MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet Giveaway
MSA is giving away four Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmets to NVFC members in 2026. The first entry period is open through April 30 at noon ET.
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Training Summit: Registration Open
Join us for the 2026 NVFC Training Summit, June 26-27, in Arlington, VA.
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Upcoming Training
Join us on April 14 at 2pm ET for the Webinar - Maximize Your NVFC Member Experience: Portal, Benefits, and More
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NVFC Turns 50!
The NVFC marks its 50th anniversary this year. Celebrate with us by taking a trip down memory lane through our retrospective timeline of milestones and highlights from the past 50 years.
View TimelineState Farm® and the NVFC Increase Fire Department Readiness and Community Safety through $1.5 Million Grant Program
Apr 7, 2026:
State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) annually team up to support local fire departments and increase community preparedness through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program....
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Enter for a Chance to Win an MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet
Apr 7, 2026:
For the fifth year, MSA Safety has partnered with the NVFC to give away state-of-the-art helmets to volunteer firefighters. This year, NVFC members have four chances to win an MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire...
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Feedback Needed! Take the NVFC’s Retirement Experience Survey
Apr 7, 2026:
If you served in the volunteer fire or emergency services and have retired or are preparing to retire in the next five years, we want to hear from you. Your experience carries insight that can help us...
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From Boring to Engaging: How Breaking Down Training Makes a Difference
Apr 7, 2026:
Training is critical for first responders, but often it comes packaged in a way that is less than riveting. Luckily, there are simple things you can do to transform dull training into something...
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Apply for New Gear for Your Fire Department
Apr 7, 2026:
Does your volunteer fire department need new gear? The application period is open for MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway. A total of 13 departments will each receive four sets of Globe® turnout gear and...
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Apply for a Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant
Apr 7, 2026:
The U.S. Department of Transportation has released the FY26 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. Nearly $1 billion is available to support...
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Please join us in welcoming our newest NVFC Sustaining Member, Emergency Technical Decon (ETD) 🚒 ETD is a full-service, NFPA 1851 verified independent service provider specializing in the advanced cleaning, inspection, and repair of firefighter turnout gear. Using liquid CO2+ technology, ETD delivers a deeper level of decontamination to help reduce exposure risks and support long-term firefighter health. With facilities in Minnesota and Oregon, ETD is committed to providing high-quality service that helps departments stay compliant, extend the life of their gear, and prioritize cancer prevention. We’re proud to have ETD as part of the NVFC community and appreciate their commitment to protecting those who serve: https://etdecon.com/
Struggling to recruit and retain volunteers? You’re not alone. The NVFC has released a new on-demand course, Essentials of Volunteer Retention and Recruitment, designed to help departments tackle one of their biggest challenges. This course covers practical strategies, common barriers, and proven approaches to help you strengthen your team and better serve your community. 👉 Take the course for FREE in the NVFC Virtual Classroom for a limited time: https://buff.ly/9pZFIAG
54 years of service. A lifetime of impact. Meet Roger Beedy of Indiana, recipient of the NVFC’s 2026 William J. Darley Lifetime Achievement Award. From starting as a volunteer at just 15 years old to serving his community in nearly every role imaginable, Roger has spent decades showing up when it matters most. Whether responding to calls, mentoring others, or supporting statewide efforts, his commitment has never wavered. “I just know that if I was hurt or needed some help, I’d hope that someone would be coming. That’s why I do it.” His story is what the volunteer fire service is all about. 👉 Read more about Roger and this year’s award recipients: https://buff.ly/am9IK3O This award is sponsored by Darley
NVFC Board member, John “Pete” Kirby (VA), and staff, David Bryson and Amanda Tegtmeyer, attended the U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration’s National Day of Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Training at U.S. DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC, on April 9. The NVFC is doing its part to help U.S. DOT and the FHWA reach their goal of getting one million first responders trained in TIM to prevent deaths and injuries on our roadways.
This #ThankfulThursday, we’re grateful for California Casualty and their continued commitment to supporting the volunteer fire service. As a valued NVFC supporter member, California Casualty provides insurance products with exclusive benefits designed to help protect firefighters and their families. Thank you for standing with the fire and emergency services community. Learn more: https://buff.ly/aH0q4d9
Bringing on new volunteers is one of the most important things your department can do. Making sure they feel welcomed, supported, and ready to serve from day one is just as critical. Join the NVFC on April 23 at 2pm ET for the webinar Start Strong: Effective Onboarding for Volunteer Firefighters and EMS, presented by Pam Rogers. This session will cover practical strategies to help you build or improve your onboarding process so you can set clear expectations, strengthen engagement, and retain new members. 👉 Register now: https://buff.ly/YF725rD
Wildfire is no longer just a season. It’s a year-round reality. Photos from the 2026 Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Conference highlight how the fire service is coming together to face this growing challenge head on. From wildfire behavior and mitigation to real-world community engagement strategies, the conversations focused on what departments can do right now to better prepare. We’re proud to see NVFC Executive Committee Member and Wildland Fire Committee Chair Steve McClintock sharing insights on building community-driven approaches to wildfire preparedness alongside partners from across the country.
