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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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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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Contains 4 Component(s) Includes a Live In-Person Event on 07/24/2025 at 7:00 PM (EDT)
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. During the second half of the session, retention challenges, potential solutions, and the importance of leadership will be covered.
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.
Date and Time
Thursday, July 24, 2025, 1900-2030
Location
Woodstock Fire Department
121 W Court Street
Woodstock, VA 22664
Course Offering
Essentials of Volunteer Retention and Recruitment
Travel and Logistics
Closest airport: Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Recommended Hotels:
- Hampton Inn and Suites, 1150 Motel Drive, Woodstock, VA 22664
- Holiday Inn Express, 1130 Motel Drive, Woodstock, VA 22664
Training site parking: Free lot
Attire: casual (no gear needed)
Contacts
Local: Zachary Hottel, zachhottel@gmail.com
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.
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Contains 4 Component(s) Includes a Live In-Person Event on 07/13/2025 at 8:00 AM (EDT)
The NVFC will offer its EV/AFV course, EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques at the Coolville 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
Sunday, July 13, 2025 - 0800-1600 ET
Location
Coolville Volunteer Fire Department
2770 Sixth Street
Coolville, OH 45723
Course Offering
EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
Travel and Logistics
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
Recommended Hotels:
- Hampton Inn Athens, 986 East State St., Athens, OH 45701
- Quality Inn, 20 Home St., Athens, OH 45701
Training site parking: Free lot
Meals and refreshments: Lunch is on your own
Attire: casual (no gear needed)
Contacts
Local: Jeremy Holland, jeremy_holland@yahoo.com, (740) 440-0862
NVFC: Amanda Tegtmeyer, amanda@nvfc.org, 202-887-5700
Tom Miller
Tom Miller is a 35 year veteran of the Sissonville Volunteer Fire Department in West Virginia and has served on the NVFC Board since 2008. He has held many positions of leadership within his department and currently serves on the Department's Board of Directors in addition to being an active firefighter. Tom is active in the West Virginia State Fireman's Association and currently serves as its Scholarship Chair. Tom holds many certifications including, but not limited to: Firefighter II, Fire Officer II, Hazardous Materials Technician/Incident Commander, Swift Water Rescue Technician, Vehicle Machinery Technician, Rope Rescue Technician, and Fire Instructor III, and is an active Instructor with West Virginia University Fire Service Extension. He serves on the NVFC's Health & Safety and Conference/Education Committees. Tom also represents the NVFC on the NFPA 470 Technical Committee and the NFPA Joint 1001/472 Task Group. In his paying job, Tom is employed as the Privacy & Security Officer for the West Virginia Department of Administration.
Ralph McNemar
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Contains 6 Component(s) Includes a Live In-Person Event on 07/12/2025 at 8:00 AM (EDT)
The NVFC will offer its Hazmat Partners In Training (PIT) Crew train-the-trainer course, Teaching Hazmat Basics at the Coolville Volunteer Fire Department.
Free hazmat train-the-trainer course - no experience needed!
The NVFC, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), is offering a hazmat train-the-trainer program: Partners in Training (PIT) Crew. This project will help first responders gain the knowledge and skills they need to train others in their communities on hazmat safety and response. Experienced hazmat trainers and those new to the field are welcome to participate. After course completion, attendees will receive a materials toolkit and session slides to help them teach these courses to others. Find out more at www.nvfc.org/hazmat.
