Training & Education - News

'Stop Our Stigma' Campaign Aims To Normalize Seeking Mental Health Support For First Responders

EMSHelp.org, a non-profit organization committed to advancing suicide prevention among EMS providers, launched its 'Stop Our Stigma' campaign on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the AFCA/AFDA Fire and EMS Leadership Conference and Expo 2023. Board members - Rob Brewster and Dale Crogan were in attendance to request all attendees sign the pledge to 'recognize and commit to reducing the stigma associated with mental health and seeking mental health help'. Suicide rates According to a study conducte...

Euralarm Welcomes ExxFire As New Member

Following a decision of its Board, Euralarm has welcomed ExxFire as a new member.  The company will join the Extinguishing Section of Euralarm whose activities cover automatic extinguishing systems using gas, water, foam, powder, and aerosols, oxygen reduction systems, portable equipment, and other manual means of fire-fighting as well as fire-fighting agents used in either fixed automatic systems or in portable equipment.  ExxFire joins Euralarm as new member ExxFire (Noordwijk, th...

Amthal Marks A New Chapter With A Refreshed Brand Identity And Vision

Fire safety and security specialist Amthal is excited to mark a new chapter in the company’s evolution with a refreshed brand identity and vision for future growth in the industry. The rebranding initiative represents a strategic move to align the company's visual identity with its growth targets, core values, commercial expertise, and commitment to excellence in the fire and security industry. Brand transformation Amthal has undergone a comprehensive brand transformation, including a r...

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Publishes Their Culture Action Plan

Following the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) Culture and Inclusion Conference on 27 and 28 March 2023 and the spotlight report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) entitled ‘Values and culture in fire and rescue services’, released on 30 March 2023, the NFCC has developed a Culture Action Plan to address culture and inclusion within the fire and rescue sector. NFCC’s fire and rescue services protect the pub...

Autocall Foundation Series Offers Compact, Streamlined Fire Detection Solution For Small Buildings

Johnson Controls, the globally renowned company for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, announced the launch of Autocall Foundation Series fire detection systems for small- to mid-size building protection. The Foundation Series is a complete, off-the-shelf fire detection solution featuring addressable and non-addressable models, and a full range of reliable, proven Autocall devices. economical and effective package “This new, simplified series provides all the benefits and reliab...

MSA, DuPont And NFC Partner To Help Volunteer Fire Departments Obtain Much-Needed Personal Protective Equipment

MSA Safety, DuPont Personal Protection, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have partnered for the 12th year to help volunteer fire departments obtain much-needed personal protective equipment. Through MSA and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway, 13 fire departments will be awarded four new sets of state-of-the-art turnout gear and helmets in 2023. The first 500 applicants also received a one-year NVFC membership, courtesy of MSA. Outdoor recreation accidents The first two recipien...

NVFC Partners With Dripdrop To Donate 547,000 Servings Of Dehydration Relief Mix To Volunteer Firefighters

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) partnered with DripDrop Hydration, PBC, an electrolyte rehydration company, for the fourth year to provide dehydration relief to volunteer firefighters. More than 2,700 cases (547,000 servings) of DripDrop’s electrolyte drink mix have been donated to 1,544 volunteer fire departments to help keep their firefighters at their best while serving their community. Dehydration is a serious concern for firefighters and can cause decreased performance as...

Application Period Announced For Anheuser-Busch Emergency Drinking Water For Wildland Firefighters Program

Anheuser-Busch, together with its wholesaler partners and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), will provide another one million cans of clean drinking water to volunteer fire departments that respond to wildfires. Through the Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters program, 1.5 million cans were allocated to over 600 departments during a previous application period in March. This addition means over 1,000 departments will receive 2.5 million cans of water in 2023. Hydration i...

Volunteer On Call Firefighter Is 100th Donor In SFRS Partnership With Anthony Nolan

Cameron Carmichael became the milestone number when he donated his stem cells to help save someone’s life. The volunteer on-call firefighter is based at Kilmelford Community Fire Station near Oban, where he’s served for around 11 months. blood cancer charity Cameron Carmichael, 20, who signed up to the blood cancer charity’s stem cell register when he was 16, was surprised to discover he was a match for someone in need, and the 100th donor. He said, “It took a few days...

NVFC Discusses Firefighter Retention In IAFC Webinar

On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Candice McDonald, participated as a featured presenter at the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ (IAFC) webinar on ‘Igniting Firefighter Retention’. The webinar provided strategies and tips for volunteer fire departments to utilize to boost retention and create a dynamic team.

