IAFC & IACP Statement on FirstNet
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) strongly support the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) and its critical role in ensuring reliable, secure communications for public safety professionals.
Effective communication is essential to the safety of both first responders and the communities they serve. Since its inception, FirstNet has provided a dedicated, interoperable network that meets the unique demands of public safety operations.
What’s New in Fire & EMS: Read iCHIEFS Summer 2025
The latest issue of iCHIEFS is on its way to subscribers and is available for free at iafc.org/iCHIEFS.
This issue includes messages from IAFC leaders and features articles on changes in fire station design, the future of fire degree programs, and organizational health in the fire service. The magazine also includes an update on the progress happening in Washington, DC.
If you need to update your subscription details, email distribution@matrixgroupinc.net – IAFC members receive the magazine at no charge. If you’d like to update your address details or read it digital only, let them know, and they can remove you from the mail list.
National Fire Academy Classes with Immediate Vacancies
The National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland has immediate vacancies that they are filing on a first come, first serve basis for the below resident classes.
These classes are free of charge, travel stipends will be provided, and lodging will be provided. Those selected to attend will need to purchase a meal ticket while on campus.
Choose from: Hazmat, Incident Management, Fire & Life Safety, EMS, Management-Leadership-Analysis, and Fire Investigation.
Have you ever responded to a rail incident involving hazardous materials? If so, we want to hear from you!
We’re working on a Significant Rail Incident Study, and we need real-world insights from responders like you to make sure we’re getting it right. A national control group has outlined five key priorities for managing these high-stakes incidents, and now it’s time to ground that into actual experience.
This is your chance to help shape future rail hazmat response efforts across the country. Filling out the form only takes a few minutes, but your feedback could help improve safety protocols for thousands of responders nationwide.
IAFC After Hours Event at Universal Studios Florida!
Join us at FRI on Thursday, August 14, to unlock the excitement of an exclusive event just for FRI ticket holders only.
The IAFC After Hours Event at Universal Studios Florida, Powered by FirstNet®, Built with AT&T, will begin at 6 PM with free food and open bar at Soundstage 33. Attendees are welcome to eat, drink, and network until 7:30 PM, or grab a quick bite and head into the park.
After joining us in Soundstage 33, you will have full access to Universal Studios Florida theme park from 6 – 9 PM. Then, when the park closes to the public at 9 PM, IAFC FRI attendees ONLY will have exclusive access to the rides and attractions in Streets of New York until Midnight. Ride the rides as much as you want without waiting in long lines!
Free transportation, sponsored by Source well, will be provided to and from the park from the Hyatt Hotel beginning at 5:30 PM.
Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2025 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
Experience it all at FRI!
Join us August 13–15 in Orlando, FL, for Fire-Rescue International — the premier event for fire and emergency service leaders.
- 100+ educational sessions & 12 hours of in-person training
- ODP Leadership certification opportunities (Company Officer to Executive Chief)
- Hands-on product demos & cutting-edge tech
- Hundreds of exhibitors & top-tier general sessions
Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and lead at FRI 2025!
Mastering the Aftermath
JULY 30, 2025 | 2 – 3 PM ET
Discover how 1-800-BOARDUP International stands shoulder-to-shoulder with first responders and empowers communities to rebuild and recover in the wake of disaster.
1-800-BOARDUP’s mission is to provide 24/7 professional, compassionate victim assistance and emergency response services in the face of fire, water, and storm damage.
This webinar will explore Mastering the Aftermath, offering essential strategies for immediate disaster management, including property security, damage mitigation, and initiating the recovery process.
Making Every Second and Dollar Count in Emergency Operations
AUGUST 7, 2025 | 2 – 3 PM ET
Fire departments across the country are facing the dual pressures of rising call volumes and tightening budgets. In this high-impact session, Chief Holger Durre of the Prescott, AZ Fire Department joins Eddie Buchanan and Jack Breitbeil to share how Prescott is using Deccan International’s LiveMUM application to tackle both challenges head-on—enhancing response coverage in real time without adding units or increasing overtime costs.
Fire Camp Scholarships are Back!
The IAFC is thrilled to announce the return of our grants program, offering up to $5,000 in funding once again to help your department host Fire Camps. These camps are designed to recruit and inspire the next generation of firefighters. Applications open July 1, 2025 and will be accepted during three rounds:
- July 1 – Aug 15
- Sept 1 – Oct 16
- Nov 3 – Dec 18
Inspire the next generation of firefighters. Apply Here.
The Future of Leadership
Don’t miss one of the most talked-about leadership experiences at Fire-Rescue International (FRI) — the IAFC Officer Development Program (ODP), Leadership Development Certification Series (ODP-LDCS).
Secure your spot in ODP and pre-register as part of your FRI Registration. Come learn, experience, and share with your peers, at the in-person classes. Registration is a $50 administrative fee, which enrolls you in the CSU program for your college credits. Join us at FRI 2025 and take the next step in your leadership journey.
The Washington Update
Get an overview of the latest updates relating to the National Fire Academy, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), FEMA Grants and more. Read More
Tech Talk Tuesdays (TTT): July 15th
Live streamed the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month at 1 PM CST (Live) on Youtube or Facebook. Missed episode 7? Watch it here.
Lead by the IAFC Technology Council, join the live discussions on “Tech Talk Tuesdays,” where we dive into the latest advancements in public safety technology. Each session features interviews and demos with first responder leaders, exploring innovative solutions and real-world applications that are shaping the future of emergency response. We’ll uncover new trends, discuss challenges, and highlight success stories from those at the forefront of tech in public safety. Tune in to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of public safety technology.
Wildfire Wednesday: July 23rd
Each week we’ll explore wildfire from every angle. Prevention. Response. History. Policy. Technology.
We’re bringing in respected leaders, experts, and boots-on-the-ground voices to talk about what’s working, what’s broken, and what comes next.
From local departments to global insights, this show is built to educate, challenge, and connect the wildfire community. Follow along as we tackle the hard stuff and highlight new ideas that can make a real impact.
Missed the inaugural episode on July 9th? Click here to watch.
Wildfire Chronicles Episode 7
If you missed the Wildfire Chronicles, here’s your chance to catch up. Episodes offers a mix of personal stories and expert advice, aiming to shed light on effective practices that can safeguard communities against the destructive power of wildfires.
Join Chief Erik Litzenberg and Tom Jenkins as he shares insights from his extensive experience in the fire service, focusing on his leadership roles and his involvement in transformative projects like NERIS. Starting as a firefighter in Oklahoma and rising to become the Fire Chief in Rogers, Arkansas, Tom discusses the intersection of leadership, technology, and data to enhance public safety. His work with the Fire Safety Research Institute and the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) showcases the evolving needs and solutions within the fire service.
Connect and Collaborate with other Stakeholders Anytime
Build your network and collaborate with peers, share strategic advice, resources, solve challenges and learn about different approaches.