Eligible departments can apply for five sets of Ricochet Wildland Gear, a lightweight, breathable system designed to reduce heat stress, improve mobility, and provide protection during wildland and WUI operations. Applications are due at noon ET on September 30.
Apply now
Join us on September 15 at 2pm ET for the NVFC Webinar - Learn How to Maximize Your NVFC Member Experience
Register now
Protect the heart that protects others. Learn what you can do to support your heart health so you can keep doing the job you love.
Access Resources
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 Timeline
Copyright 2026 National Volunteer Fire Council
Social Feed
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. 💛 Firefighters and emergency responders face experiences most people never will. Knowing the warning signs, checking in on one another, and knowing where to turn for help can make a difference. The NVFC’s Preventing and Coping with Suicide in the Emergency Services course helps responders recognize signs and symptoms that may precede suicide, understand resources available to those in need, and navigate the difficult healing process following a firefighter suicide. In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, this on-demand course is free to all for a limited time. Consider adding it to your department’s September training schedule. 🔗 Take the course: https://buff.ly/02335sK If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
We’re feeling grateful this #thankfulthursday for our media partner FireRescue1! From expert analysis and training tools to grant support and breaking news, FireRescue1 keeps firefighters informed, connected, and equipped to serve safely. Thank you for your partnership and dedication to the fire service! 🚒🔥 🔗www.firerescue1.com
As part of the NVFC's 50th anniversary celebration, we're continuing our State Association Spotlight series. This week, we're highlighting the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, which is celebrating 121 years of supporting and advocating for firefighters across the Palmetto State. The association's legacy dates back to founding father Chief Louis Behrens, whose forward-thinking leadership helped establish a one percent tax on fire insurance premiums paid by property holders to benefit South Carolina firefighters. Today, South Carolina continues to look toward the future of the fire service through initiatives like the Fire Officer Academy: The Company Officer (FOA). Created to address a critical gap in middle-management training, the competitive program has built a network of nearly 200 company officers representing volunteer, career, and combination departments across the state. Its impact has also drawn interest from fire service leaders in other states who have audited the program. And a fun fact about the Palmetto State: South Carolina actually produces more peaches than its neighbor, the Peach State! 🍑 Join today for just $24/year and stand with volunteers across South Carolina and nationwide 👉 nvfc.org/join
Raise a glass to those who answer the call. 🚒🥃 The NVFC has teamed up with Championzgin for the new Hero Edition, created to recognize America’s volunteer firefighters and emergency responders while giving back to the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue community. For every bottle sold, Championz Gin will donate $12 directly to the NVFC to help support the programs, resources, and initiatives that serve responders nationwide. The Hero Edition is now available for pre-order online, with bottles also arriving at select retailers and hospitality partners in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, DC. Pre-order online here👉 https://buff.ly/vVsbMuh
🚗📱 Your brain wasn't built for this. Distracted driving puts everyone on the road at risk, including the first responders working to keep our roadways safe. The NVFC has released four new 15-second PSAs to help fire and emergency service departments educate their communities about the dangers of distracted driving and why our brains simply aren’t made to multitask behind the wheel. ▶️ Watch and share the videos on YouTube or Vimeo, and access additional outreach materials to help spread the message in your community: https://buff.ly/hRLg8Oe
We’re hiring! 🚒 The NVFC is looking for a full-time Membership Coordinator to join our team and help support the nation’s volunteer fire and emergency services. We’re seeking an organized, detail-oriented communicator to assist with member services, outreach and communications, membership records, and special projects. If you’re a membership professional looking to put your skills to work for a mission-driven organization, we’d love to hear from you! 🔗 View the full position description and apply: https://buff.ly/empPCGQ
🔋 Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere, and helping your community use and charge them safely is an important part of fire prevention. Join the NVFC for a free Roundtable Talk bringing together fire service and safety experts to share practical strategies departments can use to educate their communities, encourage safer charging habits, and reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires. The discussion will also help departments prepare for this year’s Fire Prevention Week (October 4-10) theme, “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging is a Superpower.” 📅 September 10 ⏰ 2pm ET 💻 FREE 👉 Register: https://buff.ly/lwf0la9
This week, our nation will mark 25 years since the September 11 attacks. As we approach this solemn anniversary, we remember the lives lost and honor the firefighters, emergency responders, and countless others who answered the call that day and in the weeks and months that followed. NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch shares a message reflecting on the lasting impact of 9/11 on the fire and emergency services and the importance of carrying forward the legacy of those who served and sacrificed. We will never forget. We Remember.
