AES Safer Tomorrow Fund
Eligible volunteer departments can apply for a $20,000 grant to improve responder safety, operational readiness, and community resilience. A total of $200,000 is available!
Apply Now
Training Summit: Call for Presentations
Qualified instructors and speakers have until October 30 to submit
a proposal to present at the 2027 NVFC Training Summit, taking
place June 25-26 in Albuquerque, NM.
Ricochet PPE Award Program
Eligible departments can apply for five sets of Ricochet Wildland + Technical Rescue Dual-Cert Gear. Applications are due at noon ET on October 30.
Apply now
Register for this Upcoming Training
Join us on October 21 at 2pm ET for the NVFC Webinar – Behind the 8 Ball: The First 15 Minutes on the Fireground
Register now
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 TimelineUp to $200,000 Available to Local Fire and EMS Departments through the AES Safer Tomorrow Fund
Oct 20, 2026:
10 departments will each receive a $20,000 grant from AES, in partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council
Volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue departments are the backbone of communities across...
Read More »
Columbia Southern University Awards Scholarships to Two NVFC Members
Oct 20, 2026:
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) annually partners with Columbia Southern University (CSU) to help members achieve their educational goals through a scholarship program. This year, CSU has...
Read More »
Fire Departments in AR, MT Receive PPE through MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway
Oct 20, 2026:
MSA Safety, Nomex® and Kevlar® for Personal Protection, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) annually partner to help volunteer fire departments enhance their readiness with a donation of...
Read More »
When Training Standards Lose Touch with Reality
Oct 20, 2026:
The Hux Bar problem and the cost of irrelevant training
By Chief Joe Maruca (Retired)
Training programs loaded with topics that aren’t relevant to the needs of small fire departments are keeping...
Read More »
Need PPE for Wildland and Technical Rescue Response? Ricochet and the NVFC Have Your Back!
Oct 20, 2026:
Does your volunteer department annually respond to wildfires and emergency medical and/or rescue calls but lack sufficient gear for these real-world jobs? Then apply for the Ricochet PPE Award...
Read More »
NVFC Attends First Responder Recognition Event at White House
Oct 20, 2026:
NVFC board members attended a White House Rose Garden luncheon on October 15 honoring first responders. The NVFC was proud to shine a spotlight on the dedication and service of the volunteer...
Read More »
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Why train just for the mirror? Let’s train to protect our communities. Find your true strength, stamina, and grit when you become a volunteer firefighter. Do something for real. Join us at MakeMeAFirefighter.org #MakeMeAFirefighter
For volunteer and combination departments, the first 15 minutes on the fireground can be especially challenging when resources are stretched thin. Join the NVFC on October 21 at 2pm ET for Behind the 8 Ball: The First 15 Minutes on the Fireground, presented by Timothy Cowan. Learn how staffing levels impact incident operations, what the data tells us, and how departments can use that information to make informed decisions and improve fireground effectiveness. 📅 October 21 | 2pm ET 💻 Register now: https://buff.ly/NlnTtou
🔥 Wildland response. 🚑 Technical rescue and EMS. One versatile PPE system. Eligible volunteer fire departments can apply through the Ricochet PPE Award Program for the chance to receive five sets of Wildland + Technical Rescue Dual-Cert Gear. NFPA 1977 and 1951 compliant, the gear features a lightweight, single-layer design without a moisture barrier, helping provide protection and mobility across a variety of emergency response operations. Applications are due by October 30 at noon ET. 👉 Apply now: www.nvfc.org/ricochet
Recruiting and retaining firefighters in a combination department comes with unique challenges. Let’s talk about them! 🚒 Join Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny, along with special guests Douglas Cline and Chief Corey Smedley, for the next NVFC R&R Coffee Talk focused on recruitment and retention in combination departments. ☕ October 29 | 7 PM ET This interactive, 30-minute discussion will include audience Q&A, so bring your questions and join the conversation! 🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/GISlygb
A little team building, a little history, and a lot of fun! The NVFC staff recently gathered in Washington, DC, for our annual get-together at The Mansion on O & O Street Museum. From exploring hidden doors to spending time together outside the workday, it was a great opportunity to connect and strengthen the team behind the NVFC's mission!
🚨 EMS and 911 professionals should be aware of three fentanyl-related substances increasingly found in the illicit drug supply: carfentanil, fluorofentanyl, and methylfentanyl. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA) is alerting responders that these substances have been identified nationwide, may not show up on standard drug screenings, and can require multiple doses of naloxone during an overdose response. Learn more about these threats and what responders need to know: https://buff.ly/ODATDPB
NVFC board members attended a White House Rose Garden luncheon yesterday honoring our nation's first responders. The NVFC was proud to shine a spotlight on the dedication and service of the volunteer firefighters and EMS providers who give back to their communities every day. During the event, NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch presented President Donald Trump with a firefighter helmet on behalf of the volunteer fire service. We appreciate the opportunity to represent the nation's volunteer responders and bring attention to the important role they play in protecting communities across the country.
