OSFC Newsletter | May 2026

In this issue:

🚒 EL-26 Entry Level Firefighting Training Update

As Pennsylvania transitions to the new EL-26 Entry Level Firefighting curriculum effective January 1, 2026, the Office of the State Fire Commissioner is working to ensure firefighters currently enrolled in the EL-22 program have the opportunity to complete their training.

Many firefighters across the Commonwealth have successfully completed portions of the EL-22 curriculum through Mod 3 – Exterior Firefighter but have not yet completed Mod 4 – Interior Firefighter. To support these firefighters and maintain operational readiness statewide, regional EL-22 Mod 4 Interior Firefighting classes will continue to be permitted through the end of 2026.

Fire departments and county leaders are encouraged to collaborate regionally to host these classes. Regional partnerships can help departments pool resources, increase participation, and ensure firefighters are able to complete the training pathway they have already invested significant time and effort into.

Departments interested in organizing a class should coordinate directly with their Educational Training Agency (ETA) or a qualified fire service instructor.

This effort will help strengthen firefighter safety, improve access to training opportunities, and support the continued readiness of Pennsylvania’s fire service.

🔥 Fire Suppression Instructor Development Course Conducted Entirely Offsite

In March, the Office of the State Fire Commissioner successfully concluded the Fire Suppression Instructor Development (ZFID) program entirely offsite at the Cambria County Regional Firefighters’ Association training grounds.

This allowed firefighters who may not have been able to travel to Lewistown the opportunity to complete the program closer to home while reducing travel costs and logistical challenges.

A total of 24 candidates successfully completed the program and earned NFPA 1020 (2025 Edition), Chapters 7 & 8 certifications.

In addition to certification, the program created valuable networking opportunities between students, instructors, and Fire Academy staff that will continue to benefit participants throughout their fire service careers.

🩺 National Firefighter Registry for Cancer Webinar – June 4 at 7 PM

Join the Office of the State Fire Commissioner's Recruitment & Retention staff on Thursday, June 4 at 7:00 PM for a live hands-on webinar focused on getting participants to complete the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer.

At the conclusion of the webinar, attendees will be fully registered with the NFR and be eligible to contribute toward their department’s Gold Helmet status.

🚨 Learn from the OSFC at the LCFA Annual Fire Expo – May 15 & 16

Come connect with OSFC staff at our Fire Expo booth on May 15 and 16 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. We will also be offering several training opportunities both days:

PA State Fire Academy Trainings:

PennFIRS Trainings: OSFC staff and representatives from Emergency Networking will also host two PennFIRS Reporting & Compliance training sessions at the Crossroads Conference Center (Next to the North Hall Exhibit Area) Erie Room - 2nd Floor:

🏛️Pennsylvania State Weekend Registration Open Through June 12 – Space Filling Fast

Registration remains open through June 12 for Pennsylvania State Weekend, and this year’s event is currently experiencing the highest registration numbers in program history!

Firefighters are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure a seat before classes reach capacity.

Two new pilot courses from the National Fire Academy have recently been added to this year’s schedule:

Incident Management Current Threat Series: Fire as a Weapon – 2 Day

This course provides fire service personnel with an in-depth understanding of fire used as a weapon in criminal and terrorist incidents. Participants will examine historical and emerging threats, scene safety, interagency coordination, and response management through practical exercises and case studies.

Management of Catastrophic Incidents – 2 Day

This course prepares fire service personnel to effectively manage catastrophic incidents including natural disasters, large-scale fires, hazardous materials incidents, and mass casualty events. Topics include incident command, operational continuity, resource management, and decision-making under pressure.

🤝 IAFC Leadership and Recruitment Courses Coming Across Pennsylvania

The partnership between the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) continues in 2026 with several FREE leadership and recruitment-focused courses being offered across the Commonwealth. Space is limited so reserve your seat today!

Helping Members Find Their Spark Through Mentoring

This course helps fire service leaders build and sustain effective mentoring programs through a blended web-based and instructor-led format.

Course Dates:
• June 13 – Brookville Volunteer Fire Company (Jefferson County)
• September 9 – Berks County Fire Training Center

Recruitment & Retention Coordinator (RRC)

This program prepares leaders to develop structured, data-informed recruitment and retention strategies tailored to their departments.

Course Dates:
• July 11 – Wyoming County EMA
• August 1 – Centre County Public Safety Training Center

Building Collaborative Teams (BCT)

This course provides leaders with practical tools to improve communication, strengthen organizational culture, and enhance team performance.

Course Dates:
• August 29 – Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services
• October 10 – Westmoreland County Public Safety Training Center – Main Campus, Youngwood, PA

💰 Reminder: Municipal Fire Department & Training Center Capital Grants Close 4pm, May 29

Applications for both the Municipal Fire Department Capital Grant Program and the Emergency Service Training Center Capital Grant Program close at 4pm on May 29.

These grant opportunities provide critical funding support for fire departments and training centers across Pennsylvania for facility improvements, equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and other capital needs.

Learn more:
• Municipal Fire Department Capital Grant Program
• Emergency Service Training Center Capital Grant Program

📝 Reminder: Sign FCEMS Grant Agreements by 4 PM on May 31

If your department applied for the Fire Company and EMS Grant Program this past October, grant agreements are now available to sign.

Departments should log into their grant accounts as soon as possible to review and complete agreements to avoid delays in funding.

All grant agreements must be signed by 4 PM on May 31.

💰 Recent Firefighter’s Relief Permitted Expense Decisions

The Office of the State Fire Commissioner would like to highlight several recent determinations regarding permitted firefighter’s relief association expenses. These decisions are intended to provide additional clarity and support for relief associations and fire departments navigating operational and financial needs.

Recent Permitted Expense Decisions Include: