Multiple departments responded to a fire that was ignited in several piles of mulch.
See story on page 7
Camper on Fire on Triport Road
Fire crews made entry into the parking area where they located an RV that was actively on fire.
See story on page 8
Jake’s Branch Assists Lotts Creek
Firefighters arrived discovered a two-story structure with significant fire involvement.
See story on page 10
Wildland Fire Group Deploys
Wildland Fire Group deployed to support storm-impacted communities.
See story on page 11
Over 50 Years of Service for Chief Bill Birkle
Since 1975, Chief Birkle has faithfully served as the volunteer Fire Chief.
See story on page 21
FCSN Honored with National Fire Service Award
Honored with the 2026 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award.
See story on page 24
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MVA on Fort Campbell Blvd.
At approximately 1735 on March 3, 2026, Hopkinsville Fire and EMS was dispatched to a vehicle fire along the 10 milemarker southbound of Fort Campbell Boulevard. HFDEMS Medic 51 happened to be in the area and arrived within three minutes and began to assess the driver for injuries. Engine 5 arrived shortly after and extinguished the blaze without issue. No firefighter injuries were reported and the driver of the vehicle did not require transport by EMS. - Photo courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire & EMS
Car Fire at Daniel Boone
Plaza
On February 11, 2026, at approximately 1550 hours, a call came in to 911 that a vehicle was on fire in the parking lot of Daniel Boone Plaza. Engine 3 was dispatched to the scene. Shift 3 personnel initiated a swift fire attack on the vehicle to extinguish it within just a few minutes of arrival. No injuries were reported. - Photo courtesy of Hazard FD
Corydon Assist Cairo
Corydon Civil Defense assisted the Cairo Fire Department with a trailer fire.
- Submitted by Bryan Coghill
Where There’s Smoke …..
Recently, Hazard Fire Department received a direct call to the station concerning the smell of smoke coming from a neighboring apartment in the Cherokee Hills apartment complex. Engine 1, Engine 3, Ladder 1, and Tanker 2 responded. Upon arrival, evidence of smoke being inside the unit was present so crews forced entry into the home and located a pocket of fire at the upper level of the stairway. Ladder 1’s and Engine 3’s crews coordinated victim search and ventilation efforts while the crew from Engine 1 stretched attack lines in and extinguished the fire. No victims were located inside the residence; it was later determined they were at a neighbor’s home at the time of the fire. The surrounding dwellings sustained no damage. No injuries were reported from the scene. - Photo courtesy of Hazard FD
Plano Road Structure Fire
Bowling Green Fire crews were dispatched at 1621 hours for a reported structure fire in the 700 block of Plano Road. Upon arrival, crews found smoke showing from the garage. Primary search was complete and the fire was brought under control.
- Photo courtesy of Bowling Green FD
Corbin Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire on Hinkle Street. No injuries were reported. Also responding were Whitley County EMS and off-duty Corbin firefighters.
- Photo courtesy of Corbin FD
Mulch Fire Needs a Crowd to Douse
Russellville Rural Fire Department was paged for a fire at Sims Bark on Nashville Road. The fire was ignited in several piles of mulch. Mutual aid was requested and in all there were seven departments, 34 firefighter and 40,000 gallons of water used to get the fire under control. We would like to thank Browning Adairville Olmstead, Auburn, Franklin Simpson, and North Robertson fire departments. There was 16 apparatus on the site doing water shuttle and extinguishing the fire. Sims Bark also had personnel and heavy Equipment on site. We would like to thank Browning, Adairville, Olmstead, Auburn, Franklin Simpson, and North Robertson fire departments; Chaplain Marney and Logan County EMS and our dispatchers. - Photos courtesy of Russellville Rural FD
Corbin Camper Fire
Corbin Fire Department responded to a camper and recreation vehicle on fire behind a residence near Hatfield Avenue. Firefighters extinguished the fire with no injuries reported.
