
Catalog Advanced Search
-
Contains 8 Component(s) Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 01/10/2026 at 8:00 AM (EST)
The NVFC will offer Incident Safety Officer Training, Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services, and Surviving the Job - Cancer in the Fire Service in Ludington, MI on January 10, 2026.
Offerings
Incident Safety Officer Training Series (2 hours)
The NVFC’s Incident Safety Officer (ISO) training will give students an overview of the role of an ISO and cover communications and safety, as well as the practical application of this information. Please note, this is not an ISO certification program.
Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services (2 hours)
Quality leadership is essential for the fire and emergency services to accomplish the mission, improve member satisfaction, and best serve the community. This course examines leadership styles, qualities, ethics, and best practices to help your department function at a high level and avoid fire and emergency services leadership pitfalls. Retention research will also be discussed to help leaders understand retention concerns and identify solutions.
Surviving the Job - Cancer in the Fire Service (2 hours)
Cancer is a serious threat facing today’s fire service, but there are easy and low-cost ways you can lower your risks. These include the 11 best practices for firefighter cancer prevention as outlined in the Lavender Ribbon Report. This course will explain how to incorporate these life-saving practices into your daily routines to reduce your exposure risks and protect yourself and your fellow firefighters from occupational cancer.
Date and Time
January 10, 2026 - 0800-1600 ET
Location
Ludington Fire Department
918 East Tinkham Ave.
Ludington, MI 49431
Travel and Logistics
Muskegon County Airport (MKG) or Gerald. R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
Recommended Hotels:
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ludington by IHG, 4079 US-10, Ludington, MI 49431
- Best Western Lakewinds, 5005 US-10, Ludington, MI 49431
Training site parking: Free lot
Meals and refreshments: Attendees are responsible for their own lunch, beverages, and snacks.
Attire: casual (no gear needed)
Contacts
Local: Brandon Coughlan,firedept@ci.ludington.mi.us, (231) 233-5585
NVFC: Amanda Tegtmeyer, amanda@nvfc.org, (202) 887-5700Brian Focht
Brian Focht CFPS, CFEI, is a 40-vetern of the fire service and Past Chief of the Willow Grove (Fire Company and a Career Lieutenant with the Horsham Fire Company serving as shift supervisor and Training Officer. He is a Pro Board level 3 fire instructor and teaches at several academies. He is a PA Department of Health Paramedic and Instructor. He has authored articles on Natural Gas and Electrical Emergencies and Designed a Training Video and Program for Emergency Services on dealing with Autism. He co-authored a book on Tactical Response to Natural Gas Emergencies by PennWell. He was the 2014 OCAILA Community Achievement Award, 2016 Recipient of the Garry Breese IAFC Safety Performance Award, 2017 Liberty Museum Valor Award for Community Betterment and 2019 PA Department of Health Instructor of the Year. A NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist and many other professional credentials and meritorious citations.
-
Register
- Non-member - Free!
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Register
-
Contains 7 Component(s) Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 10/18/2025 at 9:00 AM (EDT)
The NVFC will offer its Essentials of Volunteer Retention and Recruitment course and Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success course at the Bangor Community Fire Department.
Free Essentials of Volunteer Retention and Recruitment course - no experience needed!
Many fire and EMS departments across the nation are struggling to find new volunteer members and retain their current members. This session discusses the challenges of recruiting volunteers, presents valuable research collected as part of the NVFC’s Make Me A Firefighter campaign, and offers ideas to help overcome recruiting challenges. Potential retention solutions and the importance of leadership will also be covered.
Free Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success - no experience needed!
The NVFC published the textbook Volunteer Fire Service Culture – Essential Strategies for Success as a guide to fire service leaders who desire to change their department’s culture and attitude towards personal health and safety. This training delves into key points from the guide to reinforce the need for change and provide a roadmap to improve the health and safety of volunteer fire and EMS responders.
