IAFC - VCOS Section

The Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) of the IAFC joins the fire service community in mourning the loss of Chief Vaughan. We extend our deepest sympathies to the NVFC family and to Chief Vaughan's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. His contributions and service will not be forgotten.

The NVFC is extremely saddened by the passing of longtime board member and second vice chair Reid Vaughan. He made a lasting impact on the fire and emergency services in his home state of Alabama and across the nation, and he will be deeply missed by all those who had the good fortune to know him.

Reid joined the NVFC board in 2012 and served in many roles over the past 14 years, including second vice chair, parliamentarian, and chair of the Standards and Codes Committee. He also served on the Executive Committee, Bylaws Committee, Family Support Task Force, OSHA Task Force, and Communications and Technology Committee. He was always a strong and steady voice for the volunteer and was well respected by all those he engaged with.

In addition to his service with the NVFC, Reid was the chief of the Cuba Volunteer Fire Department and section chief of regional services of the Alabama Fire College.

We send our deepest condolences to his wife Rindy, daughter Ashlynne, mother Karen, brother Casey, and the rest of his family, friends, the Cuba Volunteer Fire Department, the Alabama Fire College, and all those who are mourning this profound loss. His legacy will live on.

Get your tickets for "Bourbon on the Beach" at Symposium in the Sun! This is a great way to support the great work of National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Following the 2026 VCOS 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb & 5K Walk, keep the day going at Bourbon at the Beach!

Join the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation during the VCOS Symposium in the Sun for an evening of bourbon tasting, food, drinks, and a lively auction—all in support of NFFF’s mission to honor America’s fallen firefighters, support their families and colleagues, and prevent firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries.

Hosted by actor Jeremy Holm, this is a great opportunity to connect with fellow members of the fire service while making a difference.

📅 Saturday, November 14, 2026
📍 Hogan’s Hangout | Clearwater Beach, FL

Space is limited, so register today!
Learn more: https://www.firehero.org/event/bourbon-at-the-beach/
IAFC - International Association of Fire Chiefs

🚨 is coming up! Make plans now to join us February 17–18, 2027, in Washington, DC, for two days of advocacy, education, networking, and recognition.

🎟️ Register: https://bit.ly/CFSI2027
🏨 Book your hotel: https://bit.ly/CFSI2027Hotel
🍹 Fire & Water Mixer tickets: https://bit.ly/CFSI2027
🏛️ Group Capitol Hill Photo: https://bit.ly/firehillday

Save the dates, make your plans, and we’ll see you in DC! 🇺🇸

🚨 DEADLINE EXTENDED! The WUI Call for Presenters has been extended through November 19!

🔥 Share your expertise, inspire your peers, and help shape the future of wildland-urban interface fire management.

🎤 Your knowledge. Your experience. Your chance to lead the conversation.

👉 Submit your proposal today: iafc.org/wui

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: A Hustle Worth Having: Next-Gen Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. Powered by a FY23 SAFER Grant, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) invites you to discover the explosive impact of A Hustle Worth Having (HWH) since its national launch in April 2026. In just months, HWH has reached all 50 states and Washington, D.C., giving fire departments a proven...

Recruiting volunteers continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing many fire departments today. Attending the IFCA Conference in Peoria? Stop by the IAFC "Hustle Worth Having" booth and discover proven recruitment tools, ideas, and resources to help build your volunteer workforce. Don't forget to check out the valuable VCOS resources available for volunteer and combination departments.
More information: https://ow.ly/kF4T50ZX1JS

👉 VCOS cares deeply about your mental health. 💛🧑‍🚒
On World Mental Health Day, we honor the late Chief Chuck Flynn, who reminded us: “It is time we acknowledge and truly understand the ongoing emotional impact our public safety role has on our health, well-being, and relationships. After all, sometimes lives depend on it.”
His hope for the VCOS Yellow Ribbon Report continues to guide us—sparking conversations, reducing stigma, and strengthening support across the fire and emergency services.
https://ow.ly/TqnJ50ZUhTo

We want to hear from you! Share your photos of what your department is doing for Fire Prevention Week!

On airplanes, charge portable devices only on your tray table. Overhead bins hide problems, and e‑cigarettes or vapes should never be charged in flight. If a battery overheats, the crew must be able to act fast. For more info: fpw.org.