- Photo courtesy of Corbin FD
Fire Response on Triport Road
Georgetown Fire Department responded alongside Scott County Fire Department to reports of a camper on fire on Triport Road. Upon arrival, fire crews made entry into a gated parking area where they located an RV that was actively on fire. Crews quickly went to work and were able to extinguish the fire and protect the surrounding exposures, preventing the fire from spreading to nearby vehicles and property. The cause of the fire was under investigation. We appreciate the continued partnership with Scott County Fire Department and Georgetown-Scott County EMA, as well as the quick work of all crews involved.
- Photo courtesy of Georgetown FD
Frankfort Early Morning Fire
Frankfort Fire Department crews responded to a structure fire in the early morning hours at the corner of Taylor and Benson Valley roads.
- Photos courtesy of Frankfort FD
Winter Firefights
Zoneton firefighters responded to a morning structure fire in a vacant building in the Pryor Valley area. Vacant building fires in remote areas typically burn for some time before discovery and are fully involved before fire units are even dispatched. Winter fires are very difficult for several reasons. Trudging around in snow and pulling fire hose is tough work. Laboring out in very cold weather is miserable as anyone who has shoveled snow knows. Plus, there is always the worry about frozen fire hydrants. We have equipment to thaw them, but doing so can cause a significant delay. We received their usual excellent assistance from Shepherdsville Fire Department and Nichols Fire DistrictOfficial this morning and we thank them.
- Photo courtesy of Zoneton Fire Protection District
Cover Story
Early Morning Residential Fire in Louisville
Early on January 31, 2026, the Louisville Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire in the 1700 block of W. Kentucky Street. Crews were dispatched at 0309 hours and arrived on scene within four minutes. Firefighters encountered a single-story, wood frame residence with fire in multiple rooms and the attic space. Crews advanced multiple handlines to extinguish the interior fire and deployed additional lines to protect nearby exposures. In total, the response included four engines, two trucks, a battalion chief and approximately 30 firefighters. Control was called at 0430. All searches were negative; one occupant self-evacuated before the arrival of LFD. One adult patient was transported to a local hospital for possible smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Louisville Fire Arson Bureau. - Photo courtesy of Louisville FD
Jake’s Branch Assists Lotts Creek
On February 6, 2026, at approximately 2130 hours, Jake’s Branch Fire units responded to a structure fire located approximately twomiles up Lotts Creek Road. Following Engine 150 they arrived on scene to assist the Lotts Creek Fire Department, and discovered a two-story structure with significant fire involvement. Assistant Chief R. Dillion took command of the scene, requesting assistance from the Hazard Fire Department and Fisty Dwarf Fire Department for water supply and personnel. After quick work by all departments, units successfully brought the fire under control, protected nearby exposures, and cleared the scene without further incident. - Photos courtesy of Jakes Branch FD
Wildland Fire Group Deploys
At the request of Kentucky Emergency Management, the Wildland Fire Group deployed last week to support storm-impacted communities. Seven firefighters from the Lexington Fire Department, alongside crews from Richmond and Versailles fire departments, worked for 48 hours cutting trees from power lines and roadways and removing debris to restore access and safety. The Lexington Fire Department is proud to serve through strong regional partnerships when Kentucky calls. - Photos courtesy of Lexington FD
Dog Rescued in Jessamine County
The Wilmore Fire Department was called to the High Bridge area of Jessamine County for a high-angle rope rescue. Crews arrived to find a dog that had jumped out of a window of a moving vehicle and fell 40 feet to the bridge pillar below. The Crew of Squad 84 rigged off the truck with a twin tension system and sent a rescuer over the edge with a Stokes. The dog was lashed in the basket and brought back up to the road way to the waiting owners where it was taken to a local vet. The dog is expected to make a full recovery. Wilmore was assisted by the Jessamine County Fire District, Nicholasville FD and Jessamine County EMA. - Submitted by Josh Day
Car Recovered from Pond on Echol Hollow Road