Wildland and WUI incidents demand gear designed for the conditions responders face. Through the Ricochet PPE Award Program, eligible volunteer fire departments can apply for the opportunity to receive five sets of Ricochet Wildland Gear, designed to provide lightweight, breathable protection while helping reduce heat stress and improve mobility. Applications are open through September 30 at noon ET. 🔥 Learn more and apply: www.nvfc.org/ricochet
Happy Labor Day from the NVFC! ❤️💙 For many volunteer firefighters and EMS providers, serving their community comes on top of a full-time job, family, and everything else life brings. Today, we recognize all of you who put in the work, both on and off the job, and still answer the call when your community needs you. Thank you for everything you do to keep others safe. Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday!
Looking for a night of laughs with people who understand the first responder life? 🚒😂 The Heroes Off Duty Comedy Tour brings together first responders and veterans to share their experiences through comedy, connection, and plenty of stories from life on and off duty. In recognition of Labor Day, discounted tickets are currently available for upcoming shows. Check out the tour and see if they’re coming to a city near you: https://buff.ly/tBcsZ8x
Individuals diagnosed with autism are seven times more likely to have an experience that requires emergency services. To increase awareness, this course will explain how symptoms of autism impact a person’s daily life and train you on how to identify autistic traits so you can provide the utmost diligence and care when attending these calls. Take this course free for a limited time in the NVFC Virtual Classroom 👉 https://buff.ly/oSpnBdc
The U.S. Department of Transportation has released its 2026 National Roadway Safety Strategy, outlining a roadmap to reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries across the country. The strategy focuses on three core objectives: 🚗 Safer People 🛣️ Safer Roads 🚙 Safer Vehicles It also recognizes the important role emergency responders play in roadway safety, including efforts to improve traffic incident management and reduce secondary crashes. Take a look at the strategy and see what it means for safer roadways and the responders who work on them: https://buff.ly/LEBolGr
For this week’s #thankfulthursday, we’re recognizing our media partner, Fire Engineering! 🙌 For generations, Fire Engineering has helped keep the fire service informed through trusted training, education, news, and insights from those who know the job firsthand. Thank you for your partnership and continued support of the fire and emergency services! 🚒www.fireengineering.com
Are you getting the most out of your NVFC membership? 👀 Whether you’re a new member, have been with us for years, or are considering joining, this free webinar will show you everything your NVFC membership has to offer. Join us on September 15 at 2pm ET to: 🔹 Walk through the NVFC member portal 🔹 Explore exclusive member benefits and resources 🔹 Learn more about the First Responder Helpline 🔹 Get practical tips for making the most of your membership 📅 September 15 ⏰ 2pm ET 💻 Free webinar 👉 Register today: https://buff.ly/MAJuwqz Not an NVFC member yet? This is also a great opportunity to see what membership can do for you.
🚒 Free training opportunity for firefighters and emergency responders in the Akron, OH, area! Ethanol-related incidents can present unique challenges for responders. Build your knowledge and preparedness at an upcoming Ethanol Emergency Response Seminar, featuring in-depth training on proper response techniques for ethanol-related emergencies. 📍 Akron Training Academy | Akron, OH 📅 Choose from September 16, 17, or 18 ⏰ 8:30am–2pm 💲 FREE to attend Register 👉 https://buff.ly/djYIQN8
As part of the NVFC's 50th anniversary celebration, we're continuing our State Association Spotlight series. This week, we're highlighting the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY), representing more than 80,000 volunteer firefighters across New York State. FASNY supports the volunteer fire service through recruitment, training, advocacy, wellness initiatives, youth programming, and more. Its RecruitNY statewide open house and Fire in You campaigns alone have helped add more than 20,000 volunteers to the fire service. The association's commitment to its members also extends well beyond their active years of service. For more than 125 years, FASNY has maintained the Firemen's Home in Hudson, providing residential healthcare and support to former volunteer firefighters. FASNY also helps preserve the history and legacy of New York's fire service through the Museum of Firefighting in Hudson. FASNY is part of the NVFC’s nationwide network of state firefighter associations working together to strengthen, support, and advocate for the volunteer fire service. Join today for just $24/year and stand with volunteers across New York and nationwide 👉 nvfc.org/join
🚶♀️🚒 234 MILLION steps. 1,000+ participants. One month of moving for better health. Firefighters and EMS providers across the country stepped up during the NVFC’s second annual Step Strong Challenge, turning June into a month of movement, motivation, and a little friendly competition. Participants didn’t just rack up the steps. They built healthier habits, got their crews and families involved, and found new motivation to keep moving. And with the addition of team competition this year, departments had even more reason to step up together. 👟 Hear directly from participants about their Step Strong experience and see how 234+ million steps added up to a healthier fire and emergency services community. 👉 Read the article: https://buff.ly/sydAu3H
🔋 Charge into fire safety this Fire Prevention Week! Lithium-ion batteries power more of our everyday lives than ever, but how we charge and use them can make a big difference in preventing fires. Join the NVFC on September 10 for a Roundtable Talk featuring fire service and safety experts discussing practical ways departments can educate their communities about safer charging habits and help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires. 📅 September 10 ⏰ 2pm ET 💻 Free to attend 👉 Register: https://buff.ly/lwf0la9 This discussion will help departments prepare for Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10, and this year’s theme, “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging is a Superpower.”
