National Volunteer Fire Council

Firehouse Expo
2023-09-25 - 2023-09-29 | Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 North High Street, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Visit the NVFC at booth #440.
The NVFC’s deputy CEO, Dr. Candice McDonald, will present “CPR for the Volunteer Fire Service” along with Jack Smith, chief of the Ohio Fire Academy, on September 27 at 11am.

First Responder Virginia
2023-09-23 | Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA, 23666, United States

R&R Coffee Talk with the Doc: Using Artificial Intelligence for R&R
2023-09-21 20:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Join NVFC deputy CEO Dr. Candice McDonald and Recruitment & Retention Committee chair Joel Cerny for an interactive 30-minute conversation on how to use free AI tools for recruitment and retention. Register.

This Coffee Talk is sponsored by Fire Department Coffee.

NVFC Fall Board Meeting
2023-09-20 - 2023-09-22 | The Otesaga Resort Hotel, 60 Lake Street, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Annual fall meeting of the NVFC board of directors.

Old Forge Drill School
2023-09-15 | Old Forge Fire Department, Old Forge, NY, United States
The NVFC will provide an Incident Safety Officer training.

MSFDA Conference
2023-09-15 - 2023-09-16 | Breezy Point Resort, 9252 Breezy Point Drive, Breezy Point, MN, 56472, United States
The NVFC’s GA Director, David Bullard, will present “Leadership Challenges in Today’s Volunteer Emergency Service Organizations” on June 15 at 1pm.

Webinar: Engineering the Future of Fire Culture - Sponsored by IDEX
2023-09-13 14:00 - 15:00
Volunteer fire departments across the country are facing staffing, environmental, and cultural shifts. This means embracing change is more important than ever to ensure successful departments well into the future. This free webinar on September 13 at 2pm ET, presented by Jason Cerrano and Eric Skinner, will walk through how to identify change, gain perspective, improve curiosity and flexibility, and plan your personal growth. By following these simple steps, fire service members can excel at setting and achieving goals for both themselves and the department. Register.

This webinar is sponsored by IDEX.

DVFA Conference
2023-09-12 - 2023-09-15 | Chase Center, 815 Justison Street, Wilmington, DE, 19801, United States

Webinar: Distracted Driving -- Personal and Professional Considerations
2023-08-30 14:00 - 15:00
Distracted driving persists at epidemic levels despite the efforts of many national campaigns. Why haven’t we been able to significantly change driving behaviors? Perhaps it’s because we haven’t given drivers the right reasons to change. Responders are in peril every time they go to a crash scene because of distracted drivers. It is incumbent on responders to not wait for others to reduce distracted driving, but to take action now to reduce distracted driving crashes. Fire departments across the country have made distracted driving education for K-12 part of their community risk reduction plans. This webinar, presented by Joel Feldman, will walk through new research-based approaches that have been proven effective in changing attitudes and driving behaviors, and how you can do the same with tested materials. Register.

Hazmat PIT Crew Train-the-Trainer
2023-08-26 - 2023-08-27 | Pontotoc Community Center, 112 E. Stateline Rd, Fulton, KY, 42041, United States
The following courses will be offered:

Teaching Hazmat Basics
Teaching Cargo Tank Awareness – MC 306 & DOT 406
Risk-Based Hazmat Training

Roundtable Talk: The Use of Social Media as a Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Tool
2023-08-16 15:00 - 16:00
Recruitment and retention are ongoing challenges for many fire and EMS departments around the country. Departments are often in search of tips and easy-to-access tools that are effective and can improve both their staffing levels and culture overall. Has your department considered how social media can act as a tool for recruiting and retaining members? Join NVFC’s deputy CEO, Candice McDonald, as she facilitates this Roundtable Talk with panelists Paul Acosta, Walter Campbell, and Ryan Daughton. Learn tips and tools on how you can use social media platforms to help spread the word about your need for volunteers and keep your current community engaged in all the happenings at your department! Register on Zoom or watch live on Facebook.

