NVFC Hosts Successful Training Summit in Arlington, VA

June 30, 2026

The 2026 National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Training Summit took place on June 26-27 in Arlington, VA. This signature conference annually brings together firefighters, EMS providers, and leaders from across the country to learn and exchange ideas.

Over 200 attendees from 44 states and DC participated in classroom sessions, keynote presentations, and networking events. Forty-four NVFC members received a stipend that covered up to $800 toward transportation, hotel, and the conference registration fee.

Highlights from the 2026 Training Summit include the following:

  • Eighteen breakout sessions taught by nationally known instructors were offered over three learning tracks – the recruitment and retention track sponsored by Adapt Management, the health and safety track sponsored by Snap-tite Hose, and the leadership track sponsored by Go For Answers. View the agenda here.
  • Attendees were welcomed to Arlington with an ice cream social sponsored by Tesla.
  • Two networking lunches, one sponsored by AES and one sponsored by General Motors/OnStar, provided time for attendees to share ideas and discuss what they have learned.
  • A networking reception and vendor expo was held on Friday evening.
  • Stephen Marsar provided an impactful opening keynote presentation on Retrospective Vigilance From Ground Zero: Prepare To-, Protect From-, Inspire Against- Complacency!
  • Dan Kerrigan inspired attendees to focus on their health and wellness during the Saturday keynote presentation.
  • Tom Merrill ended the conference with a motivating message during the closing session.

View photos from the event here:

The next NVFC Training Summit will take place June 25-26, 2027, in Albuquerque, NM. Sign up to get updates as they are released, including the call for presentations, registration, and travel stipend application period.

The Training Summit and travel stipends are made possible thanks to a Fire Prevention and Safety Grant and a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The NVFC appreciates the support of the Summit sponsors and exhibitors: Adapt Management; AES Corporation; Agency 102; BK Technologies; Center for Domestic Preparedness; Columbia Southern University; ESIP by McNeil & Co; Fire Department Safety Officer’s Association; FirstNet®, Built with AT&T; General Motors/OnStar; Go For Answers; International Association of Fire Chiefs Volunteer and Combination Officers Section; LiamX Technologies; Mission CIT; National Fallen Firefighters Foundation; National Firefighter Registry; North American Fire Training Directors; Plymovent; Ricochet; Snap-tite Hose; Tesla; UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute; Vector Solutions; Wendell’s Mint