National Volunteer Fire Council

Roundtable Talk: Planning for Fire Prevention Week
2024-09-26 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | VA
Fire Prevention Week (FPW) will take place October 6-12, 2024, with the theme “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™” Join the NVFC for a live panel discussion that will focus on the importance of this year’s theme, how your department can participate in FPW, and tips and ideas you can use for public education throughout the year. Register.

Wildland Fire Assessment Program Training
2024-10-19 09:00 - 2024-10-20 14:00 (America/New_York) | Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority, 11 A Street, Edgartown, MA, 02539, United States
This free two-day course will teach the fundamentals of assessing a home and working with residents to make their property more resilient to wildfires. There is a classroom session and a hands-on training included. Register by October 6. Learn more. This course is brought to you by the Edgartown (MA) Fire Department.
The Wildland Fire Assessment Program is a joint initiative between the National Volunteer Fire Council and U.S. Forest Service to prepare fire department members to conduct home safety assessments and make homes more fire adapted in the wildland-urban interface.

Roundtable Talk: The Role of Fire Department Chaplains
2024-10-24 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | VA
What is the role of a fire department chaplain? How can your department enlist a chaplain and help them succeed? What do newly-appointed chaplains need to know? Join Chaplains Dick Brown, Jim Cook, Jimmie Duncan, and John F. Long, Jr. for a panel discussion on what a fire service chaplain does and why a fire department should consider having a trained chaplain as part of their operational command structure. Attendees will also learn about the role chaplains play in providing behavioral health support to help a department thrive. Register.

Volunteer Voices Live: Volunteer Performance Evaluations and Expectations
2024-10-30 15:00 - 16:15 (America/New_York) | VA
Recruiting volunteers is not easy, so it can be difficult to evaluate the ones you do have. However, when done regularly and efficiently, volunteer evaluations can benefit both the department and the volunteer by highlighting strengths, showing areas in need of improvement, and offering an opportunity for one-on-one interactions between leadership and volunteers. This live interactive discussion will focus on methods for evaluating volunteer performance, how to reward top performing volunteers, and how to help those who do not meet expectations to improve their performance. Come prepared to share and learn from one another. This discussion will not be recorded. Register.

Webinar: What You Need to Know Before Testifying at OSHA’s Emergency Response Public Hearing
2024-11-07 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | VA
So, you’ve reserved a spot to testify at OSHA’s upcoming public hearing regarding the proposed Emergency Response Standard. Have questions about what to say? The hearing procedure? How to answer questions from the OSHA panel and the audience? This session will cover the answers to these questions and allow time for audience Q&A so that you’re prepared for your testimony. Register.

Webinar: So You’re a Training Officer – Now What? Incorporating Adult Learning Theory into FD Training Programs
2024-11-13 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | VA
Congratulations, you’re a training officer! But…how to do you teach adult learners? When we think of the science of how humans learn, we often think of children (i.e., pedagogy). However, there are learning theories unique to adults: how people learn in formal and informal ways once they are over 18. Many training officers (in all industries) find themselves in the role of educator with little to no background knowledge of andragogy (the science of adult learning). This webinar, presented by Rachel Buczynski, will help you understand more about andragogy so you can further build your skillset as a fire department trainer and reinforce techniques you’re already using. Register.

National Kickoff Webinar: Crash Responder Safety Week 2024
2024-11-18 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | VA
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Program invites all EMS, fire and rescue, law enforcement, public works, towing and recovery, transportation, and other traffic incident response professions to participate in the national kickoff webinar for Crash Responder Safety Week. This event, hosted by FHWA Office of Transportation Operations, will honor responders, provide an overview of activities taking place across the country, and connect all responder stakeholders to kickoff this important week. Register.

Roundtable Talk: Shared Vision - What Your Department Can Do to Support the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy
2024-12-05 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | VA
Join the NVFC for a Roundtable Talk focused on how fire departments can actively participate in the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, a collaborative effort to address the nation’s wildfire problems. This panel-style discussion will provide a comprehensive overview of the strategy and highlight actionable ways for departments to contribute to wildfire management and resilience efforts. Led by NVFC Wildland Fire Assessment Program Advocates, this session will focus on the objectives of the cohesive strategy, the role of departments, implementation strategies, and available resources to support your involvement. This Roundtable Talk is ideal for department leaders, planners, and other stakeholders involved in wildfire management and community resilience. Register.

