Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Institute

10/19/2026

This morning, PFESI Board Members Frank Zangari, Bob Brooks, and John Sly were proud to stand alongside our fire service colleagues at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg in support of this important legislative initiative aimed at expanding access to cancer screenings for firefighters.

Firefighter cancer is an occupational health crisis that demands meaningful action. Those who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities deserve access to the preventive screenings and early detection resources that can save lives. We must continue working together to turn awareness into action and ensure firefighter health and safety remain a priority — not just in words, but through meaningful legislative progress.

10/10/2026

🚒 Though Fire Prevention Week is coming to a close, fire safety continues year-round.

⚡ Remember to unplug your device when it is fully charged. Leaving it plugged in longer than needed can increase heat and stress on the battery.

🔗 Interested in learning more? Visit fpw.org.

10/09/2026

❓ Where do you charge your phone, watch, or computer?

🔌 Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or floor. Beds, couches, and pillows can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause a battery to overheat.

🔗 Interested in learning more? Visit fpw.org.

10/08/2026

This morning, Vice President John Sly provided updates on behalf of the Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Institute to members of the Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association during their business meeting being held in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Municipal League’s annual Municipal Leadership Summit in Hershey.

The presentation highlighted PFESI’s ongoing efforts to advocate for Pennsylvania’s fire and emergency services, including legislative initiatives, funding priorities, and the challenges facing fire service organizations across the Commonwealth.

10/08/2026

‼ Cheap charger? Don't chance it.

🔌 Remember to use the charger that came with your device or ones approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

🔗 Interested in learning more? Visit fpw.org.

10/07/2026

📆 Join the IAFC - International Association of Fire Chiefs tomorrow afternoon from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. to learn more about the financial realities of EMS.

🚑 Understanding the True Cost of EMS

What does it really cost to provide emergency medical services—and are reimbursement models keeping pace?

Join us tomorrow, October 8, from 3–4 PM ET for a closer look at the financial realities facing EMS, including operational costs, reimbursement gaps, uncompensated care and the impact of current funding policies on agency sustainability.

Register today: https://iafcwebinars.vfairs.com/en/registration

10/07/2026

‼ Looking to learn this afternoon? See this online webinar from the National Volunteer Fire Council today at 2:00 p.m.!

Learn how to effectively educate teens about the dangers of distracted driving and bring this important prevention message to your community.

Join the NVFC on October 7 for a free Train-the-Trainer webinar with Joel Feldman, founder of EndDD.org.

This training will give fire and emergency service personnel practical tools to incorporate distracted driving education into their department’s community risk reduction efforts.

📅 October 7
⏰ 2pm ET
💻 Free webinar
Register: https://buff.ly/IXkkWFk

10/07/2026

‼ This Fire Prevention Week, remember that tools and rides should be charged outside.

🔌 Charge large items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when possible. Always avoid blocking exits when charging.

These batteries store more energy, resulting in faster-growing fires if they fail.

🔗 Interested in learning more? Visit fpw.org.

10/04/2026

🚒 Legislative work takes a village.

The Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association remains committed to working with legislators, fire service leaders, stakeholders, and partners across Pennsylvania to ensure critical issues facing our firefighters and communities are not overlooked.

Our firefighters dedicate themselves to protecting others every day. They deserve the strongest protections, resources, and support we can provide.

At the same time, we must continue working to ensure our communities are prepared and protected with the best safety measures possible.

From firefighter health and workers’ compensation to fire and EMS funding, emergency preparedness, fire prevention, and protecting firefighters from toxic exposures, these issues matter.

Together, we will continue advocating for stronger protections for our firefighters, a stronger fire and EMS system, and safer communities across Pennsylvania.

Protecting those who protect Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Institute Rep. Jared Solomon Rep. Jennifer O'Mara Senator Frank Farry Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner Eastern Division International Association of Fire Chiefs