National Volunteer Fire Council

05/15/2026

NVFC leadership took to Capitol Hill this week for Advocacy Day, meeting with lawmakers to discuss critical issues impacting the volunteer fire and emergency services.

Before heading to meetings with legislators, directors were briefed on the NVFC’s key policy priorities and the importance of continued Congressional support for the fire and EMS community.

Thank you to these lawmakers for taking the time to meet and discuss the needs of volunteer responders and the communities they serve.

05/15/2026

Applications are now open for the Columbia Southern University and NVFC Scholarship Program! 🎓🚒

Two NVFC members will receive scholarships covering up to 60 credit hours toward an online degree program through Columbia Southern University.

If you’re a volunteer responder looking to further your education and strengthen your impact in the fire and emergency services, this is an incredible opportunity to invest in your future.

Applications are open until August 17.

Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/tmv5iNQ

05/15/2026

The NVFC Spring Board Conference is underway!

We kicked off this morning with the presentation of the colors by the Alexandria Fire Department Honor Guard, a welcome by Alexandria (VA) Fire Department Chief Felipe Hernandez, Jr., the Chair's Report by Steve Hirsch, and the CEO Report by Sarah Lee.

Check out a few highlights from the morning below!

05/15/2026

Next week marks National EMS Week™ (May 17-23) 🚑️

Please join us as we recognize the people behind the patch and reaffirm our commitment, as partners and communities, to Improving Outcomes, Together.

The National EMS Week resource center is available to help you plan, publicize, and celebrate the event in your community.

🔗 https://buff.ly/7nssfsi

05/14/2026

Volunteer fire service leaders from across the country came together today for the NVFC Advocacy Day during the 2026 Spring Conference.

Supported by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the event provided an opportunity for NVFC Directors and state fire service association representatives to learn more about the legislative process, discuss key issues impacting the volunteer fire service, and prepare to effectively engage with policymakers on behalf of their departments and communities.

Thank you to everyone who participated and continues to advocate for the needs of the volunteer fire and emergency services. 🚒🚑️

05/14/2026

Becoming a volunteer firefighter impacts your entire family.

The NVFC has resources to help families adjust to the volunteer fire service lifestyle, including an on-demand course in the Virtual Classroom.

This course reviews topics such as key fire service terms, keeping relationships strong, being part of the fire department family, finding support resources, and more.

For a limited time, take this course free of charge: https://buff.ly/UgEvL1r

05/14/2026

When disaster strikes, the fire service family shows up for each other. ❤️

If you or a fellow responder experienced home damage or property loss due to a state or federally declared disaster or a home fire, assistance may be available through the NVFC Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund.

Eligible responders can apply for a $350 stipend to help meet basic needs in the aftermath of a disaster.

Learn more and apply here: https://buff.ly/6hbWevF

If you know a responder who may need support, please help spread the word by sharing this post.

05/14/2026

🧠 May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it serves as an important reminder that protecting your mental well-being is just as important as protecting your physical health.

The NVFC is proud to provide resources and support services that help first responders navigate the unique challenges of the job. These efforts are possible thanks to the support of dedicated corporate members like Provident Insurance.

Provident is not only a Chairman’s Club member, but also a valued partner in the NVFC First Responder Helpline, which offers 24/7 support to NVFC members and their families for a variety of behavioral health needs.

💚 Learn more about Provident and their commitment to responder wellness: https://buff.ly/Ef1TwTr

05/13/2026

First responders face repeated stress, trauma, and challenges that can wear down even the strongest resilience systems over time.

The NVFC’s in-person course, The Power of Hope: Strengthening Resilience and Wellbeing in First Responders, explores how hope can play a critical role in supporting responder wellbeing, resilience, and purpose, both personally and within the department.

Through Dr. Richard Snyder’s Hope Theory, this course examines topics including moral injury, trauma, agency, peer support, mentorship, and the role leadership plays in cultivating hope within the fire and emergency services.

Request this free training for your department or event today. Preference will be given to early July dates.

Request the course: https://buff.ly/1RfgUFT

05/13/2026

When a wildfire threatens a community, many homeowners expect firefighters to save every home. But wildfire mitigation starts long before the first apparatus arrives.

Join the NVFC on May 19 at 2pm ET for the Roundtable Talk: Shifting the Homeowner Mindset: Shared Responsibility in Wildfire Mitigation.

Hear from Mark Howell, Mike Johnson, and Josh Nigro, moderated by Charlie Kludt, as they discuss how fire departments can help residents better understand wildfire risk, take proactive mitigation steps, and become stronger partners in community protection.

Register now: https://buff.ly/tfy7wJD

Many homeowners rely solely on the fire department to protect their property during a wildfire – but that expectation does not reflect the reality of wildfire preparedness and response. Join the NVFC for this panel discussion that will explore the shared responsibility between fire departments and...

05/12/2026

Join the NVFC, TOMORROW, May 13 at 2pm ET for a webinar breaking down the transition from NFIRS to NERIS and what you need to know now.

Hear from Tyler Gibbs of Alpine Software as he walks through key changes, reporting requirements, and practical steps to help your department stay compliant.

🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/8eABdI1

This Webinar is sponsored by Alpine Software