Applications are NOW OPEN for the AES Safer Tomorrow Fund! The AES Corporation and the NVFC are providing up to $200,000 to support volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue departments. Ten eligible departments will each receive up to $20,000 for equipment, training, emergency preparedness and prevention, recruitment and retention, or other priority needs. Departments must be at least 50% volunteer and serve a community that hosts an AES energy project. Additional eligibility requirements apply. Applications are due January 15. View the full criteria and apply: www.nvfc.org/aes-safer-tomorrow-fund
Sending thanks to Pierce Mfg for the hard work they put into manufacturing custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, minipumpers, and more. We appreciate their NVFC Advocate membership! #thankfulthursday https://buff.ly/OnsPENZ
Jack Sullivan has dedicated decades to improving the safety of firefighters and emergency responders. A former lieutenant and safety officer with the Lionville (PA) Fire Company, Jack turned his focus to roadway incident safety following a 1998 Pennsylvania Turnpike tragedy, when 10 firefighters were struck while responding to a crash. Since then, Jack became a leading advocate for safer roadway response practices, helping educate responders across the country. Interested in serving your community? Find volunteer fire service opportunities at www.MakeMeAFirefighter.org.
🏠 Fire prevention is just one part of keeping your community safe. From fires and falls to poisonings and other household hazards, many in-home emergencies can be prevented through education and awareness. The NVFC and First Alert have teamed up to offer Whole Home Safety: Reducing Preventable In-Home Injuries and Deaths through Community Education, a course designed to help fire and emergency service personnel educate residents about common household risks and ways to prevent them. 🚒 Take the course FREE for a limited time in the NVFC Virtual Classroom: https://buff.ly/Fu63Efs
🚒 Limited staffing. Critical decisions. No time to waste. For volunteer and combination departments, the first 15 minutes on the fireground can be especially challenging when resources are stretched thin. Join the NVFC on October 21 at 2pm ET for Behind the 8 Ball: The First 15 Minutes on the Fireground, presented by Timothy Cowan. Learn how staffing levels impact incident operations, what the data tells us, and how departments can use that information to make informed decisions and improve fireground effectiveness. 📅 October 21 | 2pm ET 💻 Register now: https://buff.ly/NlnTtou
The NVFC is looking for speakers to share their recruitment and retention successes at the 2027 NVFC Training Summit, June 25–26 in Albuquerque, NM. From innovative outreach efforts to successful retention programs and leadership strategies, your department's experiences could help others facing similar challenges. 🔥 Share what's worked, what you've learned, and how you're strengthening your department for the future. Submit a presentation proposal here: https://buff.ly/XNR5TgN
Is adopting NFPA standards really an all-or-nothing decision? Many fire departments struggle to balance safety standards with the realities of staffing, budgets, and available resources. But what’s actually required, what’s recommended, and where is there room for flexibility? Join the NVFC on October 28 at 2pm ET for a Roundtable Talk exploring how departments can navigate NFPA standards, understand their options, and make informed decisions that work for their communities. Hear from moderator John Buckman and panelists Doug Cline, Joe Maruca, and Robin Zevotek. 🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/0QVW2HB
Volunteer fire departments across the country are facing a growing challenge: finding enough people to answer the call. 🚒 A recent story from NPR’s Marketplace takes a closer look at volunteer firefighter recruitment challenges in Wyoming and features insights from NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch and Massachusetts Director Joe Maruca. 🎧 Listen to the story: https://buff.ly/qk6MlIQ
Every community has unsung heroes. Now's your chance to help tell their stories! 🚒 Unsung Heroes, a new web series sponsored by Mitti, will shine a spotlight on the hardworking individuals and organizations making a difference in their communities. The producers are currently seeking stories of frontline workers to feature in their pilot episodes. Know someone who deserves recognition? Nominate them today! 🔗 Learn more: https://buff.ly/hmMjqS2 🔗 Submit a nomination: https://buff.ly/fKIQTnk
🚒 More than $3 million in federal grant funding will help the NVFC expand critical programs supporting the volunteer fire and emergency services! Funding from FEMA and PHMSA will support volunteer recruitment and retention, behavioral health and responder wellbeing, and hazmat training and preparedness. These grants will help the NVFC continue providing resources, training, and support to volunteer responders and departments across the country. 🔗 Read more: https://buff.ly/ADj6NxE
