Jan 01, 0001

Passing of VCOS Immediate Past Chair Chief Charles Flynn

Chief Charles Flynn, Immediate Past Chair of the IAFC Volunteer and Combination Officers Section, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, early this morning.

Jan 01, 0001

FRM 2024: Why You Can't Afford to Miss It!

FRM, for leaders to gather key information and build better situational awareness, leading to better decision-making

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

Federal Ground Ambulance and Patient Billing Advisory Committee Votes on Recommendations

New recommendations are being considered for ambulance services and improve the disclosure of charges and fees for ground ambulance services

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

VCOS Scholarships and Awards

VCOS 2023 awards

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

New IAFC Wildfire Evacuation Planning Toolkit

Checkout this new interactive web-based geospatial Wildfire Evacuation Planning Toolkit.

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

House Begins Work on Fiscal Year 2024 DHS Appropriations

Reported Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill.

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

EMS Week 2023 - May 21-27

This annual campaign brings the EMS community together to celebrate the accomplishments of EMTs and paramedics

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

Fire Grants and Safety Act (S. 870) has passed in the Senate, Now What?

Great news for members of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the entire fire service community! The Fire Grants and Safety Act (S. 870) has passed in the Senate with an overwhelming vote of 95-2. This is a significant achievement and deserves to be celebrated.

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Camp Guide Contractor Opportunity

Seeking contractors to help develop a fire camp guide for volunteer and combination departments.

Jan 01, 0001

URGENT: TAKE ACTION: The Senate Considers Legislation to Reauthorize the AFG and SAFER Grant Programs Starting Tomorrow (Wednesday)

Please contact your Senators and ask them to vote for S. 870, the Fire Grants & Safety Act, without any amendments

Jan 01, 0001

First Responder Wellness Week: 5 days of health and wellness

Join us March 27-31 as we partner with Lexipol to launch the first annual First Responder Wellness Week

Jan 01, 0001

Please Take Action: Ask the Senate to Protect the FIRE and SAFER Grant Programs!

Update on legislation to reauthorize funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program

Jan 01, 0001

RFP: Recruitment and Retention Instructor Contract Opportunity

Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Certification (RRC) course is accepting submissions for contractor positions.

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

President Biden Signed a $1.7 Trillion Omnibus Bill; Fire Service Grant Programs Funded Through 2023

Updates regarding the AFG and SAFER programs.

Jan 01, 0001

Status of AFG and SAFER Grants – Funded for Fiscal Year 2023

On December 22, the H.R. 2617 bill was passed which includes funding for the AFG and SAFER programs.

Jan 01, 0001

It’s the Holiday Season: Health Update from the IAFC

The the best ways to stay healthy over the coming winter months

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

Symposium in the Sun Scholarship and Award Nominations Due Sept. 29

Apply for a scholarship to the Symposium in the Sun.

Jan 01, 0001

Emerging Leader Scholarship and Alumni Scholarship Opportunity

Scholarship available for an all- expenses paid opportunity for a future fire service leader to attend the Symposium in the Sun.

Jan 01, 0001

New IAFC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Study Report Identifies Areas of Improvement and Recommends Actions Departments Can Take to Improve Recruitment and Retention

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion study report identifies areas of improvement and recommend actions departments can take to create and maintain diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environments.

Jan 01, 0001

Would You Take 10 Minutes to Help the Volunteer and Combination Fire Service?

The IAFC is conducting a survey on diversity, equity and inclusion to assist volunteer recruitment and retention in the volunter and combination fire service. Learn more about the survey and participate today.

Jan 01, 0001

Save the Date: 3rd International Fire Operations Conference & Exhibition

A platform for academicians, researchers, managers, subject matter experts & students to share their research findings/best practices with the global audience.

Jan 01, 0001

FEMA Announces SAFER Grant Application Period: Jan. 3 – Feb. 4, 2022

The application period for the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grants application period will begin on JAN 3.

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

IAFC Online Community available via Mobile App

Access IAFC's online community via mobile app.

Jan 01, 0001

Five Tips for the New Volunteer Officer

Putting in the work includes a sharp focus on certifications, training, professionalism, positivity and decision-making.

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

HHS Announces Availability of $25.5 billion in COVID-19 Provider Funding

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that $25.5 billion soon will be available to help EMS providers with the costs of providing COVID-19 response.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Encourages Fire and EMS Departments to Remain Vigilant During the Fall

The Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee is in close contact with our federal intelligence and law enforcement partners and will work diligently to share any priority threat-related information.

Jan 01, 0001

Ego and Leadership

This article is a look at how our ego affects leadership, especially in the fire service.

