Apply for a Columbia Southern University (CSU) Scholarship
Two NVFC members will receive a scholarship towards any of CSU's online degree programs. Applications due August 17.
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Join us on July 14 at 2pm ET for the Webinar - Driving Change: K-12 Distracted Driving Prevention Programs for Your Community
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Heart-Healthy Firefighter Resources
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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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 TimelineVolunteer Fire Departments in Maine and Virginia Awarded New Sets of Protective Gear
Jul 14, 2026:
The first round of awards has been made in MSA’s 2026 Globe Gear Giveaway. Each year, MSA Safety partners with Nomex® and Kevlar® for Personal Protection and the National Volunteer Fire Council...
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Ricochet and NVFC to Award EMS, Wildland, and Technical Rescue PPE to Volunteer Fire Departments
Jul 14, 2026:
Ricochet is partnering with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to donate high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) to volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue departments across the U.S. through...
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Volunteer Fire Departments Receive Donation through DripDrop Hydration Giveaway Campaign
Jul 14, 2026:
DripDrop Hydration PBC and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) annually partner to support volunteer fire departments through the DripDrop Hydration Giveaway Campaign. This year, 1,332...
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Changing Face of Volunteerism of the Fire Service
Jul 14, 2026:
Volunteerism in the fire service today doesn’t look like it did even five years ago. Cultural, demographic, sociological, and technological changes influence how people volunteer and what they...
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Further Your Education with a Scholarship to CSU
Jul 14, 2026:
If you are looking to further your education but concerned about the cost, then we have an opportunity for you! The NVFC and CSU have partnered for the 18th year to provide two NVFC members with a...
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NVFC R&R Coffee Talk: AI in Recruitment and Retention
Jul 14, 2026:
Wondering how your emergency service department can harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to attract and keep members? Then this event is for you! Join Dr. Candice McDonald and Chief Joel...
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What a successful weekend at the first-ever NVFC Hands-On: Regional Training Series! 🚒 Firefighters gathered at the Wayne County Regional Training Facility in Apple Creek, OH, for two days of learning, leadership, and collaboration. Attendees participated in sessions on: 🔥 Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services 🔥 Planning and Implementing a Training Program 🔥 Surviving the Job – Cancer in the Fire Service 🔥 Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success A huge thank you to instructors Dave Lewis and Tom Miller for sharing their expertise, the Ohio State Firefighters' Association and the Wayne County Regional Training Facility for helping make this event possible, and ESIP - Emergency Services Insurance Program for sponsoring lunch and supporting this inaugural training opportunity. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the launch of this new regional training series a success! We look forward to bringing more hands-on learning opportunities to firefighters across the country. 📸 Check out a few highlights from the weekend!
First responders are there in our most critical moments — saving lives, providing care, and protecting our communities. While they’re on a mission to help others, your mission is to help keep them safe. #SlowDownMoveOver
We train for emergencies every day, but preventing them starts long before the sirens. Join the NVFC for this free webinar to learn how your fire or EMS department can bring proven K-12 distracted driving prevention programs to your community. Discover ready-to-use resources for students of all ages, including classroom lessons, presentations, train-the-trainer materials, and a children's book with activity guides available through the NVFC and the Casey Feldman Foundation. These programs have been evaluated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and shown to help change attitudes and behaviors surrounding distracted driving. 📅 July 14 at 2 pm ET 👉 Register https://buff.ly/4sAPt9J
What started as an opportunity to help with clerical duties turned into a passion for serving her community. Since joining the Tivoli (NY) Fire Department in 2018, Robin Bruno has stepped into several leadership roles, including director, corresponding secretary, and 1st lieutenant of the Fire Police Squad. She says the most rewarding part of volunteering is being there for people when they need help the most. Read Robin's full NVFC Member Spotlight here: https://buff.ly/2vaePG5
🚒 Are you getting everything the NVFC has to offer? If you're not an NVFC member, you're missing out on exclusive benefits designed to help you succeed in the volunteer fire and emergency services. As an NVFC member, you'll receive: ✔️ FREE access to all Virtual Classroom courses ✔️ The Volunteer Voices member forum ✔️ An AD&D insurance policy ✔️ Eligibility for stipends, scholarships, grants, and giveaways ✔️ Access to the First Responder Helpline …and much more. For just $24 a year, membership pays for itself many times over. 👉 Join today https://buff.ly/r3MU7dF