🔥 Applications are now open for the Ricochet PPE Award Program! Eligible volunteer fire departments can apply for the opportunity to receive five sets of Ricochet Wildland Gear, a lightweight, breathable system designed to reduce heat stress, improve mobility, and provide protection during wildland and WUI operations. To be eligible, departments must: ✔️ Be more than 50% volunteer ✔️ Serve a population of 25,000 or less ✔️ Have at least one active NVFC member ✔️ Meet the program eligibility requirements Applications close September 30 at noon ET.👉 www.nvfc.org/ricochet
Join the NVFC, TOMORROW, September 2 at 2pm ET for Hometown Sound Off: Reaching Communities Served by Volunteer Fire Departments with Free Resources. Sound Off with the Home Fire Safety Patrol provides volunteer departments with free, professionally designed resources to deliver fire safety education, family activities, smoke alarm installations, and fire drill practice. 🔗 Register: https://buff.ly/VXb2Sb5
Every few seconds, a responder puts their life on the line to aid crash victims and quickly clear crashes that could otherwise result in a secondary crash. Proper training as well as public awareness are keys to keeping responders safe at roadway incidents. Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW) takes place November 2-6, with the theme “Slow Down, Move Over. Lives are on the Line!” Start planning now: https://buff.ly/gqsT4kk
Meet Brené Ball, a fire and life safety educator and digital content specialist for the Pinecroft Sedgefield Fire District near Greensboro, North Carolina. During her 24 years as a volunteer in the fire service, she has shared her passion for technology and education not only across North Carolina but across the United States. Watch her NVFC Volunteer Spotlight at https://buff.ly/D4VY6xB
Join the NVFC TOMORROW at 2pm ET for the free webinar Building Local Training with Community Risk Reduction: A Five E’s Approach. Presenter Ken Brown will explore how departments can identify local hazards and priorities and use Community Risk Reduction principles to develop targeted training and public education. Learn how the five E’s can be applied at the local level: ✅ Education ✅ Engineering ✅ Enforcement ✅ Economic incentives ✅ Emergency response 📅 September 1 ⏰ 2pm ET 👉 Register: https://buff.ly/CRJb7if This webinar is sponsored by Vector Solutions
FirstNet is the only network built with and for first responders, because nothing should slow down life-saving calls. 🔗 https://buff.ly/XMlhPOR
📚 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
For over 52 years, Fire News has been a trusted voice for the fire and EMS community. We’re proud to have Fire News as an NVFC media partner and thank them for their continued commitment to keeping the fire service informed, inspired, and connected. 🙌 #thankfulthursday 👉 FireNews.com
☕ Grab a cup and join us for the next NVFC R&R Coffee Talk! On September 2 at 7pm ET, Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny will be joined by guests Sheri Nickel and Meredith Herman for a conversation on Fire Prevention Week & Recruitment. Learn how your department can use Fire Prevention Week as an opportunity to connect with your community and support your recruitment efforts. This interactive 30-minute session will also include time for audience Q&A. 🔗 Register: https://buff.ly/GV1pnbn
🚑 EMS professionals: NHTSA wants your input. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is seeking feedback from the EMS community on how motor vehicle crash records are linked with injury and hospital data through NEMSIS. Your practical, on-the-ground experience can help inform best practices and future guidance for how this data is connected and used. 📅 Comments are due October 6. 👉 Submit your comments: https://buff.ly/W3xuKlW
Help bring proven fire safety education to the children and families in your community. 🏠🔥 Join the NVFC on September 2 at 2pm ET for Hometown Sound Off: Reaching Communities Served by Volunteer Fire Departments with Free Resources. Sound Off with the Home Fire Safety Patrol provides volunteer departments with free, professionally designed resources to deliver fire safety education, family activities, smoke alarm installations, and fire drill practice. Learn how to bring Sound Off to your community using Community Risk Reduction best practices, including options for departments that may not have staff available for daytime classroom visits. 🔗 Register: https://buff.ly/VXb2Sb5
Congratulations to the latest recipients of the 2026 MSA Globe Gear Giveaway! The Andover Borough Fire Department (Andover, NJ) and the Goldbug Volunteer Fire Department (Williamsburg, KY) have each been awarded four sets of Globe® turnout gear and four MSA Cairns® helmets to help keep their volunteer firefighters protected on every call. A total of 13 volunteer fire departments will receive gear through this year's program, with additional recipients announced each month. Read more and see the latest recipients: https://buff.ly/G0k5Yz6