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

Chiefs Reflect on Interview Regarding Volunteer Firefighters

According to a National Fire Protection Association report, there is an estimated 1,115,000 firefighters in the United States. Of that total number, 745,000 or 67% are volunteer firefighters.

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

Members of Congress Introduce Legislation with Housing Benefits for Volunteer Fire and EMS Personnel

The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act (S. 2316/H.R. 4377) was introduced by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-MN) and Representative Cynthia Axne (D-IA). Both bills have bipartisan support.

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

IAFC Seeks Proposals for App Development

IAFC seeks competitive proposals for app development that will enable fire departments to create recruitment and retention plans

Jan 01, 0001

National Workforce Solutions Fire Camp Scholarships

IAFC's National Workforce Solutions & VCOS partner to offer scholarships to 20 volunteer and combination fire departments across the country

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

NHTSA Encourages First Responders to Review its Guidelines for Incidents Involving Electric of Hybrid Vehicles Following NTSB Study on Risks Posed by These Vehicles

Guidance for responders when responding to incidents including electric vehicles.

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Nancy

The story of the first woman to join the IAFC

Jan 01, 0001

State-by-State Listing of Vaccine Priority Available

IAFC urges members to contact their governors in support of providing all fire and EMS personnel with priority access to COVID vaccines.

Jan 01, 0001

The 21st Century Fire and Emergency Services

As we move farther into the 21st century, the speed of change will continue to accelerate.

Jan 01, 0001

Wildland Fire Highlighted in Congressional Briefing

IAFC educates Congress about current wildland fire issues

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Urges Expanded Support for Nonprofit Fire Departments

IAFC urges the SBA to assist private nonprofit fire departments.

Jan 01, 0001

Are You Doing Enough to Engage Your Community?

There are many ways we as fire service leaders can engage our communities.

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

FY 2019 SAFER Grants: Application Period Extended, Cost-Share Waived

In consideration of the economic effects of the pandemic, Acting Secretary Wolf also authorized waivers for certain provisions of the FY 2020 SAFER Grant Program.

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

Chief, Begin Your Day by Asking the Right Questions

There are so many things a chief must decide in a day, so start with simple questions.

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

National Emergency Declaration: What Fire Chiefs Need to Know

President Trump on March 13 declared a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, invoking the Stafford Act.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Launches Coronavirus Task Force

The Task Force will be monitoring COVID-19 and developing recommendations for ways that fire departments can protect their members while continuing to serve their communities.

Jan 01, 0001

RSG! Program Member Spotlight: Bellefontaine Fire & EMS

Bellefontaine Fire & EMS is a combination department in the city of Bellefontaine, Ohio, serving a residential population of over 15,000 citizens.

Jan 01, 0001

The Heartburn I Experienced Should Have Been a Red Flag

A story told from three perspectives.

Jan 01, 0001

Surviving Survivors' Guilt

Being proactive in vital to being prepared and getting back to normalcy.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Goes to New Mexico to Teach Recruitment & Retention

IAFC programs are making a difference world-wide.

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

Lessons Learned from the Misfortunes of Others

Using Case Studies to Aid Professional Development

Jan 01, 0001

What I Wish I Knew When I Became a Fire Chief

A lesson on relationships.

Jan 01, 0001

It's Drone Safety Week

This is an opportunity to share your commitment to drone safety and download valuable resources for you and your crew.

Jan 01, 0001

Mitigation Moment: Roadside Fuels Reduction Projects in Helena, MT

Roadside fuels reduction was a priority for Helena departments when identifying mitigation projects due to the potential impact with evacuations for both residential and seasonal populations as well as considering firefighter safety.

Jan 01, 0001

U.S. DOT Proposes Major Rule for the Safe Transportation of LNG by Rail Tank Car

Currently, LNG may only be transported via rail in a portable tank with an approval from FRA. However, the HMR does authorize the DOT 113 specification tank car for other flammable cryogenic liquids

Jan 01, 0001

EMS Data Collection – How Do Your Costs Add Up?

Does your fire department bill for EMS service? If so, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) wants to get a snapshot of your agency’s EMS costs, revenues, and utilization.

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighter Safety Culture Starts Behind the Wheel

A comprehensive emergency vehicle driver program demonstrates your organization’s culture of safety for your firefighters, as well as the general public, that encounters our emergency vehicles on the street.

Jan 01, 0001

Firefighters' Top 8 Characteristics of Effective Leaders

Firefighters weigh in on what makes a leader worthy of respect and loyalty.

Jan 01, 0001

Accounting for Fire Departments in Congress

Your help is needed to contact your members of Congress and urge them to include fire sprinklers and volunteer tax protections in any tax package that Congress will pass this year.