Wondering how your emergency service department can harness the power of AI to attract and keep members? Then this event is for you! Join Dr. Candice McDonald, Chief Joel Cerny, and guest Quentin Cash for an interactive discussion on AI in emergency service recruitment and retention. This R&R Coffee Talk will run 30 minutes and include time for audience Q&A. Register: https://buff.ly/maaf54B
💰 Could your department use more funding and stronger community support? In a new Fire Engineering article, NVFC board member and retired Fire Chief Joe Maruca shares three practical strategies that helped his volunteer fire department secure increased funding while building stronger relationships with elected officials and the community. 🔗 https://buff.ly/9tlgLzw
Today we're giving a shoutout to NVFC Advocate Member Snap-tite Hose for its commitment to supporting the fire service with reliable, durable fire hose built to perform when it matters most. Rugged and reliable, Snap-tite Hose products meet NFPA Standards and each is tested and certified to guarantee superior performance on the fireground. Thank you, Snap-tite Hose, for your continued support of the NVFC and the volunteer fire and emergency services community. Learn more: www.snaptitehose.com
Each year, firefighters are injured and killed while driving to or from an emergency scene. This course is designed to provide knowledge, guidance, and practical applications that can help decrease the risks of emergency response faced by fire departments and EMS agencies. Tactics discussed focus on road safety while driving company vehicles or personally owned vehicles. Take this course free for a limited time in the NVFC Virtual Classroom: https://buff.ly/wiJ3hHE
Check out these photos from a recent Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) training hosted by Rangeley Fire Rescue and the Maine Forest Service in Rangeley, ME. Through this free, in-person training from the NVFC and U.S. Forest Service, fire service volunteers learn how to conduct home safety assessments in the wildland-urban interface and provide residents with practical recommendations to better protect their property from wildfires. 👉 Find a training in your area or request one for your department: https://buff.ly/0Fuil1u
As part of the NVFC’s 50th anniversary celebration, we’re continuing our State Association Spotlight series. This week, we’re highlighting the State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association (SFFMA), Texas’ oldest and largest fire service association. Founded in 1876 and celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026, SFFMA has spent a century and a half supporting the fire and emergency services throughout Texas. Today, the association serves approximately 1,000 fire departments, more than 16,700 individual members, industrial facilities, fire marshal offices, EMS agencies, and other organizations dedicated to strengthening the fire service. One of SFFMA’s greatest strengths is the involvement of its members. More than 328 individuals serve on over 25 boards and committees, helping guide programs, initiatives, and services that benefit firefighters and emergency responders across the state. For 150 years, SFFMA has been a powerful advocate for the Texas fire service and continues to support firefighters through leadership, education, collaboration, and service. Join today for just $24/year and stand with volunteers across Texas and nationwide 👉 nvfc.org/join
When a pipeline emergency happens, the decisions made in the first few minutes matter. Is your department prepared? Join us on July 9 for a FREE discussion on strengthening pipeline emergency preparedness. Learn how to improve your department's response plans and procedures, access free training and resources, and help reduce the risk of incidents by promoting safe digging practices and the importance of contacting 811 before digging. 📅 July 9 🕑 2 pm ET Register now: https://buff.ly/T6ySFeV
Thinking about transitioning from a volunteer to a combination fire department? Adding paid staff can help meet growing service demands, but maintaining a strong volunteer workforce is essential to long-term success. In a recent Firehouse.com article, NVFC board member Joe Maruca shares practical strategies for making the transition while keeping volunteers engaged, valued, and committed. Learn how to communicate effectively, build trust, and create a department culture where career and volunteer members work together successfully.
Preventing emergencies starts before the sirens. This includes teaching kids about distracted driving. Join the FREE NVFC webinar on July 14 at 2 pm ET to learn how your fire or EMS department can bring proven distracted driving prevention programs into local schools. Discover ready-to-use resources for elementary, middle, and high school students, plus train-the-trainer materials that make it easy to educate youth in your community. Empower your department to prevent tragedies before they happen. 📅 July 14 🕑 2 pm ET Register now: https://buff.ly/4sAPt9J
Water drops are happening across the country as part of the Anheuser-Busch Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters program in partnership with the NVFC. We are excited to see departments like the Ellenville Fire District receive water to keep their firefighters hydrated during wildfires, long responses, and summer heat.
