National Volunteer Fire Council

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-10-18 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | LCEMS, 3565 W Genesee St, Lapeer, MI, 48446, 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 course is being held at the MI State Fireman’s Fall School.
Instructor: Brian Focht
To Register email bconnell1169@gmail.com

In-Person - Essentials of Volunteer Retention & Recruitment
2025-10-18 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Bangor Community Fire Department, 417 W Arlington St, Bangor, MI, 49013, 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.

In-Person - Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success
2025-10-18 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Bangor Community Fire Department, 417 W Arlington St, Bangor, MI, 49013, United States
The NVFC published the textbook Volunteer Fire Service Culture – Essential Strategies for Success as a guide to fire service leaders who desire to change their department’s culture and attitude towards personal health and safety. This training delves into key points from the guide to reinforce the need for change and provide a roadmap to improve the health and safety of volunteer fire and EMS responders.

Webinar - Maximize Your NVFC Member Experience: Portal, Benefits, and More
2025-10-21 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | TX
Whether you are a brand new NVFC member, a longtime member looking for a refresher on your benefits, or a prospective member curious to see what the NVFC has to offer, we welcome you to this overview of NVFC membership! Join us for a walkthrough of the NVFC member portal, exclusive member benefits, and how to make the most of your membership.
Presenters: Alyssa Dara and Laura Towers

NVFC R&R Coffee Talk: Building a Positive Attitude and Culture
2025-10-23 19:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | TX
Join Dr. Candice McDonald, Chief Joel Cerny, and guest Darin Lintner for a 30-minute Coffee Talk focused on how to foster a positive attitude and culture in your department to aid in recruitment and retention and make your department a place people want to be. The session will include audience Q&A and open discussion.

In-Person - Incident Safety Officer Training Series & Leadership for the Fire & Emergency Services
2025-10-25 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Waldoboro Fire Department, 1600 Atlantic Highway, Waldoboro, ME, 04572, United States
Incident Safety Officer Training Series – The NVFC’s Incident Safety Officer (ISO) training will give students an overview of the role of an ISO and cover communications and safety, as well as the practical application of this information. Please note, this is not an ISO certification program.
Leadership for the Fire & Emergency Services – Quality leadership is essential for the fire and emergency services to accomplish the mission, improve member satisfaction, and best serve the community. This course examines leadership styles, qualities, ethics, and best practices to help your department function at a high level and avoid fire and emergency services leadership pitfalls. Retention research will also be discussed to help leaders understand retention concerns and identify solutions.
Instructor: Kevin Quinn

Roundtable Talk - Mentorship in the Fire Service: Building Stronger Members and Departments
2025-10-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | TX
Mentorship is a powerful tool to pass on knowledge, skills, and culture in the fire service. This NVFC Roundtable Talk will explore how mentorship programs can strengthen recruitment, retention, and leadership development in the fire service, creating stronger responders, teams, and departments. Panelists will share practical approaches for starting and sustaining mentor programs, lessons learned from their own departments, and ideas for creating a culture of support and growth.
Presenters: Joe Maruca, Candice McDonald (Moderator), Dr. Denis Onieal, and Tiger Schmittendorf

In-Person - Leadership for the Fire & Emergency Services
2025-10-28 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | North East Fire Co. Inc., 210 South Mauldin Ave, North East, MD, 21901, United States
Quality leadership is essential for the fire and emergency services to accomplish the mission, improve member satisfaction, and best serve the community. This course examines leadership styles, qualities, ethics, and best practices to help your department function at a high level and avoid fire and emergency services leadership pitfalls. Retention research will also be discussed to help leaders understand retention concerns and identify solutions.
Instructor: Dave Lewis

Webinar - The Call to Service: Recruiting Veterans into Volunteer Emergency Service Departments
2025-11-05 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | TX
Veterans are a positive, reliable, and trusted resource for every community. A veteran never stops serving, and when called by their community, they will serve again. In honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month in November, the NVFC is hosting a webinar on how the volunteer emergency services can benefit by recruiting veterans onto their teams. Presenter Joe Danao, a veteran who serves as a firefighter/EMT, will provide background details on the veteran experience and how volunteer departments can actively engage with veterans and their families. With close to 8 million U.S. veterans between the ages of 20 and 59, there are ample opportunities to welcome and include veterans into the fire and emergency services.

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-11-06 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Ogden Dunes Fire Department, 111 Hillcrest Rd, Ogden Dunes, IN, 46368, 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 – Doug deBest

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-11-08 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Tolono FPD Station #1, 214 N Bourne St, Tolono, IL, 61880, 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 – Anthony Gaul

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-11-08 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Central Tech, 3 CT Circle, Drumright, OK, 74030, 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 – Jeff Romines
To register email Bobbi Watts at bobbi.watts@centraltech.edu.

