Webinar: Surviving the Job - Cancer from a Survivor's Perspective
2020-08-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Hear about the impact of cancer from the perspective of a survivor, and learn about the importance of prevention and early detection. This is one of a six-part cancer risk reduction webinar series from the IAFC-VCOS and NVFC. Register here.

NVFC Virtual Leadership Symposium
2020-08-14 13:00 - 17:30
The NVFC is pleased to announce an afternoon of live, virtual training providing a condensed version of our popular in-person full-day course offerings focused on leading successful departments. This free training event, sponsored by the Motorola Solutions Foundation, is composed of two courses: Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services (1-3pm ET) and Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success (3:30-5:30pm ET). Attendees can chose to attend one or both courses, and registration is required.

Fire-Rescue International: Virtual Experience
2020-08-19 - 2020-08-21
In place of the usual FRI conference this year, the IAFC will hold a virtual event for the fire service.

Webinar: Fundraising Strategies for Fire and EMS Departments
2020-08-27 14:00 - 15:00
Creative and strategic fundraising for volunteer fire and EMS organizations has never been more important. Having a clear plan, specific goals, and precise execution are keys to ensuring you make the most of those valuable hours donated by your members. Join David Denniston of McNeil & Co. for this free webinar on how to achieve success with your fundraising efforts, especially in these unusual times. Whether you have been fundraising for decades or just started to feel the pinch, this webinar will explore how to determine your fundraising needs, what options are available, and how to maximize your results.

Webinar: Grants Program Update: What's Changing and What Do I Need to Know?
2020-09-02 14:00 - 15:00
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently released updates related to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant, and Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) grant programs. In this free webinar, David Lewis, the NVFC’s Maryland Director and the NVFC representative to the AFG, SAFER, and FP&S criteria development process, will discuss these updates in detail. Attendees will also learn about FEMA’s plan for rolling out the FY 2020 grant application periods, the second round of AFG-S funding for volunteer and combination fire departments, frequently asked questions related to the FEMA GO grants management system, and FEMA’s decision to extend the period of performance for FY 2018 AFG and other grants.

Webinar: It Could Never Happen Here: Suicide and the Volunteer Fire Department
2020-09-10 14:00 - 15:00
We lose more firefighters each year to suicide than in the line of duty. Yet while every fire department’s calendar is full of training for safety on the fireground, how much time is focused on mental and emotional health? In this free webinar, Hersch Wilson, volunteer firefighter/EMT with the Hondo Fire Department in Santa Fe County, NM, will discuss the impact of the firefighter’s world on mental and emotional health and the risk of suicide among first responders. Attendees will be given ideas and advice to help build a more resilient culture within their department and learn why ignoring mental health is not an option.

Webinar: Staffing the Fire Station: A Data-Driven Approach to Recruiting Millennials
2020-09-16 14:00 - 15:00
Fire department leaders have a long history of following practices handed down through generations, but when it comes to recruiting millennials, a data-driven approach may prove to be more successful. Join Scott Wilber of the Bronson (MI) Fire Department for this free webinar that will offer suggestions for recruiting the next generation based on research about millennials and current practices in fire departments. Attendees will identify what motivates young adults, what they find most rewarding about serving in the fire service, and how this information can be used effectively to revitalize recruitment efforts.

Fire Prevention Week: Engaging Audiences During a Pandemic
2020-09-22 14:00 - 15:00
Sponsored by California Casualty. Learn more about insurance options for firefighters and EMS providers at www.calcas.com/firefighters.
Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 4-10) is typically a time for fire departments to connect with their communities, hold open houses, and distribute fire prevention and recruitment messages. So how do you engage with the community during a pandemic? Join us for this Facebook Live discussion on the NVFC’s page: National Volunteer Fire Council. Lt. Michael O. McLeieer, past president of the Michigan State Firemen’s Association, will be joined by Andrea Vastis, senior director of public education at the National Fire Protection Association, Teresa Neal, fire program specialist at the U.S. Fire Administration, and Blaise Harris, fire and life safety educator at the Rocky Mount (NC) Fire Department.

NVFC Fall Meeting
2020-10-14 - 2020-10-16
Annual fall meeting of the NVFC board of directors. This meeting will be held virtually.

Webinar: Professional Development for the Volunteer Fire Officer
2020-10-14 18:00 - 19:00
Officers have an important role and immense responsibility in taking care of their organization. New volunteer fire officers face unique challenges on both the operations and administrative sides of the organization as they try to navigate their new position. Join Tom Merrill for this free webinar to understand how aspiring, newly promoted, and veteran officers alike can help bring members home safely, earn credibility and respect, and competently handle the numerous tasks and details needed to keep the department operationally ready and organizationally compliant. The presentation will also discuss leadership traits that all fire department members can use to create and maintain more unified and harmonious operations.

Fire-Rescue Med
2020-10-19
This virtual conference focuses on fire-based EMS education and issues.