Date and Time
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 0900-1600 EST
Location
Bangor Community Fire Department
417 W. Arlington St.
Bangor, MI 49013
Course Offerings
Essentials of Volunteer Retention and Recruitment - 0900-1100
Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success - 1200-1600
Travel and Logistics
Closest airport: Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) or South Bend International Airport (SBN)
Recommended Hotels:
- Holiday Inn Express: South Haven, 72095 Co Rd 388, South Haven, MI 49090
- Comfort Suites, 1755 Phoenix St, South Haven, MI 49090
Training site parking: Free lot
Attire: casual (no gear needed)
Lunch: On your own
Contacts
Local: Derek Babcock, bangorfire@comcast.net, 269-214-0213
NVFC: Amanda Tegtmeyer, amanda@nvfc.org, 202-887-5700Dave Lewis
David Lewis is an active member of the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company (Anne Arundel County, Maryland), having served for over 50 years as a volunteer firefighter/EMT, Past President, and past Chief Officer. David is a Past President of the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association and of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. He currently serves as the President the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association and as Maryland Director to the National Volunteer Fire Council. David’s true passion is in training and education. He is active as an instructor with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute and the National Fire Academy. He is also active with delivering training programs for the NVFC, traveling across the U.S. to enhance the training and education of emergency services personnel.
-
Register
- Non-member - Free!
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Register
-
Contains 4 Component(s) Includes a Live In-Person Event on 09/24/2025 at 6:30 PM (CDT)
The NVFC will offer its Incident Safety Officer Training Series at the Stockton Fire Department in Custer, WI.
Free Training!
The NVFC’s Incident Safety Officer (ISO) training will give students an overview of the role of an ISO and cover communications and safety, as well as the practical application of this information. Please note, this is not an ISO certification progra
Date and Time
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 1830-2030 CT
Location
Stockton Fire Dept
7252 6th Street
Custer, WI 54423
Travel and Logistics
Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA)
Recommended Hotels:
- Holiday Inn, 1001 Amber Ave., Stevens Point, WI 54482
- Holiday Inn Express, 1100 Amber Ave., Stevens Point, WI 54482
Training site parking: Free lot
Attire: casual (no gear needed)
Contacts
Local: Brian Higgins, Bhiggins@townofstockton.wi.gov, (715) 572-9288
NVFC: Amanda Tegtmeyer, amanda@nvfc.org, (202) 887-5700Brian Focht
Brian Focht CFPS, CFEI, is a 40-vetern of the fire service and Past Chief of the Willow Grove (Fire Company and a Career Lieutenant with the Horsham Fire Company serving as shift supervisor and Training Officer. He is a Pro Board level 3 fire instructor and teaches at several academies. He is a PA Department of Health Paramedic and Instructor. He has authored articles on Natural Gas and Electrical Emergencies and Designed a Training Video and Program for Emergency Services on dealing with Autism. He co-authored a book on Tactical Response to Natural Gas Emergencies by PennWell. He was the 2014 OCAILA Community Achievement Award, 2016 Recipient of the Garry Breese IAFC Safety Performance Award, 2017 Liberty Museum Valor Award for Community Betterment and 2019 PA Department of Health Instructor of the Year. A NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist and many other professional credentials and meritorious citations.
-
Register
- Non-member - Free!
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Register
-
Contains 4 Component(s) Includes a Live In-Person Event on 09/20/2025 at 9:00 AM (EDT)
The NVFC will offer its EV/AFV course, EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques in Angola, IN
As the number of electric vehicles on the roadways increases, it is important for first responders to understand how a response involving these types of vehicles is different than those with an internal combustion engine. This awareness and fundamentals course sponsored by General Motors will introduce first responders to hybrid and electric vehicles, share data and resources, and equip first responders with the knowledge and tools to respond more safely when a hybrid or electric vehicle is involved in an incident.
Date and Time
September 20, 2025 - 0900-1300 ET
Location
Metz Volunteer Fire Department
2105 S 800 E
Angola, IN 46703Travel and Logistics
Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL), Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA), or Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Recommended Hotels:
- Wingate by Wyndham Angola, 3081 Enterprise Dr., Angola, IN 46703
- Comfort Inn, 251 W State Rd 120, Fremont, IN 46737
Training site parking: Free lot
Meals and refreshments: Lunch is on your own
Attire: casual (no gear needed)Contacts
Local: Chief Lee Greenamyer, lgreenamyer52@gmail.com, (260) 243-2600
NVFC: Amanda Tegtmeyer, amanda@nvfc.org, 202-887-5700Anthony Gaul
-
Register
- Non-member - Free!
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Register
-
Contains 4 Component(s) Includes a Live In-Person Event on 09/13/2025 at 8:00 AM (CDT)
The NVFC will offer its EV/AFV course, EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques at the Dickson Fire Department.
Free EV/AFV Course!
