The Latest

Reminder: Nominations for 2026 Wildfire Mitigation Awards are due January 7

The nomination period for the 2026 Wildfire Mitigation Awards is now open!

9/11 Reflections: A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

Quotes and reflections, shared by first responders, preserve the personal truths of that day, ensuring we never forget the sacrifices made and the lessons learned.

Education

VCOS logo - IAFC Volunteer and Combination Officers Section

Board / Commissioners Responsibilities

December 30, 2025 Online
Discussion on fiduciary responsibilities, establishing mission-critical policies, hiring and evaluating the officers, overseeing financial stewardship, and fundraising.
Team Building

Building Collaborative Teams - Woodstock

January 17, 2026 | 121 W Court St Woodstock, VA
An interactive workshop designed to strengthen communication, improve teamwork, and enhance department culture through hands-on activities and practical tools.
Recruitment Campaign

Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Certification - Woodstock

January 18, 2026 | 121 W Court St Woodstock, VA
A certification course covering recruitment planning, member onboarding, retention strategies, and community outreach to help departments build sustainable membership pipelines.

About VCOS

To develop and enhance effective, professional leaders of the volunteer and combination fire service by providing tools, resources and representation to lead their organizations effectively. Learn more

Featured Resources

IAFC logo1280x720

IAFC's Recommendations for FEMA Reform

White paper about reforming FEMA
National Volunteer Firefighter Geospatial Recruitment and Retention Toolkit

National Volunteer Firefighter Geospatial Recruitment and Retention Toolkit

Strengthen Volunteer Fire Departments Through Strategic Recruitment and Retention
US FireAdministration

A Prepared and Resilient Fire and Emergency Medical Services - Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2024-2027

Strategic Plan to address the fire related challenges facing our nation