Occupational cancer continues to have an impact on the lives of our firefighters. Since 2015, fire service organizations across this country have prioritized the occupational issue and improvements have been recommended for implementation within the framework of our operations at incidents. While we’ve seen improvements in our cancer initiative, the need to continue to provide education on this topic and its impact on our firefighters and their families must continue. In this webinar, Chief Brian McQueen of the National Volunteer Fire Council, Chief John Buckman III of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and Scott Beecher of Ward Diesel Filter Systems will discuss the specific actions outlined in the Lavender Ribbon Report that firefighters and their departments can take to reduce the risk of occupational cancer, as well as how departments can embed these practices into their operations and culture. Sponsored by Ward Diesel Filter Systems

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) regularly teams up with partners to provide grant, giveaway, and scholarship opportunities for the fire and emergency services. Are you ready to boost your department's resources and make the most of these opportunities? Join NVFC board member Joel Cerny and program manager Lori Shirley for this webinar to learn how to identify key opportunities, craft compelling applications, use appropriate data, and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you're applying for funding, gear, or education, this session will provide actionable strategies to help your department produce a competitive NVFC grant or giveaway application. This webinar is sponsored by MSA Safety.

Congratulations, you’re a training officer! But…how to do you teach adult learners? When we think of the science of how humans learn, we often think of children (i.e., pedagogy). However, there are learning theories unique to adults: how people learn in formal and informal ways once they are over 18. Many training officers (in all industries) find themselves in the role of educator with little to no background knowledge of andragogy (the science of adult learning). Understanding more about andragogy can help you further build your skillset as a fire department trainer and reinforce techniques you’re already using.

So, you’ve reserved a spot to testify at OSHA’s upcoming public hearing regarding the proposed Emergency Response Standard. Have questions about what to say? The hearing procedure? How to answer questions from the OSHA panel and the audience? This session will cover the answers to these questions and allow time for audience Q&A so that you’re prepared for your testimony.

It happens, even in environments where people volunteer: one member alleges harassment by another member. Whether it was a misunderstanding or something overt, the alleged harassment must be addressed while maintaining all your usual department operations. This webinar, led by attorney Alisa B. Arnoff, will provide you with practical and legal strategies designed to prepare you to manage a harassment allegation if one arises.

Engaging the community in roadway safety is a key part of reducing first responder injuries and death in traffic incident management. Just in time for your fall open house, this webinar will discuss ways to incorporate key topics such as “move over,” preventing distracted driving, and how to pass an emergency scene safely in your community education initiatives.

Community education is a key part of the fire service, but departments don't always have funding or resources to implement these programs. Presenter Angela Potter will cover how she connected with other fire and life safety educators, found resources, and developed a regional program to increase knowledge in her own community and beyond. Key topics will include finding free and low-cost resources that you can utilize for your program; building effective outreach plans; and collaborating with other educators to increase your collective impact.

The public comment period for OSHA’s proposed Emergency Response Standard has closed, and a public hearing is scheduled. So what happens now? In this session, presenter David Denniston will provide a brief overview of the proposed standard, what it could mean for your organization, where we are in the process, and what comes next. Attendees will hear a summary of the public comments published to date and how you can take action by testifying at the informal hearing and communicating with your elected officials. The session will conclude with time for Q&A.

The public comment period has ended for OSHA’s proposed Emergency Response Standard, so what happens now? Join Ryan Woodward, NVFC chief of legislative and regulatory affairs, for an overview of OSHA’s upcoming virtual public hearing regarding the proposed standard. The hearing will begin on November 12, and anyone who submits a written request by September 27 can testify. This webinar will focus on how the hearing will be structured, how to testify, and what witnesses may want to focus on in their testimony.

Move over millennials, there’s a new kid in town. Generation Z – those born between 1997-2012 – are becoming young adults. Harnessing the energy and potential of Gen Z volunteers is crucial for organizational success. This session will explore the unique characteristics, motivations, and communication preferences of Gen Z individuals to equip you with the tools necessary to attract and retain this dynamic demographic. From leveraging social media platforms to understanding their passion for purpose-driven initiatives, participants will explore innovative strategies tailored to effectively recruit and empower Gen Z volunteers.