South Kingstown Fire Represented On National Volunteer Fire Council

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — The Union Fire District of South Kingstown (UFD) had some representation with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) earlier this month.

UFD Chief Steven Pinch on Wednesday said retired Deputy Chief and National Volunteer Fire NVFC First Vice Chairman Kevin Quinn represented the department during the council's annual spring meeting in Arlington, Virginia, from May 19 to May 21.

The NVFC is a nonprofit organization supporting volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC represents volunteers nationally and provides resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the U.S.

At the meeting, Quinn represented UFD as well as the Rhode Island State Firefighters League as the committee chair for the health, safety, and training committee. Quinn's discussion at the meeting covered topics including developing standards to prepare for better health, safety, and protection of fire crews, the growing cancer concerns in the fire service, heart-healthy expectations, and behavioral health issues.

Pinch said the meeting was widely attended with 54 board directors from 34 states, including Rhode Island, in attendance. The event featured officer and executive committee elections, committee meetings, general sessions, guest speakers and a banquet celebrating the recipients of the NVFC’s achievement awards.

The meeting focused on various issues, including wild land, standards, and codes, legislation, recruitment and retention, and health and safety.