Does your department respond to both wildland fires and EMS or rescue incidents? The Ricochet PPE Award Program is designed with you in mind. Eligible volunteer fire departments can apply for the opportunity to receive Ricochet Wildland + Technical Rescue Dual-Cert Gear. To qualify, departments must: 🔥 Respond annually to wildfires, including grassfires and brushfires 🚑 Provide emergency medical and/or rescue services 👥 Be more than 50% volunteer 🏘️ Serve a population of 25,000 or less ⭐ Have at least one active NVFC member The gear is NFPA 1977 and NFPA 1951 compliant, providing a versatile PPE option for multiple types of response. Apply by October 30 at noon ET: www.nvfc.org/ricochet
This Tuesday, October 13, the NVFC will host a webinar examining the lessons learned from a fatal oxygen-limiting silo explosion that claimed the lives of two volunteer firefighters. Presenters from NIOSH and RescueTechs, LLC, will discuss contributing factors, recommended prevention measures, and initial strategies and tactics for responding to silo fires. 📅 October 13 at 2pm ET 💻 Register: https://buff.ly/pQevY6C
The NVFC is a proud supporter of NFPA this #FirePreventionWeek. When charging on a plane, keep portable charging devices on the tray table. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments and never charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to be able to respond quickly. For more info: fpw.org. #firesafety #batterysafety
Take a look back at the 2026 NVFC Fall Board Conference in Owensboro, KY! From September 23-25, 59 directors representing 39 states came together to conduct business, hear from industry leaders, discuss critical issues impacting the volunteer emergency services, and celebrate 50 years of the NVFC. 🎥 Watch the highlights from this year's conference and see how fire service leaders are working together to support the future of the volunteer fire service. ▶️
NVFC CEO Sarah Lee joined fire service leaders at the 2026 Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association - FEMSA Conference in Louisville, KY. During the conference, Sarah provided an industry update and participated in a panel discussion exploring the future of the fire service. The event brought together leadership from the NVFC, IAFC - International Association of Fire Chiefs, North American Fire Training Directors Inc. (NAFTD), and Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) with the FEMSA Board. Thank you to FEMSA for the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the fire service!
As a proud supporter of #FirePreventionWeek, the NVFC is reminding you to charge large items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when possible. Do not block exits when charging. These batteries store more energy, and fires can grow quickly if they fail. For more info: fpw.org. #firesafety #batterysafety
🔥 The first 15 minutes on the fireground can make all the difference. Join the NVFC on October 21 at 2pm ET for Behind the 8 Ball: The First 15 Minutes on the Fireground, presented by Timothy Cowan. Designed with volunteer and combination departments in mind, this webinar will explore incident priorities, the impact of limited staffing, and how departments can use staffing data to their advantage. We’ll also look at key standards and requirements that affect departments operating with fewer personnel. 📅 October 21 | 2pm ET 💻 Register today: https://buff.ly/NlnTtou
The NVFC is a proud supporter of NFPA this #FirePreventionWeek. Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Leaving it plugged in longer than needed can increase heat and stress on the battery. For more infofpw.org. #firesafety #batterysafety
🚨 A new funding opportunity is coming soon! The NVFC is excited to partner with The AES Corporation to launch the AES Safer Tomorrow Fund. Through the program, 10 eligible volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue departments will each receive up to $20,000 to address critical needs that improve responder safety, strengthen operational readiness, and enhance community resilience. Applications open October 15! Learn more and see if your department is eligible: https://buff.ly/OKWbxk3
It’s #FirePreventionWeek, so this #thankfulthursday we’re giving a shoutout to the organization behind it all — the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)! 👏🔥 NFPA has sponsored Fire Prevention Week since 1922, making it the longest-running public health observance in the U.S. Thank you to NFPA for more than a century of helping keep communities safe and for supporting the volunteer fire and emergency services as an NVFC Chairman’s Club member! Learn more at nfpa.org and fpw.org. #FirePreventionWeek #FireSafety #VolunteerFireService
One garment. Two certifications. More versatility for your crew. Through the Ricochet PPE Award Program, eligible volunteer fire departments can apply for the opportunity to receive Ricochet Wildland + Technical Rescue Dual-Cert Gear. NFPA 1977 and NFPA 1951 compliant, this lightweight, single-layer gear is designed for departments whose responders face a range of incidents, from wildland and brushfires to emergency medical and rescue operations. Applications are open through October 30 at noon ET. 🔥 Learn more and apply: www.nvfc.org/ricochet
🎉 Join us in congratulating Amanda Tegtmeyer on her promotion to Training Manager! As the NVFC continues to expand its in-person and online training opportunities, Amanda has played an integral role in keeping it all moving. Her hard work, organization, and dedication have helped make countless trainings a success, and we’re thrilled to recognize her with this promotion. Congratulations, Amanda! We appreciate all you do for the NVFC and the volunteer emergency services! 👏
