NVFC Holds Annual Fall Meeting in Cooperstown, NY
October 3, 2023
NVFC Board of Directors
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Board of Directors met on September 21-22 in Cooperstown, NY, to conduct Council business, participate in committee meetings, and guide the direction of the organization. Sixty-six directors from 40 states were present, along with other leadership from state fire associations, corporate members and sponsors, and guests.
The board is comprised of up to two representatives from 47 state fire service associations and meets twice a year in the spring and fall. Highlights from the fall 2023 meeting are as follows.
Council Business
NVFC committees met on a range of issues including health and safety, legislation, recruitment and retention, wildland, standards and codes, and more. The EMS/Rescue Section also held its biannual meeting. In addition, two general sessions were held with the full board to discuss matters of national and state interest and provide input and guidance on the strategic direction of the organization.
EMS/Rescue Section Biannual Meeting
Among the decisions of the board was to add the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome (HERO) Act to the NVFC’s legislative priorities. The HERO Act would establish a series of programs designed to address public safety behavioral health issues. In addition, the board voted to establish the Ron Roy Memorial Scholarship in honor of the late Washington director, who passed away on July 31.
The packed agenda also included an update on the FirstNet Authority and a panel discussion on Advocating on Behalf of the Volunteer. Dr. Alberto Caban-Martinez of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center addressed the Health, Safety, and Training Committee about the Firefighter Cancer Initiative, a research project seeking to understand and address the excess burden of cancer among firefighters.
Special Events
Wreath laid by the NVFC at the 9/11 Memorial
Prior to the start of the meeting, a group of directors gathered in New York City on September 20 to visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and participate in a wreath laying and remembrance ceremony.
Meeting host Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) welcomed the board to Cooperstown with hospitality after registration on the evening of September 20. Other activities during the meeting included a Chair’s Lunch sponsored by Clarion Fire & Rescue Group, a reception and dinner hosted by FASNY, and a Networking Lunch sponsored by OnStar. The annual fundraising auction, sponsored by ESIP, raised $7,630 for the NVFC’s health and safety initiatives. The meeting concluded with an optional trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame, sponsored by Provident.
Sponsors
The NVFC enthusiastically thanks meeting host FASNY and all the sponsors who helped make the meeting possible: Adapt Management, Anheuser-Busch Foundation, California Casualty, Clarion Fire & Rescue Group, Columbia Southern University, ESIP, Josh Cellars, Lincoln Financial Group, National Fire Protection Association, OnStar, PH&S Products, Provident, Tesla, Ward Diesel Filter Systems, and Wendell’s Mint.
Next Meeting
The next board meeting will take place April 26-27 in Arlington, VA.
 NVFC Officers |
 Opening General Session |
 Panel on Advocating on Behalf of the Volunteer |
 Fundraising Auction Sponsored by ESIP |
 Networking Lunch Sponsored by OnStar |
 NY Director Brian McQueen with Dr. Alberto Caban-Martinez of the Sylvester Cancer Center |
