Jan 01, 0001

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

November 17-21, 2025 - Crash Responder Safety Week

Jan 01, 0001

9/11 Reflections: A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

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.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Announces First Cohort for 2025 Fire Camp Scholarship

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

Jan 01, 0001

New CRM Manual Empowers Firefighters to Prevent Injuries and Deaths Before They Happen

The 4th Edition of the Crew Resource Management (CRM) Manual released during Fire-Rescue International (FRI) 2025.

Jan 01, 0001

Deputy Fire Chief Paul J. Wilson of the Shelton Fire Department awarded the 2025 Training Officer of the Year Award

The award was formally presented at Fire-Rescue International 2025 in Orlando, Florida

Jan 01, 0001

National Volunteer Fire Council and IAFC Volunteer and Combination Officers Section Representatives Meet to Discuss Shared Priorities

The NVFC and IAFC's VCOS work together collaborate together to address needs of volunteer fire departments.

Jan 01, 0001

Rapid City (SD) Fire Department Honored with Ben Franklin Award for Valor

The IAFC announces the recipients of its highest honor, the 2025 Ben Franklin Award for Valor, sponsored by Motorola Solutions

Jan 01, 0001

Pierce and IAFC Honor Extraordinary Leadership with 2025 Fire Chief of the Year Awards

Chiefs from East Franklin Fire Department (NJ) and Lehi Fire Department (UT) receive prestigious awards at FRI

Jan 01, 0001

Unlock Data-Driven Solutions to Firefighter Recruitment Challenges at FRI 2025

Learn how to utilize GIS toolkits to effectively map recruitment strategies aimed at attracting and retaining firefighters

Jan 01, 0001

Help Strengthen Hazmat Rail Response, Your Experience Matters!

We need your assistance with insights from those who have responded to a rail incident involving Hazardous Materials.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Camp Scholarships are back!

Submit your department’s application now!

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC VCOS Unveils Updated Strategic Direction to Strengthen Leadership, Training, and Outreach

VCOS announces the adoption of an updated Strategic Direction

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS & Deccan International Partner to Bring Analytics Grant to Volunteer & Combination Fire Departments

Apply to be selected to receive an Analyst Application developed and deployed by Deccan International.

Jan 01, 0001

Civil Unrest Resources

IAFC resources related to planning for responding to incidents involving protests and acts of civil unrest

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS presents the Gold Ribbon Report

A comprehensive roadmap designed to guide your transition to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) and understand the role of the data

Jan 01, 0001

Update: National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS)

NERIS began its FEMA Region rollout campaign to begin transitioning and onboarding departments into the new system

Jan 01, 0001

SmartTech, Robotics, & the Future of Responder Health: What’s New At TSI?

SmartTech, Robotics, & the Future of Responder Health: learn what's new at TSI 2024

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. House Passes Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82)

The House passes legislation to increase the Social Security benefit for many career fire and EMS personnel and their spouses

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS Announces Winner of the 2024 William F. Jenaway Illness & Injury Prevention Award

Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department (AVFRD) recipient of the 2024 William F. Jenaway Illness & Injury Prevention Award.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Volunteer and Combination Officers Section Announces Winner of the 2024 Retention & Recruitment Award

Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS is the winner of the 2024’s Retention and Recruitment Award

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Brian McQueen (Ret.) Named Winner of the 2024 John M. Buckman III Leadership Award

VCOS announces the winner of the 2024 John M. Buckman III Leadership Award

Jan 01, 0001

Crash Responder Safety Week 2024: Responders Ahead! Reduce Your Speed as You Proceed

Help raise awareness for the motoring public and implement strategies to promote a culture of safety

Jan 01, 0001

Ensuring Safety in the Age of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Resources to assist fire departments during Lithium-Ion and Energy Storage Systems response

Jan 01, 0001

Public Hearing on Thermal Fuse Reimbursement: A Critical Step Towards Fire Safety

CMC to hold public hearing November 8 regarding thermal fuses, a crucial safety device in fire prevention.

