In-Person - Teaching Hazmat Basics
2025-05-03 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Phoenix) | Poplar Middle School, 411 D Street, West Poplar, MT, 59255, United States
This course covers the foundations of teaching hazmat response and safety. Attendees will learn how to connect their hazmat training to the risks faced by the student audience. They will walk away able to take a limited hazmat resource list and develop at least three practical skills trainings of direct benefit to their students. Finally, attendees will be able to develop training drills and/or exercises that meet the needs of their jurisdiction in accordance with recognized national standards.
Register by emailing Matt Paulson at: mkpaulson_51@hotmail.com

In-Person - Teaching Basic Decon
2025-05-04 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Phoenix) | Poplar Middle School, 411 D Street, West Poplar, MT, 59255, United States
This course focuses on first responder safety by reviewing basic decontamination (decon) techniques. Attendees will learn the differences between the various levels of decontamination as well as alternate means of decontamination and how to set up a one-hour drill/exercise in their jurisdiction. Keeping the focus on safety, attendees will discuss how to utilize a safety officer when conducting decon drills.
Register by emailing Matt Paulson at: mkpaulson_51@hotmail.com

Webinar - Arson Awareness Week: A Community Approach to Preventing Arson in the Wildfire Environment
2025-05-05 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Kick off Arson Awareness Week with this NVFC webinar designed to equip first responders with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent arson in wildfire-prone areas. This session will provide information and resources relevant to firefighters, company level officers, fire investigators, youth firesetting intervention and prevention specialists, and chief staff. Discover the importance of strong investigations and the need for specific wildland arson awareness training for firefighters. Explore the unique challenges of investigating wildfires compared to structural fires and the critical role of community efforts in identifying arsonists and their motives. Understand the importance of law enforcement cooperation, district attorney awareness, and the need for a feedback loop to keep the community informed. A case study will highlight the collaborative efforts of various departments and agencies along with community members, showcasing the power of a united community approach. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your arson prevention strategies and make a difference in your community!

NVFC 2025 Spring Board Conference
2025-05-08 - 2025-05-10 | The Westin Alexandria Old Town, 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, VA, 22314, United States

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-05-10 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Newkirk Public Safety Center, 115 S Maple Ave, Newkirk, OK, 74647, 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.
To register email Chief Greg Williams – riverroad801@yahoo.com

Webinar - Strengthening EMS Teams: Effective Recruitment & Retention Strategies
2025-05-15 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join the NVFC for this engaging and insightful webinar designed to help emergency medical service (EMS) agencies tackle one of their biggest challenges: recruiting and retaining dedicated volunteers, including EMTs, paramedics, and support staff. As the demands on EMS grow, agencies must adapt to attract and keep talent across generations. This webinar will explore proven strategies for recruitment and retention, including how to effectively engage volunteers from various age groups, best practices for bridging generational communication gaps, and the power of using modern tools like social media to connect with prospective volunteers. Whether you’re a leader, recruiter, or administrator within an EMS agency, this session will provide you with actionable tips and innovative approaches to strengthen your team and ensure long-term sustainability.
This webinar is sponsored by First Arriving.

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-05-17 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Greenville Fire Protection District, 1110 E Harris Ave, Greenville, IL, 62246, 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: Doug deBest

In-Person - Teaching Hazmat Basics
2025-05-17 08:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center, 48 Canada Street, Lake George, NY, 12845, United States
This course covers the foundations of teaching hazmat response and safety. Attendees will learn how to connect their hazmat training to the risks faced by the student audience. They will walk away able to take a limited hazmat resource list and develop at least three practical skills trainings of direct benefit to their students. Finally, attendees will be able to develop training drills and/or exercises that meet the needs of their jurisdiction in accordance with recognized national standards.
Register by emailing Brian McQueen at: 271believe@gmail.com