Jan 01, 0001

ET3 Updates: Where Is the Program Heading?

One of the most important announcements from CMMI came with their decision to extend the application period, which now will close on October 5 at 11:59 PM ET.

Jan 01, 0001

FRI 2019 Highlights: VCOS Interview

Chief Charles Flynn and Chief Al Yancey, Jr. on IAFC TV during FRI 2019

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

National Diversity and Inclusion Program Departments Announced

This program focuses on improving volunteer recruitment and retention through more inclusive and diverse departments nationwide

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

Can You Spot a Cry for Help?

We must acknowledge and seek to genuinely understand the ongoing emotional impact of our job—which we love—on our health and well-being. Read about a tool that can help.

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

Connecticut's "See You Out There" PSA wins EMMY®

A PSA recruiting volunteer firefighters wins EMMY®

Jan 01, 0001

House Acts to Restore Volunteer Tax Protections

If passed by the Senate, it would allow volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel to receive property tax-based incentives and up to $600 per year.

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

Fighting Fire with Tax Policy

Whether you are already engaged with your members of Congress or have not yet ventured into the political world, now is a great time to get involved. We need you to add your voice to the discussion.

Jan 01, 0001

5 Things I Learned from Dad to Help Grow Volunteer Membership

Over the holidays, my dad told me the church he attends is growing. I was surprised because over the past 25 years, membership in American churches has dropped 15%. Sound familiar? In the past 30 years, volunteer firefighters have declined by 12%.

Jan 01, 0001

Taxing Times in Congress

Urge your members of Congress to support fire sprinklers and volunteer and combination fire departments!

Jan 01, 0001

Chief 101: Executing Your Leadership Role

This new online chief-level course is designed to help fire chiefs in volunteer fire departments effectively execute the roles and responsibilities of a leadership position.

Jan 01, 0001

You're a New Chief-level Officer. Now What?

New course is designed for chief-level officers across the United States so please share it with your fire service colleagues.

Jan 01, 0001

Does Your Department Need a Chief People Officer?

In departments staffed by volunteers, morale is the most important aspect. While creating a course to help volunteer leaders learn more about the business of running a department, our team came up with the idea for a “Chief People Officer.”

Jan 01, 0001

An open Letter to the Fire Service

On Thursday, I was bestowed the honor of being this year’s Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. What an amazing honor!

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

Training as if Your Life Depended on It!

The public and all our fellow firefighters are relying on us to be 100% proficient 100% of the time. The only way that happens is through training—every day, every shift, whenever and however you can.

Jan 01, 0001

President’s Letter: Help is Available for the Volunteer Fire Service

We have a crisis on our hands: The number of volunteer firefighters is down and the local ranks of volunteer firefighters are getting older. There’s no quick fix to this problem, but resources are available to help calm the storm.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: Tipping Over

The life of an on-call/volunteer firefighter often becomes a balancing act. We need department cultures that recognize the importance of family and the wellbeing of our members.

Jan 01, 0001

Feeling Blessed to Pass the Torch

Not only is the fire service not immune from the speedy pace of retiring Baby Boomers, but given the demographics, culture and traditions, we may be at even greater risk. This article is adapted from one that ran recently in the VCOS newsletter.

Jan 01, 0001

Fighting Fire with the Tax Code

Tax cut bill: What's in it for fire and EMS

Jan 01, 0001

Bringing Back Fun in the Firehouse

I remember the days of riding the back step and so much more. I won’t call them the good old days; we were lucky to have survived them unscathed. But oh, was it easy to recruit and retain new members; the volunteer firehouse was the place to be.

Jan 01, 0001

Recruit the Best and Retain Them Longer

It’s no surprise that the recruitment and retention of volunteers has become a hot topic and one that many fire departments are constantly trying to overcome. Recruiting new members and retaining seasoned individuals is becoming a challenge.

Jan 01, 0001

Executive Officer Leadership: The Relationship Between Human Resources and Community Awareness

A public-safety organization's HR responsibilities include attracting applicants, retaining members, motivating members, planning for succession development and offering relevant training. The challenge for us is to get it right.

Jan 01, 0001

Integrating Veterans in the Fire and Emergency Service

At my FRI session, we discussed bringing veterans into our firehouses. The idea seems simple, though it can lead to worrying about what-ifs. But why don’t we have a fire or EMS job for every veteran who meets our requirements and wants one?

Jan 01, 0001

ICS Is Not Just for Operations

ICS is an excellent means of organizing resources, providing accountability and allocating them to meet challenges; it’s a time-proven approach to dealing with emergencies. But we shouldn’t ignore that, at its base, it’s simply a management tool.