As the number of electric vehicles on the roadways increases, it is important for first responders to understand how a response involving these types of vehicles is different than those with an internal combustion engine. This awareness and fundamentals course sponsored by General Motors will introduce first responders to hybrid and electric vehicles, share data and resources, and equip first responders with the knowledge and tools to respond more safely when a hybrid or electric vehicle is involved in an incident.
Date and Time
Saturday, September 13, 2025 - 0800 - 1600 CST
Location
Dickson Fire Department
5431 Hwy 199
Ardmore, OK 73401
Course Offering
EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
Travel and Logistics
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Recommended Hotels:
- Hilton Garden Inn Ardmore, 710 Premier Pkwy., Ardmore, OK 73401
- Best Western Plus Ardmore Inn & Suites, 2600 W Broadway St., Ardmore, OK 73401
Training site parking: Free lot
Meals and refreshments: Lunch is on your own
Attire: casual (no gear needed)
Contacts
Local: Chief Clarence Perrman, cperryman@dicksonok.org, (580) 465-8176
NVFC: Amanda Tegtmeyer, amanda@nvfc.org, 202-887-5700Corey McCartney
Hello, I am Corey McCartney I am a retired federal firefighter of 32 years, and I am currently an instructor for West Virginia University Fire Service Extension, and the NVFC. I started my interest in Hazardous Materials in 1986, I was fortunate to study under many of Hazardous Materials best instructors that turned my education into a passion. Now I enjoy sharing that passion with my students in helping them better understand hazardous materials from a street level approach in education.-
Register
- Non-member - Free!
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Register
-
Contains 4 Component(s) Includes a Live In-Person Event on 09/06/2025 at 8:00 AM (EDT)
The NVFC will offer its EV/AFV course, EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques at the Everton Volunteer Fire Department.
Free EV/AFV Course!
As the number of electric vehicles on the roadways increases, it is important for first responders to understand how a response involving these types of vehicles is different than those with an internal combustion engine. This awareness and fundamentals course sponsored by General Motors will introduce first responders to hybrid and electric vehicles, share data and resources, and equip first responders with the knowledge and tools to respond more safely when a hybrid or electric vehicle is involved in an incident.
Date and Time
September 6, 2025 - 0800-1600 EST
Location
Everton Volunteer Fire Department
5495 S State Road 1
Connersville, IN 47331
Course Offering
EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
Travel and Logistics
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) or Connersville Airport-Mettel Field (CEV)
Recommended Hotel:
- Woodridge Inn, 3700 Western Ave., Connersville, IN 47331
Training site parking: Free lot
Meals and refreshments: Lunch is on your own
Attire: casual (no gear needed)
Contacts
Local: Chief Chad Gronning, fire2124@yahoo.com, (765) 265-1371
NVFC: Amanda Tegtmeyer, amanda@nvfc.org, 202-887-5700-
Register
- Non-member - Free!
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Register
-
Contains 4 Component(s) Includes a Live In-Person Event on 08/09/2025 at 8:00 AM (CDT)
The NVFC will offer its EV/AFV course, EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques at the Lacon Fire Station.
Free EV/AFV Course!
As the number of electric vehicles on the roadways increases, it is important for first responders to understand how a response involving these types of vehicles is different than those with an internal combustion engine. This awareness and fundamentals course sponsored by General Motors will introduce first responders to hybrid and electric vehicles, share data and resources, and equip first responders with the knowledge and tools to respond more safely when a hybrid or electric vehicle is involved in an incident.
Day and Time
Saturday, August 9, 2025 - 0800-1600 CST
Location
Lacon Fire Station
921 5th Street
Lacon, IL 61540
Travel and Logistics
General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA)
Recommended Hotels:
- Embassy Suites by Hilton, 100 Conference Center Dr., East Peoria, IL 61611
- Econo Lodge, 615 S. 4th St., Chillicothe, IL 61523
Training site parking: Free lot
Meals and refreshments: Lunch is on your own
Attire: casual (no gear needed)
Contacts
Local: Chief Rich Koch, mcema1@yahoo.com, (309) 238-3864
NVFC: Amanda Tegtmeyer, amanda@nvfc.org, 202-887-5700Jeff Romines
Jeff Romines lives in Terre Du Lac, Mo. with his wife Susan, 2 dogs and 4 cats. He has been in the Fire Service for over 50 years and started as a Junior Firefighter at 10 years old. Over those years he was in EMS for 35 with 30 of those years as a Paramedic. In his time as a Paramedic, he worked for many ground services across Missouri, but was also a Flight Paramedic for 11 years. In Jeff’s Fire Service time, he held every position up to being Fire Chief of 3 Fire Departments. He grew up in the Ozark Mountain Range in Missouri and fought many a Wildland Fire over those 50 years. The Wildland Fires range from 10 acres up to 2000 acres. His civilian job is with the world's largest Lead Mining company as a Safety Specialist. Currently, he works for Trident Rescue, which specializes in providing training in all aspects of water rescue from Swiftwater, Ice Rescue, Boat Operations, and Urban Flood Rescue. They also sell all the equipment needed. He loves being an Adjunct Instructor for NVFC in their WFAP, providing knowledge and training to communities to help them be safer and protect against Wildfire.