In the early morning hours of January 23, 2026, first responders from multiple agencies were dispatched to Echol Hollow Road after reports of a vehicle submerged in a pond. According to Sergeant Jimmy Combs of the Stanton Police Department, a call came in reporting that a car had gone off the roadway and into a pond. Homeowner Jonathan Roth stated he heard someone knocking at his door around that same time, when three men told him their vehicle had entered the water. Roth immediately contacted law enforcement. With severe weather predicted later in the day, Sgt. Combs determined that the vehicle should be removed before conditions worsened. Powell County Search & Rescue responded with SAR Chief Jeremy Urekew arriving in coldwater gear to assess and assist. King Towing was called out, and personnel entered the water to secure the vehicle for safe recovery. The vehicle was pulled out without incident and with no occupants inside, which responders noted was the single most critical concern. Also responding to the scene were Clay City Fire Department, led by Chief Eric Strange, Powell County EMS, Deputy Larry Patterson of the Powell County Sheriff’s Department, and Sergeant Jimmy Combs of the Stanton Police Department. Responders worked efficiently together, showing strong coordination and the kind of teamwork that rural communities rely on. - Photo courtesy of Clay City FD
5 Displaced by Cedar Street Blaze
At 0750 hours Owensboro Fire Department (OFD) was dispatched to a single-family residence on fire in the 400 block of Cedar Street. OFD’s Training Chief was in the area and arrived in a little over two minutes from dispatch to find heavy smoke and then flames coming from a bedroom window. Five family members were home at the time and all made it out safely with one resident being treated and released at the scene. Four family pets were also in the home and we are sad to report that two were lost. There was severe damage to multiple rooms due to fire, smoke, and water. The incident was actively investigated at the scene and was under review.
- Photo courtesy of Owensboro FD
Structure Fire on Rosie Street
At 1130 hours, the Bowling Green Fire Department crews were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 200 block of Rosie Street. While en route, Alvaton Fire Department reported smoke and fire showing from the structure. Upon arrival crews began primary searches which were found to be clear. The fire was brought under control and was under investigation.
- Photo courtesy of the Bowling Green FD
Perryville FD Responds to Structure Fire
The Perryville Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at approximately 1740 hours in the area of West 4th Street and US 68 west. Initial reports indicated a fully involved residence with a possible victim trapped inside. Fire units arrived on scene in under four minutes and immediately initiated an aggressive fire attack, while simultaneously conducting a primary search for victims. Upon arrival, crews encountered a residence with a heavy fire load. After a thorough search of the structure, it was determined that there were no trapped victims. Perryville received mutual aid assistance from the Boyle County Fire Department for extra manpower. Firefighters remained on scene for several hours conducting overhaul operations, extinguishing hot spots, and ensuring the fire was fully contained. The Perryville Fire Department would like to extend its appreciation to the following agencies for their assistance: Danville 911 Center, Perryville Police Department, Boyle County Sheriff’s Office, Boyle County Fire Department, Boyle County EMS, Boyle County Emergency Management, Kentucky Utilities, Atmos Gas and the Danville Water Department. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Photo courtesy of Perryville FD
Quick Knockdown of at Placid Place Fire
Louisville Structure Fire on West Chestnut Street
The Louisville Fire Department responded to a significant residential structure fire in the 2500 block of West Chestnut Street on January 29, 2026. Fire companies were dispatched at 1806 hours and arrived on scene within four minutes, encountering heavy fire conditions with flames extending to upper floors and threatening nearby homes. Crews initiated an aggressive fire attack using multiple handlines and one master stream, working to confine the fire and prevent further spread. Thirty-six firefighters, operating from five engine companies, three truck companies and two battalion chiefs brought the incident under control at approximately 1900. Additional resources, including an extra engine and truck, were also requested. The cause of the fire was under investigation, and the Louisville Fire Department’s Arson Bureau was assisting with the investigation.
- Photo courtesy of Louisville FD
At 0131, Owensboro Engine 1, Engine 4, Engine 5, Rescue 1, Ladder 5 and Fire 95 responded to a structure fire in the 3600 block of Placid Place. On arrival, Engine 5 advised smoke was showing from a twostory apartment complex and started initial operations. After forcing their way into the apartment, Engine 5 was able to make a quick knockdown on the fire and minimized damage to the apartment. No injuries were reported, and the cause was under investigation.