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

Human Relations: If We Build It, They Will Come

There are many untapped, talented people who would be ready to play on our team and work for our mission if we would just prepare the workplace to recognize and harness their diverse and varied talents.

Jan 01, 0001

Volunteer Fire Service: Finding Recruitment and Retention Solutions

Recently, volunteer firefighters and leaders of all ranks across Connecticut met at the Branford (Conn.) Fire Department, to share information about the financial and training opportunities available statewide to volunteer departments.

Jan 01, 0001

Taxing Times in Congress

With the new administration and Congress, the chances of seeing comprehensive tax reform increased dramatically. There may be several ways the fire and emergency service can capitalize on this to achieve some longstanding goals.

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.

Jan 01, 0001

Is Your Pay-Per Call Program FLSA Compliant?

Pay-per-call programs can benefit volunteer and combination fire departments with their firefighter recruitment and retention efforts. They can also create significant liabilities for local governments when those programs are not FLSA compliant. The IAFC has resources to help departments be FLSA compliant.

Jan 01, 0001

Our Volunteer Family Life

Being part of the fire service family comes with responsibility and duty: to be part of a larger network with the obligation to support each other through good times and bad. It’s part of the fabric of the fire service.

Jan 01, 0001

Navigating the Gridlock: Finding a Path for Volunteer Legislation

Between the challenges of this year’s presidential race and the fewest number of laws enacted in more than 40 years, partisanship and gridlock have become a hallmark of the 114th Congress. Despite these challenges, however, Congress has made some progress ...

Jan 01, 0001

Us Versus Them: Can We All Get Along?

“Can we all get along?” Those words were spoken nearly 25 years ago by Rodney King during the Los Angeles riots that followed the trial of police officers accused of beating King during his arrest. The quote is often misstated and ...

Jan 01, 0001

Kidde Announces Winner of Step Up and Stand Out Contest

MEBANE, N.C. - Kidde today announced the winner of the "Step Up and Stand Out" contest. The honor goes to Bob Love, assistant chief of North Hays County Fire Rescue in Dripping Springs, Texas. The contest is part of a ...

Jan 01, 0001

President`s Letter: Are There Other Ways?

Recently, while discussing the state of the fire service today with a friend (you know who you are), he suggested ...

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS Participates with the NVFC Recruitment and Retention SAFER Workgroup

The IAFC``s Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) has been invited to participate as a member of a SAFER (Staffing ...

Jan 01, 0001

Department T-Shirts: Just Wearing Them or Living the Mission?

According to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are over 1.1 million firefighters in the United States. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Engaging Younger Generations: What`s In It for Us?

As leaders of the fire service, we``re confronted with a multitude of challenges. These come in two predominate varieties: emergency ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Slaying Two-Headed Dragons

(OK, one of them at least.) If you``ve been involved with combination departments for any length of time, you``ve witnessed ...

Jan 01, 0001

Asking the Right Grant-Funding Questions: A Look at Needs Versus Wants

As leaders of volunteer fire departments, we operate in different environments regarding budgets, sustainability and general day-to-day operations than our ...

Jan 01, 0001

One Company`s SAFER Story: How You Can Do It, Too

Fire departments charged with training and retaining emergency-service recruits continue to face existing and emerging challenges. With a plethora of ...

Jan 01, 0001

Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act: Restoring Important Tax Provisions

Congress has not yet restored recently expired tax provisions, including the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA), that expired at ...

Jan 01, 0001

GIS Helps Virginia Recruit Volunteer Firefighters

In today’s fast-paced environment, the fire service is always looking for the quickest ways to produce the best results. The ...

Jan 01, 0001

Tax Armageddon Comes Early for Volunteers

Inside the Beltway, a new term will be repeated throughout the 2012 election season: “Tax Armageddon.” This doomsday-inspiring term refers ...

Jan 01, 0001

Pinnacles and Pitfalls of Recruitment: An EMS Perspective

Recruitment quite literally means engaging in the process of finding new employees, members or personnel. In and of itself, the ...

Jan 01, 0001

Retention and Recruitment Program Honored at 2011 VCOS Symposium in the Sun

Manchaca Fire/Rescue (MVFD) serves the areas just south of the city of Austin, Tex., to the Travis County boundary line. ...

Jan 01, 0001

IRS Exempts Volunteer Fire Departments from PPACA

Taxes and firefighters are two words that aren``t often said in the same breath. However, fire chiefs last year shifted ...

Jan 01, 0001

Company Officer Leadership: Best Bang for Your Buck

From a financial and staffing perspective, a combination fire department provides the best bang for the buck, but the management ...