Last year, the State Farm® Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program provided $1.5 million in funding to 150 volunteer fire departments across the country. 🚒 Each $10,000 grant helped departments purchase critical equipment to better protect their crews and communities. And it’s happening again. 👀 The 2026 program is right around the corner and now is the time to prepare. The application period will be open May 4 at noon ET until May 7 at noon ET. Find guidance and resources at https://buff.ly/JLsyxkE.
NVFC members have the chance to win a personalized Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet thanks to our partner MSA Fire. ✔ Lightweight and comfortable ✔ Low ride height for improved balance ✔ Defender Visor adjusts to fit over eyewear This is the first of four chances to win in 2026. Enter by April 30 👉 www.nvfc.org/helmet
Nearly $1 billion is available to help make your roadways safer. The U.S. Department of Transportation has opened applications for the FY26 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program, supporting regional, local, and tribal efforts to reduce roadway deaths and serious injuries. This year’s funding also prioritizes emergency response coordination and public safety dispatch, making it especially relevant for fire and EMS departments. 🗓️ Applications are due May 26. Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/ah8FRsu
Get more out of your NVFC membership 🚒 Join us April 14 at 2pm ET for a webinar designed to help you make the most of your member experience. Whether you're new, a longtime member, or considering joining, we’ll cover the member portal, exclusive benefits, and tips to maximize your value. 👉 Register now: https://buff.ly/uncjx8u
Feedback Needed 🚒 Have you retired from the volunteer fire or emergency services, or planning to in the next five years? The NVFC wants to hear from you. Your experience can help shape the programs and resources that support members before, during, and after their transition out of service. Take a few minutes to share your insights and make an impact for the next generation. 👉 Take the survey by April 21: https://buff.ly/Eihg8Ry
EMS Week is May 17-23, and the NVFC is proud to be a partner in recognizing the lifesaving work of EMS professionals. This year’s theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” highlights the power of collaboration in delivering high-quality care. Join us in celebrating EMS providers and find resources to participate in the week: https://emsweek.org/
Volunteer responders protect the majority of communities across the United States. The NVFC Training Summit brings these leaders together to share ideas, build connections, and strengthen the volunteer fire service. Be part of the conversation in Arlington, VA, June 26–27. 🔗 www.nvfc.org/summit
🚗📵 April is #DistractedDrivingAwarenessMonth — a reminder that one moment of distraction when driving can change everything. Stay focused. Stay present. Lives depend on it.
🔥 Don’t wait, FDIC International is right around the corner 🔥 📅 April 20–25, 2026 📍 Indianapolis, Indiana Fire and rescue professionals from across the world are gearing up for unbeatable training, world‑class education, and the industry’s most cutting‑edge innovations — all in one place. From high‑impact classroom sessions and hands-on training evolutions to energizing conversations that spark fresh ideas and lasting connections, FDIC International is more than an event; it's an experience you won't want to miss. 👉 Secure your spot for #FDIC2026 now: https://buff.ly/LImaH9K
🚨 Giveaway Alert The NVFC and MSA Fire are teaming up once again to give away four Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmets in 2026. The first entry period is now open! Designed with today’s firefighter in mind, this helmet delivers the performance, comfort, and protection needed on the job. Enter by April 30 👉 www.nvfc.org/helmet
As part of the NVFC’s 50th anniversary celebration, we’re continuing our State Association Spotlight series. This week, we’re highlighting the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter's Association and its 100-year legacy of representing the state’s fire service. As the First State, Delaware is home to 61 volunteer-run nonprofit fire departments and just one career department, making its fire service truly volunteer-driven. Delaware has also played a significant role in shaping the national fire service. Longtime NVFC leader E. James Monihan, a Delaware representative, helped guide the organization during its formative years and served as chairman for over a decade, leaving a lasting impact that continues today. Encouraging NVFC membership is one more way the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association supports the firefighters who serve their communities every day. Join today for just $24/year and stand with volunteers across Delaware and nationwide 👉 nvfc.org/join