- Photo courtesy of Owensboro FD
Corbin Dryer Fire
Corbin firefighters responded to a dryer fire near Master Street recently. The fire was extinguished and smoke ventilated out. The business remained open, and no injuries or damage to the building was reported. Also responding were Delta Gas and Corbin Utility Commission.
- Photo courtesy of Corbin FD
Jakes Branch, Hazard Stop Structure Fire
Jakes Branch Fire Department responded to the area of Turner Lane on Crawford Mountain for a structure fire. Upon arrival, units found a two-story structure fully involved. With the assistance of Hazard Fire Department, the fire was extinguished, and units cleared the scene with no injuries reported.
- Photo courtesy of Jakes Branch FD
Hopkinsville House Fire
At 0745 hours on February 3, 2026, a passerby noticed smoke coming from a home located at the corner of Greenville and Jago Road in Hopkinsville. Firefighters responded within three minutes of notification and found smoke coming from the structure. Crews immediately made entry, extinguished the fire, and searched for any occupants, which proved negative. The home sustained significant fire and smoke damage throughout, however. The cause was unintentional. The fire was believed to have started due to the use of a supplemental heating device inside the home.
- Photo courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire & EMS
1 Fatality at Structure Fire in Ashland
On March 24, 2026, at 19098 hours, the Ashland Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire on Central Avenue. While en route, responding units observed a large column of smoke visible from the east end of the city. Engine 2 arrived and reported two residential structures, 3307 and 3305 Central Avenue, heavily involved in fire, with a third exposure structure beginning to ignite. Fire crews immediately deployed attack. During these efforts, firefighters were advised by residents that a 13-year-old female remained trapped inside one of the residences. Under rapidly deteriorating conditions, including heavy fire involvement and extreme heat, crews from Engine 2, Engine 1, and Rescue 1 initiated an aggressive interior search and fire suppression efforts. During operations, a portion of the rear addition of the primary structure collapsed. Firefighters successfully located and removed the victim utilizing a Vent-EnterSearch (VES) rescue through a bedroom window under intense fire/smoke conditions. The victim was immediately transferred to Boyd County EMS for advanced medical care and transported to UK King’s Daughters Medical Center Emergency Department. Despite these efforts, the victim, later succumbed to her injuries. All three structure fires were brought under control at approximately 2037.
- Submitted by Lorraine Woolery
Corbin Responds to Brush Fire
On March 7, 2026, Corbin firefighters responded to a brush fire near Commonwealth Avenue.
- Photo courtesy of Corbin FD
4 People Displaced in Virginia Ave. Fire
Louisville Fire Department crews responded to a structure fire at a residential property in the 2600 block of Virginia Avenue on the evening of April 3, 2026. Firefighters were dispatched at 1840 hours and arrived to find heavy fire conditions at the residence. The fire had also extended to a neighboring home on the east side. Crews deployed multiple handlines and worked quickly to contain and extinguish the fire. The blaze was brought under control at 1923. Five engine companies, two truck companies, one battalion, and approximately 40 firefighters responded to the incident. As a result of the fire, three adults, one child, and three dogs were displaced. The American Red Cross was assisting the affected occupants. The Louisville Fire Department Arson Unit had been called to the scene, and the cause of the fire was under investigation.
- Photo courtesy of Louisville FD
Bowling Green Fire
Bowling Green units were dispatched to a structure fire on Fern Hill Street recently. Upon arrival, crews found heavy fire. The fire was brought under control and remained under investigation.
- Photo courtesy of Bowling Green FD
Rope & Low Angle Rescue Training
Henderson fire crews conducted basic rope and low angle rescue training. The training consisted of knot tying competitions and rescue scenarios on the riverfront.
