Apply by April 30 for a chance to be selected for a $5,000 grant to fund needed department resources, and nominate your fire department for the chance to win a Nutella Pancake Breakfast Kit for your next fundraiser.
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Join us for the 2026 NVFC Training Summit, June 26-27, in Arlington, VA.
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Join us on March 11 at 2pm ET for the webinar Smarter, Not Harder: Using AI to Support Volunteer Responder Recruitment & Retention.
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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.
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Exciting News! Nutella is partnering with the NVFC for the third year to support volunteer fire departments through Stacks for Giving Back, including $25,000 in fire department grants. This year, Pearl Milling Company is providing an additional $25,000 in department grants. ✅ $50,000 in grants – 10 departments, $5,000 each ✅ 350 Pancake Breakfast Kits for firehouse fundraisers Applications and nominations are open through April 30. 👉 https://buff.ly/WkZgzeg
Calling all NVFC members! You are invited to attend the Annual Membership Meeting, taking place virtually via Zoom. 📅 March 11 | 1:00–2:00 pm ET This meeting is open to all NVFC state, individual, and corporate members. Attendees will hear updates on the organization’s business and financial operations, and state member representatives will have the opportunity to vote on matters brought before the membership. We encourage all members to participate and stay engaged in the work shaping the future of the volunteer fire service. 🔗 Register today: https://buff.ly/17Jo1Fi
Join the NVFC on Tuesday, March 11, at 2pm ET for the webinar - Smarter, Not Harder: Using AI to Support Volunteer Responder Recruitment & Retention, presented by Daniel Chapek. This session will focus on simple, easy-to-adopt AI tools that departments can use right away to support recruitment, retention, and member engagement. Designed for all experience levels, the webinar will clarify what AI is and what it is not, and provide practical ideas that can be applied immediately, regardless of department size or budget. Register now: https://buff.ly/ZGSyNFt
Many volunteer fire departments face challenges replacing aging gear due to limited budgets. Through MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway, MSA Fire and the NVFC work together to help address this need. Since 2012, the program has provided more than $2 million in turnout gear and helmets to volunteer departments across the U.S. and Canada. 🔥 Applications for the 2026 program are now open. Apply by June 1 at www.nvfc.org/gear.
Due to the ongoing debate in Congress over the funding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been shutdown since February 14. This shutdown has delayed the application period for the Assistance for Firefighters Grants (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants. It has also closed the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Academy. Please use the link below to tell Congress to immediately come to an agreement on DHS funding or restore funding to these key fire service programs. Take action now: https://buff.ly/SUsknRL
📣 Firefighters Needed: Help Advance Sleep & Health Research Exhaustion affects every part of the job—from the fireground to home life. Join a FEMA-funded national study examining how sleep and behavioral health impact firefighters’ safety, performance, and long-term well-being. Participation details: • Anonymous online survey • 30–45 minutes • Open to career and volunteer firefighters • Volunteer firefighters may invite a spouse or partner to participate separately Why this matters: Firefighter experiences don’t always make it into policy or practice. This study helps change that—turning lived experience into evidence that can improve tools, resources, and support for firefighters and their families. IF WE WANT BETTER OUTCOMES, WE NEED BETTER DATA. YOUR VOICE MATTERS. 🔗 Survey link: https://buff.ly/JhMwhfv Questions? Contact Brittany Hollerbach at hollerbach@ndri-usa.org.