Training isn’t just a requirement, it’s what keeps firefighters ready, safe, and effective on every call. This excerpt from Training Volunteer Firefighters to Be Combat Ready, reprinted on Fire Engineering, takes a closer look at what credentialing and certification really mean in the fire service and why training must be valued, not just completed. Read the article: https://buff.ly/zpJP0hw Looking to strengthen your department’s training approach? Explore the full guide here: https://buff.ly/oKufOi8
Funding opportunity for volunteer fire departments! Apply for a $5,000 Nutella Stacks for Giving Back grant, in partnership with the NVFC and Pearl Milling Company, to help fund what your department needs most: • Equipment & gear • Training • Recruitment & retention • Community outreach Or nominate a department for the chance to receive a Pancake Breakfast Kit to fuel their next fundraiser. ⏰ Deadline: April 30 at noon ET 👉 https://buff.ly/ZsZ8uUm
This #DistractedDrivingAwarenessMonth, we’re grateful for the continued support of OnStar. For 25 years, OnStar has helped protect drivers through services like automatic crash response, emergency assistance, roadside support, and real-time connection to trained Advisors, playing an important role in improving roadway safety. As a valued NVFC supporter member, OnStar’s commitment helps strengthen safety for both drivers and responders. Thank you to OnStar for supporting the fire and emergency services community and helping make our roadways safer. Learn more: https://buff.ly/JC4pNAc
Chief Cory Plemmons of the Camp Creek Volunteer Fire Department in Greeneville, TN, has served since 2004 and is driven by helping others in times of need. From creating lasting memories during school fire prevention visits to building community events like a 4th of July celebration, he values connection and service. He also prioritizes crew well-being through physical and mental health support. Read his full NVFC Member Spotlight here: https://buff.ly/jEW4UF4
Is your home as safe as it could be? Firefighters see firsthand how small, everyday habits can turn into big risks at home. In this article, three NVFC board members share common behaviors they would never do in their own homes and what you should do instead to keep your family safe. These are simple changes that can make a big difference. 🔗 https://buff.ly/lV8OHqW
🚒 Make the most of your NVFC membership. Join us on April 14 at 2pm ET for a webinar on how to maximize your NVFC member experience. Whether you are new, have been a member for years, or are thinking about joining, this session will walk you through the member portal, highlight exclusive benefits, and share tips to help you get the most value from your membership. 👉 Register now: https://buff.ly/uncjx8u
National Volunteer Week is almost here(April 19-25)! To help your department prepare, the NVFC is offering Volunteer Recruitment for the Emergency Services FREE for a limited time. This course breaks down today’s recruitment challenges, shares insights from the Make Me A Firefighter campaign, and gives you practical ideas to attract new volunteers. 👉 Take the course now in the NVFC Virtual Classroom: https://buff.ly/f0wHV1P
📣 Your voice matters. Make it count. FireRescue1 is now collecting responses for its annual “What Firefighters Want” survey, and they want to hear from YOU. This year’s focus is firefighter training. How often are you training? Is it realistic, relevant, and supported by leadership? Your feedback will help shape FireRescue1’s state-of-the-industry report coming out this August. 🚒 It is important that volunteer perspectives are included. Take a few minutes to share your experience and help drive meaningful change. 👉 Take the survey now: https://buff.ly/Uu85rYP
For 15 years, MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway has helped improve firefighter safety by providing volunteer fire departments with modern protective equipment. Through this partnership between MSA Fire, Nomex® and Kevlar® for Personal Protection, and the NVFC, 13 departments will receive a total of 52 sets of turnout gear and helmets in 2026. Apply by June 1 at www.nvfc.org/gear. 👨🚒
🚒 First impressions matter more than you think. When a prospective volunteer walks into your station, they are not just looking at your equipment. They are sizing up your culture. In this article, Walter Campbell introduces the “Kitchen Table Test.” It is a simple but powerful idea. How your crew welcomes, includes, and interacts with someone in those first few minutes can determine whether they join or walk away. 👉 Read the article and see how your department measures up: https://buff.ly/x0ve9jc
WEBINAR: Save More Lives on Rural Roadways: Strengthening Post-Crash Care 📅 April 1 ⏰ 2pm ET Hear from Gamunu Wijetunge, Director of NHTSA’s Office of EMS, as he shares real-world insights on advancing post-crash care in rural areas. Learn about evolving extrication practices, prehospital blood transfusion, and how your department can partner with EMS and highway safety leaders to save more lives. This session will also help departments prepare for the upcoming Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) funding opportunity. 🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/pBjGqao
