Join NYSAFC from June 4-7 in Syracuse. This year’s event features 136 exhibitors, 10 Hands-On Training courses, 34 classroom lectures – including 6 EMS CME courses – accredited training for code officials and fire commissioners, the Keynote Address presented by EMT/Firefighter John McMaster of the Baltimore City (MD) Fire Department, plus networking opportunities for responders of all ranks. Free tickets for the expo are available from vendors and free parking is available in The Oncenter Garage.

The NYSAFC Nominations & Elections Committee has announced the association’s 2025-2026 officers. They will be installed on June 7 during the 119th Annual Conference in Syracuse.

Two key legislative victories were achieved in the final New York State Budget.

As the Trump administration begins its efforts to reform the nation’s homeland security framework and makes changes to FEMA, IAFC President Josh Waldo established a task force to provide recommendations on how the administration’s efforts can meet the needs of local fire and emergency departments.

The program provides health services to about 137,000 first responders and survivors who suffered injuries and illnesses after the attacks.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. admitted making a "mistake" in slashing programs earmarked for responders.

FEMA reversed a months-long freeze after determining key courses were critical to local and national emergency response efforts.

The unified voice of fire and rescue personnel made the difference in the outcome, said Bill Webb, CFSI executive director.

New York Representative Dan Goldman is introducing legislation expanding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, making volunteer firefighters and EMTs eligible for federal student loan forgiveness after 10 years of service and 120 qualifying payments.

Chaumont Chief Will Lipczynski came to the state Capitol to urge lawmakers to pass a battery energy storage system safety bill. The Chaumont Fire Department battled a fire at a BESS facility in the summer of 2023, an effort that took days and stretched the technical capabilities of modern firefighting equipment.

On May 20, DOH recognized the bravery of five EMS providers who died while serving and protecting New Yorkers.

A former New York City Fire Department chief has been sentenced to three years in prison for accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to fast-track fire safety inspections.

The former chief of Hannibal Fire has been ordered to pay almost $10,000 in restitution.

Alison Russo, a 9/11 first responder and FDNY veteran, was stabbed in September 2022 while walking from her stationhouse to get a snack.

In a significant boost to New York's emergency medical services workforce, approximately 150 New York National Guard service members have successfully obtained EMT certification through a new training initiative announced by the New York State Department of Health.

In March 2025, Ulster County officials announced a $4.9 million investment into emergency medical services. However, that plan transformed into a $4.7 million plan, which the Ulster County Legislature approved in a unanimous vote.

The Troy Fire Department is operating with three ambulances available 24/7. This has been the case since April 1. The community is advocating for a fourth ambulance to be reinstated.

County officials cite mounting demand for mutual aid as rationale for new two-person ambulance crew.

While the number of EMS workers declines and costs go up, the head of one ambulance company thinks joining all of Lewis County’s squads together could be the answer.

Back-and-forth editorials show dissenting voices in the process.

Both state and Capital Region law enforcement agencies are warning parents about a new social media trend called the “Chromebook Challenge.”

MOLST Form Updates to Nursing Homes; New IAFC Heart Safe Community Guide

During the event, students led demonstrations of emergency skills like CPR, first aid, and ladder operations, highlighting the real-world public safety skills students are getting through the Greece School District’s Career Pathway Program.

The Gloversville Fire Department donated the truck to the Questar III BOCES fire services program.

American City & County has named the Livingston County Office of Emergency Management’s Fire Training Tower as a 2024 recipient of its annual Crown Communities Award.

Firefighter Joseph Angelini III, whose father and grandfather were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attack, received his acceptance to the academy at 9:11 a.m.

The New York State Department of Labor has created an Extreme Weather Guidance webpage, which now includes a heat illness and injury prevention plan template employers may use to help better protect workers from extreme heat. 

New Yorkers can text their county of residence to 333111 to receive real time emergency and weather alert texts directly to their phones. In NYC, residents can text the name of their borough.

View the NYSAFC calendar of events.