Membership in the Vermont State Firefighters' Association brings you many benefits and ensures the existence of many programs that are important to the Vermont Fire Service.
The Association has a survivor benefit program for active VSFA members awarding up to $2,000 in the event of a firefighter death for any reason, specifically including heart related causes. While still a modest sum, it is a considerable increase to our previous programs. The Benefits Committee is working with state officials to improve this program.
Each VSFA member currently receives a $2,000 accidental death policy covering the loss or disability of a firefighter from other than natural causes. Through the issuer of this coverage, firefighters have the opportunity to obtain significant additional coverage for at relatively modest cost. However, the $2,000, coverage absolutely does not require purchase of the additional coverage offered. The basic coverage is yours with your current VSFA membership. Selecting any additional coverage is your option.
National Volunteer Fire Council Membership and Death Benefit
Through VSFA's membership in the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), individual VSFA members, or entire departments, may also join the NVFC. Although there is an additional $30 per person membership fee paid directly to the NVFC, among the many NVFC membership benefits is an included $20,000 accidental death policy, again an excellent value for a small sum. The NVFC also provides an inside track on what is happening at the national level. The VSFA stays informed on current and forthcoming legislation and activities affecting the fire service through our membership status with the NVFC we have a strong national voice to influence action with.
Over the years the VSFA's Fire Cadet Academy has introduced young people to the Vermont fire service. This week-long summer program has encouraged almost all of the Academy's graduates to become active members of their sponsoring departments. Some have found what will become a lifelong interest and may move on to a career in the fire service.
The VSFA Training Committee has been instrumental in developing our comprehensive training programs. At one time the VSFA provided the only statewide firefighter training program, which was later taken over by the State of Vermont. However, much work still remains to be done to tailor these programs to more closely meet your specific needs and to increase the scope of the curriculum available. The training committee is working on courses and seminars that are not offered by state programs. We are also working to get more programs out into the field where they can be of the greatest benefit to you, without requiring you to travel long distances.
The VSFA helps to ensure that the voices and concerns of Vermont's firefighters are heard at the State level through our frequent and in depth meetings with local legislators, our extensive administrative contacts, and by having our members serve on many state committees and councils. VSFA also supports the efforts of the Coalition of Fire and Rescue Services, and contributes 25% of that organization's annual budget. The association serves as a vehicle through which members can have an important voice in the affairs that effect you and your fire service. You also have opportunies to discuss your personal ideas and be a part of a committee of people who share your interest and work to solve the issues that face the entire fire service.
The “Responder” is the VSFA's electronic newsletter for firefighters, emergency responders, and state officials throughout Vermont. It brings them the latest news about Vermont's emergency services and their members, helpful hints to increase our safety and professionalism, schedules of upcoming events, and much more.
In cooperation with Johnson State College, VSFA sponsors a lending library of training materials, manuals and videos for use by member departments throughout the state. This resource is available to you through your local library and the state's interlibrary loan program.
This fund provides financial assistance to students pursuing a course of study in fire science or fire protection at a college level. Study can be at any college in the country. Usually several scholarships are awarded from this fund each year.
In cooperation with the State of Vermont, Division of Fire Safety and Vermont Safe Kids Coalition, the VSFA is using a $ 95,000 grant from FEMA and the US Fire Administration to support a wide range of fire prevention programs. All of the programs and equipment are designed for your local fire department to sign out and use.
Each year the Association honors individuals through statewide awards that give recognition for the dedicated hard work given to their department and the fire service of the State of Vermont.
The annual state firefighters conference is held in different locations in the state each year. The conference allows members to be involved in numerous activities. Including the VSFA Annual meeting, the state muster of fire department sport teams, memorial services, awards presentations, vendor displays of the latest equipment, and the states largest fire department parade.
