To facilitate an initial focus on an effective review for the summit, a draft next-generation vision graphic was created and presented to the four focus groups. This graphic was based on:
- Recommendations from the 2022 San Antonio Summit,
- Results of an Advocate "all hands" summit in Tucson, Arizona, in November 2023,
- A series of virtual town halls facilitated by the NFFF's Advocate Manager,
- Input from the Summit program planning committee,
- The United States Fire Administrator's efforts to have the fire service speak with one voice, and
- Countless conversations with NFFF constituents such as Fire Hero Families and fire service members in meetings, conferences, and NFFF functions.
Four Pillars of Firefighter Life Safety & the New Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives
The new Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Matrix has two components: four pillars, which represent major aspects of a firefighter’s life, and three perspectives that shape the firefighter’s environment. The initiatives are written to accommodate changing needs and what it takes to keep firefighters functioning throughout their careers and beyond.
With this new approach, the NFFF and the fire service now have a tool that is not tied to a specific number or written in a manner that dates the approach when objectives are achieved.
All pillars and perspectives form an interconnected web that supports firefighter well-being, promoting a long and healthy life.
I
Survival Culture and Leadership
II
Health and Welness
III
Training and Competency
IV
Community and Government
Firefighter
Well-Being
Initiative 1
Mentorship Momentum
Foster a sustainable culture of knowledge transfer and motivation to mentor, ensuring that the torch of mentorship is passed through successive generations.
Original Initiatives: 3. Risk Management, 1. Cultural Change, 4. Empowerment
Initiative 4
Mindful Resilience
Actively promote resilience training and other mental health resources for firefighters to support their overall well-being.
Original Initiatives: 13. Counseling and Support, 6. Medical and Fitness Standards
Initiative 7
Lifelong Learning
Offer education and training opportunities that are accessible to all firefighters and across all stages of the career, ensuring that firefighters stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies.
Original Initiatives: 9. Investigations, 5, Training Standards
Initiative 10
Community Connection
Conduct community outreach programs that educate the public on fire safety and prevention, while also advocating for policies that support firefighter safety.
Original Initiatives: 14. Public Education, 15. Code Enforcement and Sprinklers
Practices and Standards
Initiative 2
Leading the Way
Establish consistent leadership practices that empower all members to model survival-focused behaviors and promote a culture of growth and resilience.
Original Initiatives: 11. Response Policies, 4. Empowerment, 1. Cultural Change
Initiative 5
Evolving Health Practices
Establish and regularly update health and wellness policies, including health screenings and fitness assessments, to reflect evolving science and best practices.
Original Initiatives: 9. Investigations, 6. Medical and Fitness Standards
Initiative 8
Training and Innovation
Leverage innovative learning technologies to expand access to high-quality training.
Original Initiatives: 8. Technology, 2. Accountability
Initiative 11
Engage the Community
Develop and maintain long-standing policies and procedures for engaging with government and community stakeholders.
Original Initiatives: 10. Grant Support, 11. Response Policies
Organizational Capacity
Initiative 3
Leadership Evolution
Develop leadership training programs that identify and strengthen the attributes and competencies necessary to foster a survival-oriented culture within fire service organizations.
Original Initiatives: 4. Empowerment, 2. Accountability, 1. Cultural Change
Initiative 6
Comprehensive Wellness Programs
Design comprehensive wellness programs that can be integrated into the daily routines of all fire departments.
Original Initiatives: 13. Counseling and Support, 6. Medical and Fitness Standards
Initiative 9
Organizational Proficiency
Maintain awareness of skill proficiencies throughout the organization to address and fill training gaps.
Original Initiatives: 7. Research Agenda, 5. Training Standards
Initiative 12
Forge Shareholder Partnerships
Build Partnerships with governmental agencies and community organizations to support fire service initiatives.
Original Initiatives: 12. Violent Incident Protocols, 10. Grant Support