Cancer is a serious threat facing today’s fire service, but there are easy and low-cost ways you can lower your risks. This course explains how to incorporate the life-saving practices from the Lavender Ribbon Report into your daily routines to reduce your exposure risks and protect yourself and your fellow firefighters from occupational cancer. Take this course for FREE for a limited time in the NVFC Virtual Classroom: https://buff.ly/XHreFUI
Last chance! The deadline to apply for the 2026 Anheuser-Busch Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters Program is March 6. Eligible fire departments can apply for the chance to receive one pallet (2,300+ cans) of emergency drinking water to keep their responders hydrated during wildfires and other emergencies. A total of 1.5 million cans will be donated! www.nvfc.org/water
Social media can be one of your department’s most powerful tools for recruiting and retaining volunteers. But are you using it to its full potential? Join us on March 19 at 2pm ET for a roundtable discussion on Strengthening Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Through Effective Social Media. Whether you manage your department’s social media or just want new ideas to support recruitment and retention, this session will give you tools you can start using right away. Register here: https://buff.ly/MKrbGYE
This #thankfulthursday, we’re sending all of our thanks to NVFC partner Anheuser-Busch. Anheuser-Busch has a longstanding commitment to providing support for disaster relief and preparedness efforts in communities across the country. Since 2019, they have partnered with us to provide canned drinking water to volunteer fire departments. Learn more about Anheuser Busch: https://buff.ly/yvt9D2f Learn more about the Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters program (applications are now being accepted for 2026!): www.nvfc.org/water
Volunteer firefighters gathered in Tiffin, OH for two NVFC in-person trainings: Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services and Incident Safety Officer Training, led by instructor Dave Lewis. These courses give responders practical skills to strengthen leadership, enhance on-scene safety, and support effective operations within their departments. Thank you to the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department for hosting and to all who participated in the training! 📍 Interested in bringing this training to your department or attending one near you? Find upcoming courses or request a training at your department: https://buff.ly/ScUlbqd
NVFC members are invited to attend the Annual Membership Meeting, taking place virtually via Zoom. 📅 March 11 | 1:00–2:00 pm ET This meeting is open to all NVFC state, individual, and corporate members. Attendees will hear updates on the organization’s business and financial operations, and state member representatives will have the opportunity to vote on matters brought before the membership. We encourage all members to participate and stay engaged in the work shaping the future of the volunteer fire service. 🔗 Register today: https://buff.ly/17Jo1Fi
Volunteer firefighters remain the backbone of emergency response across the U.S., but departments have seen a significant decline in volunteers over the past two decades. In the latest episode of The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Podcast, host Jesse Roman is joined by NVFC’s Joe Maruca and Ken Willette of the North American Fire Training Directors to discuss the ongoing volunteer crisis, why volunteers leave the fire service, how training impacts recruitment and retention, and how departments are adapting. Listen to the conversation here: https://buff.ly/o5kqydw
Does your volunteer fire department respond to wildfires? Anheuser-Busch is once again donating 1.5 million cans of emergency drinking water to help keep firefighters hydrated during wildfires and other emergencies. Apply by March 6 for your chance to receive a pallet (2,300+ cans) of clean, safe drinking water at www.nvfc.org/water.
Webinar: NIOSH Report Review – Improving Volunteer Firefighter Safety in Privately Owned Vehicles 📅 March 17 | 2pm ET 🎤 Presenter: Rick Lago On July 15, 2025, a volunteer firefighter was killed and another injured while responding in a privately owned vehicle. The incident was investigated by NIOSH through the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program so the fire service can learn from what happened and prevent future tragedies. Join investigator Rick Lago as he reviews the incident details, contributing factors, and key recommendations to help departments strengthen POV response safety. Register here: https://buff.ly/IaQcHnV
Join the NVFC on March 11 at 2pm ET for the webinar - Smarter, Not Harder: Using AI to Support Volunteer Responder Recruitment & Retention, presented by Daniel Chapek. This session will focus on simple, easy-to-adopt AI tools that departments can use right away to support recruitment, retention, and member engagement. Designed for all experience levels, the webinar will clarify what AI is and what it is not, and provide practical ideas that can be applied immediately, regardless of department size or budget. Register now: https://buff.ly/ZGSyNFt
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is awarding $5,000 to 15 students pursuing careers as first responders. The application period for the scholarship program closes at 3pm CT April 15 or when 500 applications are received!! The scholarships are for high school seniors or graduates, or current college undergraduates, who plan to enroll in a firefighter, EMS, or law enforcement program for the upcoming academic year. View criteria and apply here: https://buff.ly/3GAMp1f
Strong legs power the fireground. Stairs. Ladders. Lifts. Carries. Train your lower body to improve performance and protect your heart. Free resources from the NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program. healthy-firefighter.org