-
Register
- Non-member - Free!
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Register
-
Contains 4 Component(s)
First responders face unique and repeated stressors which wear down the systems for resilient thinking. This course explores the role of hope in first responder resilience. The course examines Dr. Richard Snyder's Hope Theory and how it can be used to enhance resilience, wellbeing, and purpose for first responders - both personally and within your department. Topics include hope as it applies to moral injury, trauma, and agency, and focuses on the role of leadership in cultivating hope in their responders.
First responders face unique and repeated stressors which wear down the systems for resilient thinking. This course explores the role of hope in first responder resilience. The course examines Dr. Richard Snyder's Hope Theory and how it can be used to enhance resilience, wellbeing, and purpose for first responders - both personally and within your department. Topics include hope as it applies to moral injury, trauma, and agency, and the role of leadership, mentors, and peer support in cultivating hope in their responders.
Wendy Norris
Co-Founder
Texas LODD Task Force
Wendy is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Texas LODD Task Force, which is part of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's LAST program. She is a certified grief educator and a master chaplain with the Federation of Fire Chaplains. She has assisted with the development of a peer support curriculum for Texas A&M University-TEEX and also serves as an adjunct instructor for them. Wendy served as a committee chair for the State of Texas Disaster Behavioral Health’s working group for first responders’ mental health care following mass fatality incidents and is a member of the Texas First Responder Mental Health Consortium. She is the presiding officer of the Governor’s Advisory Panel for the Star of Texas Awards for injured and fallen first responders. She serves as a chaplain, PIO, and first responder for the Forest Bend Fire Department.
-
Register
- Non-member - Free!
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Register
-
Contains 4 Component(s)
Following up on the December 2024 Roundtable Talk on big-box fires, this session will further explore how volunteer fire departments can prepare for emergency responses to big-box facilities. In small towns, where land is less expensive and highway/interstate access is convenient, big box facilities such as distribution centers, warehouses, and industrial spaces continue to absorb land. Often these facilities are in the coverage area of volunteer fire departments that have limited resource. To respond efficiently and safely, it is important to prepare for the challenges ahead. While sprinklers contain the fire, firefighters still have search, rescue, extinguishment, salvage, and overhaul. Join the NVFC and a panel of experts for this Roundtable Talk to dive deeper into big-box fire and non-fire emergency response.
Following up on the December 2024 Roundtable Talk on big-box fires, this session will further explore how volunteer fire departments can prepare for emergency responses to big-box facilities. In small towns, where land is less expensive and highway/interstate access is convenient, big box facilities such as distribution centers, warehouses, and industrial spaces continue to absorb land. Often these facilities are in the coverage area of volunteer fire departments that have limited resource. To respond efficiently and safely, it is important to prepare for the challenges ahead. While sprinklers contain the fire, firefighters still have search, rescue, extinguishment, salvage, and overhaul. Join the NVFC and a panel of experts for this Roundtable Talk to dive deeper into big-box fire and non-fire emergency response.
Jimmy Davis
Mike Dugan
Mike is a 45-year veteran of the fire service and a 27-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), retiring as Captain of Ladder 123. As a firefighter in Ladder Company 43, Dugan received the James Gordon Bennett medal in 1992 and the Harry M. Archer Medal in 1993, the FDNY’s highest award for bravery. He developed training programs that were taught to all FDNY members. Mike is a contributing editor at Fire Engineering Magazine. He is a teacher at the Fire Department Instructor Conference (FDIC) and is a Fire Engineering and FDIC Executive Board member. He is a featured lecturer around the country, teaching Truck Company Operations, Building Construction 's impact on firefighter safety, Leadership and issues involving today's fire service. He was awarded the "Tommy Brennan Life Time Achievement Award" in 2021.