LAST CHANCE: Enter NOW until August 31 for a chance to receive a personalized MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet! 🔗 www.nvfc.org/helmet 🚒 Must be an NVFC member & active U.S. volunteer firefighter
🚒 Every community faces different risks. Is your department’s training tailored to yours? Join the NVFC on September 1 at 2pm ET for the free webinar Building Local Training with Community Risk Reduction: A Five E’s Approach. Presenter Ken Brown will explore how departments can identify local hazards and priorities and use Community Risk Reduction principles to develop targeted training and public education. Learn how the five E’s can be applied at the local level: ✅ Education ✅ Engineering ✅ Enforcement ✅ Economic incentives ✅ Emergency response 📅 September 1 ⏰ 2pm ET 👉 Register: https://buff.ly/CRJb7if This webinar is sponsored by Vector Solutions
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facilities are one of the country’s fastest-growing energy infrastructure development trends. Join the NVFC and The AES Corporation on August 27 at 2pm ET for a Roundtable Talk exploring BESS infrastructure, fire safety standards, and what fire departments need to know as these facilities are developed and operated in their communities. Register: https://buff.ly/HP1OUXr
For Cheryl Pouletsos, the fire service has been part of her life since 1986. Her decades of service have included EMS, firefighting, fire police, and even wildfire response across the country. After stepping away from firefighting, Cheryl found her way back by taking Firefighter 1 alongside her daughter. Seven years later, they’re still fighting fires together. Read Cheryl’s story and learn more about her journey through the fire and emergency services: https://buff.ly/kdyAV8r
⏰ One week left to apply! There's still time for your department to apply for the opportunity to receive five sets of Ricochet Out Front™ Technical Rescue Gear through the Ricochet PPE Award Program. Help equip your responders with PPE designed specifically for the mobility, protection, and performance required during EMS and technical rescue operations. Applications close August 31 at noon ET. 👉 www.nvfc.org/ricochet
Looking to start or strengthen a junior firefighter program at your department? The NVFC’s Creating a Successful Junior Firefighter Program on-demand course provides the tools and knowledge you need to build a program that engages the next generation of the fire service. Learn about program structure, safe training options, activity ideas, community leadership, and more. Take advantage of free access for a limited time in the NVFC Virtual Classroom! 🔗 Take the course: https://buff.ly/eJ9jhj4
Why Firefighters Trust DripDrop: ➕ Developed by a humanitarian aid doctor ➕ Built on 60+ years of ORS science ➕ Used by 90% of top college and professional sports teams ➕ Relied on by all six branches of the U.S. military ➕ Award-winning taste Use code NVFC26 for 20% Off $30 or more on DripDrop.com
Firefighters in Michigan recently took part in the NVFC’s EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques training, hosted by Marion Community Fire Department. 🚒⚡ Led by instructor Doug deBest, the training gave participants practical knowledge and strategies to help them safely and effectively respond to incidents involving electric and alternative fuel vehicles. Want to bring this training to your department? Request an in-person NVFC training for your crew at no cost. Learn more: https://buff.ly/z3tgqcO
☕ Grab a cup and join us for the next NVFC R&R Coffee Talk! On September 2 at 7pm ET, Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny will be joined by guests Sheri Nickel and Meredith Herman for a conversation on Fire Prevention Week & Recruitment. Learn how your department can use Fire Prevention Week as an opportunity to connect with your community and support your recruitment efforts. This interactive 30-minute session will also include time for audience Q&A. 🔗 Register: https://buff.ly/GV1pnbn
Help make your community safer with free, proven fire prevention resources. 🏠🚒 Join the NVFC on September 2 at 2pm ET for Hometown Sound Off: Reaching Communities Served by Volunteer Fire Departments with Free Resources. Sound Off with the Home Fire Safety Patrol helps departments reach young children and their families through fire safety education, family activities, smoke alarm installations, and fire drill practice. With nearly 300 active local teams, almost 80,000 smoke alarms installed, and 17 lives saved, the program is making a measurable impact. Learn how your volunteer department can bring Sound Off to your community using free, professionally designed resources and Community Risk Reduction best practices, even if you don’t have staff available for daytime classroom visits. 🔗 Register: https://buff.ly/VXb2Sb5