🚶♂️ Over 1,000 firefighters stepped up to the challenge! The 2026 NVFC Step Strong Challenge may be over, but the momentum continues. Throughout June, firefighters across the country committed to improving their health and fitness by getting more steps each day. A recent article in the Index-Journal highlights several firefighters and departments that participated in the challenge and shares the positive impact it had on their health, motivation, and teamwork. 👉 Read the article to see how they stepped up their fitness: https://buff.ly/25GRsbS
The transition to NERIS is complete, but the platform continues to evolve. Is your department keeping up? Join the FREE NVFC webinar, NERIS Live: What Volunteer Fire Chiefs Need to Know, on July 8 at 2 pm ET to hear the latest updates from the NERIS team. Learn about recent changes, lessons from departments already using the system, what's coming next, and practical tips to help your department make the most of NERIS. Bring your questions and get the answers you need to stay ahead. 📅 July 8 🕑 2 pm ET Register today: https://bit.ly/4vSmOUY
Did your department take part in the 2026 Safety Stand Down? If your fire or EMS department embraced this year's FITNESS: Fit to Serve, Fit for Life theme, we'd love to hear about it! Share how your department promoted firefighter health and wellness, inspired positive change, or made fitness a priority during Safety Stand Down. Your success story could be featured on the Safety Stand Down website and inspire departments across the country to take action. And remember, Safety Stand Down doesn't end when the week is over. Keep the momentum going by using the free resources, tools, and activity ideas throughout the year to build a healthier, stronger department. 👉 Submit your story: https://buff.ly/0iiGuur
Happy Fourth of July! As America celebrates 250 years of independence, we also celebrate a tradition that has helped strengthen communities for generations: volunteer service. Volunteer firefighting is deeply rooted in American history. For centuries, neighbors have stepped forward to protect their communities, answering the call not because they have to, but because they choose to serve. That spirit of service, sacrifice, and commitment continues today in volunteer fire and EMS departments across the country. To every volunteer responder spending the holiday on duty or ready to answer the next call, thank you. Your dedication embodies the very best of what it means to serve your community. From all of us at the NVFC, we wish you a safe and happy Independence Day as we celebrate 250 years of our nation's enduring spirit.
FEMA is investing more than $420 million to strengthen emergency management nationwide. Applications are now open for two federal funding opportunities: 🚨 Emergency Management Performance Grant – $337 million to help state, local, tribal, and territorial governments invest in training, planning, and equipment for emergency response personnel 👉 https://buff.ly/SNmzcWx 🏢 Emergency Operations Center Grant – $83 million to enhance state emergency operations centers that coordinate information, resources, and decision-making during emergencies 👉 https://buff.ly/l9Q3p5S Applications are due July 15.
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 20% Off $30 or More With Code NVFC26 🔗https://buff.ly/GegT9DP
As part of the NVFC’s 50th anniversary celebration, we’re continuing our State Association Spotlight series. This week, we’re highlighting the Montana State Volunteer Firefighters Association and its long-standing commitment to supporting volunteer firefighters across the Big Sky State. Representing hundreds of volunteer fire departments, the association has worked for decades to strengthen Montana’s fire service through advocacy, collaboration, and education. In 2000, the association helped establish Montana’s Fire Alliance, bringing fire service organizations together with one voice to advance legislation and support firefighters statewide. The association is especially proud of its recent legislative successes, including volunteer protections, tax deductions for volunteers, pension improvements, and increased funding to support wildland fire response. The Montana State Volunteer Firefighters Association continues to work closely with the NVFC to support training, advocacy, and resources that help firefighters serve their communities safely and effectively. Join today for just $24/year and stand with volunteers across Montana and nationwide 👉 nvfc.org/join
💰 Funding opportunity for rural EMS agencies! The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for Rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training Grants. Eligible EMS agencies can apply for up to $300,000 to recruit, train, and retain EMS personnel serving rural communities. 🗓️ Application deadline: July 16 Read the Notice of Funding Opportunity: https://buff.ly/sGFoOXH Access application resources here: https://buff.ly/g8cA0fj
The NVFC and the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) are united in our commitment to advancing firefighter health and safety through education, research, and collaboration. We're proud to have FSRI as an NVFC Champion member and appreciate their continued partnership in helping protect those who serve. Thank you for your support! 🚒 #ThankfulThursday
🚨 Would your department know what to do if a pipeline emergency happened today? Pipelines run through thousands of communities, yet many fire departments have limited opportunities to train for these high-risk incidents. Join the FREE NVFC Roundtable Talk on July 9 at 2 pm ET to learn practical strategies for improving your department's pipeline emergency preparedness. We'll cover response planning, policies and procedures, available training resources, and ways to help prevent incidents through 811 public awareness efforts. Register today: https://buff.ly/T6ySFeV
