As a volunteer firefighter, you know how important it is to stay up-to-date on everything from the latest training courses to resources available to understand safety and health standards. But it can be challenging to access all of this information, especially if you are serving as a volunteer.

That’s where the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) comes in.

The NVFC is a nonprofit membership association for the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. This leading nonprofit association contains vital resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders throughout the U.S. Their mission is to provide a unified voice for volunteer Fire/EMS organizations.

While supporting their mission, the NVFC offers a variety of services and programs to support fire and EMS organizations. These services and programs:

• Focus on health and safety
• Help departments recruit and retain Fire Service and EMS/Rescue personnel
• Provide training on topics that matter to you (Fire Service and EMS/Rescue)
• Assist departments in establishing support programs
• Foster the next generation of firefighters
• Represent the interests of the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and rescue services at the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and national standards setting committees

The NVFC’s site serves as an easy-to-navigate destination offering a variety of resources for current and aspiring volunteer fire and rescue service workers including:

• Support for department recruitment campaign
• Tips to help lessen occupational cancer risk
• Education, awareness and resources as part of its “Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program” aimed at combating the trend of on-duty firefighters suffering heart attacks
• Courses about grant writing
• Tips for advocacy and communicating with elected officials
• Information about safety and equipment

As a proud supporter of the NVFC, MSA has awarded turnout gear to volunteer departments in need through the Globe Gear Giveaway Program since 2012.  In 2019, the program expanded with the addition of helmets. Throughout the past eight years, 507 sets of turnout gear have been awarded to 108 departments, for a total of over $1 million worth of life-saving personal protective equipment.

If you would like to learn more about what the NVFC has to offeror if you are interested in joining, please visit their website at https://www.nvfc.org/.