Clark Lamping
Clark Lamping is a 26-year veteran and a 15 year Captain and with the Clark County (NV) Fire Department. In his career, he has spent 17 years working on Las Vegas Blvd. He currently holds a Master’s degree in Crisis and Emergency Management and a Bachelors degree in psychology- both from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, (UNLV). He is a rescue squad officer with Nevada Task Force 1 with multiple deployments. He has instructed at FDIC, MAFFC, Firehouse, and HROC.
Tom Merrill (Moderator)
Fire Commissioner
Snyder Fire District
Tom Merrill is a 42-year fire department veteran and serves with the Snyder Fire Department, which is located in Amherst, New York (first ring suburb of the City of Buffalo). He served 26 years as a department officer including 15 years in the chief officer ranks. He was chief of department from 2007-2012 and currently serves as a Fire Commissioner for the Snyder Fire District. Tom has conducted various fire service presentations and keynote addresses throughout the country and also hosts a regular podcast sponsored by Fire Engineering titled “The Professional Volunteer Fire Department.” His book “The Professional Volunteer Fire Department” was published by Fire Engineering Books and Videos and was released in September 2023. Tom is employed full time as the Senior Fire Dispatcher in charge of the Town of Amherst Central Fire Alarm Office.
-
Register
- Non-member - Free!
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Register
-
Contains 4 Component(s)
As the deployment of utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the U.S. accelerates, it’s critical for project developers, owners, and operators to engage with local firefighters to provide detailed information about advances in BESS technology, codes and standards, safety systems, and facility design to support effective emergency planning, hazard mitigation, and incident response. This presentation by AES’ leading engineer in BESS technology will provide volunteer firefighters with critical knowledge about today’s BESS systems so that firefighters have a stronger understanding of BESS installations and the safety systems now in place, if they ever have to respond to an event at one of these facilities. This webinar is sponsored by AES. The AES Corporation is a Fortune 500 global energy company accelerating the future of energy. Together with our many stakeholders, we’re improving lives by delivering the greener, smarter energy solutions the world needs. In the U.S., AES is a leading developer, owner, and operator of innovative clean energy solutions, including utility-scale and community solar, wind, battery energy storage, and now green hydrogen. We also put safety first every minute of every day – for our people, contractors, and communities. Our commitment to safety first aligns with the NVFC’s mission and we are proud to support and collaborate with volunteer fire/EMS organizations across the nation. For more information, visit www.aes.com.
As the deployment of utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the U.S. accelerates, it’s critical for project developers, owners, and operators to engage with local firefighters to provide detailed information about advances in BESS technology, codes and standards, safety systems, and facility design to support effective emergency planning, hazard mitigation, and incident response. This presentation by AES’ leading engineer in BESS technology will provide volunteer firefighters with critical knowledge about today’s BESS systems so that firefighters have a stronger understanding of BESS installations and the safety systems now in place, if they ever have to respond to an event at one of these facilities.
This webinar is sponsored by AES. The AES Corporation is a Fortune 500 global energy company accelerating the future of energy. Together with our many stakeholders, we’re improving lives by delivering the greener, smarter energy solutions the world needs. In the U.S., AES is a leading developer, owner, and operator of innovative clean energy solutions, including utility-scale and community solar, wind, battery energy storage, and now green hydrogen. We also put safety first every minute of every day – for our people, contractors, and communities. Our commitment to safety first aligns with the NVFC’s mission and we are proud to support and collaborate with volunteer fire/EMS organizations across the nation. For more information, visit www.aes.com.
Mike Simpson
Director, Innovation Engineering
AES
Mike Simpson is the Director of Solutions Engineering at The AES Corporation, where he leads a team of engineers that develop and pilot new energy technologies, developing innovative solutions to more efficiently, sustainably, and cost-effectively deliver energy. Mike possesses a thorough knowledge of energy efficient systems design, utilization, and performance, and has extensive experience and expertise in smart grid, renewable generation and two decades of experience working with battery energy storage technologies. In addition to AES, Mike’s career includes engineering and leadership positions at Fluence, EPRI and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Mike is based in the Denver area and holds degrees from the University of Colorado, Boulder and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
-
Register
- Non-member - Free!
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Register