- Photos courtesy of Henderson FD
Operations at the South Central Fire School
- Submitted by Cheryl Allen
Hebron Thanks Chief Bill Birkle for Over 50 Years of Service
Hebron Fire would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Chief Bill Birkle on his more than 50 years of dedicated service to the Petersburg Fire Protection District, and the citizens of Petersburg!
Since 1975, Chief Birkle has faithfully served as the volunteer Fire Chief, leading with integrity, experience, and an unwavering commitment to his community.
Chief Birkle’s service is a true reflection of what it means to dedicate a lifetime to public safety. We are grateful for the many years of collaboration, mutual aid, and friendship shared between our agencies.
Please join us in thanking and congratulating Chief Birkle for his decades of dedicated service to the Petersburg community, and for the lasting impact he has made to Northern Kentucky’s fire service!
- Photos courtesy Hebron Fire Protection District
BGFD Participates in Reading Across America
Bowling Green Fire Department’s (BGFD)
Engine 4 had the honor of reading to students at Warren Central High School for the National Read Across America event. This initiative celebrates literacy and kindness, and this class truly embodied that spirit!
- Photo courtesy of BGFD
Olmstead Grain Bin Rescue Trailer
- Submitted by Dan Kemp
BGFD Hosts Over-50 Citizen’s Academy
Members of the Bowling Green Fire Department (BGFD) spent an afternoon hosting the Over Fifty Citizen’s Academy today at their Headquarters Fire Station. The Neighborhood and Community Services Department brings together Bowling Green residents over the age of 50 for a four-day program that explores topics such as local government, city departments, and the many services and resources available throughout our community. During their visit, participants toured the station and apparatus, watched a demonstration by the Accelerant Detection K9 Millie, and heard a presentation from the Community Engagement Coordinator. The group also had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the work of the BGFD. - Photos courtesy Bowling Green FD
Photo of the Olmstead Fire Department Grain Bin Rescue Trailer.
FCSN Honored with Prestigious National Fire Service Award
At the 36th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) was recognized on the national stage as the recipient of the 2026 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award; one of the fire service’s most distinguished honors.
Presented during the annual program hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute in partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the award celebrates organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in advancing firefighter health and safety. The event, attended by more than 1,500 fire and emergency service leaders from across the country, highlighted the critical work being done to protect those who serve on the front lines.
The Sarbanes Award, named in honor of former U.S. Senator Paul S. Sarbanes, recognizes innovative programs that make measurable impacts on firefighter safety and well-being. For 2026, FCSN earned this distinction for its groundbreaking cancer prevention and education initiatives, most notably its “Doing It Right: Reducing Cancer in the Fire Service” program.
This comprehensive program provides firefighters and
department leaders with practical, actionable steps to reduce occupational cancer risk, now widely recognized as one of the greatest threats facing the fire service today. Through training, outreach, and advocacy, the program emphasizes behavioral changes, leadership accountability, and long-term health protection.
Cancer has become the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters, making prevention and early intervention critical priorities nationwide. The FCSN has been at the forefront of this fight offering survivor resources, badge-to-badge mentoring and education to firefighters and their families.
In announcing the award, national fire service leaders praised FCSN as a “tireless champion” for firefighter wellbeing, emphasizing the organization’s lasting impact on both policy and practice.
- Submitted by Steve Weissman
Hebron Gets New Aerial Apparatus
The Hebron Fire Protection District recently took delivery of a brand-new E-ONE 100-foot aerial ladder truck. This apparatus will be housed at Station 41 on North Bend Road, and will be staffed 24/7/365 as Engine 41. Special thank you to Vogelpohl Fire Equipment. - Photos courtesy of Hebron Fire Protection District
FIRSTNET HELPS HYANNIS FD EXTINGUISH COMMUNICATION DELAYS SWELLING SUMMER POPULATION POSES UNIQUE CHALLENGES
The Hyannis Fire Department serves 18,000 yearround residents, but the population soars to 100,000 in the summer. This presents a unique challenge.