National Volunteer Week is right around the corner, April 19–25. 🚒 It’s the perfect time to recognize the dedicated volunteers who keep your department running and to show your community how they can get involved. Looking for ideas? The NVFC has resources to help you plan for the week and support your recruitment and retention efforts year-round. 🔗 Read more: https://buff.ly/0rSHQk2
As part of the NVFC’s 50th anniversary celebration, we’re continuing our State Association Spotlight series. This week, we’re highlighting the Firefighter’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania and its ongoing efforts to support and strengthen the fire service across the Commonwealth. With the majority of Pennsylvania’s fire service made up of volunteers, the association plays a critical role in advocating for firefighters, collaborating with key partners, and supporting recruitment and retention efforts statewide. Through initiatives like grants and scholarships, the association is helping invest in the future of the fire service and ensuring departments have the resources they need to grow and succeed. Encouraging NVFC membership is one more way the Firefighter’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania supports the firefighters who serve their communities every day. Join today for just $24/year and stand with volunteers across Pennsylvania and nationwide 👉 nvfc.org/join
When seconds matter, especially on rural roadways, volunteer responders make the difference. Join the NVFC for an important webinar on strengthening post-crash care and improving outcomes in your community. 🚨 Webinar: Save More Lives on Rural Roadways: Strengthening Post-Crash Care 📅 April 1 ⏰ 2pm ET Hear from Gamunu Wijetunge, Director of NHTSA’s Office of EMS, as he shares real-world insights on advancing post-crash care in rural areas. Learn about evolving extrication practices, prehospital blood transfusion, and how your department can partner with EMS and highway safety leaders to save more lives. This session will also help departments prepare for the upcoming Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) funding opportunity. 🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/pBjGqao
March is National Kidney Month and now is a great time to learn about how to help a first responder in need through Kidneys for First Responders. About 37 million people in the U.S. have kidney disease and responders aren’t immune. Anyone has the power to save a life by becoming a living kidney donor. Find out how you can get involved here 👉 https://buff.ly/Osw5NzG
🚒 Nutella is giving back to the fire service — again! Nutella® has teamed up with the NVFC and Pearl Milling Company for the 2026 Stacks for Giving Back program: • Ten $5,000 grants • 350 Pancake Breakfast Kits NVFC members can apply for grants, and anyone can nominate a department for the chance to receive a kit. Deadline: April 30 👉 https://buff.ly/OFaRbr7
A high-quality challenge coin is a perfect way to commemorate an event or achievement. Wendell’s Mint proudly manufactures U.S.-made custom challenge coins using state-of-the-art minting and painting processes, delivering top-tier quality at competitive prices. Thank you, Wendell’s Mint, for your support and for being a Champion member of the NVFC! #thankfulthursday Learn more at https://buff.ly/rCzJtO1
We’re proud to recognize the recipients of the 2026 NVFC Fire Service Achievement Awards. 👏🚒 From a lifetime of service to the next generation of fire service leaders, these recipients represent the dedication, impact, and heart of the volunteer fire service. 🏆 William J. Darley Lifetime Achievement Award: Roger Beedy (IN) Sponsored by Darley 🏆 Chief James P. Seavey Sr. Health & Wellness Leadership Award: Frank Leeb (NY) Co-sponsored by VFIS - Firefighter & EMS and Ward Diesel Filter Systems 🏆 Junior Firefighter of the Year: Grace Isakson (TX) Sponsored by California Casualty 🏆 Junior Firefighter Program of the Year: Plano Fire Explorers Post 215 (TX) Sponsored by California Casualty Join us in congratulating this year’s recipients and learn more about their stories and impact: https://buff.ly/ZVA7TJE
Looking for a new helmet? For the fifth year, NVFC is partnering with MSA Fire to equip volunteer firefighters with top-of-the-line helmets. In 2026, there will be four chances to win. The first entry period opens on April 1. Make sure your membership is active and get ready to enter: www.nvfc.org/join
📚 Missed a recent live NVFC training? Catch the replay! All of our recent webinars and roundtable talks are now available to watch on demand in the NVFC Virtual Classroom — completely free. ▶️ Watch now at: virtualclassroom.nvfc.org
How can your department better connect with and serve your community? ☕🚒 Join the NVFC for a live R&R Coffee Talk on Community Involvement featuring Dr. Candice McDonald, Chief Joel Cerny, and guest Abena Bonso-Bruce. This interactive 30-minute session will include audience Q&A and practical insights you can take back to your department. 🗓 March 26 ⏰ 7:00–7:30pm ET 👉 Register here: https://buff.ly/tcRYdI5
Members of the NVFC board and NVFC staff participated in a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery last week. It was a meaningful moment to reflect, remember, and pay tribute to the brave individuals who served our nation and our communities. We are grateful for the opportunity to honor their legacy. ❤️