ReIGNITE Virtual Conference
2020-10-20 - 2020-10-22
In place of Fire-Rescue International this year, the IAFC is holding this virtual conference focused on training, education, and best practices, as well as new technologies, apparatus, and equipment.

Protecting the Protectors: Emergency Responders & Traffic Incident Response
2020-10-27 14:00 - 15:00
Every day, firefighters and EMS providers nationwide respond to thousands of traffic incidents. Yet while they’re working to save lives, their own safety is often put at risk. National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week (November 9-15) aims to raise awareness of this issue and reduce responder fatalities, and every emergency responder, driver, and passenger has a role to play. Join NVFC Maryland director David Lewis, Joseph Tebo of the Federal Highway Administration, and Stephen Austin of the Emergency Responder Safety Institute for a Facebook Live discussion on October 27 at 2pm ET that will focus on raising awareness of the threats posed to emergency responders during roadway incident response, the role firefighters and EMS providers play in roadway incident scene safety, and available training opportunities.

Wildland Urban Interface Conference
2020-11-04 - 2020-11-05
This virtual conference focuses on education and resources for preparing communities in the wildland-urban interface before the next wildfire strikes.

Webinar - Hostile Events: Preparing Your Emergency Services Organization for an ASHER Incident
2020-11-05 14:00 - 15:00
As active shooter incidents become more prevalent, fire and EMS departments need to be ready so they can respond in the safest and most effective way. Join the National Volunteer Fire Council and International Association of Fire Chiefs for this free webinar on best practices to plan and prepare for an active shooter/hostile event response (ASHER) incident. Attendees will learn key principles from NFPA 3000 and the IAFC’s Active Shooter Toolkit, the steps to conduct a risk assessment, and resources and guidance available to develop a plan of action in your community.

Webinar: Recruiting Exceptional Crew Members in Competitive Times
2020-11-12 14:00 - 15:00
Using data driven tactics to draw in and keep qualified candidates is essential to the future of the fire service. Join ESO for this free webinar to discuss current recruitment trends and how to change recruitment tactics using risk reduction impacts in the community and a data-driven development program. This session will provide tools and information that can be used in fire departments across the nation to recruit and retain qualified candidates.

Winter Fire Safety: Engaging & Educating Your Community During COVID-19
2020-11-16 14:00 - 15:00
With winter approaching, fire poses new threats to public safety. The holidays have traditionally been a time for departments to engage with the communities they serve regarding fire safety, but how do you do so during a pandemic? Join us for this Facebook Live discussion on the NVFC’s page: National Volunteer Fire Council. Lt. Michael O. McLeieer, past president of the Michigan State Firemen’s Association, will be joined by Andrea Vastis, senior director of public education at the National Fire Protection Association, Teresa Neal, fire program specialist at the U.S. Fire Administration, and Blaise Harris, fire and life safety educator at the Rocky Mount (NC) Fire Department. Registration is not required. The event will be broadcast live on the NVFC’s Facebook page (@nvfc1) on November 16 at 2pm ET

Facebook Live Discussion: Managing Stress During the Holiday Season
2020-12-03 15:00 - 16:00
The holiday season can be a difficult time for firefighters, EMS providers, and their families, and this year brings the additional stress of the pandemic. What can you do to manage stress and focus on behavioral health this holiday season? Join us for this Facebook Live discussion on the NVFC’s Facebook page: National Volunteer Fire Council. Panelists include Ali Rothrock, CEO of On the Job and Off, Jeff Dill, founder of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, and Hersch Wilson, author, speaker, consultant, and 30-year fire service veteran.
Registration is not required. The event will be broadcast live on the NVFC’s Facebook page (@nvfc1) on December 3 at 3pm ET.

Firehouse Expo
2020-12-08 - 2020-12-09
Firehouse Expo is virtual in 2020 and free to attend.

Webinar: Leadership Sets the Example for Cancer Prevention
2020-12-08 14:00 - 15:00
In this free webinar, Chief Brian McQueen and Chief John Buckman will discuss the role leaders play in protecting personnel from occupational cancer risks and creating change in the fire department. This is one of a six-part cancer risk reduction webinar series from the IAFC-VCOS and NVFC. Register here.

Facebook Live: Hope, Resilience, and Camaraderie – Wrapping up 2020 on a Positive Note
2020-12-18 13:00 - 14:00
2020 has not been easy, especially for the volunteer fire and emergency services. Yet as we reflect on the past year and begin the next, it’s important to focus on the positive. Join NVFC chair Steve Hirsch, NVFC vice chair Kevin Quinn, NVFC chaplain John Long, Chief Joe Maruca of the West Barnstable (MA) Fire Department, and Dr. Candice McDonald for a Facebook Live discussion on Friday, December 18, at 1pm ET. They’ll focus on messages of hope, positivity, resilience, and camaraderie as we prepare to celebrate the holidays and begin 2021.

