NVFC Live Online Trainings

The NVFC offers the following live, virtual training opportunities, all of which are presented on Zoom:

Below are upcoming events. This page is updated as more trainings are added. If you miss a live webinar or Roundtable Talk, you can watch the recording in the NVFC Virtual Classroom. R&R Coffee Talks and Volunteer Voices Live events are not recorded.

To register for a live or recorded event, you will need to login to the NVFC Virtual Classroom. Don’t have an account? Click here and select “Set up an account.” It’s free to set up an account and gives you access to all the training you take through the NVFC. View a tutorial here.

Webinar – Arson Awareness Week: A Community Approach to Preventing Arson in the Wildfire Environment
May 5 @1pm ET
Presenters: Deanna Zurey and Scott Plumer
Kick off Arson Awareness Week with this NVFC webinar designed to equip first responders with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent arson in wildfire-prone areas. This session will provide information and resources relevant to firefighters, company level officers, fire investigators, youth firesetting intervention and prevention specialists, and chief staff. Discover the importance of strong investigations and the need for specific wildland arson awareness training for firefighters. Explore the unique challenges of investigating wildfires compared to structural fires and the critical role of community efforts in identifying arsonists and their motives. Understand the importance of law enforcement cooperation, district attorney awareness, and the need for a feedback loop to keep the community informed. A case study will highlight the collaborative efforts of various departments and agencies along with community members, showcasing the power of a united community approach. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your arson prevention strategies and make a difference in your community!

Webinar – Strengthening EMS Teams: Effective Recruitment & Retention Strategies
May 15 @ 2pm ET
Presenters: Jonathan Dayton and Eric Quinney
Join the NVFC for this engaging and insightful webinar designed to help emergency medical service (EMS) agencies tackle one of their biggest challenges: recruiting and retaining dedicated volunteers, including EMTs, paramedics, and support staff. As the demands on EMS grow, agencies must adapt to attract and keep talent across generations. This webinar will explore proven strategies for recruitment and retention, including how to effectively engage volunteers from various age groups, best practices for bridging generational communication gaps, and the power of using modern tools like social media to connect with prospective volunteers. Whether you’re a leader, recruiter, or administrator within an EMS agency, this session will provide you with actionable tips and innovative approaches to strengthen your team and ensure long-term sustainability.

This webinar is sponsored by   

Webinar – Following the Science: Considerations for a Safe Transition to Non-PFAS in Firefighter Protective Clothing
May 20 @ 2pm ET
Presenters: R. Bryan Ormond, Ph.D.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise a class of man-made toxic chemicals that have been used in thousands of consumer and industrial products and processes. There is heightened concern of its use in the fire service due to the multiple potential routes of exposure that firefighters experience. PFAS-based materials have been used in firefighter gear as well as in aqueous film-forming foams. Following pressure from firefighters, the fire service industry has transitioned to now offering outer shell and moisture barriers that are not manufactured with PFAS. As with any major change to protective clothing, it is critical to assess the differences in performance of the new gear and determine any limitations that may need to be considered. In this webinar, R. Brayn Ormond, PhD, will provide updates on research efforts to better understand the risk and extent of PFAS exposure to firefighters from their gear and then provide a comprehensive comparison of the effectiveness of PFAS-treated and newly available non-PFAS-treated turnout gear in both new and aged conditions.

This webinar is sponsored by 

Coffee Talk – R&R for EMS
May 22 @ 7pm ET
Calling all EMS and department leaders! Join us for a conversation with Battalion Chiefs Marv Trimble (Iowa) and Steve Marsar (FDNY) as we dive into real conversations about recruitment and retention in EMS. Chief Joel Cerny and Dr. Candice McDonald will facilitate the conversation as we hear directly from these two leaders on best R & R tactics from big city to rural response.

Webinar – Challenges of the Firefighter Marriage
May 29 @ 7pm ET
Presenters: Anne and Mike Gagliano
When someone becomes a volunteer firefighter, it impacts the whole family. Spouses, in particular, will be there to support their loved one while keeping things on track at home. In this NVFC webinar, author Anne Gagliano and her husband, Captain Mike Gagliano, share their 40-plus years of personal experience on how marriage can thrive in the chaotic world of firefighting. This webinar will focus on the essential conversations for firefighter couples to have specific to the unique challenges of the job. Bring your spouse!

Webinar – Roadway Incident Safety & Survival: Best Practices for Emergency Responders
June 5 @ 2pm ET
Presenters: Lt. Brady Robinette and Jack Sullivan
Every year, emergency responders are injured or killed while operating on or near roadways. This NVFC webinar, presented by Jack Sullivan, CSP, and Lt. Brady Robinette, will highlight critical strategies and standards aimed at improving responder safety in roadway environments. Topics include national statistics on struck-by-vehicle incidents, an overview of ongoing data collection efforts by Emergency Responder Safety Institute and Federal Highway Administration, and best practices for addressing highway median crossover hazards. The presenters will also explore the importance of interagency communication and collaboration through TIM Committees, as well as new developments in helmet and head protection standards. This session is essential for responders committed to improving scene safety and survivability.

Check out additional on-demand courses in the NVFC Virtual Classroom.