NYSAFC’s 2024 award recipients were recognized during the General Session of the 118th Annual Conference & FIRE 2024 Expo on June 13 in Syracuse, NY.

Voting results on proposed changes to the NYSAFC Constitution.

Registration is open for several NYSAFC Regional HOT courses scheduled for sites across New York state. "Fire Behavior On the Inside" will be held in Erie (September 7-8), Schenectady (October 19-20), and Orange (November 2-3) Counties. "Flashover" is coming to Broome (September 28-29), Monroe (September 21-22), Niagara (August 10 at the FASNY Convention – openings in Session C only), Saratoga (September 14-15), and Wayne (October 12-13) Counties. "Beyond the Basics" will be delivered in Herkimer County (October 26-27).

Interested in hosting NYSAFC Regional Hands-On Training or classroom-based programs next year? Now is the time to let us know! Scheduling will soon begin for HOT courses, plus the annual Seminar Series and Company Officers Leadership Training (COLT). Please submit the Host Request Forms available on the association website, which also outline host responsibilities. HOT is scheduled based on availability of NYSAFC instructors and mobile training units. For classes, past attendance at events in the area and proximity to other host agencies are factors considered during site selection.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a legislative package to raise awareness about the safe use of e-bikes and products that contain lithium-ion batteries and protect New Yorkers.

Officials met to witness President Joe Biden's signing of the Fire Grants and Safety Act (S. 870). S. 870 preserves two programs that have proven vital to the fire service: the AFG and SAFER grants.

On July 11, the International Association of Fire Chiefs filed comments in response to the draft Emergency Response Standard that was released by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The bill would end a requirement that Medicare patients be transported to emergency facilities for providers to receive reimbursement.

Cohoes firefighters say their Central Station has been vandalized twice within eight days.

Smoke at the nightclub killed 24 people in the early hours of June 30, 1974.

A gathering to mark the 50th anniversary of the blaze that overwhelmed a popular night club on the border of Greenwich, Conn. and Port Chester, N.Y. drew a crowd that included first responders, survivors, and both friends and family of the 24 people who lost their lives that night.

New York State Protocol App; Equipment Regulations Published for Comment.

Dale Lingenfelter, also a director for NYSAFC, retired in June following 38 years of service with Niskayuna Fire District No. 1. Jim Vena has been appointed by the fire district board to serve as its new chief.

Bruce Heberer will be retiring from his position as chief of the Johnstown Fire Department on August 2. He joined the department in 1987 and has been leading the agency as chief since 2006. Heberer has also been leading NYSAFC as CEO since 2020, was interim executive director from 2018-2020, and will continue serving with the association.

Randy Ketcham replaces Adam Howard, who spent 24 years with the department, including nearly three years as chief.

FDNY Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said that she plans to step down because it's time to “pass the torch” after two years in the job.

An off-duty firefighter rushed to the aid of a young woman riding an electric skateboard who was struck and pinned under a vehicle in Brooklyn.

The teens tell News 12 it’s been an amazing experience and has only strengthened their desire to become firefighters in the future.

At the 100-year mark, department members say building community is what ties them to their neighbors.

After a century of fighting fires and saving lives, the department decided to celebrate alongside the community it has served.

Pictures: Thornwood Fire Department 125th anniversary parade on July 19.

View the NYSAFC calendar of events.