The department responds to about 8,000 incidents in Barnstable, Cape Cod, Lewis Bay, and Hyannis Harbor. Their coverage area includes the largest hospital on the Cape, an airport, a busy downtown, and a harbor. Seventy firefighters provide fire response, ALS, and technical rescues using fireboats and a dive team.
The Hyannis Fire Department needed to evolve to meet the needs of its coastal community. That’s why they were early adopters of FirstNet®, Built with AT&T.
Reliable Communication and Mission Critical Tools
Dedicated to Safety
Created to address communication challenges of 9/11, FirstNet®, Built with AT&T is the nationwide, high-speed wireless network designed to provide first responders with secure, reliable communications. During an emergency, commercial networks can get congested, which slows communication time.
First responders get always-on priority and pre-emption for calls, texts and data. FirstNet connects Hyannis firefighters across all their devices including cell phones, modems, routers, and vehicle-mounted equipment. It’s a single system that allows users to share information across all of their systems seamlessly.
FirstNet allows them to scale their network during an emergency without suffering from the lag time that other devices may suffer from.
They also use FirstNet on their fireboats.
Hazardous situations
FirstNet was vital when Hyannis firefighters had to deal with hazardous materials. They were able to stream video from inside the building across all FirstNet devices on the scene so they could see what was happening in real time before entering a building. The problems they deal with now are often a bit more complicated, and they’re always finding new challenges. Lithium-ion batteries, for example, which power electric vehicles, present unique fire hazards.
Compact Deployables
FirstNet has a cache of 180-plus compact deployable assets to boost FirstNet coverage and help ensure dedicated connectivity. When the department needed temporary, specialized cellular coverage and capacity, FirstNet responded quickly with compact deployable assets such as cells on light trucks (COLTs) and cells on wheels (COWs).
Unmatched Support
FirstNet technology is robust, and so is its customer service. “The service is always excellent and they are always responsive. They’re always able to get the answers we need and help us solve any problem,” Hyannis Fire Department Chief Peter Burke said. “Based on our continued success with FirstNet, we recommend it to all public safety agencies and users. We know that our FirstNet devices are always going to work without suffering from the lag time that other devices may suffer from.”
SOURCEWELL AWARDS SVI TRUCKS WITH SOURCEWELL CONTRACT FOR FIRE APPARATUS & FIRE SERVICE VEHICLES
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – March 9, 2026 – SVI Trucks is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract to provide firefighting apparatus and fire service vehicles to public agencies across North America. Through the Sourcewell 082025-SVM cooperative purchasing agreement, entities like fire departments and law enforcement agencies, can purchase SVI rescue vehicles, wildland apparatus, command vehicles and other emergency vehicles through a streamlined procurement process with preferred pricing.
tracts, this partnership grants any public agency access to purchase from SVI Trucks through this public purchasing process. SVI Trucks supplier listing can be found under “Super Vacuum Manufacturing.”
Sourcewell, a self-funded governmental organization established in 1978, facilitates a cooperative purchasing program that harnesses the collective purchasing power of more than 50,000 participating agencies. SVI Trucks secured the Sourcewell contract following a rigorous request for proposal (RFP) process, ensuring compliance with local procurement requirements, while proving the company delivers exceptional value and service.
By streamlining procurement with pre-negotiated Sourcewell con-
We are pleased to announce that the 2026 F.I.E.R.O. Fire Station Design Symposium is officially scheduled — and registration is open.
Since 1990, F.I.E.R.O. has proudly hosted the first and longest-running Fire Station Design Symposium in the nation. This year, we return to the Hyatt Regency in Greenville, South Carolina for three and a half days of education, collaboration, and connection.
Dates: September 21–24, 2026
• Location: Hyatt Regency, Greenville, SC
• Pre-Conference Seminar: Monday, September 21
“The SVI Trucks team worked extremely hard to earn this contract on behalf of our customers,” SVI Trucks Vice President of Sales Joel Konecky said. “We recognize that consortium purchasing is essential to helping departments securing the life-saving apparatus they need to serve their communities, and we are excited to streamline the purchasing process through this new Sourcewell partnership.”
