OSFC Newsletter | August 2026

In this issue:

Recruitment & Retention Webinar Series: County Meeting Follow‑up and Information Sharing

The OSFC is hosting a new series of Recruitment & Retention webinars as a follow‑up to recent meetings with county fire service leaders throughout PA. While these sessions build on those conversations and are organized by fire region, they are open statewide to anyone interested in learning more about OSFC Recruitment and Retention programs, current projects, and ongoing progress.

Each session will include an open Q&A with attendees. A recording will be available to everyone who registers.

Upcoming Sessions
• Session 1 (OSFC Fire Region 2) – Wednesday, September 16 at 6:30 PM | Register

• Session 2 (OSFC Fire Regions 6 & 9) – Wednesday, September 30 at 6:30 PM | Register

• Session 3 (All other Fire Regions) – Wednesday, October 14 at 6:30 PM | Register

Visit our website for a county map of fire regions in PA. We encourage all interested members of the fire service community to join us and stay informed on statewide recruitment and retention initiatives.

🚨 Important Reminder for VFRAs: All Expenses Must Be Invoiced Directly to and paid by the Relief Association

Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations (VFRAs) are reminded that relief funds cannot be used to reimburse a fire department for any expense, and payments must match invoice records. This applies to all products and services without exception, including training.

For example, if a VFRA is paying for training, the invoice from the training entity must be made out directly to the relief association and the invoice must be paid directly by the VFRA. An invoice issued to the fire department cannot be paid with relief funds, nor can the fire department be reimbursed by the VFRA for that cost.

To remain compliant with state requirements, please ensure that all vendors list your VFRA as the purchasing entity on any invoices for training, equipment, or services funded with relief dollars.

🤝 IAFC Leadership Courses Available

Registration remains open for these FREE leadership-focused courses from the IAFC. Breakfast and lunch are included but spaces are limited so register 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 Date: September 5 – Berks County Fire Training Center

Building Collaborative Teams (BCT)

This course provides leaders with practical tools to improve communication, strengthen organizational culture, and enhance team performance. The focus is for those considering or who have moved from volunteer to combination fire departments. Come learn and share your best practices. 

Course Date: October 10 – Westmoreland County Public Safety Training Center – Main Campus, Youngwood

🚨 Hazardous Materials Technician Training

The Pennsylvania State Fire Academy is offering a Hazardous Materials Technician (HMT) course that includes the opportunity to obtain Pro Board/IFSAC certification. While certification testing is available, prospective students are not required to certify if they choose not to. Courses are open to all Pennsylvania emergency responders and consist of a blended format featuring online asynchronous learning and classroom instruction. Those seeking certification will need a Pro Board or IFSAC Hazmat Awareness and Operations certification in addition to a Hazmat Operations Refresher within the last year. 

Those that are only in for the training need to have at least Hazardous materials Awareness and Operations training certificates and Hazmat Ops Refresher training from within the last year.There is one remaining session for 2026 and space it limited so register today!

📍 Monroe Public Safety Training Center

Acadis Search Filter: HMT 118

Four-weekend schedule

Class Dates:

October 16 – 18

October 30 – November 1

November 6 – 8

November 13 – 15

Class Times: 6 PM - 10 PM Fridays and 8 AM to 5 PM Sat/Sun

🏛️ Upcoming Volunteer Fire Relief Association Legislative Events

Members of the General Assembly and Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim DeFoor have been hosting a series of regional Volunteer Fire Relief Association (VFRA) legislative events this summer and fall.

These sessions provide volunteer firefighters, relief association officers, municipal officials, and department leaders an opportunity to discuss current issues impacting relief associations, review best practices, and ask questions directly of state officials. More sessions and locations may be added.

All events will be held from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. No registration Required

Event Schedule

Thursday, September 17, 2026
Senator Rothman
Hampden Township Fire Company
295 S. Sporting Hill Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

🩺 National Firefighter Registry for Cancer Webinar Series

Pennsylvania continues to drive forward with our participation in the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer.

If you haven't already registered, don't wait! Registration takes just a few minutes, and your participation can make a lasting impact on firefighter health and safety for generations to come.

If you need assistance, the OSFC will be hosting FREE webinars with two sessions available per month through 2026 to assist any individuals or fire departments with NFR registration. 

• Sunday, September 13 (Session 1)
• Monday, September 28 (Session 2)
• Tuesday, October 13 (Session 1)
• Thursday, October 29 (Session 2)
• Friday, November 13 (Session 1)
• Saturday, November 21 (Session 2)
• Sunday, December 13 (Session 1)
• Monday, December 28 (Session 2)