Date and Time
Saturday, July 12, 2025 - 0800-1600 ET
Location
Coolville Volunteer Fire Department
2770 Sixth Street
Coolville, OH 45723
Course Offering
Teaching Hazmat Basics (7 hours)
Travel and Logistics
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
Recommended Hotels:
- Hampton Inn Athens, 986 East State St., Athens, OH 45701
- Quality Inn, 20 Home St., Athens, OH 45701
Training site parking: Free lot
Meals and refreshments: lunch provided daily; bring a water bottle
Attire: casual (no gear needed)
Contacts
Local: Jeremy Holland, jeremy_holland@yahoo.com, (740) 440-0862
NVFC: Amanda Tegtmeyer, amanda@nvfc.org, 202-887-5700Tom Miller
Tom Miller is a 35 year veteran of the Sissonville Volunteer Fire Department in West Virginia and has served on the NVFC Board since 2008. He has held many positions of leadership within his department and currently serves on the Department's Board of Directors in addition to being an active firefighter. Tom is active in the West Virginia State Fireman's Association and currently serves as its Scholarship Chair. Tom holds many certifications including, but not limited to: Firefighter II, Fire Officer II, Hazardous Materials Technician/Incident Commander, Swift Water Rescue Technician, Vehicle Machinery Technician, Rope Rescue Technician, and Fire Instructor III, and is an active Instructor with West Virginia University Fire Service Extension. He serves on the NVFC's Health & Safety and Conference/Education Committees. Tom also represents the NVFC on the NFPA 470 Technical Committee and the NFPA Joint 1001/472 Task Group. In his paying job, Tom is employed as the Privacy & Security Officer for the West Virginia Department of Administration.
Ralph McNemar
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Contains 4 Component(s) Includes a Live In-Person Event on 06/03/2025 at 6:00 PM (EDT)
The NVFC will offer its EV/AFV course at the Covert Township Fire Department in Covert, MI
Free EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques 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. This training will require space outside for a hands-on component with an electric vehicle.
Date and Time
Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 1800-2200
Location
Covert Township Fire Department
33805 M-140 Highway
Covert, MI 49043
Course Offering
EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
Contacts
Local: Doug deBest, debestfire@hotmail.com, 269-759-4848
NVFC: Amanda Tegtmeyer, amanda@nvfc.org, 202-887-5700
Doug deBest
Doug deBest has been involved in the fire service for over twenty-nine years, with the majority of his time spent in volunteer roles within volunteer or combination departments. He has served in many different compacities within the fire service; from volunteer & career roles on municipal departments, part-time on a private fire department, and even as an industrial fire brigade member. Doug served on the Baroda Fire Department for fifteen years, rising from the role of firefighter to the rank of Fire Chief. Currently, Doug serves as a Lieutenant and the Training Officer for the St. Joseph Township Fire Department – Station # 1.
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Contains 4 Component(s) Includes a Live In-Person Event on 05/31/2025 at 9:00 AM (EDT)
The NVFC will offer its EV/AFV course, EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques at the Kutztown Fire & Rescue
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, May 31, 2025 - 0900-1300 CST
Location
Kutztown Fire & Rescue
310 Noble Street
Kutztown, PA 19530Course Offering
EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
Travel and Logistics
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)
Recommended Hotels:
- Hampton Inn & Suites, 15080 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, PA 19530
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, 208 PA-100, Breinigsville, PA 18031
Training site parking: Free lot
Meals and refreshments: Lunch is on your own
Attire: casual (no gear needed)Contacts
Local: Josh Young, jyoung@kutztownfire.com, (610) 207-3575
NVFC: Amanda Tegtmeyer, amanda@nvfc.org, 202-887-5700
Marie Mire
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Contains 4 Component(s) Includes a Live In-Person Event on 05/17/2025 at 8:00 AM (CDT)
The NVFC will offer its EV/AFV course, EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques at the Greenville Fire Protection District.
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
May 17, 2025 - 0800 - 1600 CST
Location
Greenville Fire Protection District
1110 E Harris Ave
Greenville, IL 62246
Course Offering
EV/AFV Incident Management: Safety and Response Techniques
Travel and Logistics
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
Recommended Hotels:
- Super 8 by Wyndham Greenville, 1700 IL Rt 127, Greenville, IL 62246
- Comfort Inn & Suites Greenville, 2265 IL Rt 127, Greenville, IL 62246
Training site parking: Free lot
Meals and refreshments: Lunch is on your own
Attire: casual (no gear needed)
Contacts
Local: Robert Neer, fire_medic_123@yahoo.com, (618) 410-6213
NVFC: Amanda Tegtmeyer, amanda@nvfc.org, (202) 887-5700Doug deBest
Doug deBest has been involved in the fire service for over twenty-nine years, with the majority of his time spent in volunteer roles within volunteer or combination departments. He has served in many different compacities within the fire service; from volunteer & career roles on municipal departments, part-time on a private fire department, and even as an industrial fire brigade member. Doug served on the Baroda Fire Department for fifteen years, rising from the role of firefighter to the rank of Fire Chief. Currently, Doug serves as a Lieutenant and the Training Officer for the St. Joseph Township Fire Department – Station # 1.