NVFC Office Hours for AFG Application Questions
2024-12-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-12-18 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | VA
Are you working on an application for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and have questions? Join David Lewis, NVFC director from Maryland and grants subject matter expert, for open office hours on December 17 from 10-11am ET or December 18 from 7-8pm ET. Join in at any time during the hour to ask your own questions or hear what others are asking as you finalize your grant application.

Roundtable Talk: Understanding the Risks – Big-Box Fires and Non-Fire Emergencies
2024-12-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | VA
In small towns, where land is less expensive and highway/interstate access is convenient, distribution centers, warehouses, and industrial spaces continue to absorb land. Volunteer fire departments in these small communities protect a large portion of the millions of square feet that will require intervention with limited fire resources. In order to respond efficiently and safely, it is important to prepare for the challenges ahead. While sprinklers contain the fire, firefighters still have search, rescue, extinguishment, salvage, and overhaul. Join the NVFC and a panel of experts for this Roundtable Talk to explore big-box fires and, among other topics, firefighter air. During a firefight, air management plays a critical role in the life and health of a firefighter. This webinar is sponsored by Firefighter Air Coalition. Register.

Webinar: Unlocking Opportunities - Tips for Crafting an NVFC Grant and Giveaway Application
2025-01-08 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | VA
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) regularly teams up with partners to provide grant, giveaway, and scholarship opportunities for the fire and emergency services. Are you ready to boost your department’s resources and make the most of these opportunities? Join NVFC board member Joel Cerny and program manager Lori Shirley for this webinar to learn how to identify key opportunities, craft compelling applications, use appropriate data, and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re applying for funding, gear, or education, this session will provide actionable strategies to help your department produce a competitive NVFC grant or giveaway application. This webinar is sponsored by MSA Safety.

Essentials of Volunteer Retention and Recruitment
2025-01-11 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue, 36375 Highway 101 N, Nehalem, OR, 97131, 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.

Webinar: Actions Firefighters Can Take to Reduce Cancer Risks
2025-01-16 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | VA
Occupational cancer continues to have an impact on the lives of our firefighters. Since 2015, fire service organizations across this country have prioritized the occupational issue and improvements have been recommended for implementation within the framework of our operations at incidents. While we’ve seen improvements in our cancer initiative, the need to continue to provide education on this topic and its impact on our firefighters and their families must continue. In this webinar, Chief Brian McQueen of the National Volunteer Fire Council, Chief John Buckman III of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and Scott Beecher of Ward Diesel Filter Systems will discuss the specific actions outlined in the Lavender Ribbon Report that firefighters and their departments can take to reduce the risk of occupational cancer, as well as how departments can embed these practices into their operations and culture. This webinar is sponsored by Ward Diesel Filter Systems.

Teaching Hazmat Basics
2025-01-18 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Mont Belvieu Fire Station, 11607 Eagle Drive, Mont Belvieu, TX, 77580, United States
The NVFC, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), is offering a hazmat train-the-trainer program: Partners in Training (PIT) Crew. This project will help first responders gain the knowledge and skills they need to train others in their communities on hazmat safety and response. Experienced hazmat trainers and those new to the field are welcome to participate. After course completion, attendees will receive a materials toolkit and session slides to help them teach these courses to others. Find out more at www.nvfc.org/hazmat.

Teaching Basic Decon
2025-01-19 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Mont Belvieu Fire Station, 11607 Eagle Drive, Mont Belvieu, TX, 77580, United States

Roundtable Talk: Community Risk Reduction for Fire Departments - Strategies for a Safer Community
2025-01-22 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | VA
Just in time for Community Risk Reduction Week (January 20-26), tune in for this NVFC Roundtable Talk focusing on actionable strategies to help your department develop and implement community risk reduction (CRR) programs that address unique risks within your service area. This panel discussion will cover essential elements, tools, and best practices to enhance fire safety, emergency preparedness, and community engagement.

R&R Coffee Talk: Supporting Families
2025-01-30 19:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | VA
Join Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny, along with guests Joe Maruca, and Mike and Anne Gagliano, for an interactive discussion on Supporting Families. The session will run 30 minutes and include audience Q&A.

Webinar: Essentials of Volunteer Retention & Recruitment
2025-02-13 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | VA

R&R Coffee Talk: Leadership
2025-02-20 19:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | VA
Join Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny, along with guests Doug Cline and Quentin Cash, for an interactive discussion on Leadership. The session will run 30 minutes and include audience Q&A.