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS Education & Training Opportunities

The IAFC’s Volunteer and Combination Officers Section offers many specialized opportunities for leadership training throughout the year. Here’s a quick ...

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Chris Barron Wins the John M. Buckman III Leadership Award

Chief Chris Barron is the 2012 winner of the John M. Buckman III Leadership Award, sponsored by Provident Insurance. Barron ...

Jan 01, 0001

Affordable Care Act Call to Action

Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA) and Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) worked together to introduce bipartisan legislation (H.R. ...

Jan 01, 0001

Tax Reform: Not a Nickel-and-Dime Issue

Since January, the Ways and Means Committee in the House of Representatives and the Finance Committee in the Senate have ...

Jan 01, 0001

Affordable Care Act Causing Concern for Fire Departments

In discussing historic healthcare legislation on March 10, 2010, former House Speaker, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) stated, "But we have ...

Jan 01, 0001

A Game without Rules

Imagine yourself playing on a football team in the NFL. However, imagine that there are no written rules. The coaches ...

Jan 01, 0001

Volunteers and the 114th Congress: Where Are We Now?

The first half of the 114th Congress is rapidly coming to a close and it’s been quite a session! Some ...

Jan 01, 0001

Emergency Response in POVs Poses Risks

As a young volunteer firefighter, still in high school, I can remember driving at high speed, flying along curved rural ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Declares Support for National Fire Service Cancer Initiative

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Board of Directors has adopted a position statement in support ...

Jan 01, 0001

Pilot Departments for National Recruitment and Retention Program Named

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has selected the departments that will participate in the IAFC's ...

Jan 01, 0001

Volunteer Recruitment Tips: Beyond Open Houses

It’s common knowledge that many departments are currently facing a shortage of volunteers. The fall season is often a time ...

Jan 01, 0001

Can Diversity Save the Volunteer Fire Service?

I don't need to recite the statistics; we all know the problem. We need to be honest with ourselves and ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC, VCOS, Kidde Home Safety Team Up with Country Music Star to Recognize Volunteer Firefighters

Country Music star and former first responder Craig Morgan joined representatives of Kidde Fire Safety, the International Association of Fire ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC, NVFC Release Report on POV Safety for ESO Responses

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) today released a ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association Announces the Kick-Off of the Everyday Hero Recruitment Campaign

Cromwell, Conn. - Today, the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association (CFCA), in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Supports Bill to Protect Volunteer Incentives

Fairfax, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today applauded bipartisan legislation that would protect incentives for volunteer ...

Jan 01, 0001

The Making of a Volunteer in a Volunteer/Combination Department

Here's a deeper look at what volunteers are seeking through their service to their communities with your fire department.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Announces Gift to Firefighter Cancer Support Group

Clearwater, Fla. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs' (IAFC) Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS) announced it will ...

Jan 01, 0001

Grassroots Recruiting: Increasing the Ranks with Decreasing Budgets

It will be no surprise to any of you that one of the primary chronic problems facing volunteer and combination ...

Jan 01, 0001

National Fire Service Organizations Address Volunteer Fire Service Concerns With the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), ...

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Asks IRS to Clarify Treatment of Volunteer Firefighters Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), has issued official comment (pdf) on the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) deliberations in ...

Jan 01, 0001

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention: Technology versus Tradition

With 80% of the fire service consisting of volunteers, recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters can present significant staffing and response challenges if not properly addressed. Most departments perform recruitment activities, but are th ...

Jan 01, 0001

From Passive to Active Recruiting: Recruitment Findings from Connecticut

Here are some key lessons learned from the Connecticut Volunteer Workforce Solutions Program.

Jan 01, 0001

SAFER Volunteer Workforce Solutions: Helping To Solve Recruitment and Retention Issues

The SAFER Volunteer Workforce Solutions (VWS) program continues to move forward in its effort to help solve the recruitment and retention issues faced by volunteer fire departments in the United States.

Jan 01, 0001

Retention Begins with You

Retention starts in the fire chief’s office. If you as leader of the organization fail to recognize the volunteers as ...

Jan 01, 0001

Perception, Politics and Professionalism in Volunteer Departments

The focus of every department is getting new recruits in the door. Get them in, get them trained, get them ...

Jan 01, 0001

VCOS Summit Update: Latest Progress and Next Steps

In March, the Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS) of the IAFC held a national Summit, “Constructing a National ...

Jan 01, 0001

Meet One of the World's Largest Volunteer Fire Departments

Australia is one of the most fire-prone regions on the planet—and protecting its most populous state is the New South ...