As a proud supporter of #FirePreventionWeek, the NVFC is reminding you to stop using your device right away if the battery smells strange, is warm to the touch, makes popping noises, changes in shape or color, or if you see smoke. If it is safe, move the device away from anything that can catch fire. A damaged battery can overheat and start a fire. For more info: fpw.org. #firesafety #batterysafety
What do volunteers really need to stay engaged in a combination department? According to recruitment and retention strategist Walter A. Campbell, it comes down to four things: 🚒 A place to belong 🤝 A mentor who invests in them 📈 Opportunities to grow 💬 Confidence that they matter In his latest article for the NVFC, Campbell explores why trust between career and volunteer personnel matters, the role leadership plays in department culture, and how stronger relationships can ultimately improve recruitment, retention, and service to the community. Read it 👉 https://buff.ly/xYxuuk7
Learn critical lessons for responding to silo fires. Following a fatal oxygen-limiting silo explosion that claimed the lives of two volunteer firefighters in May, this NVFC webinar will examine what happened, the factors that contributed to the tragedy, and how the fire service can help prevent similar fatalities and injuries. Wesley R. Attwood of the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program will review findings and recommended prevention actions, followed by Eric Rickenbach and Travis Martin of RescueTechs, LLC, who will discuss initial strategy and tactics for silo fire response. 📅 October 13 ⏰ 2pm ET 💻 Register: https://buff.ly/pQevY6C
The NVFC is a proud supporter of NFPA this #FirePreventionWeek! Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or floor. Beds, couches, and pillows can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause a battery to overheat. For more info: fpw.org. #firesafety #batterysafety
Learn how to effectively educate teens about the dangers of distracted driving and bring this important prevention message to your community. Join the NVFC on October 7 for a free Train-the-Trainer webinar with Joel Feldman, founder of EndDD.org. This training will give fire and emergency service personnel practical tools to incorporate distracted driving education into their department’s community risk reduction efforts. 📅 October 7 ⏰ 2pm ET 💻 Free webinar Register: https://buff.ly/IXkkWFk
As a proud supporter of #FirePreventionWeek, the NVFC is reminding you to use the cord and charger that came with your device or ones approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire. For more info: fpw.org. #firesafety #batterysafety
Preventing fires starts with simple habits like safe charging. This #FirePreventionWeek, check out Sparky The Fire Dog's top charging safety tips. And if you’re ready to answer the call to serve, learn how you can become a volunteer firefighter at MakeMeAFirefighter.org
A strong department starts with a strong culture. 🚒 Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success is a three-part, on-demand training that explores the challenges departments face in building a health and safety-focused culture and offers practical strategies for creating a more engaged, resilient, and effective workforce. Access the course in the NVFC Virtual Classroom FREE for a limited time! 👉 Take the course: https://buff.ly/QKBmjQO
🔥 For Virginia McMichael, serving her community has been a family affair for four decades. Virginia is a firefighter and EMT with Cooper Landing Emergency Services in Alaska. She joined the fire service in 1986 and has spent decades giving back to her community, including many years serving as a volunteer fire chief. Ready to make a difference in your community? Find volunteer fire service opportunities at MakeMeAFirefighter.org. 🚒
🔥 Applications are now open for the October Ricochet PPE Award Program! Eligible volunteer fire departments can apply for the chance to receive Ricochet Wildland + Technical Rescue Dual-Cert Gear, designed to provide lightweight, versatile protection across multiple types of response. The gear is NFPA 1977 and 1951 compliant and features a lightweight, single-layer design without a moisture barrier. 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 ✔️ Respond annually to wildfires, including grassfires and brushfires ✔️ Provide emergency medical and/or rescue services ✔️ Meet all program eligibility requirements Application period closes October 30 at noon ET. 👉 Learn more and apply: www.nvfc.org/ricochet
🚑 NFPA 455 is here. What does it mean for your EMS agency? The 2026 edition of NFPA 455, Standard for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), consolidates NFPA 450 and 451 into one comprehensive standard, providing EMS leaders with a more consistent framework for planning, implementing, and evaluating their services. Wondering why the standards were combined and what’s changed? The NVFC EMS/Rescue Section has put together a one-page overview to help you understand the key updates. ➡️ Learn more about NFPA 455: https://buff.ly/j3y32h7 📄 View the NVFC one-pager: https://buff.ly/YyF9v7v
