Current Programs
National SAFER 6
The National SAFER 6 grant focuses on developing a nationwide mentorship program to enhance leadership and operational skills through a hybrid online and in-person curriculum. By partnering with instructional design experts, this initiative creates interactive role-play scenarios to reinforce practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. This grant strengthens leadership readiness and fosters professional growth, aligning with IAFC’s commitment to advancing standardized, high-quality training for fire service professionals.
National SAFER 7
National SAFER 7 addresses the critical decline in volunteer firefighters by modernizing training resources and expanding access to essential tools to recruit and retain qualified volunteers. This grant streamlines three existing IAFC courses, recruitment and Retention, Building Collaborative Teams, and Department Coaching, into condensed formats, making them more accessible to volunteer and combination departments. The Community & Fire Department Composition Explorer Tool is a key component, a digital resource suite designed to help departments analyze community demographics and operational needs to improve recruitment strategies. SAFER 7 reinforces IAFC’s mission to build sustainable, resilient fire service organizations by equipping departments with actionable tools and adaptable training.
National SAFER 8
Launched in December 2024, National SAFER 8 is a three-year national campaign to combat the volunteer firefighter staffing crisis through strategic outreach and awareness-building. Year 1 focuses on campaign design. A Campaign Architect will develop themes, messaging, and prototype materials tested at events like Fire-Rescue International. A dedicated metrics-driven website will track engagement to refine strategies in real-time. Year 2 scales the campaign across TV, radio, and social media, emphasizing the value and opportunities of fire service careers. Year 3 prioritizes sustained outreach, data analysis, and a final report to guide future efforts. This grant empowers departments to address staffing shortages through innovative, data-backed strategies, reflecting IAFC’s leadership in workforce solutions.
Indiana SAFER;
Administered in partnership with the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association, the Indiana SAFER grant empowers 11 fire departments statewide to strengthen volunteer recruitment and retention through tailored resources and innovative tools. This initiative provides three key components: customized marketing materials, leadership training programs, and a free GIS Toolkit. The geospatial resource leverages community data to identify high-potential recruitment zones, streamlining outreach efforts for greater efficiency. Enhanced in-person leadership workshops equip departments with actionable strategies to attract and retain volunteers effectively. By merging cutting-edge technology with hands-on skill development, this grant helps Indiana fire services maintain optimal staffing levels while improving operational readiness.