Eligible volunteer fire departments can apply for four sets of Globe® turnout gear and four MSA Cairns® helmets to increase firefighter safety. A total of 52 sets of gear and helmets will be awarded in 2026. Apply by June 1.
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Join us for the 2026 NVFC Training Summit, June 26-27, in Arlington, VA. Apply for Travel Stipends by March 1.
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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 MSA Fire, Nomex® and Kevlar® for Personal Protection, and the NVFC work together annually to help departments replace outdated or worn gear with new protective equipment.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
The NVFC is pleased to welcome Alpine Software as an Advocate Member. For more than 30 years, Alpine Software has supported fire departments with technology built specifically for the fire service. Their flagship platform, RedAlert, is a fire-first records management system that integrates scheduling, inspections, dispatch, permitting, and compliance into one configurable, NERIS-compliant solution. Learn more: https://buff.ly/ErKyvjU
Fire chiefs are constantly looking for ways to do more with limited resources. Cooperative buying can help departments reduce costs, simplify purchasing, and improve efficiency. This article outlines practical steps to help departments evaluate cooperative buying programs, navigate approvals, and successfully implement purchasing processes that better support operations. Learn how to get started:
Our Director of Education, Dave Bryson, attended the NVFC’s Building a Healthy and High-Performing Fire Department course, taught by Dave Lewis, in Woodstock, VA. More than 20 students participated in the two-hour course, learning practical strategies to strengthen department culture, promote a healthier workplace, and support the overall health and wellbeing of their members and operations. Thank you to everyone who attended and is working to build stronger, healthier fire departments. Want to host a training at your department? Find more info here: https://buff.ly/vDaWttR
Firefighters are needed for a research study examining chemotherapy-related nerve side effects. U.S. firefighters who received oxaliplatin or similar treatments are encouraged to participate by completing a brief pre-screener and survey to help advance firefighter cancer research. Learn more: https://buff.ly/uS94cMr
Fireground performance starts before the call. Train to lift. Climb. Carry. Pull. Functional fitness builds strength that protects your heart and prevents injuries. Get free tools and training from the NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program. healthy-firefighter.org
As home buying season gets underway, we’d like to thank Homes for Heroes for their commitment to giving back to those who serve. Their program helps firefighters, law enforcement, military members, health care professionals, and teachers save when buying, selling, or refinancing a home, helping make homeownership more accessible for our nation’s heroes. Thank you, Homes for Heroes, for your continued support. 💙 #ThankfulThursday Learn more here: https://buff.ly/dhHa5SV
💪 Fit to Serve. Fit for Life. The 2026 Safety Stand Down theme has been announced: “Firefighter FITNESS: Fit to Serve, Fit for Life.” Taking place June 14-20, this year’s campaign highlights the importance of fitness in helping firefighters and emergency personnel stay healthy, reduce injury risk, and remain ready for the demands of the job. Safety Stand Down is held annually to help reduce preventable injuries and line-of-duty deaths by encouraging departments to pause non-emergency activities and focus on safety and wellness. Learn more: https://buff.ly/NwUdVOu
GRANT OPPORTUNITY: Volunteer search and rescue teams play a critical role in keeping communities safe, often with limited resources. The Ford Bronco “Answer the Call” Grant is offering support to help strengthen response capabilities and close critical equipment gaps. Through this initiative, three upfitted Ford Bronco SUVs will be awarded to eligible SAR organizations across the U.S. 📅 Applications are due February 28. Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/bhjzQMu This grant is provided by: Ford Motor Company, in collaboration with the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR).
