NYSAFC has partnered with the Verdoy Fire Department to deliver the association's Regional Hands-On Training – Beyond the Basics program at the former Cocca's Motel property in Albany County. This full-day, eight-hour program features seven hands-on training stations, some with live fire evolutions. Operations will take place in the abandoned hotel for a more realistic fireground environment. This unique program will be held on January 30-31 and February 6-7, 2021, only. Space is limited!

NYSAFC is pleased to announce the establishment of the Chief Neil McNeight Hands-On Training Award, initiated by the Chautauqua County & Monroe County Fire Chiefs Hospitality Committee in memory of Past President Neil McNeight to advance firefighter training. This new award program will fund the registration of qualified and deserving students in the NYSAFC Hands-On Training program conducted in conjunction with the association's Annual Conference & FIRE Expo in Syracuse. NYSAFC Individual and Department Members are eligible to apply.

Applications and nomination forms are now being accepted for NYSAFC's 2021 Scholarship & Awards Program. Academic scholarships are awarded in memory of Executive Director Emeritus Ward Bohner and his wife, Janice, and in memory of Past President Anthony Messina. Association awards include the New York State Fire Chief of the Year Awards, the Chief Fred W. Singer Fire Educator of the Year Award to recognize outstanding effort in fire service training and instruction, the James W. Wright Public Education Award to acknowledge excellence in fire/life safety education, and the new Chief Neil McNeight Hands-On Training Award. An application and nomination package, which includes eligibility criteria and forms, is available on the NYSAFC website. Forms must be postmarked by March 19, 2021.

From the IAFC: The spending/stimulus package, which passed Congress this month, contains the Don’t Break Up the T-Band Act.

From the NVFC: On December 21, the House and Senate passed a permanent extension of the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA), which exempts nominal recruitment and retention benefits that volunteer emergency responders receive from being subject to federal income tax and reporting requirements.

NYSAFC President Lee Shurtleff discusses the recent creation of a statewide task force intended to attract volunteer firefighters.

The Congressional Fire Services Institute selected Congressman Peter King (NY-02) as its 2020 Legislator of the Year. King, who will be retiring from Congress at the end of the year, has distinguished himself throughout his career for his support of public safety, including the fire and emergency services.

The same day New York City EMTs began getting the COVID-19 vaccine, the FDNY announced the death of Evelyn Ford, a 27-year veteran EMT, from the coronavirus.

Spring Brook Fire District No. 1 Fire Police Captain Donald Trzepacz died of an apparent heart attack after a mandatory department meeting in early September, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Chief George Barrett was the first on the scene of a kitchen fire. The homeowners were away, but firefighters were told an elderly woman might’ve been home and trapped inside.

Paramedics recently started using telemedicine technology to handle some emergency calls without a trip to the emergency room.

Bureau of EMS Policy Statement provides guidance on COVID vaccination of EMS providers; Resource available for national EMS news.

Chief Paul Melfi outlines the free training resources available from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to assist with fire department training.

Collaborative effort between the Ridge Road Fire District, Churchville Fire Equipment, and Pierce Manufacturing brings a new bell and new hope to patients at the University of Rochester WCI Greece Radiation Oncology Center.

 View the NYSAFC calendar of events.