training, as well as efforts relating to health, safety, recruitment, and retention. Join the NVFC and a panel of subject matter experts for a discussion on grant writing for the fire and emergency services. Learn tips and resources for grant applications as well as where to find grant opportunities. Subject matter experts will include Ryan Woodward (moderator), David Lewis, Sara Mullins, and Cathie Patterson. Register on Zoom or watch live on Facebook.
This Roundtable Talk is sponsored by MSA Safety.

Webinar: Staying Strong and Aging Well in the Fire Service
2024-01-10 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Instructor: Roy Smalley
Is firefighting a job for the young? The average age of firefighters is steadily climbing as men and women who love the fire service stay in and stay active longer. While aging up doesn’t have to mean aging out, it does require adjusting our maintenance schedule. You can’t run an old truck the same as a new one! The strength and wellness routines we followed as a rookie don’t work the same when we’re more seasoned. In this webinar, we’ll look at what happens to our musculo-skeletal, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems as our bodies age, and talk strategies for keeping yourself fireground-ready long into your career. Register.

Roundtable Talk: Cancer Risk Prevention
2024-01-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Firefighters need to know how and where they are exposed to carcinogens in order to take the necessary steps to mitigate occupational cancer risks. It takes a multipronged approach both on and off the fireground to lessen the risks and protect firefighters from critical illness such as cancer. Join experts Sara Jahnke, Rick Markley, Judith Graber, Ray Lankin, and Brian McQueen for this discussion on how to incorporate life-saving practices into your daily routines in order to reduce your exposure risks and protect yourself and your fellow firefighters from occupational cancer. Watch live on Facebook or register on Zoom.

This event is sponsored by United Diagnostic Services.

NVFC Recruitment & Retention Coffee Talk: Effective Nutrition for Firefighter Health, Performance, & Retention
2024-01-18 19:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
As we flip the calendar to a new year, many volunteer firefighters have already made a New Year resolution to become healthier, and the NVFC wants to help! NVFC Recruitment & Retention Coffee Talk hosts Chief Joel Cerny & Dr. Candice McDonald will be joined by Yvette Graham, LISW-S of The Ohio State University, to examine strategies to keep firefighters healthy and active on the roster! Audience members will learn how to implement, at no cost to the fire department, an evidence-based food and nutrition program to help their firefighters AND families move toward self-sufficiency, nutritional health, and well-being. Register.

This event is sponsored by Fire Department Coffee.

Iowa Firefighter Day on the Hill
2024-01-24 | Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50319, United States
Hosted by the Iowa Firefighters Association, State Fire Marshal’s Office, Fire Service Training Bureau & the Iowa Emergency Response Council.

Iowa State Fire School
2024-01-27 - 2024-01-28 | Meadows Event Center, 1 Prairie Meadows Dr., Altoona, IA, 50009, United States

Roundtable Talk: Engaging Youth in the Fire Service
2024-02-21 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Junior firefighter programs give youth the chance to learn about local fire, rescue, and emergency medical services response organizations in a safe, controlled, educational, and fun way, while providing departments with nonoperational support and a powerful recruitment mechanism. How can departments engage with local youth, schools, and other organizations to promote these youth fire service programs? What do departments need to do to ensure these programs provide sound training and leadership experiences for youth? Join us for a conversation with Quentin Cash, Jerry Presta, Ellen Yarborough, and the NVFC’s Rachel Buczynski regarding best practices and strategies for building a strong youth program in your community.
Register on Zoom or watch live on Facebook.

Partners in Training Crew Training - Owensboro, KY
2024-02-23 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Owensboro Convention Center, 501 W 2nd St., Owensboro, KY, 42301, 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: February 23, 8am-5pm CT
Where: Owensboro Convention Center, 501 W 2nd St, Owensboro, KY 42301
Hosted by: 2024 Bryant Stiles Officers School and the National Volunteer Fire Council
Course being offered: Teaching Hazmat on a Budget (7 hours)

Roundtable Talk: Lessons Learned — Reflecting on the East Palestine Derailment and the Path Forward
2024-02-27 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Hear from panelists Keith Drabick of the East Palestine Fire Department, Dan Seidberg of RapidSOS and IamResponding, John Fleps of Norfolk Southern, and Ryan Woodward of the NVFC (moderator) as they discuss lessons learned for volunteer fire departments in the aftermath of the East Palestine train derailment. Register.

