More than 35 classes will be presented June 14-17 during the 117th Annual Conference & FIRE 2023 Expo in Syracuse and are open to Full Term Registrants. Firematic lecturers include Deputy Assistant Chief (Ret.) John Norman, Deputy Assistant Chief – Chief of Safety Frank Leeb, Chief Tony Perez, Captain Mark Gregory, and many more. Certified EMS providers can earn CMEs for attending nine EMS courses.

Attorneys Mark Butler and Terry Hannigan will present "Basic Commissioner Training" on June 14 in conjunction with the NYSAFC 117th Annual Conference & FIRE 2023 Expo in Syracuse. The program provides basic fire commissioner training by examining the authority and responsibilities of fire district commissioners. It meets and exceeds the requirements of Town Law 176-e, is approved by the New York state comptroller, and satisfies fire commissioner training requirements for those required to complete training within 270 days of election or appointment. Special registration is required.

Chairman Art Hunsinger of the NYSAFC Public Relations Committee has produced a video for fire departments to use as a new tool in recruitment and retention outreach efforts. “Firefighters, Help Wanted… Volunteers Needed” emphasizes that there is a job for EVERYONE in the emergency services, no matter what you do in life. By showing how many New Yorkers are helping their neighbors through various roles in the fire service, the video encourages others to join their local volunteer fire departments to serve their communities. Fire departments can share the video on social media and at community meetings and events.

Lithium-ion batteries, found in many popular consumer products like e-scooters and smartphones, have been under scrutiny amid increasing reports of explosive fires triggered by the batteries, which use flammable materials.

From the IAFC: Great news for members of the entire fire service community! The Fire Grants and Safety Act (S. 870) has passed in the Senate with an overwhelming vote of 95-2. This is a significant achievement and deserves to be celebrated. However, the work is not over yet.

From the IAFC: Firefighters, answer the call. The National Firefighter Registry is now open! The more firefighters that join the NFR, the more questions we can answer about the link between firefighting and cancer.

Exactly one week after New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the NYPD reintroduced robotic police dogs, one of the FDNY's gadget hounds was in action at the scene of the deadly parking collapse.

The response to this month's parking garage collapse in Lower Manhattan was bolstered by new technology. It included a robotic dog and drones that could get inside the dangerous collapse zone.

So far this spring, nearly 20 wildfires have burned more than 400 acres of land across New York state.

Across New York, the need for more volunteer firefighters is escalating. Since 2000, there’s been a steady decline of volunteers from approximately 180,000 to about 80,000 in 2020, according to FASNY.

The NFFF Memorial Weekend is scheduled for May 6-7. Learn more about those who will be honored, as well as the weekend events and how to honor fallen firefighters in your community.

The 2023 EMS Memorial Ceremony is scheduled for May 23, 11:00 a.m., at the New York State EMS Memorial, located at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. Eight EMS providers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty will be honored.

Registration is open for HOT at the NYSAFC 117th Annual Conference & FIRE 2023 Expo. Training will be conducted from June 14-16 at the Syracuse Fire Department Training Center. Seven courses led by some of the nation’s most knowledgeable and experienced instructors will be delivered: "Advanced Thermal Imaging Camera Ops," "Advanced Vehicle Extrication," "Aggressive Interior Fire Attack," "Fire Behavior On the Inside," "First-In Officers’ Responsibilities," "Hoarder Fires," and "Truck Company Essentials."

Tom Lucchesi was sworn in April 10. He’s taking over the department after his predecessor, Gary VanVoorhis, retired.

City of Olean Fire Chief Tim Richardson, a 21-year veteran who has held his current post for just over three years, will be saying goodbye to the fire service April 29.

View the NYSAFC calendar of events.