National Volunteer Fire Council

South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo
2025-08-06 - 2025-08-09 | Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC, 27601, United States
Visit the NVFC at booth 308.

FASNY Annual Convention
2025-08-07 - 2025-08-09 | Hyatt Regency Long Island, 1717 Motor Pkwy., Hauppauge, NY, 11788, United States

Webinar - Fire Up Your Recruitment Game: Harnessing Digital Tools for Recruitment Success
2025-08-07 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | OH
In today’s challenging recruitment landscape, volunteer fire departments face unprecedented hurdles in attracting and retaining dedicated volunteers. In this webinar, presenter Katie Bulla will discuss a variety of free and cheap online tools that can significantly simplify recruitment efforts and the application process. Harness the technology of today to overcome the recruitment challenges of our times, ensuring your department continues to serve the community effectively. Learn how these digital solutions can help you bridge the gap between potential volunteers and your department’s needs, ultimately strengthening your team and ensuring the safety of your community.
Presenter: Katie Bulla

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-08-09 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Lacon Fire Station, 921 5th Street, Lacon, IL, 61540, 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.

Fire-Rescue International
2025-08-13 - 2025-08-15 | Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL, 32819, United States
Visit the NVFC at booth 2052.

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-08-16 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Pegram Fire Department, 308 Hwy 70, Pegram, TN, 37143, 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: TBD
To Register email John Sullivan – jmsullivan563@gmail.com

Roundtable Talk - Different Generations, One Mission: Making It Work in the Firehouse
2025-08-19 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | OH
Today’s fire service teams include everyone from fresh-faced recruits to seasoned veterans – and that’s a good thing. But with different generations come different communication styles, work habits, and expectations. So how do you make it all run smoothly? Join the NVFC for this interactive webinar to explore how to build stronger, more cohesive crews by understanding and valuing the unique strengths each generation brings to the table. Whether you’re a new firefighter, a long-time leader, or somewhere in between, you’ll walk away with practical tools to improve communication, boost team morale, and bridge generational gaps in the station and on the fireground. This down-to-earth conversation will include what it really takes to create a culture of respect, learning, and collaboration – no matter what year you joined the service or when you were born.
Presenters: Walter Campbell, Quentin Cash, Pam Rogers, and Joe Maruca (Moderator)

R&R Coffee Talk: Developing Recognition Programs
2025-08-21 19:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | OH
Join Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny, along with guest Anthony Kastros, for an interactive discussion on developing recognition programs. The session will run 30 minutes and include audience Q&A. This Coffee Talk is sponsored by Wendell’s Mint.

Maine State Federation of Firefighters Convention
2025-09-12 - 2025-09-13 | Fryeburg Fairgrounds, Fryeburg, ME, United States

In-Person - Planning and Implementing a Training Program
2025-09-12 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Old Forge Drill School, 116 Fulton St, Old Forge, NY, 13420, 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 Brian McQueen at: 271believe@gmail.com

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-09-13 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Dickson Fire Department, 5431 Hwy 99, Ardmore, OK, 73401, United States

Roundtable Talk - Protecting Communities: Planning for Fire Prevention Week and Beyond
2025-09-16 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | OH
Fire Prevention Week (FPW) will take place October 5-11, 2025, with the theme “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Join the NVFC for a live panel discussion to learn more about this year’s theme, how your department can participate in FPW, and tips and ideas you can use for public education throughout the year.
Presenters: Don Ortega, Lt. Maria Pelchar, and Michael McLeieer (Moderator)

In-Person - Essentials of Volunteer Retention & Recruitment
2025-09-16 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | North East Fire Co. Inc., 210 South Mauldin Ave, North East, MD, 21901, 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: Dave Lewis

R&R Coffee Talk - Fire Prevention Education
2025-09-18 19:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | OH
Join Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny, with guests Ken Brown and Kelly Ransdell, for an interactive discussion on fire prevention education. The session will run 30 minutes and include audience Q&A.

