National Volunteer Fire Council

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) | MD
Join Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny, along with guest 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

In-Person - Surviving the Job - Cancer in the Fire Service & Incident Safety Officer Training
2026-03-10 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Newton Fire/Rescue, 8D Merrimac Rd, Newton, NH, 03858, United States
Surviving the Job: Cancer in the Fire Service – 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.
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
To register email John Alcaidinho at firechief@newtonnh.net

Roundtable Talk - Strengthening Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Through Effective Social Media
2026-03-19 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | MD
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: 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

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

In-Person - Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services
2026-04-21 18:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Wyoming County Fire Training Center, 3651 Wethersfield Road, Warsaw, NY, 14569, 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.
Instructor: Tiger Schmittendorf

In-Person - Teaching Hazmat Basics
2026-05-30 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Lanesborough Fire Department, 180 S Main Street, Lanesborough, MA, 01237, 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: David Bullard and Freddie Bell

NVFC Training Summit
2026-06-26 - 2026-06-27 | Renaissance Arlington Capital View, 2800 South Potomac Ave., Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
The NVFC’s annual conference, the NVFC Training Summit, focuses on volunteer responder health, safety, recruitment, retention, and leadership. Participate in valuable classroom training and share ideas and best practices with emergency responders from across the U.S.