The application period for the Anheuser-Busch Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters Program is now open! Eligible fire departments can apply for the chance to receive one pallet (2,300+ cans) of emergency drinking water to help keep their responders hydrated during wildfires and other emergencies. Learn more and apply by March 6: www.nvfc.org/water
🚨 Strengthen your department’s hazmat training from the inside out. NVFC Hazmat Train-the-Trainer courses are designed to help instructors and training officers build safer, more effective training programs. Swipe to see available in-person courses and learn more at www.nvfc.org/hazmat
FDIC International brings together fire and rescue professionals from around the world for hands-on training, world-class education, and the latest innovations on the market all in one place. From cutting-edge, tactical firefighting to conversations that spark new ideas and lifelong connections, FDIC International is more than an event; it's an experience you won't want to miss. Join thousands of industry professionals at North America's premier fire and rescue training event. Register by March 6 to secure exclusive early bird rates. 👉 Register for #FDIC2026 today: https://buff.ly/UboauNd
Free for a Limited Time: Grant Writing for the Fire and Emergency Services Many volunteer and combination departments rely on grants to fund needed resources, equipment, and training. The NVFC course Grant Writing for the Fire and Emergency Services educates personnel on how to write a successful grant narrative as well as the variety of funding opportunities available. This course is free for a limited time in the NVFC Virtual Classroom: https://buff.ly/bh5Gsod
Training plays a critical role in preparing volunteer firefighters for emergency response, but how does it impact recruitment and retention? Join the Fire Protection Research Foundation on March 3 from 12:30–2pm ET for a webinar exploring the findings of a recent study on the role training requirements play in attracting and keeping volunteers. Register here: https://buff.ly/nz1pyPv
REMINDER: The application period for the 2026 Waldorf University NVFC Scholarship is now open! This scholarship covers up to 60 credit hours toward one online degree program at Waldorf University. To be eligible, applicants must have an application for admission on file (it’s free for NVFC members to apply) or be a current online student. Learn more about the scholarship and explore other opportunities available to NVFC members, including online tuition discounts, a first course free, and an on-campus scholarship: https://buff.ly/9opFKzA
We’re lucky to have corporate members such as MSA Fire that share similar missions of keeping responders healthy and safe. This #thankfulthursday, we reflect upon the 15 years we’ve partnered with MSA to award turnout gear to departments in need through MSA's Globe Gear Giveaway. The 2026 application period is now live – learn more and apply at https://buff.ly/pbVOENU Learn more about MSA Safety at https://buff.ly/44ri95c
Firefighters face serious risks every time they respond to incidents on roadways. Unpredictable traffic, limited visibility, and evolving scene conditions make these calls especially dangerous. A proactive, multilayered approach to roadway safety can make all the difference. In this article for Fire Engineering, Todd Leis explores how strong standard operating procedures, comprehensive training, and effective leadership work together to better protect responders and the civilians they serve. Read the article to learn key strategies departments can implement to improve roadway incident safety:
Artificial intelligence is becoming a practical tool for volunteer fire and EMS departments, and it does not have to be complicated or expensive. Join the NVFC on March 11 at 2pm ET for the webinar - Smarter, Not Harder: Using AI to Support Volunteer Responder Recruitment & Retention, presented by Daniel Chapek. This session will focus on simple, easy-to-adopt AI tools that departments can use right away to support recruitment, retention, and member engagement. You will learn how AI can help with: • Creating recruitment and outreach materials • Reaching more diverse audiences • Organizing and analyzing data • Supporting grant writing • Assisting with training and onboarding Designed for all experience levels, the webinar will clarify what AI is and what it is not, and provide practical ideas that can be applied immediately, regardless of department size or budget. Register now: https://buff.ly/MzJqmdV
Upper body strength shows up on every call. Hose. Ladders. Rescues. Train the muscles you rely on most and protect your long-term health. Free tools from the NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program. healthy-firefighter.org
NVFC members are invited to attend the Annual Membership Meeting, taking place virtually via Zoom. 📅 March 11 | 1:00–2:00 pm ET This meeting is open to all NVFC state, individual, and corporate members. Attendees will hear updates on the organization’s business and financial operations, and state member representatives will have the opportunity to vote on matters brought before the membership. We encourage all members to participate and stay engaged in the work shaping the future of the volunteer fire service. 🔗 Register today: https://buff.ly/U9SEykO
Join the NVFC for the next R&R Coffee Talk on Thursday, February 26, at 7pm ET as Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny, joined by guests Doug Cline and Dave Lewis, lead an interactive discussion on mentoring in the fire service. This 30-minute session includes time for audience Q&A. Register here: https://buff.ly/bsEcV4l
🔥 The application period is now open for MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway! Now in its 15th year, this giveaway continues to help volunteer fire departments access the protective equipment they need to enhance responder safety and effectiveness. MSA Fire, Nomex® and Kevlar® for Personal Protection, and the NVFC work together annually to help departments replace outdated or worn gear with new protective equipment. In 2026, 13 departments in the U.S. and Canada will each receive four sets of Globe® turnout gear and MSA Cairns® helmets. Learn more and apply by June 1 at www.nvfc.org/gear.
