NYSAFC’s two-day leadership development program for current and aspiring company officers is scheduled for Fulton (January 9-10), Monroe (February 27-28), and Erie (March 27-28) Counties. Lecturers include Chief of Training Michael Meyers (FDNY), Lieutenant Michael Scotto (FDNY), plus Assistant Chief Scott DeNinno and Captain James McCredie (Johnstown Fire Department). Pre-registration is encouraged!

The 2026 event is just around the corner – January 30 – February 1 at Nassau Coliseum. Registration is $25 per day and includes entry to the expo and seminars. 140+ companies will be displaying apparatus, equipment, and services for fire and EMS agencies. Six firematic seminars and one EMS CME class will be delivered (Saturday and Sunday only). Programs include a special Roundtable Discussion with FDNY Chiefs Vincent Dunn, Frank Leeb, John Norman, and John Salka! Live fire training will be conducted on site as the Suffolk County Fire Academy presents its Thermal Imaging Camera Class – “The TIC.” On Friday, students registered for Codes Training will earn seven hours through code enforcement in-service approved courses.

The New York State Fire Service Alliance has released the 2026 Issues of United Concern Legislative Agenda. Members of the alliance, including NYSAFC, will advocate for the identified priorities mutually in 2026. More details on the agenda items will be released in the New Year. 

Legislation expands eligibility for surviving spouses of volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers killed in the line of duty.

It expands eligible conditions under the federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program to include certain cancers that result in death or permanent disability and are linked to service as a firefighter or other first responder.

Firefighter/Commissioner Michael Ryan of the Phoenicia Fire District (Ulster County) suffered a medical emergency on December 13 while responding to a call for an injured hiker.

FDNY Deputy Chief James Riches, a well-known advocate for September 11th first responders, died on Thanksgiving from a 9/11-related illness.

Oswego County officials are taking a closer look at the strain placed on local fire departments after three separate fires broke out at the Novelis aluminum plant in Scriba over the last two months.

The town had previously announced in October that it was scaling back its original plans to run its own ambulance service. Under the new plan, Twin City Ambulance will provide ambulance services for the town for 16 hours per day, and the town’s new ambulance corps will cover eight hours per day.

Mercy Flight has announced plans to acquire Finger Lakes Ambulance, expanding its ground ambulance operations in the Finger Lakes region.

The generous support of these businesses and organizations assists NYSAFC in delivering training and providing service to fire and EMS personnel across New York state throughout the year.

Robert Tucker was appointed to the role by Mayor Eric Adams in 2024.

Paul Miano, a 26-year veteran of the department, replaces retired Chief of EMS Michael Fields.

Chief Mike Miller is stepping down one notch with his brother Steve assuming the chief’s post of the Brewster Fire Department in 2026.

The county is seeking architectural and engineering professionals to design and construct a new fire training facility. Officials announced the plans for a new training unit, car fire simulator, and more.

Association President Warren Darby said trailers are crucial to fire safety.

View the NYSAFC calendar of events.