📢Grant Alert: Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation The next grant application period opens April 7 at 10am ET! Only 600 applications will be accepted! Once that cap is reached, the portal will close. Learn more: https://buff.ly/dpNV2hl
Great things happening at Roscoe Volunteer Fire Department! Thanks to a laptop donation from State Farm, in collaboration with the NVFC, their team now has new tools to help streamline operations, strengthen training, and better serve their community. Programs like this are all about giving volunteer departments the resources they need to stay organized, efficient, and ready to respond. We’re proud to support departments like Roscoe VFD and the important work they do every day! The NVFC has special opportunities like these year-round. See what's coming up here: https://www.nvfc.org/opportunities
Join the NVFC for the webinar “Building Stronger Fire Service Teams: Leadership Lessons from Home and Abroad” on Thursday, March 26, at 2:00 pm ET. This session will explore research-based teamwork principles and real-world experiences from fire service training in the U.S. and across Africa. Hear from NVFC past chair Kevin Quinn, Africa Fire Mission Fire Safety Officer Jose Ngunjiri, and University of Kentucky researcher Amber Lynn Scott as they discuss leadership, communication, and trust in high-risk environments and how these lessons can strengthen volunteer and combination departments. Participants will also learn how U.S. firefighters can engage in meaningful international training efforts while bringing valuable insights back to their home departments. 🔗 Register here: https://buff.ly/5qWqoDI
The NVFC is proud to partner with Vector Solutions to bring innovative training solutions to volunteer fire departments. The new TargetSolutions Volunteer Edition is built specifically for smaller departments, helping streamline training, simplify compliance, and reduce administrative burden — all in one platform. With flexible access, digital tracking, and a flat annual price, departments can focus less on paperwork and more on readiness. Learn more and request a demo today 👉 https://buff.ly/KOe7CMW
New reports released by NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health highlight critical lessons learned from recent fire service incidents. The NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program has published two new reports to help departments better understand line-of-duty deaths and serious injuries and take steps to prevent future tragedies. These reports provide important insights into equipment performance, fireground conditions, and decision-making under pressure. Taking the time to review and apply these lessons can help protect your crew and strengthen your department’s safety practices. 🔗 Read the reports: • Evaluation of Three Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Involved in a Near Miss While Operating at a Structure Fire: https://buff.ly/zdQtZs5 • Senior Captain and Two Firefighters of Ladder Company Burned during Primary Search in Garden Apartment Fire – Texas: https://buff.ly/b7tV5O6
Stop chasing down paper sign-in sheets for calls, drills, and meetings. Meet the RedAlert Kiosk system. Digitize member attendance and fully automate attendance tracking. Attendance records sync directly with your events for streamlined reporting on accountability, participation, and more. Learn more: https://buff.ly/ibwU0Bt
🥞 Fundraisers just got sweeter! Through Nutella Stacks for Giving Back, fire departments will have a chance to receive a Pancake Breakfast Kit to support their next fundraiser. Nominate your local fire department by April 30: 👉 https://buff.ly/CQIvhlg
NVFC Member Spotlight: Steven Lowry Steven Lowry has served the fire service for more than 50 years! Now assistant chief of the Renfroe Volunteer Fire Department in Alpine, AL, he still runs the most calls in his department at age 69, responding to more than 375 calls last year. Passionate about mentoring younger firefighters and staying active in training, Lowry continues to give back to his community through volunteer service. Read his full volunteer spotlight here: https://buff.ly/YZIT5fc
It’s #thankfulthursday, and today we’re showing appreciation for FirstNet! They give first responders priority access to their network.📱🚒 We’re grateful for everything they do to support the fire and EMS community — and proud to have them as a Chairman’s Club member of the NVFC! Learn more about the only network built with and for first responders: https://buff.ly/j2XBkQ1
Members of the NVFC Training Team were on-site last weekend for hazmat training hosted by the Citizen Fire Company in Charles Town, WV. Instructors Tom Miller, Corey McCartney, and Ralph McNemar led an engaging and hands-on training for departments from West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. 📸 Check out highlights from the training below! Want to bring this type of training to your department? 👉 Learn more about upcoming hazmat trainings and how to request a course in your area: https://buff.ly/m5u8J7k