We're grateful for our media partner, Firehouse.com, for their unwavering commitment to informing, educating, and supporting the fire and emergency services community. From delivering timely news and training to fostering connection across the fire service, Firehouse plays a vital role in helping responders do their jobs safer and more effectively. #thankfulthursday 🙏 Learn more at www.firehouse.com
As electric vehicles become more common on our roads, fire departments need the latest research and guidance to respond safely and effectively to EV fire incidents. 🚒🔋 Fire Safety Research Institute has released two new evidence-based resources to help firefighters understand EV fire behavior and make informed decisions on the fireground: 📘 Full-Scale Electric Vehicle Fire Experiments and Recommendations for Fire Incident Response: https://buff.ly/2VoBvlh 🚒 EV Fire Tactical Decision Aid: https://buff.ly/plNdQRc Use these resources to stay informed, prepare your department, and strengthen your response to EV incidents.
What do you know about🔋 Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Join the NVFC and The AES Corporation on August 27 at 2pm ET for a Roundtable Talk exploring BESS infrastructure, fire safety standards, and what fire departments need to know as these facilities are developed and operated in their communities. Panelists will share lessons learned from real-world projects and discuss how training, coordination, and communication can help departments prepare for potential incidents. Register: https://buff.ly/HP1OUXr
We’re grateful for Anheuser-Busch’s continued commitment to supporting the volunteer fire service. Through this longstanding partnership, emergency drinking water is helping departments across the country stay hydrated and ready to serve their communities. 👉 www.nvfc.org/water
It was great to connect with the fire service community at SAFRE 2026! 🚒 The NVFC attended the South Atlantic FIRE RESCUE Expo in Raleigh, NC, August 11-14, where we had the opportunity to meet firefighters and emergency responders, share NVFC resources and programs, and connect with others dedicated to strengthening the fire service. Thank you to everyone who stopped by the NVFC booth to say hello! We enjoyed connecting with you and being part of another great SAFRE. Learn more about SAFRE: https://www.southatlanticfirerescueexpo.com/
🚒 How can your department build training that addresses the risks in your own community? Join the NVFC on September 1 at 2pm ET for the free webinar Building Local Training with Community Risk Reduction: A Five E’s Approach. Presenter Ken Brown will explore how to identify local hazards and priorities and use the five E’s of Community Risk Reduction to develop targeted training and public education: ✅ Education ✅ Engineering ✅ Enforcement ✅ Economic incentives ✅ Emergency response 📅 September 1 ⏰ 2pm ET 👉 Register today: https://buff.ly/CRJb7if This webinar is sponsored by Vector Solutions
Not every call requires structural turnout gear, but every call deserves the right protection. Through the Ricochet PPE Award Program, five volunteer departments will each receive five sets of Ricochet Out Front™ Technical Rescue Gear built for EMS and technical rescue operations. If your department responds to EMS and/or rescue calls, don't miss this opportunity. Applications are open through August 31. Apply here: www.nvfc.org/ricochet
🚒 Congratulations to the 150 volunteer fire departments selected to receive a $10,000 Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program grant from State Farm®! As we celebrate Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day, we're proud to recognize these departments and the dedicated volunteers who serve their communities every day. These grants will help purchase critical equipment that keeps firefighters safe and strengthens emergency response. A huge thank you to State Farm for continuing to invest in the volunteer fire service through this incredible program. 🔗 View the full list of recipients: https://buff.ly/akr9ZOw
Today is Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day, and we're honoring the dedicated men and women who selflessly serve their communities. Volunteer firefighters respond to emergencies at all hours, train year-round, and sacrifice time with their families to help others when they're needed most. To every volunteer firefighter across the country: thank you for your courage, your commitment, and everything you do to keep your communities safe. Tag a volunteer firefighter who deserves a shoutout. ❤️🚒