NVFC highlights firefighter health and safety at 2025 Fall Conference in South Dakota
Iain Hoey
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NVFC Board of Directors meets in Rapid City to advance national strategy
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has announced that its Board of Directors held the organisation’s annual Fall Conference in Rapid City, South Dakota, from 22 to 24 September 2025.
The board is composed of up to two directors from 48 state associations and meets twice a year to manage Council business and discuss key topics affecting volunteer fire and emergency services.
According to the NVFC, 60 directors from 39 states attended the conference.
During the meeting, the board reviewed the proposed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Emergency Response Standard and confirmed next steps for engagement.
The NVFC also approved the framework of its new five-year strategic plan, received updates on major projects and partnerships, and considered proposed revisions to the organisation’s bylaws.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recognised the NVFC as a National Firefighter Registry champion for its partnership and support of the Registry.
Committees address health, safety and recruitment
The NVFC confirmed that several committees met in Rapid City to discuss operational and policy issues across volunteer fire and emergency services.
Sessions included the Health, Safety, and Training Committee, as well as groups focused on recruitment and retention, legislative matters, standards and codes, and wildland operations.
The EMS/Rescue Section also held its biannual meeting during the event.
These committee sessions are central to how the NVFC identifies priorities and develops guidance for member associations across the United States.
Networking events and fundraising support
The conference programme featured a range of networking and social events hosted by local and national partners.
The South Dakota Firefighters Association (SDFA) hosted a welcome social and a dinner in partnership with Pennington County Fire Services.
Other sponsors included Clarion Fire Group, Wendell’s Mint, FirstNet Built with AT&T, OnStar, Tesla, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Provident, Columbia Southern University, and the Anheuser-Busch Foundation.
An auction sponsored by ESIP raised more than $4,800 for the NVFC’s Health and Safety Fund.
The NVFC expressed appreciation to the SDFA and Pennington County Fire Services for their hospitality and acknowledged the contributions of all sponsors.
Next conference planned for May 2026
The NVFC confirmed that its Spring Conference will take place from 15 to 17 May 2026 in Alexandria, Virginia.
The Council continues to represent the interests of volunteer firefighters, emergency medical services (EMS), and rescue personnel at the national level through advocacy, education, and resource provision.
Its stated goal is to serve as the collective voice for the volunteer fire and emergency services community.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The NVFC’s Fall Conference provides a coordinated platform for addressing policy, health, and training priorities within the US volunteer fire and EMS sectors.
Discussions on the proposed OSHA Emergency Response Standard are particularly relevant for compliance officers, training managers, and fire department leadership preparing for potential regulatory changes.
The approved framework for the NVFC’s five-year strategic plan may also influence long-term resource development, firefighter wellness programmes, and national advocacy initiatives.
For state and local departments, updates on recruitment, retention, and health and safety initiatives provide insight into emerging support mechanisms and shared best practice.