Dec 11, 2020

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.

Dec 03, 2020

The 21st Century Fire and Emergency Services

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

Aug 18, 2020

Wildland Fire Highlighted in Congressional Briefing

IAFC educates Congress about current wildland fire issues

Jun 09, 2020

IAFC Urges Expanded Support for Nonprofit Fire Departments

IAFC urges the SBA to assist private nonprofit fire departments.

May 22, 2020

Are You Doing Enough to Engage Your Community?

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

May 21, 2020

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.

May 15, 2020

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.

May 06, 2020

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.

Apr 10, 2020

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.

Mar 26, 2020

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

Six-Part Online Leadership Training

Mar 14, 2020

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.

Mar 13, 2020

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.

Feb 27, 2020

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.

Feb 27, 2020

The Heartburn I Experienced Should Have Been a Red Flag

A story told from three perspectives.

Feb 27, 2020

Surviving Survivors' Guilt

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

Feb 12, 2020

IAFC Goes to New Mexico to Teach Recruitment & Retention

IAFC programs are making a difference world-wide.

Jan 15, 2020

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 10, 2020

Lessons Learned from the Misfortunes of Others

Using Case Studies to Aid Professional Development

Dec 07, 2019

What I Wish I Knew When I Became a Fire Chief

A lesson on relationships.

Nov 05, 2019

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.

Oct 24, 2019

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.

Oct 23, 2019

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

Oct 11, 2019

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.

Oct 11, 2019

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.

Oct 11, 2019

Firefighters' Top 8 Characteristics of Effective Leaders

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

Sep 27, 2019

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.

Sep 20, 2019

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.

Sep 10, 2019

FRI 2019 Highlights: VCOS Interview

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

Aug 09, 2019

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.

Jul 30, 2019

National Diversity and Inclusion Program Departments Announced

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

Jul 17, 2019

VCOS & VFIS Retention and Recruitment Award Open

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

Jul 16, 2019

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.

Jul 03, 2019

Nominations Open for Chief Buckman Leadership Award

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

Jun 28, 2019

Chief James P. Seavey, Sr. Scholarship Accepting Applications through August 9

Scholarship to attend VCOS Symposium in the Sun seeks an individual who embodies the ideals of Chief Seavey.

Jun 21, 2019

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

A PSA recruiting volunteer firefighters wins EMMY®

May 24, 2019

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.

May 13, 2019

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.

Mar 28, 2019

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 31, 2019

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%.

Nov 29, 2018

Taxing Times in Congress

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

Nov 14, 2018

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.

Oct 12, 2018

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.

Sep 17, 2018

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.”

Aug 13, 2018

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!

Aug 09, 2018

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.

Aug 07, 2018

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

Jul 18, 2018

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.

Jul 09, 2018

VCOS and VFIS Retention and Recruitment Award Open

Award recognizes innovative volunteer department retention and recruitment programs.

Jul 02, 2018

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

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

Jun 28, 2018

Unofficial Results: VCOS Board Election Announced

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

Jun 25, 2018

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

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

Jun 18, 2018

Accepting Emerging Leader Scholarship Applications Through Aug. 3

Winner will receives $1,500 for registration and travel expenses for the upcoming VCOS Symposium in the Sun.

Apr 17, 2018

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.

Apr 17, 2018

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.

Apr 17, 2018

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.

Apr 05, 2018

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.

Dec 05, 2017

Fighting Fire with the Tax Code

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

Nov 14, 2017

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.

Nov 14, 2017

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.

Nov 14, 2017

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.

Oct 31, 2017

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?

Oct 31, 2017

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.

Sep 29, 2017

FIRE/SAFER Reauthorization Introduced in the House

Bill calls for the elimination of the sunset clause.

Jul 21, 2017

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.

Jun 01, 2017

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.

Mar 29, 2017

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.

Mar 17, 2017

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.

Mar 16, 2017

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.

Feb 21, 2017

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.

Feb 16, 2017

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.

Feb 13, 2017

Attention Tennessee Fire Chiefs: Volunteer Recruitment Assistance Available

Problem: Recruitment and retention of volunteers in fire departments. Solution: Volunteer Workforce Solutions.

Nov 01, 2016

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 ...

Nov 01, 2016

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 ...

Oct 21, 2016

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 ...

Aug 19, 2016

Top Five Finalists Announced for “Step Up and Stand Out” Volunteer Firefighter Recognition Program

Fairfax, Va. - The top five finalists for the volunteer firefighter contest, “Step Up and Stand Out”, were announced today at the Fire-Rescue International (FRI) conference in San Antonio, Texas. The contest is part of a national campaign developed by ...

Jul 30, 2016

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 ...

Jul 30, 2016

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 ...

Jul 30, 2016

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. ...

Jul 30, 2016

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 ...

Jul 30, 2016

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 ...

Jul 30, 2016

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 ...

Jul 30, 2016

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 ...

Jul 30, 2016

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 ...

Jul 30, 2016

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 ...

Jul 30, 2016

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 ...

Jul 30, 2016

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 ...

Jul 30, 2016

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. ...

Jul 30, 2016

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 ...

Jul 30, 2016

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 ...

Jul 30, 2016

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 ...

Jul 29, 2016

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 ...

Jul 29, 2016

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. ...

Jul 14, 2016

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 ...

Jul 13, 2016

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 ...

Jun 22, 2016

A Game without Rules

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

Jun 22, 2016

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 ...

Jun 22, 2016

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 ...

May 13, 2016

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 ...

Apr 27, 2016

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 ...

Nov 16, 2015

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 ...

Nov 16, 2015

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 ...

Nov 06, 2015

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 ...

Aug 27, 2015

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 ...

Mar 06, 2015

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 ...

Feb 27, 2015

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 ...

Nov 20, 2014

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.

Nov 12, 2014

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 ...

Nov 04, 2014

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 ...

Dec 11, 2013

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), ...

Oct 01, 2013

VCOS Names 2013 Award Winners

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is pleased to congratulate the following winners of the IAFC Volunteer & Combination ...

Sep 10, 2013

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 ...

Feb 28, 2013

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 29, 2013

From Passive to Active Recruiting: Recruitment Findings from Connecticut

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

Mar 15, 2012

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.

Mar 14, 2012

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 ...

Mar 14, 2012

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 ...

Oct 27, 2011

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 ...

Oct 27, 2011

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 ...

Jun 10, 2011

National Leaders Gather for Landmark Summit

This afternoon, more than one hundred leaders representing the fire and emergency service community, the federal government, local government and ...