In-Person - Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP)
2025-05-17 09:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mi Wuk Sugar Pine FPD Fire Station, 24247 Highway 108, Mi Wuk Village, CA, 95346, United States
The Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) will teach you how to work-side-by-side with homeowners to identify threats around their property that may be susceptible to wildfires. The WFAP is a joint effort between the National Volunteer Fire Council and the U.S. Forest Service to prepare fire department members with the necessary information, skills, and resources to conduct home safety assessments and provide residents with recommendations as to how to make their homes more fire adapted in the wildland-urban interface.
Instructors: Mike Johnson and Steve McClintock

In-Person - Instructor Training for Flammable Gases
2025-05-18 08:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center, 48 Canada Street, Lake George, NY, 12845, United States
This course focuses on the specific techniques and knowledge required to teach others about flammable gases hazmat response. After completing the course, attendees will be able to relate the specific regional applications of the product and key response considerations; describe specific chemical properties of the product to their students; and transfer key strategies and tactics to students for dealing with an incident involving the product. Safety is a focus, and the course will stress teaching others the key safety considerations for application when dealing with an incident involving the product.
Register by emailing Brian McQueen at: 271believe@gmail.com

Webinar - Following the Science: Considerations for a Safe Transition to Non-PFAS in Firefighter Protective Clothing
2025-05-20 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise a class of man-made toxic chemicals that have been used in thousands of consumer and industrial products and processes. There is heightened concern of its use in the fire service due to the multiple potential routes of exposure that firefighters experience. PFAS-based materials have been used in firefighter gear as well as in aqueous film-forming foams. Following pressure from firefighters, the fire service industry has transitioned to now offering outer shell and moisture barriers that are not manufactured with PFAS. As with any major change to protective clothing, it is critical to assess the differences in performance of the new gear and determine any limitations that may need to be considered. In this webinar, R. Brayn Ormond, PhD, will provide updates on research efforts to better understand the risk and extent of PFAS exposure to firefighters from their gear and then provide a comprehensive comparison of the effectiveness of PFAS-treated and newly available non-PFAS-treated turnout gear in both new and aged conditions. This webinar is sponsored by ESO.

Coffee Talk - R&R for EMS
2025-05-22 19:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
Join Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny, along with guests Marv Trimble and Steve Marsar, for an interactive discussion on R&R for EMS. The session will run 30 minutes and include audience Q&A.

In-Person - Essentials of Volunteer Retention & Recruitment
2025-05-29 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Plano Station 1, 3210 Plano Road, Bowling Green, KY, 42104, 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.
Instructor: Doug Cline
To register email Kelley Willford at kwillford@planovfd.com

Webinar - Challenges of the Firefighter Marriage
2025-05-29 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
When someone becomes a volunteer firefighter, it impacts the whole family. Spouses, in particular, will be there to support their loved one while keeping things on track at home. In this NVFC webinar, author Anne Gagliano and her husband, Captain Mike Gagliano, share their 40-plus years of personal experience on how marriage can thrive in the chaotic world of firefighting. This webinar will focus on the essential conversations for firefighter couples to have specific to the unique challenges of the job. Bring your spouse!

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-05-31 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Silverton Fire District, 819 Railway Ave NE, Silverton, OR, 97381, 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: Rob Ingram
To register email Daniel Brown – dan.brown@silvertonfire.com

Webinar - Clearing the Air: Addressing Pipeline Emergency Response Misconceptions
2025-06-03 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
When a pipeline incident occurs, communication and coordination between a utility or pipeline operator and emergency response agency is critical. But lurking is a laundry list of myths that both groups – as well as the regulatory community – have embraced. These misconceptions introduce dangers and risks that impact the potential for not only successful communication and coordination, but the ability to safely resolve an event of any size. The session will provide real-world perspectives from both responders and the pipeline and utilities, plus practical strategies to improve drills, liaison programs, and on-scene coordination. This webinar is sponsored by Buxus.