Jan 01, 0001

Evacuation Management 2-Day Course for Law & Fire Service Leaders

A two-day program was developed to help communities PREPARE and RESPOND to a largescale evacuation

Jan 01, 0001

The FCC Announces New Rules for the 4.9 GHz Band

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) votes to support new guidelines for a nationwide Band Manager framework

Jan 01, 0001

Spencerport Fire District Awarded IAFC Deccan International Grant

Spencerport Fire District is proud to announce that it has been awarded an exclusive IAFC VCOS Analytics Grant in partnership with Deccan International

Jan 01, 0001

Shaping the Future of Fire Service: Insights from IAFC President Josh Waldo

Listen in as Chief Josh Waldo shares his journey to becoming Chief of Bozeman and President of the IAFC.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA's Hurricane Milton After the Storm Messaging Resource Toolkit

This toolkit provides multimedia resources quickly available for you to be able to share messaging to your community after Hurricane Milton.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Recommends that Fire and EMS Chiefs Prepare for Supply Chain Interruptions

The IAFC recommends that fire and EMS chiefs take precautions to prepare for possible supply chain interruptions.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee Releases 2024-2026 Strategic Plan

IAFC members are encouraged to review the strategic plan and download the annexes for their use

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Releases New “Hot Wash” For Major Incidents and Training Exercises

“Hotwash” form provides a means to collect pertinent lessons learned; challenges that were faced; and successes that a fire chief and their community face

Jan 01, 0001

Congress Passes SIREN Act Reauthorization to Assist Rural EMS

Now that S. 265 has passed the House of Representatives, it will go to President Biden to sign into law

Jan 01, 0001

2024 Recipient of the VCOS Training Officer Award

Division Chief Training Officer Robert Barron has been selected as the 2024 raining Officer Award

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS & Deccan International Partner to Bring Analytics Grant to Volunteer & Combination Fire Departments

Opportunity for Analyst Grant Award will receive registration and travel expenses for one representative to attend the Symposium in the Sun

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Grants and Safety Act, S. 870 Bill Signing

Important update on two vital programs to the fire service: the AFG and SAFER grants

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter Families Visit Washington DC to Advocate for PSOB Benefits

Ask Congress to Pass the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act (H.R. 1719/S. 930)

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. House of Representatives Votes to Save FIRE and SAFER Grants

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to pass S. 870, extending the end date of both the AFG (FIRE) & SAFER Grants. The bill will now be considered by the Senate.

Jan 01, 0001

Message from IAFC President John Butler re: OSHA Draft Emergency Response Standard

Message from IAFC President John Butler re: OSHA Draft Emergency Response Standard

Jan 01, 0001

Two Fire/EMS Departments to Receive Heart Safe Community Awards at 2024 Fire-Rescue Med Conference

City of Madison and Dothan, Alabama fire departments recognized for their exceptional efforts toward cardiac safety & education.

Jan 01, 0001

Important NIST Findings on Firefighter Gear: Understanding the Risks of PFAS

Are firefighters at risk of increased exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in their protective clothing?

Jan 01, 0001

Lion, IAFC Proudly Partner for Saudi Aramco Cohort 24 International Fellowship Program Graduation

IAFC continues partnership to provide a host environment for the Fellowship Program.

Jan 01, 0001

Statement from IAFC President, Chief John S. Butler

IAFC President, Chief John S. Butler announces appointments

Jan 01, 0001

Department of Labor seeks to expand, establish protections for today’s emergency response workers

Proposal to update standard and expand safety & health protections for emergency responders.

Jan 01, 0001

National Fire Service Organizations Urge Congress to Protect America's Fire and Emergency Services

National organizations calling on Congress to ensure that vital fire service grant programs are reauthorized

Jan 01, 0001

City of Golden (CO) Fire Department and Goochland County (VA) Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services Selected for Deccan International/VCOS “Analyst” Grant!

IAFC, VCOS and Deccan International announce departments selected to receive grant

Jan 01, 0001

Transformative Partnership Formed Between IAFC and Columbia Southern University

IAFC and CSU proudly announced a groundbreaking collaboration that delivers on one of the key goals

Jan 01, 0001

Training: Batteries in the Fire Service, Tall Mass-Timber Buildings & Fire Department Concerns, and Codes that Safeguard Construction

Training on operational response and code requirements for batteries in buildings and energy storage systems

Jan 01, 0001

Heart Safe Communities Honored at Fire-Rescue Med 2023

Two fire departments were recognized for their success in improving cardiac arrest survival rates in their communities

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC President Testifies at Congressional Hearing

Chief Donna Black testifies to support the reauthorization of the AFG and SAFER programs

Jan 01, 0001

Vector Solutions and IAFC’s Volunteer and Combination Officers Section Now Accepting Nominations for the 2023 Training Officer Recognition Award

The award, which is now open for nominations, acknowledges exemplary conduct by a training officer for their innovation and effectiveness when delivering training.