This Roundtable Talk is sponsored by Rapid SOS and IamResponding.

NVFC Membership Meeting
2024-03-13 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
The NVFC’s Annual Membership Meeting will be held via Zoom and 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.

Webinar: First Responders’ Role in Human Trafficking Prevention
2024-03-13 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Human trafficking is thought to be done under cover when in reality it is often done right out in the open. Since first responders run a variety of calls, they are in a unique position to spot and identify cases of human trafficking if they know what to look for. One way to P.A.V.E. a path to freedom for victims is by checking our Posture, Attitude, Verbiage, and Empathy before we walk into any call. Join Mark Brende of iEmpathize for this webinar focused on understanding the issue of human trafficking, how to recognize human trafficking scenarios while on a call, and what to know about your response protocols and response partners to get victims the help they need. Register.

Roundtable Talk: Proposed OSHA Standard Update and What it Means for Volunteer Fire Departments
2024-03-14 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Panelists: David Denniston, Bruce Lundegren, Joseph Maruca, Ryan Woodward (moderator)
On February 5, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a proposed rule revising its emergency response standard. This is the first time OSHA revised this standard since 1980, and the public has until May 6 to provide comments. If enacted as is, this proposed rule would bring immense challenges to volunteer departments, and some may even be forced to shut down. It is important that the volunteer fire service understand how this rule would impact them and provide their comments to OSHA before May 6. This NVFC Roundtable Talk will highlight some of the biggest concerns with the proposed revised emergency standard, discuss which volunteers will be impacted, explain the NVFC’s strategy for addressing the proposed revision, and suggest best practices for departments wishing to comment on the revisions.
The text of the proposed revised OSHA emergency response standard and information on how to submit comments can be found here.
Register.

Roundtable Talk: Implementing Standards-Based Rescue Training
2024-03-20 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Panelists: Kevin Shea, Kevin Reardon, David Rhodes, Ken Willette (moderator)
Dive into the essentials of implementing standards-based rescue training for fire service professionals in this Roundtable Talk. Led by industry experts, this session will cover key topics including understanding standards, curriculum development, safety protocols, hands-on training, progress monitoring, and fostering ongoing education. Whether you’re looking to enhance operational readiness or ensure compliance with industry standards, this Roundtable Talk will provide valuable insights to elevate your rescue training program. Register.

R&R Coffee Talk: Five Key Strategies for Recruiting Volunteer Drone Operators in Emergency Response
2024-03-21 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Join Chief Joel Cerny & Dr. Candice McDonald as they welcome drone expert Aaron Beckman to discuss strategies for recruiting volunteer drone operators to support your volunteer fire department’s emergency response operations. Register.

This R&R Coffee Talk is sponsored by Fire Dept. Coffee.

Roundtable Talk: National Volunteer Week — 10 Ways to Recognize & Retain Your Volunteers
2024-04-03 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
National Volunteer Week is coming up on April 21-27. Join panelists Joel Cerny (moderator), Steven Roberson, and Joyce Shry for a discussion of turnkey ways to recognize your volunteers and enhance long-term volunteer retention during National Volunteer Week and beyond. Register.

This Roundtable Talk is sponsored by ESO.

Partners in Training Crew Training -- Edinburg, TX
2024-04-05 - 2024-04-06 | Edinburg Central Fire Station, 212 W McIntyre St, Edinburg, TX, 78541, United States
The Partners in Training (PIT) Crew program provides free hazmat train-the-trainer courses to first responders to help them educate others in their departments and communities on hazmat safety and response.
When: April 5-6, 2024
Where: Edinburg Central Fire Station, 212 W McIntyre St., Edinburg, Texas 78541
Hosted by: Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services (TEEX)
Courses being offered:

Teaching Hazmat Basics (8 hours)
Teaching Cargo Tank Awareness (3 hours)
Instructor Training for Placards, Labels, and Markings (3 hours)
Instructor Training for Ammonia (3 hours)
Instructor Training for Chlorine (3 hours)