In-Person - Scenario-based Hazmat Training
2025-02-21 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Owensboro Convention Center, 501 W 2nd St., Owensboro, KY, 42301, United States
The NVFC is teaching two hazmat train-the-trainer courses at the upcoming Bryant Stiles Officers School February 21-23 in Owensboro, KY, hosted by the Green River Firefighters Association. 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. Registration fee for a single session or the entire weekend is $75 per student for payments received prior to close of business on February 16, 2025. Registration fee will be $85 per student after February 16 and for any on-site registrations.

In-Person - Teaching Anhydrous Ammonia Awareness & Operations
2025-02-23 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Owensboro Convention Center, 501 W 2nd St., Owensboro, KY, 42301, United States
The NVFC is teaching two hazmat train-the-trainer courses at the upcoming Bryant Stiles Officers School February 21-23 in Owensboro, KY, hosted by the Green River Firefighters Association. This course focuses on the specific techniques and knowledge required to teach others about ammonia hazmat response. After completing the course, attendees will be able to relate the specific regional applications of the product and key response considerations; describe specific chemical properties of the product to their students; and transfer key strategies and tactics to students for dealing with an incident involving the product. Safety is a focus, and the course will stress teaching others the key safety considerations for application when dealing with an incident involving the product. Registration fee for a single session or the entire weekend is $75 per student for payments received prior to close of business on February 16, 2025. Registration fee will be $85 per student after February 16 and for any on-site registrations.

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-02-24 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Kuztown Fire & Rescue, 310 Noble Street, Kuztown, PA, 19530, 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: Marie Mire

Roundtable Talk: Safety in Action - Educating Drivers on Emergency Scene Awareness
2025-02-27 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | VA
Engaging the community in roadway safety is a key part of reducing first responder injuries and death in traffic incident management. In this NVFC Roundtable Talk, subject matter experts will discuss ways to motivate community members to adopt safe driving guidelines, how to communicate key topics such as distracted driving and moving over when passing an emergency scene, and innovative ways to reach even more drivers with these messages.

In-Person - Essentials of Volunteer Retention and Recruitment
2025-03-01 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | St. Joseph Township Hall/Fire Station #1, 3000 Washington Ave., St. Joseph, MI, 49085, 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. During the second half of the session, retention challenges, potential solutions, and the importance of leadership will be covered. Hosted by: Berrien County Firefighters Association

In-Person - EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
2025-03-01 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Glade Spring Fire Department, 318 E Glade Street, Glade Spring, VA, 24340, 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 training will require space outside for a hands-on component with an electric vehicle.
Instructor: Tom Miller

Webinar: Protecting Our Heroes - Women Firefighters’ Health and Wellness
2025-03-06 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | VA
Women make up half of communities but only a small percentage of the fire service, making them a great potential audience for recruitment. While there are many benefits to being a firefighter, there are also challenges when it comes to recruiting and retaining women. Some of these include health risks, ill-fitting gear, discrimination, and limited workplace policies that can impact physical and mental wellbeing. In this webinar, Brittany Hollerbach from NDRI-USA, Inc. will share groundbreaking insights on the health issues specific to female firefighters and highlight practical strategies to address these challenges. Join us to explore how departments can improve recruitment, retention, and safety by implementing inclusive policies, health-focused programs, and supportive environments for women firefighters. This webinar is sponsored by Fire Engineering.

In-Person - Wildland Fire Assessment Program Training
2025-03-08 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Roby Fire Department, 12248 Highway 32, Roby, MO, 65557, United States
The Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) will teach you how to work-side-by-side with homeowners to identify threats around their property that may be susceptible to wildfires. The WFAP is a joint effort between the National Volunteer Fire Council and the U.S. Forest Service to prepare fire department members with the necessary information, skills, and resources to conduct home safety assessments and provide residents with recommendations as to how to make their homes more fire adapted in the wildland-urban interface. To register email Chief Jeffrey Reed at chiefrobyfiredepartment@yahoo.com.

NVFC Annual Membership Meeting
2025-03-12 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | VA
The NVFC’s Annual Membership Meeting will be held 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.

In-Person - Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP)
2025-03-27 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Kansas City Convention Center, 301 W 13th St., Suite 100, Kansas City, MO, 64105, United States
The Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) is a joint effort by the U.S. Forest Service and the National Volunteer Fire Council to provide volunteer firefighters and non-operational personnel with training on how to properly conduct assessments for homes located in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). This is the first program targeted to volunteers that specifically prepares them to evaluate a home and provide residents with recommendations to protect their property from wildfires in order to make their community more fire adapted.
Instructor: Steve McClintock
Event: Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Conference