Jan 01, 0001

North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs Receives Safer Grant

NCAFC Grant Will Assist Communities in Recruiting and Retaining Volunteer Firefighters

Jan 01, 0001

NVFC, VCOS, ISFSI Release Operational Training Guide for Fire Departments

A training program that meets the needs of the community and the individual firefighter with safety

Jan 01, 0001

Needs Assessment of US Fire Service

Fifth Needs Assessment shows some progress but continuing gaps in fire department resources.

Jan 01, 0001

The IAFC-VCOS and Provident Insurance Announce the John M. Buckman III Leadership Award Winner: Assistant Chief David Lewis, Sr. (Ret.)

IAFC-VCOS and Provident Insurance Announce the 2021 John M. Buckman III Leadership Award Winner

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC-VCOS and NVFC Release Lavender Ribbon Report Update to Reduce Occupational Cancer Risks

11 best practices for reducing exposure risks and preventing occupationally caused cancer in firefighters

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Position on COVID-19 Vaccination of Fire and EMS Personnel

The IAFC is committed to the health and safety of our fire and EMS department personnel.

Jan 01, 0001

New VCOS Board Members Sworn-In at Fire-Rescue International

Chief Brita Horn, Assistant Chief Paul Sterling, Jr., Chief Al Yancey, Jr., and Chief Kevin Hardwick sworn in at FRI 2021.

Jan 01, 0001

Winner Announced for 2021 VCOS Training Officer Recognition Award Sponsored by Vector Solutions

James Hedrick, Volunteer Training Coordinator from Fairfax County (Virginia) Fire and Rescue Department Named the 2021 Recipient

Jan 01, 0001

Vector Solutions and IAFC’s Volunteer and Combination Officers Section Now Accepting Nominations for the 2021 Training Officer Recognition Award

The award, which is now open for nominations, acknowledges exemplary conduct by a training officer for their innovation and effectiveness when delivering training.

Jan 01, 0001

Now Accepting Nominations for VCOS/TargetSolutions Training Officer Recognition Award

TargetSolutions and IAFC’s VCOS team once again for the annual Training Officer Recognition Award.

Jan 01, 0001

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Assistance Available for Indiana Fire Departments

All support is provided free of cost to departments; the program is funded by the FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants.

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS and Tim Shurr Team Up to Offer Valuable Online Leadership Education for the Fire Service

Six-Part Online Leadership Training

Jan 01, 0001

The IAFC Applauds Passage of Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act

VRIPA exempts nominal incentives for volunteer first responders from being considered taxable income for the 2020 tax year

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS and EFO Release New Report to Assist in First 100 Days as a Chief

New report lays out the key things a new or interim chief needs to know and be thinking about on the first day, during the first week, during the first month, and during months two through six.

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS & VFIS Retention and Recruitment Award Open

The award recognizes success and excellence in the retention and recruitment of emergency service members.

Jan 01, 0001

Nominations Open for Chief Buckman Leadership Award

Nomination period for the Chief Buckman Leadership Award is open through August 16.

Jan 01, 0001

TargetSolutions and IAFC VCOS Now Accepting Nominations for 2019 Training Officer Recognition Award

Nominations for the 2019 Training Officer Recognition Award are being accepted through June 30.

Jan 01, 0001

Lavender Ribbon Report: Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer Released

Fire service leaders and all personnel are asked to make cancer prevention a priority in all fire departments.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC and Pierce Manufacturing Announce 2018 Fire Chiefs of the Year

Herbert Leusch, volunteer, and Joanne Hayes-White, career, named Fire Chiefs of the Year

Jan 01, 0001

Illness and Injury Prevention Award Now Accepting Applications

The Award is designed to support the NFFF and USFA initiatives to reduce firefighter injuries and illness.

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS and VFIS Retention and Recruitment Award Open

Award recognizes innovative volunteer department retention and recruitment programs.

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS Accepting Nominations for Chief John M. Buckman III Leadership Award

Award recognizes fire service leaders who demonstrat leadership, integrity, and outstanding values.

Jan 01, 0001

Unofficial Results: VCOS Board Election Announced

3-year terms will start at the VCOS Annual Meeting during FRI in Dallas.

Jan 01, 0001

Symposium in the Sun Scholarship Now Accepting Applications through Aug. 10

Conference helps leaders address unique challenges facing departments of all sizes.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC, VCOS Release Report on Behavioral Health in the Fire Service

Report raises awareness about the emotional and behavioral health issues in the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

Bill Introduced in House to Provide Volunteer Firefighters Tax Break Incentive

VRIPA would provide a permanent reauthorization of a portion of the tax code which allows volunteer firefighters to receive property-tax based incentives and up to $600 in other incentives without being considered taxable income.