The 2026 edition of Firefighter Strong is here! Packed with practical resources, leadership insights, and strategies to help volunteer and combination fire departments recruit, retain, and support their members, this annual publication is a valuable resource for your entire department. 📬 Printed copies have been mailed to volunteer and combination fire departments across the U.S., so keep an eye on your department mailbox. Want to start reading now? The digital edition is available today on the NVFC website. 📖 Read it now: https://buff.ly/XNlIsJX
🚒 The transition to NERIS is complete. Now it's time to make the most of it. Join the NVFC for NERIS Live: What Volunteer Fire Chiefs Need to Know on July 8 at 2pm ET to get the latest updates directly from the NERIS team. You'll learn about: ✅ Recent platform updates and enhancements ✅ Lessons learned from departments already using NERIS ✅ Best practices to improve reporting and operations ✅ What's coming next for the system 💬 Live Q&A with the experts Register here 🔗 https://buff.ly/Cp0ByR8
🌍🚒 Strengthening emergency response through global collaboration. NVFC director from Rhode Island and past chair Kevin D. Quinn recently represented the NVFC at RESCUE 2026 in Calabria, Italy, an international training exercise that brought together more than 20 teams from 10 countries. Participants worked through realistic search and rescue scenarios, including structural collapse, difficult-terrain rescues, K9 operations, and vertical rescue, while sharing knowledge and strengthening interoperability across borders. 🔗 Read the article: https://buff.ly/FQqCf4f
🚒 Thank you to everyone who made the 2026 NVFC Training Summit a success! Over two incredible days in Arlington, VA, more than 200 firefighters, EMS providers, and fire service leaders from 44 states and Washington, DC came together to learn, connect, and strengthen the volunteer emergency services. From inspiring keynote presentations and 18 educational breakout sessions to valuable networking opportunities, attendees left with new ideas, practical strategies, and connections they can bring back to their departments. A special thank you to our instructors, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and the NVFC members who attended through our travel stipend program. Your participation helped make this year's Summit a memorable experience. 📸 Check out photos from the event and relive the highlights! And save the date! 📅 The 2027 NVFC Training Summit will take place June 25-26 in Albuquerque, NM. We hope to see you there! 🔗 www.nvfc.org/summit
For more than 45 years, Todd Shelley, captain at the Ickesburg (PA) Volunteer Fire Company, has dedicated himself to serving his community, mentoring the next generation, and helping strengthen the fire service. Inspired to volunteer after a family tragedy revealed the need for local emergency response, Todd has spent decades making a difference both on and off the fireground. 🔗 Read Todd's full NVFC Member Spotlight: https://buff.ly/ydt1j5X
Prevention starts long before the emergency call. Fire and EMS departments play a vital role in educating the next generation. Join the NVFC on July 14 at 2pm ET to discover ready-to-use K-12 distracted driving prevention programs you can bring to your schools and community. Learn about: 📚 Classroom resources for K-12 students 🎤 Presentations for middle and high schools 👨🏫 Train-the-trainer materials 📖 How to receive resources through the NVFC and the Casey Feldman Foundation These evidence-based programs have been shown to improve attitudes and behaviors around distracted driving, helping prevent tragedies before they happen. Register today and help make your community safer 👉 https://buff.ly/4sAPt9J
👏 Congratulations to all of the winners of the 2026 National 811 Student Safety Challenge Contest! Thank you for helping spread the important message to Contact 811 Before You Dig. Every Dig. Every Time. Safe digging starts with awareness.
⏰ Last chance! The entry period for the 2026 DripDrop and NVFC Hydration Giveback Campaign closes at noon ET on June 30. 💧 A minimum of 1,000 volunteer fire departments will receive free hydration support ✅ Exclusive benefit for volunteer fire departments that have at least one NVFC member Apply now: https://buff.ly/nHH62in
LAST CHANCE: Enter NOW until June 30 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
That’s a wrap on the 2026 NVFC Training Summit in Arlington, VA! 🎉 Over the past two days, volunteer responders from across the country came together to learn, connect, and share ideas that will strengthen their departments and communities. From leadership and recruitment to training, technology, and responder wellness, attendees left with practical tools they can put into action right away. As the NVFC celebrates 50 years of serving the volunteer fire and emergency services, it was especially meaningful to gather with so many dedicated responders committed to moving the fire service forward. 📸 Check out some highlights from Day 2!
Connections continued long after the sessions ended on Day 1 at the 2026 NVFC Training Summit! 🚒 The evening networking reception gave attendees the chance to meet volunteer responders from across the country, share ideas, and build relationships that strengthen the fire service. We also gathered our 2026 NVFC Training Summit stipend recipients for a group photo. As the NVFC celebrates 50 years of serving the volunteer fire and emergency services, we're proud to help make the Summit accessible to responders through these stipends. 📸 Check out a few highlights from the evening!
Day 1 of the 2026 NVFC Training Summit continued with an afternoon full of learning, networking, and fresh ideas. 🚒 Attendees explored topics including brush fire response, volunteer recruitment and retention, leadership, AI, and fire department outreach. 📸 Here are a few highlights from this afternoon's sessions!