Fire-Rescue International
2023-08-16 - 2023-08-18 | Kansas City Convention Center, 301 W 13th St., Suite 100, Kansas City, MO, 64105, United States
Visit the NVFC at booth #1827.

South Atlantic FIRE RESCUE Expo
2023-08-09 - 2023-08-12 | Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC, 27601, United States
Come visit the NVFC at booth #308!

FASNY Annual Convention
2023-08-09 - 2023-08-12 | Niagra Falls, NY, Niagra Falls, NY, United States

Webinar: Mastering De-Escalation, Part 2 — Advanced Techniques for Firefighters
2023-08-02 14:00 - 15:00
This empowering, highly anticipated sequel builds upon Part 1 and focuses on two essential tools: Emotional Labeling and the Pause Trifecta. Led by Kerry Mensior, a 30-year law enforcement veteran and executive director of IDEA (International De-Escalation Association), this session delves into the precise application of these techniques. Discover how to avoid common pitfalls, harness de-escalation effectively, and learn the intricacies of the innovative Pause Trifecta. Kerry Mensior’s extensive background as a first responder, including years as a firefighter and emergency medical technician, brings unmatched expertise to this invaluable training. Enhance your de-escalation skills, mitigate negative reactions, and contribute to a safer community. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a renowned expert in the field. Register.

LSFA 118th Annual Conference
2023-08-01 - 2023-08-05 | Crown Plaza Executive Center, 4728 Constitution Ave, 70808, LA, 70808, United States

Hazmat PIT Crew Train-the-Trainer
2023-07-29 - 2023-07-30 | Mercerville Fire House, 2711 Nottingham Way, Mercerville, NJ, 08619, United States
The following courses will be offered:

Teaching Hazmat Basics
Teaching Cargo Tank Awareness
Instructor Training for Flammable Gases

Webinar: Breaking Bad - Overcoming Bad Habits and Generational Gaps in Recruitment and Retention
2023-07-26 14:00 - 15:00
Recruitment and retention are two of the most pressing challenges facing many volunteer fire and EMS departments. This webinar, presented by Colby Cagle, will identify bad habits developed in today’s volunteer fire service that can impact recruitment and retention, debunk some common generational myths, and share takeaways and pro tips that you can apply in your local department. It will also explore resources to help improve local volunteer recruitment and retention.

This webinar is sponsored by ESO.

Roundtable Talk: Roadway Survival — What Your Department Can Do to Keep Everyone Safe
2023-07-20 14:00 - 15:00
Every year, first responders and their family members are impacted by the aftermath of difficult calls. Departments spend time and effort to ensure that members return home safely after working to protect the public from imminent danger. A very important variable in keeping everyone safe is roadway safety. Taking the necessary steps during every call to ensure that the risks and hazards are reduced requires diligence and training on a regular basis. Join the NVFC and a panel of subject matter experts during this Roundtable Talk to learn more about how proper traffic incident management training at your department can help save the lives of emergency personnel and the public. Join on Facebook or register on Zoom.

Webinar: Fire Service Legislation - Congressional and Regulatory Updates
2023-07-12 14:00 - 15:00
We are now over halfway through the first session of the 118th Congress and there has been significant movement on some of the NVFC’s legislative priorities, including reauthorization and funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER), and U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). The NVFC has also voiced support for a number of other policy initiatives that would address critical issues facing the fire service, such as the expansion of the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program to cover cancer and improve firefighter mental and physical wellbeing. This webinar, presented by NVFC chief of legislative and regulatory affairs Ryan Woodward, will provide an update on fire service legislation and what you as an NVFC member can do to help continue the progress that has been made.

R&R Coffee Talk With the Doc
2023-06-23 18:00 - 19:00
Coming to you live from the NVFC Training Summit, join Dr. Candice McDonald, Chief Joel Cerny, and Chief Doug Cline as they brew up ideas for onboarding. Register.

