NVFC Live Online Trainings

The NVFC offers the following live, virtual training opportunities, all of which are presented on Zoom:

Below are upcoming events. This page is updated as more trainings are added. If you miss a live webinar or Roundtable Talk, you can watch the recording in the NVFC Virtual Classroom. R&R Coffee Talks and Volunteer Voices Live events are not recorded.

To watch a recorded event, you will need to login to the NVFC Virtual Classroom. Don’t have an account? Click here and select “Set up an account.” It’s free to set up an account and gives you access to all the training you take through the NVFC. View a tutorial here.

R&R Coffee Talk – Fire Training for High School Students
January 22 @ 7pm ET
Join Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny, along with guests Richard Parker, Frank Dellucky, and Keesler Fly, for an interactive discussion on fire training for high school students. This 30-minute session will include audience Q&A.

Webinar – How Mattering Can Buffer Against Burnout in the Fire Service
February 3 @ 2pm ET
Presenters: Gregory Bulanow and Jennifer Wallace
Join New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Wallace and former North Charleston Fire Chief Greg Bulanow for a compelling virtual conversation on how mattering can be a valuable force to combat burnout in the fire and emergency services, inspired by Jennifer’s forthcoming book Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose. Drawing on Jennifer’s research and her time embedded with Greg’s department – where small, intentional practices to affirm value transformed morale, retention, and well-being – this 60-minute session blends story and science to illuminate why mattering – feeling valued and having the opportunity to add value to the world around us – is not a luxury, but a core human need that protects mental health, strengthens purpose, and sustains resilience. Together, Jennifer and Greg will explore how reconnecting to our impact can counter burnout, alongside practical, actionable tools leaders and firefighters can use to foster trust, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose across their departments.

Webinar – Hazmat Incidents: Using Risk-Based Response to Increase Firefighter and Community Safety
February 5 @ 2pm ET
Presenter: Rick Edinger
Decades ago, it was not uncommon for emergency responders to be killed or injured during hazmat incidents. Born from analysis of these tragic incidents was the concept of risk-based response, which uses facts, science, and circumstances of an incident to determine the best course of action and to increase the safety of the responders and public. In this webinar, learn the history of risk-based response and how to apply it to hazmat incidents and other significant events.

Roundtable Talk – New Challenges, New Tactics: Responding to Contemporary Mid-Rise and Multi-Dwelling Buildings
February 10 @ 2pm ET
Presenters: Jimmy Davis, Mike Dugan, Clark Lamping, and Tom Merrill (Moderator)
As communities grow and housing density increases, volunteer fire departments are increasingly responding to contemporary mid-rise and multi-dwelling buildings that present unique operational challenges. Modern construction methods, lightweight materials, complex layouts, and mixed occupancies can significantly impact fire behavior, access, and firefighter safety. This Roundtable Talk will explore how today’s mid-rise and multi-dwelling structures differ from legacy buildings and what those differences mean for response planning, size-up, air management, search, and extended operations. Panelists will discuss practical considerations departments can address now to prepare for incidents in these evolving structures.

R&R Coffee Talk – Mentoring
February 26 @ 7pm ET
Join Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny, along with guest Dave Lewis, for an interactive discussion on mentoring in the fire service. This 30-minute session will include audience Q&A.

Roundtable Talk – Strengthening Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Through Effective Social Media
March 19 @ 2pm ET
Presenters: Savannah Maddison, Brittney Deo, and Walter Campbell (Moderator)
Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with your community and showcasing the value of volunteer service. This roundtable talk will explore strategies for using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to enhance recruitment and retention efforts. Participants will learn how to highlight their department’s culture, share compelling stories, engage prospective volunteers, and build an online presence that supports long-term membership growth. Practical tips, examples, and best practices will be provided to help departments maximize their reach and strengthen their R&R initiatives.

Check out additional on-demand courses in the NVFC Virtual Classroom.