NVFC Offers New Course That Addresses Substance Abuse, PTSD, And Other Concerns In The Fire Service

Volunteer fire and EMS personnel regularly go from their normal daily routines to a response mode that can expose them to acute, and sometimes traumatic, stress. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to serious behavioral health issues, including PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and substance abuse. NVFC's new course examines PTSD The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) offers a new course that examines PTSD and the various types of substance abuse that is frequently seen in the fire...

FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds To Fight Golden Fire Burning In The State Of Oregon, USA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Golden Fire burning in Klamath County, Oregon, USA. The state of Oregon’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator - Willie G. Nunn on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at 4:34 p.m. PT. He determined that the Golden Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the fir...

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Announces It Has Published Its New Member Strategy

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has published its new Member Strategy, setting out its ambitions to continuously improve, and to firmly establish NFCC and the UK Fire and Rescue Service as among the best in the world. The Strategy, which has been shaped by extensive engagement and consultation with NFCC members, demonstrates how NFCC will achieve its mission of working with fire and rescue services over the next three years, to achieve safer communities through collaboration, partnershi...

Fire Safety Experts Across The North East Of Scotland Offered Chance To Protect Public Buildings

Fire safety businesses across Scotland are being offered the chance to bid for potential work worth up to £20 million to support a wide range of public bodies.  A Scottish procurement firm has invited businesses to apply for it its new fire safety framework, which launches in early 2024. Potential suppliers include consultants, assessors, and experts who can install safety measures from fire doors and alarms to sprinkler systems.  registration details It also covers vital reme...

Strong Visitor Turnout Expected At Secutech Vietnam 2023

All eyes are turning to Secutech Vietnam as high-level government officials attend the opening ceremony to kick off the show. In a tribute to the ongoing synergies between the public and private sectors, the fair is also commemorating the 61st Anniversary of the Traditional Day of the People’s Police Force, connecting exhibitors with government representatives from the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam and the Fire and Rescue Police Department. Security and fire safety solution...

Tyco Fire Protection Products To Exit Fluorinated Firefighting Foam (AFFF) Market By June 2024

Tyco Fire Protection Products announces it will discontinue the production and sale of fluorinated firefighting foams by June 2024, including Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) and related products, and will transition to non-fluorinated foam alternatives. "We have long been a leader in delivering the most innovative, life-saving fire protection solutions in the industry," said Chris Eichmann, Vice President and General Manager, Global Fire Solutions. Firefighting foam solutions Chris Eichmann...

Euralarm And Fire Suppression System Association Sign Memorandum Of Cooperation

Euralarm and the US Fire Suppression System Association (FSSA) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. The reciprocal cooperation will focus on education, research, service, and other related activities in the domain of fire safety. Areas of cooperation may include technical guidance, research, and development, thought leadership, and collaboration in the area of fixed firefighting systems. 

Industry Experts And Academics Offer Inside Track On Smart Security And AI Powered Fire Safety At Secutech Vietnam

The Secutech Vietnam fringe program is well known for focusing on the most important regional security and fire safety issues. This year, the spotlight is on several key questions: What’s the future of access control? How can business owners and property managers reduce false alarms at monitoring stations? And how can we respond more swiftly to genuine threats using AI, while reducing operating costs? With more than 350 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions at the fairground,...

MSA Safety Welcomes Tour De France To Its Own ‘World Capital Of Fire Helmets’

Helmets are an important safety product used by people around the globe, ranging from the cyclists in the Tour de France to firefighters helping to keep their communities safe. In 2023, the Tour de France is making its first-ever stop in the 'World Capital of Fire Helmets', as MSA Safety’s own Chatillon-sur-Chalaronne, France, manufacturing facility welcomes the world’s best cyclists for Stage 13 of the race. MSA Gallet fire helmet Home to the iconic MSA Gallet fire helmet, Chatil...

The Scottish Fire And Rescue Service Has Been Recognized For Supporting The Armed Forces Community

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is proud to announce that they have received the prestigious Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) for their unwavering commitment to supporting the Armed Forces. This recognition is a testament to the dedication to ensuring those who have served, who continue to serve, and their families, are not disadvantaged in the workplace. Iain Morris is the SFRS Acting Director of Asset Management. SFRS Honored For Supportin...

NFCC And BRC Unveil Voluntary Guidelines For Retailers Launched To Help Reduce Disposable Barbecues (DBBQs) Wildfire Risk

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) have launched voluntary guidelines for retailers on the sale of disposable barbecues (DBBQs). The guidelines provide retailers with principles to support wildfire risk reduction at both a local and national level. Voluntary guidelines for retailers The guidelines support responsible retailing and outline the steps that retailers can take The guidelines support responsible retailing and outline the steps that reta...

