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) | NY
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) | NY
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) | NY
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) | NY
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) | NY
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) | NY
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) | NY
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) | NY
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) | NY
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) | NY
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) | NY
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) | NY
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) | NY
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) | NY
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) | NY
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)

Iowa Firefighters Association Mid-year Meeting & Banquet
2024-04-06 | Hilton Garden Inn – Cedar Falls, 7213 Nordic Dr., Cedar Falls, IA, 50613, United States

Webinar: Fire Service Legislation -- Your Role in Advocacy
2024-04-10 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Instructor: Ryan Woodward
This Congress, the NVFC is supporting funding for Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants (VFA), National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer, and Rural EMS Training (SIREN) Grants. The NVFC is also advocating for the passage of legislation to reauthorize SAFER, AFG, and USFA, fund the renovation and construction of fire stations, improve mental health care for first responders, and expand the eligibility of federal housing benefits to volunteer first responders.
If enacted, each of these policy and funding priorities will greatly assist the volunteer fire service in keeping Americans safe. You, as an NVFC member and volunteer responder, have a valuable role to play in encouraging Congress to act on these initiatives. This webinar presented by Ryan Woodward, NVFC chief of legislative & regulatory affairs, will provide a primer on the current political climate in Washington, the NVFC’s policy priorities, and what you can do to encourage your Senators and Member of Congress to support these priorities. Register.

FDIC International
2024-04-15 - 2024-04-20 | Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium, 100 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, 46225, United States

Webinar: Pipeline Safety and Emergency Response
2024-04-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Instructor: David Bullard, Columbia County Fire Rescue
In conjunction with National Safe Digging Month, join the NVFC and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration for this webinar on how emergency service departments can best prepare for pipeline safety and response in your community. In this session, you’ll learn how to identify if your community has pipelines – and what’s in them – and how to identify transmission versus distribution and gathering lines. The session will also discuss working with pipeline operators, understanding your response capabilities, and how to train effectively for a pipeline event. Register.

This webinar is made possible by the USDOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

National Fire & Emergency Services Dinner and Symposium
2024-04-24 - 2024-04-25 | Washington Hilton, DC, United States

NVFC Spring Meeting
2024-04-25 - 2024-04-27 | Renaissance Arlington Capital View, 2800 South Potomac Ave., Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
Annual spring meeting of the NVFC board of directors.

Webinar: Wildfire — It Knows No Boundaries
2024-05-01 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Instructor: Bill Arsenault
Each year, the frequency and intensity of wildfires are growing. They are destroying land across the globe and are taking lives in communities and firefighting organizations of every size. In fact, the U.S. Fire Administration reports that between 1990 and 2020, there were 522 firefighters killed while involved in brush, grass, or wildland fire response. In this webinar, presenter Bill Arsenault will provide a look into the wildfire landscape of the past 30 years, what has changed for the fire service, and what we must do to be more effective in our preparedness and response. Register.

National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
2024-05-04 - 2024-05-05 | National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park, 16825 S Seton Ave, Emmitsburg, MD, 21727, United States

Partners in Training Crew Training -- Marcy, NY
2024-05-04 - 2024-05-05 | Maynard FD Station 1, 9500 Maynard Drive, Marcy, NY, 13403, 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: May 4-5, 2024
Where: Maynard FD Station 1, 9500 Maynard Drive, Marcy, NY 13403
Hosted by: Maynard FD and the National Volunteer Fire Council
Courses being offered:

Teaching Scenario Based Hazmat
Instructor Training for Flammable Gases
Instructor Training for Ammonia

Webinar: Protecting Houses of Worship from Arson
2024-05-06 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Presenters from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Joseph Larkin, section chief, Stakeholder Engagement Division; Victoria M. Rossi, supervisory intelligence specialist, CISA Intel – Analysis Branch; and Bob Winters, protective security advisor
Arson Awareness Week is May 5-11 and this year’s theme is “Protecting Houses of Worship – Fire as a Weapon.” The NVFC and USFA are holding a webinar to support this year’s theme with representatives from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Briefings will include a historical review of attacks on houses of worship using fire as the weapon; a threat and intelligence review of current threat actors, targets, and trends; and a discussion on preventing, protecting, mitigating, and response and recovery for arson events involving houses of worship. There will be a question and answer period following the briefings. Register.
