Natl. Volunteer Fire Council

The NVFC Spring Board Conference is underway! We kicked off this morning with the presentation of the colors by the Alexandria Fire Department Honor Guard, a welcome by Alexandria (VA) Fire Department Chief Felipe Hernandez, Jr., the Chair's Report by Steve Hirsch, and the CEO Report by Sarah Lee. Check out a few highlights from the morning!

Volunteer fire service leaders from across the country came together for the NVFC Advocacy Day during the 2026 Spring Conference. Supported by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the event provided an opportunity for NVFC Directors and state fire service association representatives to learn more about the legislative process, discuss key issues impacting the volunteer fire service, and prepare to effectively engage with policymakers on behalf of their departments and communities. Thank you to everyone who participated and continues to advocate for the needs of the volunteer fire and emergency services. 🚒🚑️

Lace up, log in, and start stepping! 🚶‍♂️ The NVFC Step Strong Challenge kicks off June 1. Sign up today and join first responders nationwide stepping up their fitness while competing for the chance to win prizes. 👉 Register now: hekahealth.com/nvfc26

As part of the NVFC’s 50th anniversary celebration, we’re continuing our State Association Spotlight series. This week, we’re highlighting the West Virginia State Firemen’s Association, a cornerstone of the state’s fire service since 1928. West Virginia’s fire service is deeply rooted in tradition and community, with departments dating back to the early 1800s alongside newer organizations formed within the last two decades. Today, the state is home to 434 fire departments, with only 19 being career or combination, making it a truly volunteer-driven fire service. The association has played a key role in honoring and supporting firefighters across the state and encouraging NVFC membership is one more way the West Virginia State Firemen’s Association supports the firefighters who serve their communities every day. Join today for just $24/year and stand with volunteers across West Virginia and nationwide 👉 nvfc.org/join

⏰ Last Chance to Apply! The clock is ticking! Apply now for the @statefarm & NVFC Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. 150 volunteer departments will be awarded $10,000 each to purchase critical equipment. Don’t miss out on this chance to support your department and community. The application period closes Thursday, May 7, at Noon ET. 📍 States with 10 or more eligible applications are guaranteed at least one grant recipient. 🔗 Apply now at /statefarm

🚨 NOW OPEN: 2026 Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program! 🚨 State Farm® and the NVFC are awarding $1.5 million to help volunteer fire departments purchase essential equipment. 150 departments will receive a $10,000 grant and the first 2,000 applicants will receive a FREE one-year NVFC membership! Apply now — the application period closes at noon ET on Thursday (May 7): https://buff.ly/DjzThSG

Someone in your life answers the call. Today is a good day to remind them it matters. International Firefighters’ Day ❤️🚒 Tag a firefighter who shows up when it counts. #InternationalFirefightersDay #ThankAFirefighter

🎙️Listen to our latest #Station1902 podcast episode featuring Chief Steve Hirsch, Chairman of the NVFC, as he discusses the critical challenges facing the modern volunteer fire service. He explores everything from member retention and leadership to the “invisible killers” threatening the health of our first responders. Link in bio. 💻Take the conversation further by joining us on May 27 for an exclusive webinar where Chief Hirsch delves deeper into active mitigation. Live attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance from Provident. Register at link in bio!

🔥May 4-7 ONLY: Apply for a $10,000 Fire Department Grant! State Farm® and the NVFC are teaming up again to support volunteer fire departments through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. $1.5 million in grant funding will be awarded to 150 departments — each receiving $10,000 to purchase critical equipment that boosts firefighter safety and performance. 📍 States with 10 or more eligible applications are guaranteed at least one grant recipient. The application period will be open from noon ET on May 4 to noon ET on May 7. Don’t wait – prep your application now with guidance, FAQs, and more! https://buff.ly/DjzThSG

We train relentlessly for the flashover, but are we prepared for the aftermath? Cancer, heart disease, and mental health struggles are the leading threats to our first responders today. It’s time to move beyond "awareness" and into active mitigation. Join us for Mission: Survival, a tactical webinar featuring Steve Hirsch, Chair of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). We’re providing the roadmap that Chiefs and members need to combat the invisible killers of the fire service. 📍 The Goal: Ensure every member outlasts the threats of the career. 🎓 All live attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance from Provident. ➡️Register at link in bio! #FirefighterHealth #MissionSurvival #FireService #MentalHealthMatters

#ad What’s your fave, pancakes or donuts? I created a fun mashup making Pancake Donuts using @pearlmillingcompany Pancake Mix for the donuts and @nutella smooth spread for the frosting. They turned out so good with breakfast. I served them with sausage and a full side of strawberries to make it a complete breakfast plate. I love that this starts with Pearl Milling Company® Pancake Mix and turns into something a little different for the table. @pearlmillingcompany and @nutella partnered for Nutella® Stacks for Giving Back to support local volunteer firefighters alongside @mynvfc . Visit Nutella® Stacks for Giving Back - National Volunteer Fire Council to learn more and nominate a local fire department by April 30. Donut Recipe 2 cups Pearl Milling Company® Pancake Mix 1 ½ cups water 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 large egg ½ tsp ground cinnamon ½ cup Nutella® Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and butter 2 donuts pans (12 donuts). In a mixing bowl add the pancake mix, the ground cinnamon and mix well. Add the vanilla, egg and water. Mix until just incorporated, leaving some lumps. Add to the donut pans and bake for 10-12 minutes. Spread the Nutella on one side of the donuts and enjoy! #PearlMillingCompany #Nutella #StacksForGivingBack #nvfc

As part of the NVFC’s 50th anniversary celebration, we’re continuing our State Association Spotlight series. This week, we’re highlighting the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association and its long-standing legacy of supporting the state’s fire service since 1887. North Carolina is home to more than 54,000 firefighters, many of whom serve as volunteers, making it one of the largest volunteer fire service systems in the country. That commitment to service is matched by a strong sense of community and support across the state. Through scholarships, training grants, the NC Firefighter Cancer Benefit, and other resources, the association continues to invest in the firefighters who serve North Carolina every day. Encouraging NVFC membership is one more way the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association supports the firefighters who serve their communities every day. Join today for just $24/year and stand with volunteers across North Carolina and nationwide 👉 nvfc.org/join