National Fire Chiefs Council Brings “Stop Battery Fires” Public Safety Film To Raise Awareness Of Fires Caused By Batteries In The Waste Stream

In response to increased reports of fires caused by batteries and electricals containing batteries in the waste and recycling system. Material Focus is strengthening its work to help address this issue. A new public safety film ‘Stop Battery Fires’ created in partnership with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), has been launched and is available for local authorities to share. Material Focus is also calling on local authorities to participate in the 2023 ‘Stop Battery Fi...

NVFC Announces Fire Departments Can Boost Their Hazmat Preparedness With The CHEMTREC® HELP Award

The number of hazmat incidents occurring annually continues to increase based on 10-year incident summary data from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. This data underscores the need for firefighters to be trained and ready before an incident or emergency occurs. CHEMTREC® HELP Award Volunteer fire departments can now apply to receive US$ 10,000 in funds through the CHEMTREC® HELP Award to enhance their hazardous materials response capabilities and improve resp...

Inspiring Documentary Film, ‘Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat’ Showcases Volunteer Firefighting Community To Audiences Nationwide

‘Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat’ takes audiences behind the lines of America’s volunteer fire service with upcoming theatrical & TVOD/digital release this summer. Sub-Genre Media began the release of the engaging documentary – ‘Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat’, a Vignette Production and Hold Fast Features Project from filmmaking, co-directing team - Gary Matoso & Cameron Zohoori, in theaters beginning on July 7, 2023, in New York and Los Angeles, as well as...

National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Announces The Second Recipient For The 2023 MSA Cairns® XF1 Fire Helmet Giveaway

Congratulations to Gerard Thorry, the Treasurer at the Mountain Lake Fire Company in Belvidere, New Jersey, USA, for winning a personalized MSA Cairns® XF1 Fire Helmet! Gerard Thorry is the second recipient of the 2023 MSA Cairns® XF1 Fire Helmet Giveaway, a program in partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). 2023 MSA Cairns® XF1 Fire Helmet Giveaway The Cairns® XF1 Fire Helmet reduces snag hazards, provides a personalized fit The giveaway provides an oppo...

Rosenbauer To Present At Retter Wels 2023 Trade Fair

The Rosenbauer Austria team looks forward to welcome everyone from September 21 to September 23, 2023 at Retter Wels 2023 fair, at the Retter Messe in Wels, Austria’s renowned trade fair for emergency response organizations. Rosenbauer At Retter Wels 2023 Get immersed in the Rosenbauer world and discover the news and innovations from the areas of personal protection equipment, technical equipment, extinguishing systems and Rosenbauer Digital Solutions at Retter Wels 2023 trade fair. The...

Coopers Fire Highlights Fire Safety For Remote Work, Ensuring Protection In The Virtual Workspace

As the world rapidly embraces remote work, the concept of traditional office space is gradually fading away. With the flexibility and convenience that remote work offers, employees can now work from the comfort of their homes or any location of their choice. However, in this transition to a virtual workspace, it is crucial not to overlook the importance of fire safety. Coopers Fire, a globally renowned company specializing in fire and smoke curtains, recognizes the need to raise awareness about...

False Fire Alarms Are Costing The UK Economy Almost £7 Million Every Year

Research has revealed that the cost of avoidable fire alarms, such as false alarms, is costing SMEs in the UK £696 million every single year. The figure comes from research conducted by Red Fox, a pioneering and independent expert in technology and B2B research, commissioned by Hochiki Europe to understand the impact of false fire alarms on UK businesses. Over 300 SME businesses were asked how much they estimate an evacuation caused by an alarm not caused by an actual fire, cost their org...

Teledyne Gas And Flame Detection Introduces SIL2-Certified GD1 Laser-Based Gas Detector

Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection are unveiling its GD1 laser-based gas detector with full SIL2 3rd party approval.  This ground-breaking development means that the GD1 SIL2 is the market's first open-path gas detector for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) safety-related applications. SIL certification The global importance of SIL (Safety Integrity Level) has grown substantially in the oil, gas, petrochemical, and other process industries over the past 10 years. It makes sense, therefore, that devi...

New Training Facility Recreates Fire Scenes To Help Investigations

The project has been created by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) Forensic Services, as well as the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Dundee and the Danish Police. The Joint Scottish Fire Investigation Training and Research Facility in Porthlethen opened on Wednesday, 5 July and will support forensic scene investigation techniques used by firefighters, police, and forensic services personnel. Implementation of...

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