National Volunteer Fire Council

Webinar - Hazmat Incidents: Using Risk-Based Response to Increase Firefighter and Community Safety
2026-02-05 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Decades ago, it was not uncommon for emergency responders to be killed or injured during hazmat incidents. Born from analysis of these tragic incidents was the concept of risk-based response, which uses facts, science, and circumstances of an incident to determine the best course of action and to increase the safety of the responders and public. In this webinar, learn the history of risk-based response and how to apply it to hazmat incidents and other significant events.
Presenter: Rick Edinger

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2026-02-07 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | East Thompson Volunteer Fire Department, 530 East Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT, 06277, 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

In-Person - Wildland Fire Assessment Program
2026-02-07 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | North Lakes Fire & Rescue – Madawaska Lake, 1636 New Sweden Rd, Stockholm, ME, 04736, United States
The NVFC, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, offers an in-person training course to teach fire service volunteers how to properly conduct safety assessments for homes located in the wildland-urban interface and provide recommendations to residents to protect their property from wildfires.
Instructor: Art Howe & Josh Nigro

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2026-02-07 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Susquehanna County Public Safety Building, 210 Public Way, Suite 2, New Milford, PA, 18834, 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: Ralph McNemar

In-Person - Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services
2026-02-10 08:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Fonner Park, 700 E Stolley Park Rd, Grand Island, NE, 68801, 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: Doug deBest
To register email Taylor Moore at taylor@nsvfa.org or call 402-761-2211.

Roundtable Talk - New Challenges, New Tactics: Responding to Contemporary Mid-Rise and Multi-Dwelling Buildings
2026-02-10 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
As communities grow and housing density increases, volunteer fire departments are increasingly responding to contemporary mid-rise and multi-dwelling buildings that present unique operational challenges. Modern construction methods, lightweight materials, complex layouts, and mixed occupancies can significantly impact fire behavior, access, and firefighter safety.
This Roundtable Talk will explore how today’s mid-rise and multi-dwelling structures differ from legacy buildings and what those differences mean for response planning, size-up, air management, search, and extended operations. Panelists will discuss practical considerations departments can address now to prepare for incidents in these evolving structures.
Presenters: Jimmy Davis, Mike Dugan, Clark Lamping, and Tom Merrill (Moderator)

In-Person - Building a Healthy and High-Performing Fire Department
2026-02-12 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Woodstock Fire Department, 121 W Court Street, Woodstock, VA, 22664, 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 - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2026-02-21 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Blount County Multipurpose Center, 6700 Co Highway 1, Cleveland, AL, 35049, 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.

R&R Coffee Talk - Mentoring
2026-02-26 19:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
Join Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny, along with guests Doug Cline and Dave Lewis, for an interactive discussion on mentoring in the fire service. This 30-minute session will include audience Q&A.

In-Person - Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services & Incident Safety Officer Training
2026-02-28 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department, 837 N. State Route 101, Tiffin, OH, 44883, 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 Training: 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.
Instructor: Dave Lewis

NVFC 2026 Membership Meeting
2026-03-11 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
NVFC members are invited to the annual membership meeting, taking place via Zoom. This meeting 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 - Smarter, Not Harder: Using AI to Support Volunteer Responder Recruitment & Retention
2026-03-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be a practical and accessible tool for volunteer fire and EMS departments without being complicated, expensive, or replacing the people at the heart of the fire service. This NVFC webinar presented by Daniel Chapek will explore how volunteer departments can use simple, easy-to-adopt AI tools to support recruitment, retention, and member engagement. Designed for all experience levels, the session focuses on real-world applications rather than technical jargon, including creating recruitment and outreach materials, reaching diverse audiences, organizing and analyzing existing data, supporting grant writing, and assisting with training and onboarding efforts. Participants will gain a clear understanding of what AI is – and what it is not – and leave with practical ideas they can apply immediately, regardless of department size or budget.
Presenter: Daniel Chapek

In-Person - Scenario Based Hazmat Training
2026-03-14 08:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Citizens Fire Company, 245 Citizens Way, Charles Town, WV, 25414, United States
This course focuses on the different types and scopes of scenarios that can be used in hazmat training. Attendees will learn the various student learning styles and how to use scenarios to bridge gaps in learning retention. The course will cover the concept of all hazards planning and how to engage key response stakeholders in scenario planning, training, and exercises.
Instructors: Tom Miller and Corey McCartney

In-Person - Teaching Basic Decon
2026-03-15 08:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Citizens Fire Company, 245 Citizens Way, Charles Town, WV, 25414, 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: Tom Miller and Corey McCartney

Webinar - NIOSH Report Review: Improving Volunteer Firefighter Safety in Privately Owned Vehicles
2026-03-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
On July 15, 2025, a volunteer firefighter died and another was injured as the result of a crash while responding in a privately owned vehicle. The incident was investigated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP) so that the fire service can learn from this incident and prevent future tragedies. In this presentation, investigator Rick Lago will share the incident details, contributing factors that led to the fatality and injury, and recommendations to help fire departments prevent future incidents involving POV response.
Presenter: Rick Lago

