Research

Tech Talk Tuesday – Buying smart, capturing ROI and working with multiple stakeholders

In this engaging Tech Talk Tuesday session, the hosts discuss practical approaches to purchasing and implementing technology for fire departments. They emphasize the importance of conducting a thorough needs assessment rather than simply acquiring the latest gadgets. The conversation includes introductions of the guests, each sharing their backgrounds and expertise, setting the stage for a […]

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Register for MVD Annual Conference

Please join us in Lincoln, Nebraska for the 2026 Missouri Valley Division (MVD) of the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ (IAFC) annual conference. There will be exciting speakers, networking with colleagues, and you’ll hear from the Missouri Valley Division board about their efforts to support you. Every year the MVD of the IAFC comes together

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IAFC Legislative Update- Register Now

March 5, 2026 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. This is an annual update on what is happening here in Washington, DC. The IAFC Government Relations and Policy department will discuss major issues being considered on Capitol Hill, including funding for the USFA, AFG, and SAFER programs.

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Fire Departments Take Notice: Recent Lawsuits & After-Action Review

Peter Matthews urges fire departments to consider the recent release of after-action reviews and the result of a lawsuit for reflection on and scrutiny of their operations. The result of a lawsuit that found two chiefs responsible for the death of a firefighter should prompt departments and chief officers to examine operations to ensure that

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Emerging Issues Related to Personal Protective Equipment

There has been substantial research to understand the chemical and thermal environment of the fireground. Knowledge of the thermal environment firefighters operate in has driven advancements in turnout gear and in the facepiece of their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Following research characterizing the chemical environment, occupational exposure as a firefighter was officially recognized as carcinogenic in 2022.

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As Firehouse Sees It: Embracing Technology On and Off the Fireground

As we head to Charleston, SC, this month for FireFusion, I can’t help but reflect on how much I’ve learned about technology and its vital role in assisting fire department operations on the street and at the station, coupled with the capability to pull reports that can help to justify budget and personnel needs and elevate

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Delayed dispatch, untimely incident command cited in Mich. high school shooting report

OXFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office failed to establish a timely incident command and was late to dispatch fire crews in response to the Oxford High School shooting, according to an independent investigative report. The office did not create a formal incident command at Oxford High School until 25 minutes after a

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How Critical Incident Response Canines Are Changing First Responder Support

JEMS Managing Editor Jeff Frankel sits down with Janeen Baggette, the founder of K9s for Freedom and Independence, to explore a unique approach to first responder well-being. With a background as a military medic and law enforcement handler, Janeen shares how her nonprofit trains specialized Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) canines.

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Benefits of Innovative Spaces in Today’s Fire Stations

The world of first responders is changing with new technologies, facilities, and challenges, but also fewer resources available to them. Electric vehicle (EV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) fires continue to make headlines as firefighters race to develop better strategies and tactics to battle them. Burnout rises as the number of volunteers falls. Climate

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