As part of the NVFC’s 50th anniversary celebration, we’re continuing our State Association Spotlight series. This week, we’re highlighting the Colorado State Fire Fighters Association and the unique way they support firefighters across the Rocky Mountain State. Working in tandem with the Colorado State Fire Fighters Foundation, they provide a powerful combination of training, education, and financial assistance to ensure every firefighter has access to the resources they need. Their long-standing Fire College, entering its 108th year in 2026, is a cornerstone of education for Colorado’s fire and emergency service personnel and a testament to their deep commitment to preparing firefighters for the diverse challenges found across the state. Encouraging NVFC membership is another way the Colorado State Fire Fighters Association invests in the people who serve their communities every day. Join today for just $24/year and stand with volunteers across Colorado and nationwide 👉 nvfc.org/join
Let your community know you need more volunteers by creating eye-catching recruitment materials for FREE in the NVFC’s Make Me A Firefighter department portal. https://bit.ly/464RVj9
COMING SOON! The Anheuser-Busch Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters Program application period will be open from March 2-6. This is your chance to apply for a pallet of canned drinking water to help keep your volunteer fire department hydrated during wildfires and other emergencies. Learn more: www.nvfc.org/water
Need help covering travel costs to attend the 2026 NVFC Training Summit? NVFC members can apply for travel stipends of up to $800 to help offset expenses for attending the Summit in Arlington, VA on June 26–27. Join emergency responders from across the country for valuable training, networking, and idea sharing. 📅Apply by March 1: https://buff.ly/Lgxyj6N
Discover auto, home, and renters insurance designed for Firefighters. Learn more: https://www.calcas.com/firefighters
📚 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
Jonathan Blankenship has dedicated more than three decades to the fire service, beginning as a junior firefighter in 1993 and rising through the ranks to serve as fire chief of Houston (MS) Fire Rescue. Now living out his longtime dream of being a firefighter, Jonathan remains deeply committed to his community. Read his full volunteer spotlight here: https://buff.ly/9pPQNKL
We’re thankful for NVFC Advocate Member Vector Solutions for supporting volunteer fire departments with training solutions built for their unique needs. Volunteer departments face growing challenges balancing training requirements with limited time, staffing, and budgets. Vector Solutions has introduced TargetSolutions Volunteer Edition, a streamlined training and learning management platform designed specifically for volunteer agencies with 30 personnel or fewer. Tools like this help strengthen readiness while respecting the realities of volunteer service. Learn more: https://buff.ly/f17qtz8
Strong mentorship can make a lasting impact on recruitment, retention, and leadership development in the fire and emergency services. Join the NVFC for the next R&R Coffee Talk on February 26 at 7pm ET as Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel Cerny, joined by guests Doug Cline and Dave Lewis, lead an interactive discussion on mentoring in the fire service. This 30-minute session includes time for audience Q&A. Register here: https://buff.ly/bsEcV4l
Is your department built to perform at its best? The NVFC’s Building a Healthy and High-Performing Fire Department in-person course is designed specifically for fire and EMS leaders who want to strengthen their departments from the inside out. This 2-hour, classroom-based training provides practical strategies you can implement right away to support member well-being, improve communication, and build a stronger, more resilient department culture. Bring this training directly to your department. Request the Building a Healthy and High-Performing Fire Department course here: https://buff.ly/wKQKIXp
The fireground does not wait for you to catch your breath. Strong cardiovascular fitness keeps you sharp, steady, and ready under stress. Train your endurance. Protect your heart. Start with free tools from the NVFC. healthy-firefighter.org
🚒 Coming soon! The application period for MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway will open on February 24. Each year, MSA Fire, Nomex® and Kevlar® for Personal Protection, and the NVFC partner to help volunteer fire departments replace outdated or worn gear with new protective equipment. In 2026, 13 departments in the U.S. and Canada will each receive four sets of Globe® turnout gear and MSA Cairns® helmets. Learn more and get ready at www.nvfc.org/gear.