Firefighters in cancer remission are invited to help advance research on cancer-related fatigue. Researchers are seeking current and retired U.S. structural volunteer and career firefighters who have completed cancer treatment and are now in remission to participate in a brief, anonymous survey. The survey takes about 15 minutes and will help researchers better understand the persistent physical, mental, and emotional fatigue that can continue after cancer treatment. ➡️ Learn more and take the survey: https://buff.ly/KRn1HL2
On this #thankfulthursday we're grateful to NVFC Advocate Member Union Pacific Railroad for their commitment to safety. Their Hazardous Materials Management Team partners with responders, shares best practices, and provides no-cost training to help communities prepare for rail emergencies. 🔗 https://buff.ly/6zB31gc
Pipelines carry hazardous materials through thousands of U.S. communities. While pipeline incidents are low frequency, they pose a threat to the public and responders should one occur. Make sure your department is prepared with a free toolkit and training from the Fire Department Pipeline Response, Emergency Planning, and Preparedness (FD PREPP) initiative.🔗 https://buff.ly/UltM5be You can also prevent excavation pipeline incidents and keep neighbors safe by informing excavators to take FREE excavator training available here: https://buff.ly/2hV27P5
Looking for training opportunities in 2027? Applications are now open for National Fire Academy (NFA) on-campus courses taking place January through March. NFA courses have no tuition fees, and instruction and course materials are provided at no cost. Airfare or mileage for eligible students attending on-campus courses is also reimbursed. 📚 View available courses and apply by October 15: https://buff.ly/3X0LseV
🚗 Help prevent distracted driving before tragedy happens. Join the NVFC on October 7 for a free Train-the-Trainer webinar with Joel Feldman, founder of EndDD.org. Learn how to effectively educate teens about the dangers of distracted driving and bring this important prevention message to your community. This training will give fire and emergency service personnel practical tools to incorporate distracted driving education into their department’s community risk reduction efforts. 📅 October 7 ⏰ 2pm ET 💻 Free webinar Register today: https://buff.ly/IXkkWFk
On May 15, 2026, two volunteer firefighters lost their lives following an explosion of an oxygen-limiting silo at a lumber mill. What can the fire service learn from this tragedy to help prevent future fatalities and serious injuries? Join the NVFC on October 13 for a webinar examining the incident and the critical considerations for responding to silo fires. Wesley R. Attwood of the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program will discuss the incident, contributing factors, and recommended prevention actions. Eric Rickenbach and Travis Martin of RescueTechs, LLC will then cover initial strategy and tactics for silo fire response. 📅 October 13 ⏰ 2pm ET 💻 Register: https://buff.ly/pQevY6C
🔥 Fire Prevention Week starts October 4! Is your department ready? This year’s theme focuses on an increasingly important fire safety issue: safely charging lithium-ion batteries to help prevent fires. Use Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10, to educate your community and share simple steps they can take to stay safe. Find tools and resources to support your Fire Prevention Week outreach here: https://buff.ly/AEOXjz6 Explore additional lithium-ion battery safety resources here: https://buff.ly/gNpB6qB Watch the recording of the NVFC’s Fire Prevention Week Roundtable Talk: https://buff.ly/VW9og6y #FirePreventionWeek #FireSafety #LithiumIonBatterySafety
Picture this: a place outside of home, work and school where you can find real human connection, without needing to buy a $7 latte just to sit down. From training to truck banter to long nights at the firehouse, join a community while making a difference as a volunteer firefighter. Head to MakeMeAFirefighter.org to get started. #MakeMeAFirefighter
🚒 Congratulations to the latest recipients of MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway! Durbin Creek Fire and Rescue in South Carolina and Camas Valley Rural Volunteer Fire District in Oregon will each receive four sets of Globe® turnout gear and four MSA Cairns® helmets to help keep their volunteer firefighters protected and ready to respond. Through MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway, MSA Fire, Nomex® and Kevlar® for Personal Protection, and the NVFC are helping volunteer departments get the critical gear they need to serve their communities safely. Since the program began in 2012, more than $2 million worth of gear has been donated to volunteer fire departments across the country. Learn more about the latest recipients: https://buff.ly/NnezJSi
🎉 50 years of supporting the volunteer fire and emergency services! Premiered at the 2026 NVFC Fall Board Conference, our 50th anniversary video looks back at five decades of milestones, memories, and impact. Since 1976, the NVFC has served as a national voice for the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services while providing the advocacy, training, resources, and programs that help responders and departments thrive. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey, and excited for what’s ahead. 🎥 Take a trip down memory lane and celebrate 50 years of the NVFC with us!