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-11-08 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Kronenwetter Fire Department, 1582 Kronenwetter Drive, Kronenwetter, WI, 54455, 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: Rob Ingram

Symposium in the Sun
2025-11-13 - 2025-11-16 | Hilton Clearwater Beach, 400 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater, FL, 33767, United States
Visit the NVFC booth.

In-Person – EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-11-18 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Summerdale Town Hall, 502 W Lee Ave, Summerdale, AL, 36580, 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 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: David Bullard

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-11-19 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Monmouth County Fire Academy, 1027 Highway 33 East, Freehold, NJ, 07728, 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 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: M. Corey McCartney
To register email Melissa Evanego at Melissa.Evanego@dep.nj.gov

Webinar - Advancing Volunteer Firefighter Health: Findings from the ECHOS Study
2025-11-19 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | TX
Volunteer firefighters face many of the same dangers as their career counterparts, yet due to limited research on volunteers little is known about the specific exposures they encounter that could impact their health. To help close this gap, the Firefighter Cancer Initiative (FCI) at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami completed a project using wristband sampling to characterize carcinogens in volunteer firefighter work environments. Join FCI researchers Madeleine Sayre and Dr. Alberto Caban-Martinez for this NVFC webinar to hear about the recent findings from the ECHOS Study (Environmental Characterization of Health hazards in Occupational Settings).

Webinar - Building a Mayday Culture: Preparing Firefighters for Survival and Success
2025-11-20 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | TX
When a mayday is declared, every second counts. This webinar bridges the gap between cultivating a strong mayday culture in training and executing effective incident command strategies on the fireground. Participants will learn strategies to build a proactive culture that emphasizes prevention, readiness, and effective mayday response at both the individual and organizational level.
Presenter: Sam DeSessa

Roundtable Talk - Holiday Blues: Supporting Behavioral Health and Resilience in the Fire and Emergency Services
2025-11-25 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | TX
The holidays can be a difficult time for first responders, bringing added stress, loneliness, and emotional strain. Join the NVFC for a panel discussion on behavioral health during the holiday season, including myths about suicide rates, signs and symptoms to watch for, and practical coping strategies to stay healthy and resilient.
Presenters: Jeff Dill (moderator), Robert Ridley, Cobey Taylor, and Sarah Gura, MA, LCPC, LMHC, EMDR, RYT200

In-Person - Building a Healthy and High-Performing Fire Department
2025-12-02 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | North East Fire Co. Inc., 210 South Mauldin Ave, North East, MD, 21901, United States
This course from the National Volunteer Fire Council and the American Psychological Association’s Center for Organizational Excellence is designed to empower fire department leadership to promote and support healthy, high-performing fire/EMS departments. Based on the framework from the Psychologically Healthy Fire Departments initiative, this course focuses on six key practices – member involvement, health and safety, member growth and development, work-life-volunteer balance, member recognition, and effective communication – to facilitate member well-being and department functioning.
Instructor: Dave Lewis

In-Person - Leadership for the Fire & Emergency Services and Incident Safety Officer Training
2025-12-06 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | New River Community College, 5251 College Drive, Dublin, VA, 24084, United States
Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services
Quality leadership is essential for the fire and emergency services to accomplish the mission, improve member satisfaction, and best serve the community. This course examines leadership styles, qualities, ethics, and best practices to help your department function at a high level and avoid fire and emergency services leadership pitfalls. Retention research will also be discussed to help leaders understand retention concerns and identify solutions.
Incident Safety Officer
The NVFC’s Incident Safety Officer (ISO) training will give students an overview of the role of an ISO and cover communications and safety, as well as the practical application of this information. Please note, this is not an ISO certification program.

Roundtable Talk - From Search to Submission: Navigating the Grant Process
2025-12-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | TX
Grants can provide vital support for volunteer fire and EMS departments, helping to fund everything from training and equipment to community programs. However, finding the right opportunity and submitting a competitive application takes planning. In this NVFC Roundtable Talk, a panel of experts will share practical strategies, personal experiences, and lessons learned to help departments locate funding sources, understand requirements, and strengthen their overall grant approach. This roundtable talk is sponsored by Snap-tite Hose.

