NVFC Board of Directors Address Critical Issues, Present Annual Awards at Spring Conference

May 19, 2026

NVFC Board of Directors

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) held its 2026 spring board conference on May 15-17 in Alexandria, VA. Nearly 50 directors representing 30 states attended. Topics addressed during the conference included the NVFC’s strategic plan and emerging issues impacting the volunteer fire service. In addition, a new state association was admitted into the Council and the NVFC’s annual achievement awards were presented.

This year, the NVFC is celebrating its 50^th anniversary as the association representing the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and rescue services. Here is a wrap-up of activities that took place at the NVFC spring board conference.

Advocacy Day

NVFC Advocacy Day

Many directors arrived early to attend the NVFC’s advocacy day on May 14. Directors were briefed on NVFC policy priorities before heading over to Capital Hill to meet with their legislators, where they explained the importance of critical legislation impacting the volunteer fire and emergency services and the need for Congressional support.

New State Member

The NVFC board voted to approve the Idaho Fire Chiefs Association as a member of the NVFC. State members can appoint up to two representatives to serve on the NVFC board of directors. With the addition of Idaho, the NVFC has 49 state association members.

Committee Reports

New this year, NVFC committees met virtually in advance of the board conference. This provided the opportunity for all board members to attend even if they could not be at the conference. During the conference, the board was updated on committee activities through report-outs and discussions. The NVFC has 17 committees as well as the EMS/Rescue Section.

Board members participated in small group discussions during the governance workshop

Critical Issues

The NVFC board addressed several critical issues impacting the organization and the volunteer fire and emergency services. This included the NVFC’s strategic plan, the proposed OSHA Emergency Response Standard, and briefings from fire service and industry partners. In addition, sessions were held on governance and the use of AI (artificial intelligence) in the fire service.

William J. Darley Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Roger Beedy and Junior Firefighter of the Year, Grace Isakson

Awards Celebration

The recipients of the NVFC’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Chief James P. Seavey Sr. Health and Wellness Leadership Award, and Junior Firefighter of the Year Award were recognized during a celebratory banquet on May 16. The Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award will be presented locally to allow all of their members to attend. Read about this year’s award winners here.

Conference and Award Sponsors

The NVFC appreciates the support of the spring conference and award sponsors: AES; Anheuser-Busch; California Casualty; Clarion Events Fire & Rescue Group; Columbia Southern University; Darley; DripDrop; F.I.E.R.O.; FirstNet, Built with AT&T; ESIP by McNeil and Company, National Fire Protection Association; National HeroPlus Program powered by Go For Answers; NPPGov; Provident; Tesla; UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute; VFIS; Ward Diesel Filter Systems; Wendell’s Mint.

Next Conference

The NVFC board meets in person twice a year. The fall board conference will take place in Owensboro, KY, on September 23-25.

About the NVFC
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire and emergency medical services. The NVFC unites and supports volunteer and combination fire and EMS organizations through education, advocacy, leadership development, and collaboration. Guided by professionalism and innovation, we provide the tools and resources needed to protect communities, advance responder health and safety, and prepare leaders for the future. Learn more and join at www.nvfc.org.

Alexandria (VA) Fire Department Honor Guard	Chairman’s Lunch	Sarah Lee delivered the CEO report
A governance session was facilitated by Lowell Aplebaum, CEO of Vista Cova	NVFC Staff helped welcome board members to the Spring Conference!	Alexandria (VA) Fire Department Chief Felipe Hernandez, Jr. welcomed the NVFC.