2025 VCOS Gold Ribbon Report: Utilizing Data in Emergency Response: NERIS

Gold Ribbon Resource

Guidance on Developing a Successful Fire Chaplain Service in Your Fire Department

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Yellow Ribbon Report Update on behavioral wellness now available!

Report provides resources, action items toward a proactive approach to mental wellness in our industry.

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The Latest

IAFC Reminds All Road Users: “SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU – SLOW DOWN AND MOVE OVER!” this Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW), and Every Week

November 17, 2025
November 17-21, 2025 - Crash Responder Safety Week

9/11 Reflections: A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

September 11, 2025
Quotes and reflections, shared by first responders, preserve the personal truths of that day, ensuring we never forget the sacrifices made and the lessons learned.

IAFC Announces First Cohort for 2025 Fire Camp Scholarship

August 28, 2025
IAFC is proud to announce the first cohort consisting of 12 departments will receive the newly relaunched Fire Camp Scholarship grant

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Education

Mentoring

Helping Members Find Their Spark Through Mentoring - Palm Beach Gardens

February 3, 2026 | 10500 N Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Learn how to create and maintain effective mentoring programs that engage members, support their growth, and improve retention. This full-day course includes hands-on activities, discussions, and practical tools to implement mentoring within your department.
Vector Solutions

How Volunteer Fire Departments Can Improve Training Consistency, Compliance, and Effectiveness

February 19, 2026 Online
Learn how departments with limited budgets deliver required training and consistently meet compliance with modern technology.
Mentoring

Helping Members Find Their Spark Through Mentoring - Angola, IN

March 7, 2026 | 101 S. Union Avenue Ashley, IN
Learn how to create and maintain effective mentoring programs that engage members, support their growth, and improve retention. This full-day course includes hands-on activities, discussions, and practical tools to implement mentoring within your department.

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About VCOS

To develop and enhance effective, professional leaders of the volunteer and combination fire service by providing tools, resources and representation to lead their organizations effectively. Learn more

Featured Resources

IAFC logo1280x720

IAFC's Recommendations for FEMA Reform

White paper about reforming FEMA
National Volunteer Firefighter Geospatial Recruitment and Retention Toolkit

National Volunteer Firefighter Geospatial Recruitment and Retention Toolkit

Strengthen Volunteer Fire Departments Through Strategic Recruitment and Retention
US FireAdministration

A Prepared and Resilient Fire and Emergency Medical Services - Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2024-2027

Strategic Plan to address the fire related challenges facing our nation

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KnowledgeNet

VCOS Newsletters

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