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-06-03 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Tri-County Community College, Crisp Building, Room 100, 21 Campus Circle, Murphy, NC, 28909, 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: Marie Mire
To register email Henry Angelopulos – hangelopulos@tricountycc.edu

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-06-03 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Covert Township Fire Department, 33805 M-140 Highway, Covert, MI, 49043, 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

Webinar - Roadway Incident Safety & Survival: Best Practices for Emergency Responders
2025-06-05 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Every year, emergency responders are injured or killed while operating on or near roadways. This NVFC webinar, presented by Jack Sullivan, CSP, and Lt. Brady Robinette, will highlight critical strategies and standards aimed at improving responder safety in roadway environments. Topics include national statistics on struck-by-vehicle incidents, an overview of ongoing data collection efforts by Emergency Responder Safety Institute and Federal Highway Administration, and best practices for addressing highway median crossover hazards. The presenters will also explore the importance of interagency communication and collaboration through TIM Committees, as well as new developments in helmet and head protection standards. This session is essential for responders committed to improving scene safety and survivability.

In-Person - Wildland Fire Assessment Program
2025-06-10 09:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Essex Fire Department, 11 John Wise Ave, Essex, MA, 01929, United States
The Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) will teach you how to work-side-by-side with homeowners to identify threats around their property that may be susceptible to wildfires. The WFAP is a joint effort between the National Volunteer Fire Council and the U.S. Forest Service to prepare fire department members with the necessary information, skills, and resources to conduct home safety assessments and provide residents with recommendations as to how to make their homes more fire adapted in the wildland-urban interface. Learn more at www.nvfc.org/wfap.
Day 1: WFAP – classroom session
Using Your Community’s Vulnerabilities to Raise Wildfire Awareness:
“Vulnerability” is not just for talking about our feelings! In terms of community risk reduction (CRR), vulnerability is the likelihood that an individual or group will suffer harm or loss from a hazardous situation, environment, or event. CRR specifically defines 5 types of vulnerability as they relate to hazards: human, social, economic, environmental, and political. All CRR models use those vulnerability types to determine high-risk areas in a community, and who
is at most risk from the hazards that exist. We can apply those vulnerability types to our own communities and personalize the risk that wildfire presents for different populations in our response areas. By doing so, we will raise community awareness of the dangers and long-term damages of wildfire, in turn helping our community members to embrace mitigation efforts and protection plans. Learn more at https://virtualclassroom.nvfc.org/.
Instructors – Josh Nigro and Art Howe

In-Person - Wildland Fire Assessment Program
2025-06-11 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Essex Fire Department, 11 John Wise Ave, Essex, MA, 01929, United States
The Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) will teach you how to work-side-by-side with homeowners to identify threats around their property that may be susceptible to wildfires. The WFAP is a joint effort between the National Volunteer Fire Council and the U.S. Forest Service to prepare fire department members with the necessary information, skills, and resources to conduct home safety assessments and provide residents with recommendations as to how to make their homes more fire adapted in the wildland-urban interface. Learn more at www.nvfc.org/wfap.
Day 2: WFAP – Classroom Session and Hands-on Training
Introduction to the Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal:
Accurate and up-to-date wildfire risk information is critical for the effective and efficient implementation of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy. The Northeast-Midwest Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal consists of a variety of data, user-friendly applications and planning tools that can be used to help prioritize areas in a federal, state, Tribal, community, local jurisdiction or landscape where tactical analyses, community interaction and education, or mitigation treatments that might be necessary to reduce risk from wildfires. Learn more at https://northeastmidwestwildfirerisk.com
Hands-on Training:
Put it into practice! You’ll evaluate a home in the community to gain a better understanding of a home assessment and put classroom knowledge into action. You will be outside, so dress appropriately.
Instructors – Josh Nigro and Art Howe

Roundtable Talk - Get Ready for Safety Stand Down 2025
2025-06-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
This year’s Safety Stand Down takes place June 15-21 with the theme “Break the Stigma: Behavioral Health RESET.” Fire and emergency service departments are asked to focus their training and education that week on the mental well-being of their crew and the daily topics of Recognize, Educate, Strategies, Empower, and Training. What does all this mean, and how can your department participate? Find out in this informative panel discussion! Learn why this year’s theme is so critical, resources and tools available, and what your department can do during Safety Stand Down and beyond. Safety Stand Down is a joint initiative of the IAFC, NVFC, IAFF, NFPA, and FDSOA.
Presenters: Jeff Dill, Bob Fash, Dr. Abby Morris, Dr. Kerry Ramella, and Chief Darin Wallentine (Moderator)