About SVI Trucks
SVI Trucks, a Super Vacuum Manufacturing Company located in Fort Collins, Colo., builds custom fire apparatus, including rescue trucks, hazmat units, command vehicles, fire engines, tanker trucks, law enforcement vehicles and more. To see SVI’s full fleet, visit svitrucks.com. To browse drawings, features and specifications of a truck, visit SVI’s Apparatus pages and click on any truck image.
(Full Day)
• Main Symposium: September 22–24 (Half Day)
Whether you are a firefighter, architect, facility planner, or industry professional, this is the premier event for fire station design, construction, renovation, and technology.
Mark your calendars and watch your inbox — full program details are coming soon.
We look forward to seeing you in Greenville.
Warm regards, The F.I.E.R.O. Team
REMEMBER FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS, ONE BELL AT TIME
Each year, the sound of bells carries across the country in a powerful act of remembrance.
Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters is a moving nationwide tribute honoring America’s firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice. Fire departments, places of worship, carillonneurs, and community organizations unite to ring bells in their memory—ensuring they are never forgotten.
This tribute takes place during National Fallen Firefighters
Memorial Weekend, when the nation pauses to honor those who died in the line of duty. By ringing bells on the weekend of May 2–3, 2026, you send a clear message to Fire Hero Families: your loved one’s service and sacrifice will always be remembered.
Whether you toll a single bell at your station, host a public ceremony, or invite your entire community to participate, your involvement matters.
Add your bell to the national chorus of remembrance.
NFPA TO HOST ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO IN LAS VEGAS ON JUNE 22-24, 2026
The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) will host its annual Conference & Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas on June 22 to -24, 2026. This comprehensive event brings together thousands of the industry’s leading professionals who will attend more than 130 educational sessions addressing the latest issues, challenges and trends in the world of fire, electrical, and life safety, including code compliance, emergency preparedness and response, emerging technologies, global safety issues, public education, building and construction safety, fire protection systems, industrial hazards, electrical safety, and more.
The NFPA Expo will feature more than 420 exhibitors, showcasing the latest products and services available to help meet and maintain compliance with prevailing codes and standards in the design, construction and operation of buildings and facilities of every kind.
Dan Chuparkoff, one of the world’s leading experts on AI, innovation, and the future of work, will be the keynote speaker at the conference’s opening general session. Sharing his skill as an AI-educator combined with his formula for harnessing the power of innovation, Dan helps audiences escape disruption to find growth and success.
Attendees will have access to three NFPA Specialty Theaters as well. The Facility Manager Theater, The Responder Theater and the Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study.
This year’s NFPA Spotlight on Public Education (SOPE) is a threeday program exclusively for individuals in the public education field, covering a wide range of public health topics and the powerful impact of community risk reduction. The Spotlight on Latin America is a Spanish language program with targeted sessions covering current industry trends impacting Latin America.
The NFPA Technical Meeting, which allows NFPA members and the public to express positions through debate on each certified amending motion (CAM), is scheduled to take place on June 25-26. The NFPA Standards to be presented for action at the 2026 Technical Meeting are those with amending motions submitted to NFPA in advance of the meeting and certified by the Motions Committee of the Standards Council. Anyone who has been a continuously active member of the association since December 27, 2025 and is registered for the 2026 Tech Session, will be eligible to vote on all CAMs.
For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.
Founded in 1896, NFPA® is a global self-funded non-profit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards. For more information, visit nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at nfpa.org/freeaccess.
NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR 2026 EMERGENCY VEHICLE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR
Susan Nicol
The Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year Award will honor EVTs who keep their fire apparatus and fleets on the road for the next emergency.
Firehouse and Spartan Fire Chassis have partnered again this year to honor those who keep the emergency vehicle fleets on the road with the 2026 Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) of the Year Award.
Nominations for the 2026 EVT of the Year Awards opened today, with the winner being honored at the Fire Truck Training Conference later this year.
