Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS)

Are you a doing firefighter or are you a thinking firefighter? Chief Jason Caughey urges fire service leaders to focus on developing new firefighters’ critical thinking skills. @firerescue1 https://ow.ly/6F6T50VqBCi

First Responder Wellness Week. Best practice - involve the families during the hiring/application process. https://lnkd.in/gi8Nzv-w

WEBINAR TOMORROW - Federal Fire Programs Update: Insights on AFG, NIOSH, Research Grants & More with Ken LaSala, IAFC Director of Government Relations and Policy, March 28 10:00 - 11:00 AM ET You will hear the latest updates on Federal fire grants & programs; impacts on fire service & training and learn about opportunities for engagement & funding.https://ow.ly/6cOL50VnKzu

First Responder Wellness Week: Best practice - train supervisors how to initiate discussion, provide resources and take action for those who appear to be struggling. https://lnkd.in/gi8Nzv-w

First Responder Wellness Week, March 24 - 28: Best practices - provide health insurance for the firefighters and their families that includes professional counseling. https://lnkd.in/gi8Nzv-w

First Responder Wellness Week, March 24-28th. Best Practice #2 - Employ and model leadership excellence by focusing on the character of fire service leadership. Character-influenced competencies exercised by the leader help to maintain a psychologically safe environment. Model the virtues, values, and traits that best enable the desired character of great leadership https://lnkd.in/gi8Nzv-w

Join this informative webinar on Friday March 28, as Ken LaSala, Director of Government Relations and Policy at IAFC, provides key updates on federal programs impacting the fire service. Ken will discuss the latest developments in the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, NIOSH initiatives, research grant funding, and updates from the United States Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy. https://ow.ly/roiS50VnKnV

First Responder Wellness Week 2025 (March 24-28) is dedicated to helping public safety professionals build and sustain that readiness. From actionable tips to long-term strategies, we’ll explore how fitness and wellness can empower you both on and off duty. Learn how to enhance your personal health, inspire your peers and create lasting change in your agency’s culture. https://ow.ly/XijG50VnyLT

Station Design Conference (May 20-22, 2025 - Glendale, AZ) is a unique learning and networking experience designed to connect public safety officials, fire chiefs, police chiefs, project managers and municipal managers who are actively involved in fire and law enforcement station design. This year they have included two classes specifically for volunteer fire department chiefs, officers, and building committees. https://lnkd.in/dZSWdYqj

The VCOS Board of Directors and our partners met in Pittsburgh this week to discuss our strategic direction for the coming year. Thank you South Strabane Fire for your hospitality.