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  • Ludington, MI – Multiple Courses (January 2026)
    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) 887-5700

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    Brian 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.  

  • Essentials of Volunteer Retention and Recruitment and Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success - Bangor, MI
    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, 202-887-5700


    Dave 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.

  • Incident Safety Officer Training Series - Custer, WI
    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) 887-5700

    Brian 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.  

  • EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques - Angola, IN
    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 46703

    Travel 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, 202-887-5700

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    Anthony Gaul

  • EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques - Ardmore, OK
    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, 202-887-5700

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    Corey 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.

  • EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques - Connersville, IN
    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

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  • Teaching Hazmat on a Budget
    Contains 5 Component(s)

    Teaching hazmat to your responders doesn’t have to be a costly undertaking. In this course, attendees will learn how to identify the key components of a hazmat training budget, including direct/indirect cost planning and using a risk-based needs assessment, and then determine how to align goals with their budget. In addition, attendees will learn how to find free and low-cost training materials, resources, and opportunities to support their program. After completing this training, attendees will walk away able to develop a practical hazmat training session or drills using no/minimal cost resources.

    Teaching hazmat to your responders doesn’t have to be a costly undertaking. In this course, attendees will learn how to identify the key components of a hazmat training budget, including direct/indirect cost planning and using a risk-based needs assessment, and then determine how to align goals with their budget. In addition, attendees will learn how to find free and low-cost training materials, resources, and opportunities to support their program. After completing this training, attendees will walk away able to develop a practical hazmat training session or drills using no/minimal cost resources.

  • Webinar - Fire Up Your Recruitment Game: Harnessing Digital Tools for Recruitment Success
    Contains 4 Component(s)

    In today's challenging recruitment landscape, volunteer fire departments face unprecedented hurdles in attracting and retaining dedicated volunteers. In this webinar, presenter Katie Bulla will discuss a variety of free and cheap online tools that can significantly simplify recruitment efforts and the application process. Harness the technology of today to overcome the recruitment challenges of our times, ensuring your department continues to serve the community effectively. Learn how these digital solutions can help you bridge the gap between potential volunteers and your department's needs, ultimately strengthening your team and ensuring the safety of your community.

    In today's challenging recruitment landscape, volunteer fire departments face unprecedented hurdles in attracting and retaining dedicated volunteers. In this webinar, presenter Katie Bulla will discuss a variety of free and cheap online tools that can significantly simplify recruitment efforts and the application process. Harness the technology of today to overcome the recruitment challenges of our times, ensuring your department continues to serve the community effectively. Learn how these digital solutions can help you bridge the gap between potential volunteers and your department's needs, ultimately strengthening your team and ensuring the safety of your community.

    Katie Bulla

    Katie Bulla is the Office Manager at Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department in Maryland, where she handles everything from membership records to process improvements that keep the department running behind the scenes. Before that, she overhauled BVFD’s recruitment efforts, helping bring in new volunteers and make the onboarding process more efficient. With a background in creative design and community engagement, Katie is all about building systems that actually work and supporting the people who keep them going. She’s especially interested in the day-to-day realities of volunteer fire departments—and how to make them better for the folks doing the work.

  • The Power of Hope: Strengthening Resilience and Wellbeing in First Responders
    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.

  • Roundtable Talk - Diving Deeper: Fires and Non-Fire Emergencies in Big Box Facilities
    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.