In-Person - Planning and Implementing a Training Program
2025-06-14 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Phoenix) | Maki Theater, 724 Louisiana Ave, Libby, MT, 59923, United States
This course reviews best practices for creating a robust training program in a volunteer fire department. You will learn how to ensure your training program produces positive outcomes, accomplishes training goals, and prepares members to run safe and effective operations.
Register by emailing Steve Lauer at: stevelauer@hotmail.com
This training is part of the 2025 Montana State Volunteer Firefighter Convention.

NVFC Training Summit
2025-06-20 - 2025-06-21 | Salt Lake City Marriott City Center, 220 S. State St., Salt Lake City, UT, 84111, United States
The NVFC’s signature conference is an opportunity to participate in valuable classroom training and share ideas and best practices with emergency responders from across the U.S. Attendees can choose from breakout sessions addressing key topics in three tracks: first responder health, safety and training; leadership; and recruitment and retention. Travel stipends are available.

Webinar - The Continuing Evolution of Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage System Design and Safety
2025-07-08 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
As the deployment of utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the U.S. accelerates, it’s critical for project developers, owners, and operators to engage with local firefighters to provide detailed information about advances in BESS technology, codes and standards, safety systems, and facility design to support effective emergency planning, hazard mitigation, and incident response. This presentation by AES’ leading engineer in BESS technology will provide volunteer firefighters with critical knowledge about today’s BESS systems so that firefighters have a stronger understanding of BESS installations and the safety systems now in place, if they ever have to respond to an event at one of these facilities. This webinar is sponsored by AES.
Presenter: Mike Simpson

In-Person - Teaching Hazmat Basics
2025-07-12 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Coolville Volunteer Fire Department, 2770 Sixth Street, Coolville, OH, 45723, United States
This course covers the foundations of teaching hazmat response and safety. Attendees will learn how to connect their hazmat training to the risks faced by the student audience. They will walk away able to take a limited hazmat resource list and develop at least three practical skills trainings of direct benefit to their students. Finally, attendees will be able to develop training drills and/or exercises that meet the needs of their jurisdiction in accordance with recognized national standards.

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-07-19 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | McLaren Bay Region Lincoln Center, 820 S Lincoln St, Bay City, MI, 48708, 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.

Webinar - Inform, Educate, Alert, Recruit, and Raise Funds with Nextdoor
2025-07-24 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Unlock the full potential of community engagement with our invaluable webinar on leveraging Nextdoor for your emergency services department.
Imagine having a platform where your entire neighborhood is already tuned in and ready to hear from you. With a free Nextdoor page, you get an auto-subscribed audience of verified community members, ensuring that every message you send reaches real people who care.
Join us in this comprehensive webinar to discover how volunteer fire departments across the country are harnessing the power of Nextdoor to make a tangible impact. Learn firsthand from your peers as they share their success stories on:
Alerting residents to shelter in place, avoid the area, or evacuate.
Informing the community about critical incidents in real time.
Educating residents on their vital roles in fire prevention and risk reduction.
Recruiting dedicated new members who are passionate about serving.
Raising essential funds to support and sustain crucial operations.
But that’s not all. We will also dive deep into best practices designed to boost your engagement levels and ensure your messages stand out. Plus, gain exclusive access to a comprehensive content library featuring pre-written posts and expertly designed graphics, all explicitly formatted for Nextdoor in collaboration with the NFPA.
Don’t miss this opportunity to transform how your fire department communicates, educates, recruits, and raises funds. Sign up now, and let’s work together to create safer, more connected communities!

In-Person - Essentials of Volunteer Retention and Recruitment
2025-07-24 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Woodstock Fire Department, 121 W Court Street, Woodstock, VA, 22664, 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 - Creating a Psychologically Healthy Fire Department
2025-07-31 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel, 2 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130, 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.
Register by emailing Dwayne Thevis at: secretary@lsfa.net