Roundtable Talk - Strengthening Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Through Effective Social Media
2026-03-19 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with your community and showcasing the value of volunteer service. This roundtable talk will explore strategies for using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to enhance recruitment and retention efforts. Participants will learn how to highlight their department’s culture, share compelling stories, engage prospective volunteers, and build an online presence that supports long-term membership growth. Practical tips, examples, and best practices will be provided to help departments maximize their reach and strengthen their R&R initiatives.
Presenters: Savannah Maddison, Brittney Deo, and Walter Campbell (Moderator)

In-Person - Essentials of Volunteer Retention & Recruitment
2026-03-21 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Holthus Convention Center, 3130 Holen Ave, York, NE, 68467, 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 Taylor Moore at taylor@nsvfa.org.

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2026-03-21 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Rosalie Fire Dept, 16191 Hwy 71, Pisgah, AL, 35765, 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

Webinar - Building Stronger Fire Service Teams: Leadership Lessons from Home and Abroad
2026-03-26 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Effective team dynamics and leadership are critical to firefighter safety and operational success. This webinar explores how research-based teamwork principles and real-world experience – both in the U.S. and internationally – can strengthen fire service performance.
Kevin Quinn, NVFC past chair and Africa Fire Mission (AFM) instructor, and Jose Ngunjiri, AFM Fire Safety Officer based in Kenya, will share lessons learned from training fire services across Africa, highlighting leadership, communication, and trust in high-risk, resource-limited environments. Amber Lynn Scott from the University of Kentucky will also share initial research on team dynamics and its relevance to volunteer and combination departments.
Participants will also gain insight into how U.S. firefighters can engage in meaningful international training efforts while bringing practical leadership and teamwork lessons back to their home departments.
Presenters: Nancy Moore, José Ngunjiri, Kevin Quinn, and Amber Lynn Scott

R&R Coffee Talk: Community Involvement
2026-03-26 19:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
Join Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny, along with guest Abena Bonso-Bruce, for an interactive discussion on community involvement in the fire service. This 30-minute session will include audience Q&A.

In-Person - Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success
2026-03-30 18:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Wyoming County Fire Training Center, 3651 Wethersfield Road, Warsaw, NY, 14569, United States
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: Tiger Schmittendorf

Webinar - Save More Lives on Rural Roadways: Strengthening Post-Crash Care
2026-04-01 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
When a serious motor vehicle crash occurs – especially on rural roadways – volunteer fire and EMS departments are the difference between life and death in the critical moments that follow. In this NVFC webinar, join Gamunu Wijetunge, director of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of EMS, to learn how advances in post-crash care are strengthening response in rural communities across the country. Hear real-world examples and lessons learned from departments implementing life-saving interventions – from evolving extrication practices to prehospital blood transfusion. The session will share how volunteer fire departments can partner with EMS and highway safety leaders to improve post-crash care and access new resources. Volunteer responders will find this discussion informative as they prepare applications for the upcoming Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) funding opportunity.
Presenter: Gamunu Wijetunge, Director, NHTSA’s Office of EMS

In-Person - Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services
2026-04-02 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Oktibbeha County 911 Dispatch Building, 106 E Main Street, Starkville, MS, 39759, 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

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2026-04-07 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Camp Dick Fire & Rescue, 228 Bryantsville Rd, Lancaster, KY, 40444, 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: Pete Schecter

In-Person - Teaching Hazmat Basics
2026-04-11 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Dover-Foxcroft Fire Department, 105 E Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME, 04426, 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: Tom Miller, William Offerman, David Bullard, and Bob MacKay

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2026-04-11 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Treadway Volunteer Fire Department, 189 Hwy 131, Thorn Hill, TN, 37881, 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

In-Person - Tools in Hazmat Training
2026-04-12 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Dover-Foxcroft Fire Department, 105 E Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME, 04426, United States
Build your hazmat training ‘toolbox’ with this course, which focuses on the different types of resources and equipment you can use for quality hazmat training. Attendees will walk away with the knowledge of at least five key resources you can use to plan your local hazmat training (such mobile apps and free guides), as well as the uses, limitations, and applications of each. After completing this session, attendees will be able to develop a lesson plan incorporating these resources – and use them with confidence.
Instructors: Tom Miller, William Offerman, David Bullard, and Bob MacKay

Webinar - Maximize Your NVFC Member Experience: Portal, Benefits, and More
2026-04-14 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Are you making the most of your NVFC membership? Whether you are a new member, a longtime member looking for a refresher, or a prospective member interested in learning more, this webinar will help you take full advantage of all the NVFC has to offer. Join us on April 14 at 2 pm ET for a walkthrough of the NVFC member portal, an overview of exclusive member benefits, and practical tips for getting the most value from your membership.
Presenters: Alyssa Dara and Laura Towers