Today is #NationalBatteryDay, and it’s a good reminder that many of the devices we rely on every day are powered by lithium-ion batteries. When used and handled properly, they are safe and reliable. When damaged, improperly charged, or disposed of incorrectly, they can pose a serious fire risk. The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) is sharing important resources to help individuals and communities understand battery fire risks and how to Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of battery safety. Learn more below and help spread awareness.
As part of the NVFC’s 50th anniversary celebration, we’re shining a spotlight on the state associations that play a vital role in supporting and strengthening the volunteer fire service. This week, we’re highlighting the Alaska State Firefighters Association and the incredible work they do to advocate for volunteer firefighters and EMS providers while encouraging connection and engagement. Their leadership helps ensure Alaska’s volunteers have access to the resources, training, and support they need to serve safely and confidently. Being part of the NVFC is another way the Alaska State Firefighters Association helps invest in the people who serve their communities every day. Join today for just $24/year and stand with volunteers across Alaska and nationwide 👉 nvfc.org/join
Departments across the country are taking proactive steps to reduce wildland fire risk and improve community safety. Earlier this month, North Lakes Fire & Rescue hosted the Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) in Stockholm, ME, where attendees learned practical strategies to identify hazards and strengthen preparedness efforts. Thank you to instructors Josh Nigro and Art Howe for leading the training and to everyone who participated. Interested in bringing WFAP to your department or region? Hosting a training is a great way to help your community better prepare for wildland fire threats. Learn more about WFAP: https://buff.ly/6oVh0Dr Request a training here: https://buff.ly/wKQKIXp
Free for a Limited Time: Grant Writing for the Fire and Emergency Services Many volunteer and combination departments rely on grants to fund needed resources, equipment, and training. The NVFC course Grant Writing for the Fire and Emergency Services educates personnel on how to write a successful grant narrative as well as the variety of funding opportunities available. This course is free for a limited time in the NVFC Virtual Classroom: https://buff.ly/bh5Gsod
Proper training is foundational to firefighter safety, competency, and operational success. This excerpt from Training Volunteer Firefighters to Be Combat Ready, reprinted in Fire Engineering, explores how consistent training helps reduce risk, improve decision-making, and strengthen overall readiness.
U.S. Needs Assessment Survey Now Open Through March 15 There’s still time to make your department’s voice heard. The deadline to complete the NFPA’s U.S. Fire Service Needs Assessment Survey has been extended to March 15. This important survey gathers information on staffing, resources, and operational capabilities across the fire service. The results help fire service leaders and advocates demonstrate where gaps exist and support the case for critical funding and resources at the local, state, and national levels. If you haven’t completed the survey yet, please take a few moments to participate and ensure volunteer departments are represented. 👉 Complete the survey online here: https://buff.ly/VhUm7GV ❓ Have questions? Review the Q&A here: https://buff.ly/XG1INcp
The marketing and web site division of First Arriving has rebranded as Responder MAX. A Supporter Member of the NVFC, Responder MAX delivers the same services, support, and results organizations have relied on for years. Services include recruitment and retention marketing, web site development, video production, association management, and more for volunteer fire, rescue, and EMS departments, along with associations and nonprofits that support public safety. Learn more: https://buff.ly/fxUKLWp