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Contains 3 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 04/24/2025 at 2:00 PM (EDT)
Our Roundtable Talks feature subject matter experts leading discussions on key topics relevant to the fire and emergency services. These sessions provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and expert perspectives in an engaging, conversational format. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen, learn, and ask questions in a dynamic setting designed to foster knowledge-sharing and professional growth.
Title
Roundtable Talk - Balancing Act: Navigating Work, Life, and Volunteer Commitments
Description
You’ve probably heard of the importance of work-life balance – but what about work-life-volunteer balance? Keeping two plates spinning is hard enough without adding the demands of a high-commitment volunteer role like being a volunteer first responder. April is National Stress Awareness Month, and the NVFC is hosting a Roundtable Talk with a panel of experts to provide insight into what it means to have work-life-volunteer balance, how to set your own boundaries, and how to approach your team’s work-life-volunteer balance as a leader. The session will include information on key resources to help you tackle this important topic.
Day and Time
April 24, 2025, 1400-1500, ET
Presenters
Sarah Lee
Jill Holland
Matt Aalto
Contact
NVFC: Amanda Tegtmeyer, amanda@nvfc.org, 202-887-5700
Matt Aalto
Matt Aalto currently serves as a Battalion Chief – Training Officer and RRC for the Estacada (OR) Fire District. Just prior, Matt served as the Captain and Training officer – RRC for the Gaston Fire District from 2016 to 2023. Matt was employed by the Stayton Fire District as a Career Firefighter/EMT and oversaw the district’s RRC responsibilities from 2011 to 2016. Prior to that, Matt volunteered with the Cornelius Fire Department. In addition to being a line officer, Matt co-founded the Oregon Fire Recruitment Network which has brought multiple fire agencies in Oregon together in a unified effort to recruit and retain firefighters across the state. The network went live in 2013 and since then has successfully recruited over 2000 firefighters who have made it through an academy and are now serving the fire lines in Oregon. Matt is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the International Association of Fire Chiefs and is an instructor for the Recruitment and Retention Certification Course and the Building a Collaborative Team course. He has also helped create national recruitment courses and acts as an SME for the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). Matt holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration a BA in Fire Administration, an Associate Degree in Fire Science, and a certificate from Notre Dame University in Leadership.
Matt holds multiple Oregon NFPA DPSST fire certifications including Fire Officer IV, PIO, FFII, Instructor II, Live Fire Instructor in Charge, Eng Boss, and more. Matt is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy Managing Fire Officer Program and is currently in the Executive Fire Officer program.
Matt has managed both SAFER and AFG grants in multiple capacities with the Estacada Fire District, Gaston Fire District and the Stayton Fire District. Additionally, Matt has been successful in grant writing and strategic planning for multiple fire departments across the State of Oregon, and Nationally while specializing in recruitment and retention needs.
Matt has become a well-known specialist in recruitment and retention and building collaborative teams. In 2024, he was honored to present at FDIC for the first time and will be presenting his class “Expectations and Accountability” again in 2025.
Jill Holland
Jill Holland is a volunteer firefighter, dedicated health and wellness advocate specializing in first responder mental health, occupational performance, and volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention. A New York State Licensed and National Board-Certified Occupational Therapist, she brings extensive expertise in trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, and firefighter wellness initiatives. As a Certified Trauma Professional, National Fire & Emergency Services Instructor, and a Master Trainer in multiple behavioral health programs—including QPR and Responder Strong—she provides critical training, education, and consultation to fire departments and emergency service organizations nationwide.