"We're excited to continue this partnership with Spartan Fire Chassis and REV, which allows us to highlight the unsung heroes of fire and emergency fleet management," said Firehouse Editor-in-Chief Peter Matthews. "As fire apparatus and emergency vehicles become more complex, the EVTs hone their skills year-after-year, staying up to date with the latest technology and standards to ensure firefighters are ready to roll at any time of the day."
“Spartan Fire Chassis has been a proud sponsor of the EVT Award since 2017. We look forward to honoring the 2026 winner at our annual Fire Truck Training Conference (FTTC) in Lansing, Michigan this fall”, said Chris McClung, vice president of the Fire Group, Terex Corporation.
The EVT of the Year Award was created in 2003 by Janet Wilmoth, Firehouse’s Special Projects Editor, to recognize mechanics and vehicle technicians after witnessing the work of her brother, an Illinois-based EVT, and others who are dedicated to keeping first responder vehicles on the road.
Since then, dozens of EVTS have been recognized for their outstanding efforts to maintain emergency vehicles and create innovative solutions for their fleet's unique needs.
FTTC has been the leading hands-on training event for EVTs since 1999, first launched by Spartan Motors.
Over the years, it has evolved into a full week of intense sessions, along with EVT Certification testing and is sponsored by REV Fire Group and REV Ambulance Group.
The winner will be honored by Firehouse and Spartan Fire Chassis at the 2026 Fire Truck Training Conference (FTTC) in Lansing, MI, in September.
You can find the criteria and submit your EVT of the Year nomination here.
The deadline for submissions is April 29.
KAREN EMORY APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF FEMSA
The Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association (FEMSA) is pleased to announce that Karen Emory has officially assumed the role of President of the association. Emory, who has been an active and highly engaged member of the FEMSA Board of Directors since 2018, brings extensive experience, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing the fire and emergency services industry.
Throughout her tenure on the Board, Emory has served in several key leadership capacities, including Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer. She has also been a longtime and dedicated member of the FEMSA Nominating Committee, contributing significantly to board development and organizational governance.
Emory currently serves as Vice President of Hi‑Tech Fire &
Safety, Inc., a leading provider of high‑quality fire, EMS, and rescue equipment. The company is recognized for delivering top-tier solutions such as structural firefighting gear, extrication tools, and advanced air purification systems—resources vital to supporting first responders in their critical missions.
“I am honored to step into the role of President and continue working alongside our exceptional members and partners,” Emory said. “FEMSA plays a vital role in elevating the emergency services community, and I look forward to strengthening our collective impact in the years ahead.”
FEMSA congratulates Karen Emory on her new leadership role and looks forward to the expertise, energy, and vision she will bring as President.
Whiskey Row 5K Fundraiser
Members of the Pleasure Ridge Park Fire Department worked multiple hydration stations at the recent Whiskey Row 5k. The Whiskey Row 5K is a popular five-kilometer (3.1-mile) road race held every spring in downtown Louisville. It’s known for running through the city’s historic “Whiskey Row” district, which is famous for its bourbon heritage and old warehouse buildings that now house bars, distilleries, and restaurants. The race supports the charity WHAS Crusade for Children, a nonprofit that helps children with special needs in Kentucky and southern Indiana by funding medical, educational and therapy services.
- Photo courtesy Pleasure Ridge Park Fire District
Congratulations to Our New Fire Inspector!
Please join us in congratulating Billy Calvert on his promotion to Fire Inspector! Calvert began his career with the Georgetown Fire Department in 2018 and has continued to serve our community with dedication and professionalism. Billy will be a great asset to the Fire Prevention Bureau, and we are excited and honored to have him in his new position. - Photo courtesy of Georgetown FD
Lexington Lieutenants Complete Officer’s Academy
Lexington Fire Department’s (LFD) newly promoted lieutenants have completed the Company Officer’s Academy (COA), graduating from this distinctive LFD program now in its 13th year. This accomplishment demonstrates their dedication to advancement,
leadership and the progress of our department. We are proud to congratulate these lieutenants and look forward to the leadership and example they will set for their crews and our community.