In-Person - Incident Safety Officer Training Series
2025-09-19 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Illinois Fire Service Institute, 11 Gerty Dr, Col Dick Jaehne Bldg (Library), Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
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: Bill Offerman
To Register email Melanie Hall – mhall5@illinois.edu

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-09-20 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Illinois Fire Service Institute, 11 Gerty Dr, Col Dick Jaehne Bldg (Library), Champaign, IL, 61820, 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 Illinois Firefighter’s Association Annual Conference.
Instructor: Bill Offerman
To Register email Melanie Hall – mhall5@illinois.edu

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-09-20 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Metz Volunteer Fire Department, 2105 S 800 E, Angola, IN, 46703, 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
2025-09-20 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Bungay Fire Brigade, 1256 Route 171, West Woodstock, CT, 06281, 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: TBD
To Register email Captain James Montanez – jm7908@att.com

In-Person - Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success
2025-09-20 14:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Illinois Fire Service Institute, 11 Gerty Dr, Col Dick Jaehne Bldg (Library), Champaign, IL, 61820, 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: Bill Offerman
To Register email Melanie Hall – mhall5@illinois.edu

In-Person - Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success
2025-09-21 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | West Valley Fire Training Center, 10000 Zier Rd, Yakima, WA, 98908, 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: Paul Bearce
To register email Chief Nathan Craig: ncraig@ycfd12.org

NVFC 2025 Fall Board Conference
2025-09-22 - 2025-09-24 | DoubleTree by Hilton Rapid City Downtown Convention Center, 505 N 5th Street, Rapid City, 57701, United States

In-Person - Building a Healthy and High-Performing Fire Department
2025-09-22 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | West Valley Fire Training Center, 10000 Zier Rd, Yakima, WA, 98908, 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: Paul Bearce
To register email Chief Nathan Craig: ncraig@ycfd12.org

In-Person - Incident Safety Officer Training Series
2025-09-24 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Stockton Fire Department, 7252 6th Street, Custer, WI, 54423, United States
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: Brian Focht

NVFC Member Info Session: First Responder Helpline, Portal, and Resources
2025-09-25 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | OH
You may be aware that the NVFC First Responder Helpline is available for assistance with a variety of work-life stresses. But do you know all the services that are available to you and your household family? Or that the corresponding MyBHS portal and app are filled with resources to support the health of you and your family, including webinars, articles, self-assessments, and other tools to help you focus on your wellbeing? This Info Session will go over the many services and resources available through the NVFC First Responder Helpline, portal, and app. This is a session you won’t want to miss!
NVFC Members can access registration information in Volunteer Voices and will be sent the registration link in an eblast on September 19. Not a member? Join here.

In-Person - Building a Healthy and High-Performing Fire Department
2025-09-27 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Maynard Fire Station, 9500 Maynard Drive, Marcy, NY, 13403, 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: Jill Holland
Registration contact: Jared Pearl – japearl18@gmail.com

Webinar - Beyond the Hydrant: The Untapped Urgency of Pipeline Emergency Response Training
2025-09-30 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | OH
Pipelines run through thousands of U.S. communities, yet many volunteer fire departments are not adequately trained on how to respond should a pipeline incident occur. Join the NVFC for this webinar to learn the critical reasons why comprehensive pipeline emergency response training is essential for every responder. We’ll explore the unique risks and challenges associated with pipeline incidents, why traditional training isn’t effective, and how proper training and access to information are critical factors in ensuring responder and public safety. This webinar is sponsored by Buxus.
Presenters: David Bullard and John Holtan

In-Person - Essentials of Volunteer Retention and Recruitment and Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success
2025-10-01 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Shenango Area Fire District – Station 1, 2424 E Washington St, New Castle, PA, 16101, 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.
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: Dave Lewis
To register email Justin Data at admin@shenangofire.com.

In-Person - Incident Safety Officer Training & Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services
2025-10-04 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Madison County Emergency Operations Center, 1083 SW Harvey Greene Drive, Madison, FL, 32340, United States
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.
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: David Bullard

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-10-04 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | South Windsor Fire Department – Company 1 (HQ), 1175 Ellington Rd, South Windsor, CT, 06074, United States

In-Person - Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services
2025-10-08 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Denver) | Socorro Convention Center, 1220 W Highway 60, Socorro, NM, 87801, 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: Paul Bearce
To register email Tomasita DeSoto at expo.nmemta@gmail.com.