Webinar - Tips for the New Training Officer: Bridging the Gap Between NFPA 1041 and the Real World
2021-01-14 13:00 - 14:00
You have just become the new training officer for your department, but have you been given enough instruction on how to actually lead the program? There is often a gap between what you learned in your fire instructor courses and NFPA 1041 and the reality of leading a volunteer fire department training program. Join Christopher LeDoux of the Iota (LA) Volunteer Fire Department for this free webinar to help you bridge this gap and learn tips and tools for the real world as a new training officer.

Live Discussion: Fostering a Healthy, High-Performing Fire Department
2021-01-19 14:00 - 15:00
The NVFC, in partnership with the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA), launched the Psychologically Healthy Fire Departments initiative to support firefighters and EMS providers and create healthy, successful departments. Join us for a Facebook Live discussion with NVFC Louisiana director Kenn Fontenot, Jeff Dill of the FBHA, and David Ballard, PsyD, of the APA as they talk about the initiative, the resources available, and why it is so important for department leaders to focus on the health and wellbeing of their members.

Registration is not required. The discussion will be broadcast on the NVFC’s Facebook page.

Webinar: Planning and Implementing a Training Program
2021-02-11 14:00 - 15:00
Running a training program in the fire service can be difficult, even in under the best circumstances. Join Jason Decremer, PhD, director of certification for the Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, and Kenn Fontenot, NVFC Louisiana director, for this free webinar that will highlight important aspects of planning and implementing training programs. The session will include an open conversation with the audience to discuss how departments are managing training during the pandemic and best practices for training programs for departments of all budget sizes. Thanks to sponsor California Casualty, attendees of the live webinar will be entered into a drawing for one of two $100 Visa gift cards.

Virtual Training: Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services
2021-02-25 10:00 - 11:30
Quality leadership is essential for the fire and emergency services to accomplish the mission and improve your department. This course examines leadership styles, qualities, ethics, and best practices to help the department function at a high level and avoid fire and emergency services leadership pitfalls. New retention research will also be discussed to help leaders understand retention concerns and identify solutions.
The live event will take place 10:00am-11:30am ET and re-broadcast 7:30pm-9:00pm ET with a live instructor chat.

Facebook Live: Updated Messaging for Communicating the Importance of Checking Smoke/CO Alarm Batteries
2021-02-25 14:00 - 15:00
Volunteer fire departments have traditionally used the beginning and end of daylight savings time to remind the public to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. However, with the prevalence of 10-year sealed battery alarms, this messaging is now outdated. Join First Alert, Michael McLeieer, past president of the Michigan State Firemen’s Association, and Monica Colby, fire and life safety educator and NVFC Fire Corps representative, for a Facebook Live discussion on February 25 at 2pm ET. They’ll discuss the danger CO poses, the importance of installing smoke and CO alarms, and updated messaging your department can use to remind the public to check their alarm batteries. This event is sponsored by First Alert.

Webinar: Laws That Matter to Fire and EMS Organizations
2021-03-03 14:00 - 15:00
The threat of a lawsuit places fire and EMS organizations in harm’s way when something goes wrong in emergency operations, policy adherence, or other organizational practices, but there are effective ways to mitigate potential litigation. Join John K. Murphy, retired deputy fire chief and licensed attorney, for this free webinar to help your department explore the relationship of the law and the fire service, and what you can do to reduce your risks of litigation when it comes to areas of personnel management, emergency response, customer service, interpersonal relationships, and potential COVID-19 related concerns.

Webinar: Reducing Occupational Cancer Risks in the Fire Service
2021-03-18 14:00 - 15:00
Understanding how and where firefighters are exposed to carcinogens is an important step towards mitigating occupational cancer risks. Join Dennis Wolf, fire management consultant with the University of Tennessee’s Municipal Technical Advisory Service, to learn more about exposures to carcinogens, the dangers of soot, contamination control activities, and risk reduction strategies for the fire station, firefighters, and the apparatus.
This webinar is sponsored by Ward Diesel Filter Systems. Learn more about their range of NO SMOKE Filter Systems at https://warddiesel.com.

Facebook Live: Fire Service Recruitment Solutions During COVID-19 and Beyond
2021-03-25 16:00 - 17:00
Many fire and EMS departments use National Volunteer Week in April to engage with their communities and recruit new volunteers. However, with COVID-19-related considerations making traditional recruitment methods difficult, how can departments take advantage of this annual event while still prioritizing the health and wellbeing of their members and the public? Also, what can departments do to help bolster recruitment as vaccines become more available and we look beyond the pandemic? Join the NVFC director from Massachusetts Joe Maruca, vice president of strategic recruitment & retention services at First Arriving Tiger Schmittendorf, and Chief Brandon Fletcher of the Gilt Edge (TN) Volunteer Fire Department on March 24 at 4pm ET for a Facebook Live discussion on the challenges posed to recruitment by the pandemic and strategies for overcoming them.
This event is sponsored by First Arriving, the leading marketing company powering success for volunteer fire, rescue, and EMS departments. Learn more at www.firstarriving.com.

NVFC Awards Nomination Deadline
2021-03-26
