Join us for the 2025 Symposium in the Sun

November 13-16

Conference Details

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

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

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

August 26, 2025
The 4th Edition of the Crew Resource Management (CRM) Manual released during Fire-Rescue International (FRI) 2025.

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Education

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Building Collaborative Teams Pilot Class - Leesburg, VA

October 18, 2025 | Leesburg, VA
Join us for a Building Collaborative Teams pilot class in Virginia.
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Recruitment & Retention Coordinator Certification Pilot Class - Leesburg, VA

October 19, 2025 | Leesburg, VA
Join us for a Recruitment & Retention Coordinator Certification pilot class in Leesburg, VA.
Symposium in the Sun

Symposium in the Sun 2025

November 13 - 16, 2025 | Clearwater, FL
The Symposium in the Sun addresses the unique needs of volunteer and combination departments including transitioning from a volunteer to a combination department, recruitment and retention, leadership and management, staffing and more.

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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

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

US Fire Administrator's Summit on Fire Prevention and Control - 2022-2023 Workgroup Report

US Fire Administrator's Summit on Fire Prevention and Control - 2022-2023 Workgroup Report
US FireAdministration

U.S. Fire Administration 2023 Accomplishments

U.S. Fire Administration 2023 Accomplishments

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KnowledgeNet

VCOS Newsletters

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