NVFC Training Summit
2023-06-23 - 2023-06-24 | Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel, 1 North Broadway Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK, 73102, United States
This event will provide an opportunity to participate in valuable classroom training and share ideas and best practices with emergency responders from across the U.S. Attendees will have their choice of breakout sessions to attend, with sessions addressing key topics in first responder health, safety, recruitment, and retention. The event will also feature keynote speakers, general sessions, networking events, and a vendor expo.

Safety Stand Down
2023-06-18 - 2023-06-24
Fire departments should take this week to focus on health and safety training and education. This year’s theme is “Lithium-Ion Batteries: Are You Ready?”

MSFA Convention & Conference 2023
2023-06-18 - 2023-06-23 | Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, 21842, United States
The NVFC’s GA Director, David Bullard, will present “Creating a Psychologically Healthy Fire Department” on June 20 at 1pm ET.

Webinar: Volunteer Fire/EMS Recruitment & Retention: Lessons from Top Gun
2023-06-15 14:00 - 15:00
Sometimes lessons can come from surprising sources. Take the movie Top Gun. If we look closely with a recruitment and retention lens, there is much we can glean about building a strong team culture, providing effective communication, the importance of mentorship and recognition, and creating a strong sense of purpose and mission. These are all key elements for a successful recruitment and retention strategy. This webinar, presented by Walter Campbell, will explore the key strategies and lessons from Top Gun that can be used to enhance your fire or EMS department’s recruitment, retention, engagement, teambuilding, and communication. Register.

This webinar is sponsored by First Arriving.

Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association Convention
2023-06-14 - 2023-06-16 | Courtyard Muncie at Horizon Convention Center, 601 South High Street, Muncie, IN, 47305, United States

SFFMA 147th Annual Training Conference and Convention
2023-06-09 - 2023-06-14 | McAllen Convention Center, 700 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen, TX, 78501, United States
The NVFC’s WV Director, Tom Miller, will present “Electric Vehicles” on June 12 at 1:15pm and “Teaching Hazmat on a Budget” on June 13 at 1:15pm.

International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference
2023-06-08 - 2023-06-11 | Hilton Baltimore, 401 W Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, United States
Visit the NVFC at booth #617.

Safety Stand Down Roundtable Talk: Lithium-Ion Batteries – Are You Ready?
2023-06-05 14:00 - 15:00
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in products and equipment ranging from laptops and smartphones to electric vehicles and energy storage systems. As their usage grows, firefighters need to be prepared for the unique hazards and risks that are present when they are called upon to respond to an incident involving lithium-ion batteries. This year’s Safety Stand Down focuses on these challenges with the theme “Lithium-Ion Batteries: Are You Ready?” Join a panel of subject matter experts as they discuss the importance of this year’s theme; the daily focus areas of hazard recognition, operations, safety, post-incident considerations, and public education; and how your department can participate in Safety Stand Down.
This Roundtable Talk is moderated by Darin Wallentine and includes David Bullard of the National Volunteer Fire Council; Michael O’Brian of the International Association of Fire Chiefs; Sean DeCrane of the International Association of Fire Fighters; Brian O’Connor of the National Fire Protection Association; and Jim Barnhart of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association.
Watch live on Facebook or register to attend on Zoom.

Webinar: Lithium-Ion Batteries & Energy Storage Systems Series, Part 2 -- A Deep Dive into What Your Fire Department Needs to Know
2023-06-01 14:00 - 15:00
The use of modern energy storage system (ESS) technology, including lithium-ion batteries, has exponentially increased over the last decade and is now in almost every facet of our daily lives. In part 2 of this webinar series, presenters Tom Miller and David Bullard will walk you through the different types of ESS located in your area as well as plans for future development. Additionally, you will learn what resources and structured plans your fire department needs to be properly prepared for a response situation involving ESS technology. Register.
