Chief Lee Shurtleff of the Groton Fire Department (Tompkins County) took office as NYSAFC president on June 13, 2020. Installation took place via video conference. Congratulations to the 2020-2021 officers of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs!

We missed you this June in Syracuse, but we’re happy to announce that registration is now open for the 115th Annual Conference & FIRE 2021 Expo! Don’t miss the largest fire industry, rescue, and EMS expo in the Northeast, to be held June 16-19, 2021, at The Oncenter. Plans are well underway to provide New York's first responders with an even more educational and enjoyable event next year. Please remember that the deadline for requesting a refund for FIRE 2020 registration is July 13, 2020. All pre-registrants were provided with instructions by mail. Contact the NYSAFC office with any questions.

NYSAFC is pleased to announce that this year's scheduled conference keynote speaker, Dr. David Griffin, will be joining us at the 115th Annual Conference & FIRE 2021 Expo in Syracuse! Griffin, a battalion chief and deputy director of training with the Charleston (SC) Fire Department, will present the 2021 keynote address “In Honor of the Charleston 9: A Study of Change Following Tragedy” on June 17. Learn more about David's mission in an article by his wife, Melissa, featured in the latest issue of SIZE UP magazine.

Hands-On Training during the 115th Annual Conference & FIRE 2021 Expo in Syracuse has been expanded to a third day, with sessions now available from Thursday – Saturday! New programs that will debut in 2021 include “Build To Burn,” “First-In Officers’ Responsibilities,” and “Truck Company: Saw Work and Roof Ops.”

NYSAFC Fire Investigation Training will launch during the 115th Annual Conference & FIRE 2021 Expo on June 16, 2021, at The Oncenter. Students can earn course credits by completing the six-hour session “Fire Investigation for the Line Officer.”

The annual program financially assists PERMA and NYSAFC Fire Department Members in obtaining equipment that will help reduce injury and illness within their agencies.

Families of frontline workers killed by coronavirus will be entitled to government-backed benefits.

The New York State Office of Mental Health has announced the implementation of “Coping Circles,” free six-week support and resilience groups held by video or phone, facilitated by licensed mental health professionals. Specialized circles are available for healthcare workers and first responders, including firefighters.

2nd Assistant Chief Jim Brooks suffered a life-threatening illness responding to a fire on May 2.

Chief Marc Bashoor, executive editor of FireRescue1.com and FireChief.com, breaks down what firefighters need to know about the consequences of posting to social media.

The fire vehicle was blocking the lane for a car crash that was about a half-mile ahead on I-84.

From one hero to another. An out-of-town nurse on the front lines of New York’s coronavirus battle was reunited with the firefighter who saved her as a child from a burning Manhattan building.

EMS fatigue study; CDC COVID data map available.

Fire Behavior on the Inside will be conducted in Madison (July 11-12) and Ulster (October 24-25) Counites. Flashover is coming soon to Franklin (September 12-13), Wayne (September 19-20), Saratoga (October 10-11), Rensselaer (October 17-18), and Orleans (TBA) Counties.

The NYSAFC office in the Capital District reopened on June 8, 2020, following guidelines set forth in the "NY Forward" Reopening Plan. Staff will be working in the office from Monday through Wednesday and remotely on Thursday and Friday. Guests are asked to schedule an appointment before visiting in order to ensure proper social distancing.

For firefighters, the ability to manage stress is critical, because we have plenty of stress from our jobs.

 View the NYSAFC calendar of events.