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-12-13 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Sedgewickville Station 1/Firehouse 1, 18645 State Highway EE, Sedgewickville, MO, 63781, 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 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: Jeff Romines

In-Person - Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success
2025-12-13 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Central Crossing FPD Headquarters, 23463 State Highway 39, Shell Knob, MO, 65747, United States
The NVFC published the textbook Volunteer Fire Service Culture – Essential Strategies for Success as a guide to fire service leaders who desire to change their department’s culture and attitude towards personal health and safety. This training delves into key points from the guide to reinforce the need for change and provide a roadmap to improve the health and safety of volunteer fire and EMS responders.
Instructor: Rob Ingram

In-Person - Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services & Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success
2025-12-13 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Wadesville Center Township VFD, 4200 Princeton Street, Wadesville, IN, 47638, United States
Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services: Quality leadership is essential for the fire and emergency services to accomplish the mission, improve member satisfaction, and best serve the community. This course examines leadership styles, qualities, ethics, and best practices to help your department function at a high level and avoid fire and emergency services leadership pitfalls. Retention research will also be discussed to help leaders understand retention concerns and identify solutions.
Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success: The NVFC published the textbook Volunteer Fire Service Culture – Essential Strategies for Success as a guide to fire service leaders who desire to change their department’s culture and attitude towards personal health and safety. This training delves into key points from the guide to reinforce the need for change and provide a roadmap to improve the health and safety of volunteer fire and EMS responders.
Instructor: Doug deBest

Essentials of Volunteer Retention & Recruitment & Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services
2025-12-13 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Blount County Multipurpose Center, 6700 Co Highway 1, Cleveland, AL, 35049, United States
Essentials of Volunteer Retention & Recruitment: 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.
Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services: Quality leadership is essential for the fire and emergency services to accomplish the mission, improve member satisfaction, and best serve the community. This course examines leadership styles, qualities, ethics, and best practices to help your department function at a high level and avoid fire and emergency services leadership pitfalls. Retention research will also be discussed to help leaders understand retention concerns and identify solutions.
Instructor: Tiger Schmittendorf

Webinar - Professionalism and Public Trust in the Volunteer Fire Service
2025-12-18 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | TX
Public trust is the foundation of every successful volunteer fire department. While the Maltese Cross firefighters wear symbolizes courage, service, and sacrifice, it also carries responsibility. Every action, every word, and every choice a firefighter makes reflects not only on the individual, but on the entire fire service family. Join presenter Tom Merrill for this webinar on how professionalism is critical in building and shaping trust, and how every member plays a vital role protecting the department’s reputation and upholding a tradition of excellence.
Presenter: Tom Merrill

Roundtable Talk - Firefighter Cancer Awareness and Risk Reduction
2026-01-07 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | TX
Firefighters face a heightened risk of occupational cancer due to repeated exposure to carcinogens on the fireground, in apparatus, and within the station. This roundtable talk will raise awareness of these risks and provide practical strategies to reduce exposure through effective decontamination practices. The discussion will cover how carcinogens enter the body, where contamination commonly occurs, and what immediate and long-term steps departments can take to protect their members.
Designed for firefighters, officers, safety personnel, and department leaders, this session will offer clear, actionable guidance to help reduce cancer risks and support a healthier fire service.
Presenters: John Buckman, Kenny Fent, Frank Leeb, Kevin Shea, and Brian McQueen (Moderator)

In-Person - Incident Safety Officer Training; Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services; Surviving the Job - Cancer in the Fire Service
2026-01-10 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Ludington Fire Department, 918 East Tinkham Ave., Ludington, MI, 49431, United States
Incident Safety Officer Training Series (2 hours)
The NVFC’s Incident Safety Officer (ISO) training will give students an overview of the role of an ISO and cover communications and safety, as well as the practical application of this information. Please note, this is not an ISO certification program.
Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services (2 hours)
Quality leadership is essential for the fire and emergency services to accomplish the mission, improve member satisfaction, and best serve the community. This course examines leadership styles, qualities, ethics, and best practices to help your department function at a high level and avoid fire and emergency services leadership pitfalls. Retention research will also be discussed to help leaders understand retention concerns and identify solutions.
Surviving the Job – Cancer in the Fire Service (2 hours)
Cancer is a serious threat facing today’s fire service, but there are easy and low-cost ways you can lower your risks. These include the 11 best practices for firefighter cancer prevention as outlined in the Lavender Ribbon Report. This course will explain how to incorporate these life-saving practices into your daily routines to reduce your exposure risks and protect yourself and your fellow firefighters from occupational cancer.
Instructor: Brian Focht

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2026-01-10 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Lake Hamilton Fire, 1111 Hwy 290, Hot Springs, AR, 71913, 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 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