With a diverse background spanning occupational therapy, fire service leadership, and mental health advocacy, Jill serves as a Commissioner for the Kauneonga Lake Fire District and holds key roles with the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) and the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York (AFDSNY). A Certified Recruitment & Retention Coordinator with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, she actively supports initiatives to strengthen volunteer firefighter ranks through mentorship, education, and strategic outreach. As a founding member of the Sullivan County Recruitment & Retention Task Force (Join Sullivan Fire), she works to develop innovative programs that attract and retain dedicated first responders. She is a sought-after speaker and instructor, delivering impactful presentations on firefighter health, leadership, recruitment, and grant funding strategies at state and national conferences. In addition to her private occupational therapy practice, she collaborates with organizations such as the International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Volunteer Fire Council, and Sullivan180 to enhance firefighter well-being, sustainability, and engagement within their communities.
Sarah Lee
Chief Executive Officer
Growing up in a fire service family, Sarah developed a strong affinity for those who give back to their community. Combined with her 25-year dedication to the nonprofit sector – serving most in the fire and emergency services – Sarah found her calling at the NVFC in 2005. After serving as deputy chief executive since 2006, Sarah became CEO in 2021. She oversees all of the organization’s operations, from membership to programs, and loves the sense of community and giving back her position provides.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree, Sarah has a master’s degree in public administration and nonprofit management, is credentialed as a Certified Association Executive through the American Society of Association Executives, and holds a certificate in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Sarah serves as the membership chair with the Purcellville Volunteer Fire Department in Virginia, where she helps with recruitment and retention. In her spare time, Sarah can be found planning her family’s next camping adventure, volunteering at her kids’ schools, or buried in a good book.
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Contains 4 Component(s) Includes a Live In-Person Event on 04/05/2025 at 8:00 AM (PDT)
The NVFC will offer its WFAP program at the Regional Public Safety Training Center in Reno, NV.
Free Training!
The Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) will teach you how to work-side-by-side with homeowners to identify threats around their property that may be susceptible to wildfires. The WFAP is a joint effort between the National Volunteer Fire Council and the U.S. Forest Service to prepare fire department members with the necessary information, skills, and resources to conduct home safety assessments and provide residents with recommendations as to how to make their homes more fire adapted in the wildland-urban interface.
Date and Time
April 5, 2025 - 0800-1700 PST
Location
Regional Public Safety Training Center
5190 Spectrum Blvd
Reno, NV 89512
Course Offering
Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP)
Travel and Logistics
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
Recommended Hotels:
- Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, 2500 E 2nd Street, Reno, NV 89595
- Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, 2707 S Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89502
Training site parking: Free lot
Meals and refreshments: Lunch is on your own
Attire: casual (no gear needed)
Contacts
Local: Steve Metzger, metzgergeosci@gmail.com, (716) 341-6787
NVFC: Amanda Tegtmeyer, amanda@nvfc.org, (202) 887-5700
Steve McClintock
Steve’s fire service journey began in 1978 as a Volunteer Firefighter in Nevada. He went on to serve with the Clark County Fire Department, where he held various roles, including Firefighter, Paramedic, and Engineer. Steve’s final position was as the Rural Coordinator, where he oversaw 13 volunteer departments and more than 350 volunteers. After a distinguished career, he retired in 2009. Steve has remained deeply committed to the Volunteer Fire Service, serving two terms as President of the Nevada State Firefighters’ Association. He actively represents Nevada on the National Volunteer Fire Council, advocating for initiatives that benefit Volunteer Firefighters nationwide. Steve is currently the Chair of the Wildland Committee.
Steve is married to Marla, his lovely wife of over 20 years, has five beautiful children and two amazing grandchildren.
Mike Johnson
Chief Johnson's career spans 25 years of public service. In his early career he started the fire service in 1993 with the El Dorado County Fire Department and joined the U.S. Forest Service in 1995 where he held positions from firefighter to fire captain. He was an instructor of Fire Science at the College of Southern Nevada. Later he held the positions of Assistant Chief and Fire Training Instructor at Clark County Fire Department in the State of Nevada. These roles required him to supervise a paid and volunteer firefighting staff, 13 Fire Stations and EMS personnel.
Currently Chief Johnson is the Fire Chief for Ebbett’s Pass Fire District, a position he was appointed to in September of 2014. The Ebbett’s Pass Fire District provides fire suppression, advanced life support, and ground emergency medical transport for its 6,750 residents and visitors within the Special Districts 225 square mile boundary. Chief Johnson is very proud of the quality of service provided and their bound to our community.
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