Globe Boots are tough and dependable, just like the firefighters who wear them. Lighter, stronger-than-steel materials, super-gripping treads, all to help keep you fighting at peak levels. 👉 https://buff.ly/LuJcAdU
The 2026 NVFC Training Summit is officially underway! 🚒 We kicked off the day with an inspiring opening session and keynote from Stephen Marsar before attendees headed into breakout sessions covering fire department training programs, leadership development, and human resources in the volunteer fire service. It's been a great morning of learning, collaboration, and connecting with volunteer responders from across the country. We're excited for everything still to come! 📸 Take a look at a few highlights from this morning!
We’ve arrived in Arlington, VA, for the 2026 NVFC Training Summit! 🎉 This evening we kicked things off with one of our favorite traditions, the Ice Cream Social! 🍦 It’s a great opportunity for attendees to reconnect with old friends, meet fellow volunteer responders from across the country, and start the Summit on a fun note. We’re looking forward to two days of education, networking, and inspiration. Stay tuned for photos and updates throughout the Summit!
🚒 Is your department prepared for a pipeline emergency? Pipeline incidents can threaten responders, communities, and critical infrastructure. Join the NVFC on July 9 for a free Roundtable Talk to learn how your department can improve pipeline incident readiness, strengthen response policies and procedures, and access training and resources to better protect your community. You'll also learn how to support public awareness efforts, including promoting the importance of contacting 811 before digging to help prevent pipeline emergencies. 📅 July 9 🕑 2 pm ET Register here: https://buff.ly/T6ySFeV
Today is #thankfulthursday, and tomorrow is the first day of the 2026 NVFC Training Summit in Arlington, VA, so what better time to send our thanks to the sponsors who are making the Training Summit possible? Thank you for supporting our nation's volunteer and EMS services.
🚒 Firefighters face unique occupational risks, making preventive health care more important than ever. Learn why firefighter physicals matter, explore screening options available to departments, and discover how regular occupational health evaluations can help save lives in this free on-demand course. Take advantage of this limited-time opportunity and complete the course today in the NVFC Virtual Classroom. 🔗 https://buff.ly/5TDNT76
🎉 45,000 MEMBERS STRONG! 🎉 The NVFC is proud to celebrate a major milestone: 45,000 members nationwide! This achievement reflects the strength, dedication, and passion of volunteer firefighters, EMS providers, rescue personnel, and supporters who make up the NVFC community. Together, we are advancing training, advocacy, resources, and opportunities that help departments and responders thrive. Thank you to every member who has chosen to be part of the NVFC family. Here's to 45,000 members and counting! 🚒❤️ Not a member yet? Join us and be part of the nation's leading association representing the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services 🔗 www.nvfc.org/join
🚒 NFIRS may be gone, but the transition to NERIS is just getting started. Join the NVFC on July 8 at 2pm ET for a live webinar with Tom Jenkins and the NERIS team to learn what volunteer fire chiefs need to know now that departments are required to use the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS). Get updates on: ✅ Recent platform changes ✅ Lessons learned from departments already using NERIS ✅ Strategies to maximize the value of your data ✅ What’s coming next for the system 📅 July 8 | 2pm ET 👉 Register https://buff.ly/Cp0ByR8
🚒🎓 Invest in your future! Two NVFC members will receive scholarships covering up to 60 credit hours toward an online degree program through Columbia Southern University. Applications are open until August 17. Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/tmv5iNQ
☀️ Keep your summer on track — and protect those who protect us. Whether you're heading out for a road trip or just running errands, remember to slow down and move over when you pass an emergency scene.
Nothing beats hearing directly from the departments participating in our programs. 💧🚒 Toga Volunteer Fire Department shared this video about the Anheuser-Busch Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters program and why they're helping spread the word. Learn more: www.nvfc.org/water
Applications are now open for the 2026 DripDrop and NVFC Hydration Giveback Campaign. Selected volunteer fire departments will receive a donation of DripDrop electrolyte sticks to help keep responders hydrated during summer response and training activities. ✅ Exclusive benefit for volunteer fire departments that have at least one NVFC member 📅 Apply by June 30 at noon ET 🔗 https://buff.ly/nHH62in
Every responder has a story. Some include struggles that are difficult to talk about, but no one has to face them alone. The NVFC has released new 30- and 15-second videos featuring firefighters and EMS providers who share their experiences seeking help and finding a path forward. These powerful stories serve as a reminder that support is available and reaching out is a sign of strength. Watch the videos: https://buff.ly/zDctZgB Explore behavioral health resources for responders: www.nvfc.org/help