Submit your Nominations for the NVFC’s Heather Schafer Memorail Scholarship by March 31

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) will recognize four deserving fire and EMS personnel this year through the inaugural Heather Schafer Memorial Scholarship. With training the most requested resource by NVFC members, the scholarship is designed to make in-person training accessible for volunteer emergency responders. Nominations are due March 31.

The Heather Schafer Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by ADT, recognizes exemplary emerging leaders in public safety who are committed to improving the fire and emergency services in the areas of health, safety, recruitment, retention, department culture, and emergency response. The scholarship covers the cost of the registration fee, airfare (or mileage), meals, and lodging, up to $1,500, for one of the NVFC’s annual training events. In 2022, there will be two scholarships available for the NVFC Health and Safety Training Summit, taking place June 24-25 in Orlando, FL, and two scholarships given for the NVFC Recruitment and Retention Experience, scheduled for September 16-17 in Mesa, AZ. View full criteria and submit your nominations by March 31 at: www.nvfc.org/heather-schafer-memorial-scholarship

Heather Schafer joined the NVFC in 1993 and took on the role of CEO in 1994, a position she served for 27 years until her death in 2021. During her tenure, the NVFC grew immensely – from hundreds of members and a staff of two, to over 25,000 members and a staff of 11. Under her leadership, the NVFC prospered and flourished, offering groundbreaking programs and resources to the volunteer fire and emergency services. She led the development of the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program, Fire Corps, Share the Load program, Make Me A Firefighter program, and more. She also formed many partnerships and collaborations that benefited the volunteer emergency services community. This scholarship program continues her mission to elevate the voice of local fire and EMS personnel who have made an impact in their community.

The Summit and Experience both have smaller travel stipends available through a rolling application process. Heather Schafer Memorial Scholarship nominees may also apply for the stipend but are only eligible to receive one award per event. Submit your nomination here.