The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Training Summit on June 21-22 in Buffalo, New York, as reported by the National Volunteer Fire Council.
This year’s event saw record attendance, with over 200 participants from 40 states and the District of Columbia.
The summit featured 18 sessions delivered by nationally recognized experts, focusing on health and safety, recruitment and retention, and leadership.
Attendees also heard from keynote speakers, including U.S. Deputy Fire Administrator Tonya Hoover and fire service leader Tom Merrill.
Networking opportunities included lunches, breaks, and a Vendor Expo.
Attendance at the NVFC Training Summit is capped to ensure participants can fully engage in the sessions and networking events.
To assist volunteers from budget-limited departments, travel stipends were awarded to 43 NVFC members, covering up to $800 for transportation, hotel, and registration fees.
NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch highlighted the council’s commitment to accessibility: “We are thrilled to mark 10 years of providing the NVFC Training Summit to volunteer firefighters and emergency responders.
“Our goal is to strengthen local fire and emergency services through training that attendees can take back to their departments.”
Chief Louis W. Lepere of the Prudence Island Fire Department in Rhode Island, a stipend recipient, praised the summit’s value: “The stipend provided me with access to top-notch training and resources that my organization would not have otherwise had the chance to send me to.
“The sessions were engaging, the speakers were inspiring, and the networking opportunities were incredibly beneficial.”
The summit and travel stipends were funded by a Fire Prevention and Safety Grant and a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant from FEMA.
The NVFC also acknowledged the support of numerous sponsors and exhibitors.
The NVFC expressed gratitude to attendees, instructors, and sponsors for their contributions to the success of the 2024 event.
The next NVFC Training Summit is scheduled for June 20-21, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Interested individuals can sign up to receive updates as they become available.