Engaging the community in roadway safety is a key part of reducing first responder injuries and death in traffic incident management. In this NVFC Roundtable Talk, subject matter experts will discuss ways to motivate community members to adopt safe driving guidelines, how to communicate key topics such as distracted driving and moving over when passing an emergency scene, and innovative ways to reach even more drivers with these messages.

Just in time for Community Risk Reduction Week (January 20-26), tune in for this NVFC Roundtable Talk focusing on actionable strategies to help your department develop and implement community risk reduction (CRR) programs that address unique risks within your service area. This panel discussion will cover essential elements, tools, and best practices to enhance fire safety, emergency preparedness, and community engagement.

In small towns, where land is less expensive and highway/interstate access is convenient, distribution centers, warehouses, and industrial spaces continue to absorb land. Volunteer fire departments in these small communities protect a large portion of the millions of square feet that will require intervention with limited fire resources. Tom Merrill and Capt. Mike Dugan brought this topic to the forefront in a webcast on Big Box Warehouse Fires in August. How many Amazon or Wal-Mart distribution centers are in your area? What first response coverage can your fire departments realistically provide? In order 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 for this Roundtable Talk as Tom Merrill, Capt. Mike Dugan (ret), Capt. Mike Gagliano (ret.), Capt. Clark Lamping, and Chief Kevin Ward continue to explore big-box fires and, among other topics, firefighter air. During a firefight, air management plays a critical role in the life and health of a firefighter. This Roundtable Talk is sponsored by the Firefighter Air Coalition. The Firefighter Air Coalition is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization dedicated to advancing firefighter safety through education and training on air management best practices. They promote new air management technologies that enhance firefighter safety and advocate for the implementation of codes requiring these innovative solutions.

Join the NVFC for a Roundtable Talk focused on how fire departments can actively participate in the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, a collaborative effort to address the nation’s wildfire problems. This panel-style discussion will provide a comprehensive overview of the strategy and highlight actionable ways for departments to contribute to wildfire management and resilience efforts. Led by NVFC Wildland Fire Assessment Program Advocates, this session will focus on the objectives of the cohesive strategy, the role of departments, implementation strategies, and available resources to support your involvement. This Roundtable Talk is ideal for department leaders, planners, and other stakeholders involved in wildfire management and community resilience.

What is the role of a fire department chaplain? How can your department enlist a chaplain and help them succeed? What do newly-appointed chaplains need to know? Join Chaplains Dick Brown, Jim Cook, Jimmie Duncan, and John F. Long, Jr. for a panel discussion on what a fire service chaplain does and why a fire department should consider having a trained chaplain as part of their operational command structure. Attendees will also learn about the role chaplains play in providing behavioral health support to help a department thrive.

Fire Prevention Week (FPW) will take place October 6-12, 2024, with the theme “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™” This live panel discussion will focus on the importance of this year’s theme, how your department can participate in FPW, and tips and ideas you can use for public education throughout the year. Presenters: Meri-K Appy, Brene Ball, Robby Dawson, Michael McLeieer (moderator)

Join NVFC Hazmat Partners in Training (P.I.T. Crew) lead subject matter experts and trainers Tom Miller, David Bullard, and Bill Offerman, along with moderator Rachel Buczynski, NVFC chief of training and education, for a discussion on lessons learned from a year of offering hazmat trainings nationwide. They'll share how your department or agency can utilize national resources for practical use in for your own community's hazmat training programs.

Is immersive learning, including augmented reality and virtual reality, the future of fire service training? These tools are already used in many other disciplines, including military and medicine, and the industry for fire service immersive learning technology is thriving. This Roundtable Talk will feature discussion on how immersive learning can be used for the fire service and special implications and considerations for volunteers.

Subject matter experts discuss how first responders can take care of themselves both now and in the future, and provide practical tips for implementing self-care in everyday life, after a difficult call, and following a disaster.

Subject matter experts discuss the 2024 Safety Stand Down theme, what daily focus areas to expect, and how your department can participate.