🚨 Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026 NVFC Training Summit! 🚨 Join us June 26–27 in Arlington, VA for two days of education, inspiration, and connection at the 2026 NVFC Training Summit. This signature event brings together volunteer firefighters and EMS providers from across the country to learn, share ideas, and strengthen the future of the fire and emergency services. Three focused learning tracks: 🔥 Recruitment & Retention 🛡 Health, Safety & Training 🎓 Leadership Attendees can choose from engaging breakout sessions, hear from nationally known instructors and keynote speakers, take part in general sessions, and build connections during networking events and the vendor expo. 💰 Travel Stipends Available! 🔗 nvfc.org/summit
Nutella is partnering with the NVFC for the third year to support volunteer fire departments through Stacks for Giving Back. ✅ $25,000 in grants – five departments, $5,000 each ✅ Pancake Breakfast Kits for select firehouses to support fundraising efforts Applications and nominations are open February 18 – April 30. 👉 www.nvfc.org/nutellastacksforgivingback
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 guest 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/eGUwUKN
REMINDER: Support your department’s health and safety efforts with a FREE Poster and Sticker Packet from the NVFC! These resources are designed to educate and motivate responders on best practices that protect their health, including cancer risk reduction, properly fitting PPE, annual physicals, and heart health. They’re an easy way to keep important safety messages visible and top of mind in your station. ⚠️ Limited quantities available Request your packet today before supplies run out:https://buff.ly/za07TJN
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
Can you identify your current stressors? Do you know what types of stressors exist? Do you know the types of stressors to which you are susceptible? This course helps you key in on the types of stressors most prominent for firefighters and how to successfully manage stress as it arises. For a limited time, this course is free to all in the NVFC Virtual Classroom: https://buff.ly/Yl3sRLx
The NVFC is pleased to welcome Vector Solutions as an Advocate Member. Vector Solutions is the leading unified agency readiness platform helping fire and EMS agencies save time, streamline operations, improve performance, and achieve measurable outcomes. Their solutions help agencies improve their readiness goals through training, live skill evaluations, policy management, shift scheduling, critical incident and exposure tracking, and much more. Learn more: https://buff.ly/ttgNkqu
Join Jimmy Davis, Mike Dugan, Clark Lamping, and moderator Tom Merrill for an in-depth discussion on how today’s buildings differ from legacy structures and what those differences mean for response planning, size-up, search, and extended operations. 📅 February 10 | ⏰ 2 pm ET Register here: https://bit.ly/4kgbvRE
Doing more with less is today’s fire service reality. With many departments relying on volunteers, we know the funding challenges are real. That’s why Snap-tite Hose launched their Grant Support Services program. For 55 years, Snap-tite Hose has built the premium, high-performance fire hose you trust. Now, they're going beyond equipment, helping departments secure the funding they need. Contact a grants specialist today: https://buff.ly/CFwGC5d
Samuel Barlow Jr. and Samuel Barlow Sr. serve their community as an engineer and assistant chief with the Hildale-Colorado City Fire Department, which covers Colorado City Fire District in AZ and Hildale City in UT. As a father-and-son duo, their service reflects a family tradition rooted in dedication, leadership, and a shared commitment to helping others. Interested in serving your community? Find volunteer fire service opportunities at https://buff.ly/Fi0YVDu.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: On Tuesday, the President signed a bill that funds most of the federal government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026. However, funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was only extended through February 13 due to recent controversy surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) actions in Minneapolis. This two-week funding extension will allow Congress time to formulate an agreement on ICE and DHS funding, but it also creates the potential for a lapse in DHS funding if an agreement is not reached in time. Unfortunately, this makes funding for key fire service programs, including the U.S. Fire Administration, SAFER Grants, AFG Grants, and the National Fire Academy, collateral damage in this debate. The NVFC will continue to monitor this situation and advocate for long-term funding for these important programs.
Firefighting is a rewarding and impactful profession, but protecting responders goes beyond the fireground. This excerpt from Training Volunteer Firefighters to Be Combat Ready, reprinted in Fire Engineering, takes a closer look at three critical issues facing today’s fire service: cancer exposure risks, bullying, and harassment. It offers practical tips and best practices to help reduce exposure, support firefighter health, and foster a culture where all personnel feel safe, respected, and engaged.
