National Volunteer Fire Council

In-Person – EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2026-09-12 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Washington County Public Safety Training Center, 18350 Public Safety Pl, Hagerstown, MD, 21740, 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: Corey McCartney

In-Person - Teaching Hazmat Basics
2026-09-12 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Hale Community Hall, 121 3rd Street, Hale, MO, 64643, 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.
Instructors: Anthony Gaul & Bill Offerman

In-Person - Teaching Basic Decon
2026-09-13 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Hale Community Hall, 121 3rd Street, Hale, MO, 64643, 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.
Instructors: Anthony Gaul & Bill Offerman

In-Person - Building a Healthy and High-Performing Fire Department
2026-09-16 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Washington Hook & Ladder Co. #1, 272 County Avenue, Secaucus, NJ, 07094, 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 and Emergency Services
2026-10-17 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Peoria Fire Academy, 7130 North Galena Rd, Peoria, IL, 61614, 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: Kait Meeker
To register email Kerry Federer at editor@illinoisfirefighters.org

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2026-10-17 14:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Peoria Fire Academy, 7130 North Galena Rd, Peoria, IL, 61614, 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: Bill Offerman
To register email Kerry Federer at editor@illinoisfirefighters.org

In-Person – EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2026-11-24 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Hastings Rural Volunteer Fire Station 10, 2985 S Baltimore Ave, Hastings, NE, 68901, 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: William Offerman

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2026-12-15 18:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Cheesequake Volunteer Fire Company, 113 Route 34, Matawan, NJ, 07747, 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: Brian Focht
