Join NYSAFC in Syracuse from June 12-15! FIRE 2024 will feature more than 145 vendors, 28 firematic classes and 6 EMS CME classes, the Keynote Address presented by Deputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb (FDNY), 10 Hands-On Training courses, accredited training for code officials and fire commissioners, plus networking opportunities for fire/EMS personnel of all ranks. Free tickets for the expo are available from vendors and free parking will be available at The Oncenter Garage!

NYSAFC is pleased to announce this very special program scheduled for June 13, 6:00 p.m., during the 118th Annual Conference & FIRE 2024 Expo at The Oncenter. Photographer Glenn Usdin and Author Dan Potter, who brought the remarkable book "They Saved New York – The Men and Women of the FDNY" to life, will lead the conversation. They'll be joined by some of the renowned fire service leaders featured in the book – Mike Ciampo, Rochelle Jones, Tim Klett, Frank Leeb, Joe Minogue, John Norman, Bob Pressler, and Tom Richardson – for what is sure to be a memorable and inspiring discussion. Open to all attendees.

NYSAFC is pleased to announce that David Eigenberg (Lt. Christopher Herrmann) and Steve Chikerotis (Chief Walker) of "Chicago Fire" will be making a special appearance at the 118th Annual Conference & FIRE 2024 Expo! They will visit with attendees on June 14 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in The Oncenter Main Lobby. Deputy District Chief (Ret.) Chikerotis (Chicago F.D.) will also present “Lead from the Front – The Power of Positivity” on Friday at 10:15 a.m. (class open to Full Term registrants).

Past Chief William K. Owen Jr. of the Stittville Fire Department (Oneida County) passed away on May 23, 2024. Owen led NYSAFC as president from 2008-2009 and previously served on the association's Conference Committee for 20 years. A 70-year veteran of the fire service, he served as chief of the Stittville Fire Department from 1968-1988. Owen was a 55-year life member of NYSAFC.

 Past Chief George A. Rivers of the Rouses Point Fire Department (Clinton County) passed away on May 24, 2024. He served as a director on the association board of directors from 2005-2014. Rivers was a 68-year fire service veteran and led his department as chief from 1972-1992. He was a 57-year life member of NYSAFC and served for 21 years on the Conference Committee before being elected to the board.

Bill sets standards for batteries and firefighting equipment.

The bill mandates that the U.S. establishes safety standards for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in devices like e-bikes to prevent fire risks.

State lawmakers are pushing to provide free State University of New York, CUNY, or community college tuition to active volunteer firefighters, EMS workers, and auxiliary police officers in New York.

State lawmakers are working on several bills that would increase funding for providers and incentivize volunteers to continue working for EMS services.

More than 6,000 first responders statewide completed a survey conducted as part of New York’s inaugural first responder mental health needs assessment. First responders reported a high degree of mental and physical stress as a result of traumatic work events.

The medics began resuscitating the firefighter and administered “a life-saving drug” that reverses the effects of the cyanide poisoning, according to the FDNY commissioner.

When it comes to training firefighters to be emergency medical technicians, there’s good news and bad news. On one hand, it helps with a widespread shortage of EMTs. On the other, there’s a risk of burnout.

Town leaders say accountability and transparency are key.

 Confusion on OSHA Proposed Workplace Safety Rules; Revised EMS Protocols Take Effect July 1.

Join NYSAFC on June 15, 8:00 a.m., at Equitable Towers in Syracuse for our annual Stair Climb, held in conjunction with the Annual Conference & FIRE Expo. The towers are one block from The Oncenter and free parking is available at The Oncenter Garage. Participate in the climb, then enjoy the expo, which opens at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. Registration is $35 per climber or virtual climber or you can donate any amount to support our climb to benefit the FDNY Counseling Services Unit and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Open to the public.

In April, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health published "Keeping Junior Firefighters Safe and Healthy: The Fire Department’s Role in Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences." It summarizes lessons learned from eight NIOSH investigations conducted since 2000.

The Fairview Fire District board of fire commissioners named Deputy Chief Justin Bohlmann to the department’s top spot, replacing the recently retired Chief Tim Gilnack.

The Utica Fire Department is celebrating 150 years of service this year, and Chief Scott Ingersoll recently reflected on the department’s history, recent challenges, and ongoing commitment to the community.

The Brockport Volunteer Firefighter’s Association held its banquet on April 27, where Past Assistant Chief Allan Hoy was named “Firefighter of the Year” by American Legion Post 379 and members were recognized for dedicated service.

View the NYSAFC calendar of events.