First Responder Support Resources

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First Responder Support Resources Dedicated to supporting those who serve.

Sharing first responder health, safety, wellness, training, and fire prevention resources, plus updates and information from trusted allied agencies to keep responders informed, prepared, and connected.

09/08/2026

𝟑𝟔𝟎° 𝐒𝐈𝐙𝐄-𝐔𝐏 — 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔’𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎.
A critical reminder from the fire service: 𝟑𝟑.𝟑% 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝟑𝟔𝟎 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲.

That number deserves our attention.

A 360° size-up isn’t about delaying action. It’s about making better-informed action possible. The conditions on Side Alpha may not tell the whole story. The rear of the building may reveal a walkout basement, an additional story, changing fire conditions, compromised construction, access or egress problems, or hazards that completely change the risk profile.
Before committing crews, we need to know as much as reasonably possible about the environment we are sending them into.

🏢𝐒𝐄𝐄 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠.
🔥𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞.
🚧𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐘 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬.
⚖️𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐯𝐬. 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭.

And then communicate what you see.

For the Incident Commander, the 360 provides critical information for the initial strategy and Incident Action Plan. For the Incident Safety Officer, that information helps establish a baseline for continually evaluating conditions, hazards, and the effectiveness of the plan as the incident evolves.

A 360 isn't just a lap around the building.

It's intelligence. It's communication. It's risk management.
Different side. Different story.
Before you go in—know what you're going into.

🔗FDSOA.org

09/08/2026

This review your preparedness plan for family pets. Ensure that you have all materials ready for a speedy and organized response to any emergency.

09/08/2026

two-part community forum focused on strengthening preparedness and supporting long-term recovery in Western Maryland following last year’s devastating floods in Westernport.

09/03/2026

2026 Breast cancer awareness apparel is available to order! T-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts are available along with a new option, an ultra plush blanket featuring the exciting 2026 design. The blanket features a diamond deck background available in pink or blue. Proceeds benefit The Red Devils, Inc., a local charity whose mission is to improve the quality of life for local breast cancer patients and their families. You can order your apparel or blanket now at: https://stores.bjscustomcreations.com/mccffcf-breast-cancer/shop/home

09/03/2026

Happy Sunday, and Happy Convention Week! It's time to announce the submission deadlines for this year's Convention issues of the Volunteer Trumpet.

Please note two changes from previous years:

📅 September 1 – Added/Updated as a submission deadline to allow an issue to be completed and distributed prior to Fire Prevention Week.

📅 November 1 – Added/Updated as a submission deadline to ensure an issue can be produced and mailed before the holiday season.

We encourage all departments, associations, auxiliaries, and members to submit news, photos, awards, special events, milestones, and other accomplishments for publication.

2026 - 2027 Submission Deadlines:

• July 1, 2026
• September 1, 2026 (New/Updated)
• November 1, 2026 (New/Updated)
• February 1, 2027
• May 1, 2027

Thank you for helping us share the stories and successes of Maryland's fire, rescue, and EMS community. We look forward to receiving your submissions! Note email address is [email protected]

09/03/2026

💚 September is National Su***de Prevention Month 💚

For first responders, taking care of our behavioral health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. This September, we’re reminding everyone that support, education, and resources are available—and sometimes simply knowing what to look for or how to help can make a difference.

The First Responder Center for Excellence offers FREE online behavioral health training designed specifically for the first responder community, including:

🧠 Finding Hope
🧠 Introduction to Well-Being and Self-Care for First Responders
🧠 Stress First Aid (SFA)
🧠 Stress First Aid (SFA) Part 2
🧠 Curbside Manner: Stress First Aid for the Streets
🧠 Stress First Aid for Chaplains

Whether you take a course for yourself, your crew, or to better support someone who may be struggling, we encourage you to take advantage of these free resources.

📲 Access our FREE online training at firstrespondercenter.org

You are not alone. Help is here.

Together we are Stronger 💪

07/21/2026

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation was pleased to participate in the Pennsylvania State Weekend program at the National Fire Academy this past weekend by offering its Leadership, Accountability, Culture and Knowledge class along with its The First Five Minutes for First Due class. The Pennsylvania Weekend set an NFA record by having more than 350 participants from fire and EMS agencies around the Commonwealth in attendance.

07/21/2026

Looking for a fun activity for summer camp? Take Sparky on your next camp adventure!

This hands-on activity is easy to add to the schedule and gives kids something they can take home. Hand out a fun prize for each camper who does one or more of the fire safety adventures at home.

FIND 2 ways out of every room in your home.
TEST every smoke alarm in your home. Ask a grown-up to push the test button.
PRACTICE your home fire drill.
PRACTICE going to your outside meeting place at night and during the day.

Download it for free here:https://sparky.org/assets/uploads/Adventures-with-Sparky.pdf

07/21/2026

Eating well during a 24-hour shift comes with real challenges: disrupted schedules, limited options, and little control over meal timing.

The IAFF Center of Excellence is hosting a new webinar, "Healthy-ish Eating for First Responders," with practical strategies for staying energized on shift.

📅 July 29
⏰ 12–1:30 p.m. ET
💰 Free

Register: https://brnw.ch/21x4hfV

06/09/2026

🎗️ On , we honor survivors, support those still in the fight, and recognize the families, friends, and caregivers who stand beside them every step of the way.

As cancer remains one of the greatest occupational threats in the fire service, the IAFF will never stop pushing for the protections our members deserve.

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Cumberland, MD

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