This #thankfulthursday, we’re proud to recognize NVFC Champion Member, The AES Corporation, for their commitment to safety and support of volunteer fire and EMS organizations across the country. As a Fortune 500 energy leader advancing solar, wind, battery storage, and green hydrogen, AES keeps safety at the center of everything they do. That focus aligns closely with the NVFC's mission to protect the health and safety of responders and the communities they serve. Thank you, AES, for your partnership and for standing with volunteers nationwide. Learn more at aes.com
As part of the NVFC’s 50th anniversary celebration, we’re continuing our spotlight on the state associations that play a vital role in supporting and strengthening the volunteer fire service. This week, we’re highlighting the Alabama Firefighter's Association and the important role they play in supporting volunteer firefighters and EMS providers across the state. Through advocacy, leadership, and connection, they help ensure Alabama’s volunteers have access to the training, resources, and support they need to serve their communities safely and effectively. Encouraging NVFC membership is one more way the Alabama Firefighter's Association invests in the people who answer the call every day. Join today for just $24 per year and stand with volunteers across Alabama and nationwide 👉 nvfc.org/join
Firefighters at Irondale Fire Protection District are sharpening their skills for one of the fastest-evolving challenges in today’s fire service. During the EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques training, presenter Jeff Romines walked responders through critical safety considerations, hazard recognition, and response tactics for incidents involving electric and alternative fuel vehicles. Thank you to Irondale Fire Protection District for hosting and to all who participated in this important hands-on learning opportunity. Want to host a training? Find more info here: https://buff.ly/8YwDdJR
As communities grow, volunteer fire departments are seeing more mid-rise and multi-dwelling structures with modern construction, complex layouts, and mixed occupancies. These changes impact fire behavior, access, air management, and firefighter safety. Join Jimmy Davis, Mike Dugan, Clark Lamping, and moderator Tom Merrill for an in-depth discussion on how today’s buildings differ from legacy structures and what those differences mean for response planning, size-up, search, and extended operations. Walk away with practical considerations your department can start applying now. Roundtable Talk: New Challenges, New Tactics: Responding to Contemporary Mid-Rise and Multi-Dwelling Buildings 📅 February 10 | ⏰ 2 pm ET Register here: https://buff.ly/UABA21R
The NVFC is joining the conversation at NHTSA's Saving Lives: Crash Notification, 911 & Emergency Response event. This important gathering brings together public safety, emergency response, and transportation leaders to focus on how crash notification and emergency communications can improve response times and save lives. The NVFC is proud to be part of the conversation and to help ensure the needs and perspectives of volunteer responders are represented.
Planning to join us for the 2026 NVFC Training Summit? You may be eligible to receive up to $800 to help cover your travel expenses. The NVFC is offering travel stipends to members to help offset the cost of attending this valuable event filled with classroom training, idea sharing, and best practices from responders across the country. 🗓 Stipend application deadline is March 1, 2026 We look forward to seeing you in Arlington! 🔗 https://buff.ly/CCmbene
Hazmat incidents were once some of the most dangerous calls responders faced, often resulting in serious injuries or loss of life. From those tragedies came an important shift in how we approach these events today through risk based response. Join us on February 5 at 2pm ET for the webinar, "Hazmat Incidents: Using Risk-Based Response to Increase Firefighter and Community Safety," presented by Rick Edinger. You will learn: • The history behind risk-based response • How to apply it to hazmat incidents • How these principles improve safety during other high-risk events 🗓 February 5 at 2pm ET 🔗 https://buff.ly/WH8Z2Ph
📚 Missed a recent live NVFC training? Catch the replay! All of our webinars and roundtable talks are now available to watch on demand in the NVFC Virtual Classroom — completely free. ▶️ Watch now at: virtualclassroom.nvfc.org
Host the Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) in your community! WFAP gives departments the tools to help residents better protect their homes from wildfires and strengthen community preparedness in the wildland-urban interface. Choose the training option that works best for your department: • In-person training with classroom instruction and an optional hands-on mock home assessment • Online training through the NVFC Virtual Classroom with a four-module course In-person requests are being scheduled for January–June 2026, so now is the time to submit your request! Request in-person training: https://buff.ly/HLRD6OU Access the online course: https://buff.ly/QrsMuLU