Latest News

03/26/2024

Last Week to Join the OFCA During the March Madness Membership Drive!

It's that time of year...March Madness! Which means starting the OFCA is hosting a March Madness Membership Drive. We are offering 50% off our initial membership to the Association. Applications must be received by March 31, 2024 on the official March Madness 2024 Membership Application. Click "Read Full Article" for more information and to access the official application.

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03/18/2024

Governor DeWine Launches Statewide Firefighting Foam Takeback Program

On March 18, 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine launched a first-of-its-kind initiative to destroy hazardous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foam. Click "Read Full Article" for more information.

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03/11/2024

Solar Eclipse Eye Safety - April 8, 2024

The Division of EMS is sharing important information concerning eye and vision protection in preparation for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Click "Read Full Article" for more information.

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03/04/2024

March 2024 Sedwick Safety Articles

Click "Read Full Article" for more on "Employer Handicap Reimbursement Program Name Change" and "Fall Protection & Working from Heights".

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02/27/2024

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted Announce Effective Date for Ohio’s Updated Building Codes

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced that the 2024 Ohio Building (OBC), Mechanical (OMC), and Plumbing Codes (OPC) rules go into effect on Friday, March 1, 2024. Click "Read Full Article" for more.

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02/26/2024

Full Scholarship for the 2024 Ohio Fire & Rescue Officer Development Conference

The essay contest for a chance to win a Conference scholarship is back again this year! You have the chance to win a scholarship that will cover a 4-night stay at the Columbus Hilton at Easton AND a full Conference registration for you and a guest. Click "Read Full Article" for more information.

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02/26/2024

Ohio Fire & Emergency Services Foundation Memorial Scholarship

The OFESF Memorial Scholarship is now available for OFCA members. This scholarship must be used toward the Ohio Fire & Rescue Officer Development Conference, or the Winter Symposium, registration costs. The scholarship is intended for those who are first time attendees of the event(s) at a department with limited budgets. For more information and the application, please click "Read Full Article".

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02/26/2024

The Ohio Fire & Emergency Services Foundation is Pleased to Announce the Call for Fellows Nominations

The invitation to become a Fellow will be extended to those who have achieved the highest standards in the fire service. They are honest, trustworthy, dedicated, inspirational, loyal, brave, respected, knowledgeable, friendly, courteous, thrifty, reverent, ethical, moral, distinguished, skillful, still learning and reliable. They are held in the highest esteem by their colleagues. Click "Read Full Article" for more information. Nominations are due by Friday, April 12, 2024.

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02/26/2024

Submit a Question for the Winter Symposium Panel Discussions!

On the agenda for the OFCA Winter Symposium are two panel discussions, "Workforce Development and Sustainment" and "Marijuana and CBD in the Workplace". The panels will be recorded for the Triple P Podcast. Do you have a question that you would like to submit for the panelists to answer? If so, click "Read Full Article" to access the submission form for your question(s). Ask away!

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02/13/2024

Spots Available for the Virtual Resiliency Training - March 23-24, 2024 - Register Today!

There are spots still available for the Virtual Resiliency Training being held March 23-24, 2024. Registration closes March 2 - sign up today for this free class! This class is designed specifically for firefighters, EMS providers, dispatchers, chaplains, retirees, or any first responder who is interested in coping more with daily and occupational stress. Click "Read Full Article" for more information and to register!

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02/12/2024

February 2024 Sedwick Safety Articles

Click "Read Full Article" to read more on "Identifying and Reporting Suspected Claim Fraud" and "Safety - Housekeeping".

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02/05/2024

Annual Ohio EMS Star of Life Awards Nominations

The Ohio Chapter of American College of Emergency Physicians, the State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services, and the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of ES celebrate EMS Week with the Annual EMS Star of Life Awards Ceremony. Nominations are due February 23, 2024. Click "Read Full Article" for more information!

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02/05/2024

Ohio EMS Grant Application for 2024-2025 Now Available

The Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of EMS, has released the SFY 2024-2025 EMS Priority One & Supplemental Grant Applications. Grant applications will only be available in electronic format, and must be submitted online through the EMS Grants Management System. Click "Read Full Article" for more information.

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02/05/2024

Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group Issues 17 Recommendations

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson, and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin last week announced details of more than two dozen recommendations issued by the Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group to enhance the safety of school bus travel in Ohio. Click "Read Full Article" for more.

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01/29/2024

Save the Date for the OFCA Fall Symposiums

Save the date, and plan to join the OFCA this fall at Deer Creek State Park on September 21-22, 2024. Events will include the New Chief's Symposium and more! More information to come.

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01/22/2024

Cleveland Cavaliers Firefighter Appreciation Night - February 22, 2024

On Thursday, February 22nd, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be celebrating Firefighter Appreciation Night to honor our heroes that serve and protect throughout Ohio. There is a discounted ticket link and early entry warm-ups access to the game vs. the Orlando Magic. In addition, 5 people who purchase their tickets will be selected to participate in an on-court recognition moment before the game! Click "Read Full Article" for more information.

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01/19/2024

Open House for Retirement of Kenn Taylor and Jim Paxton

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01/16/2024

EMS Scope of Practice Matrix Update

On Dec. 13, 2023, the State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services (EMFTS Board) approved the following “added competencies” to be included in the Ohio EMS scope of practice: 1. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Intramuscular administration of epinephrine via syringe for the treatment of anaphylaxis; 2. Paramedic: Ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous access. These added competencies became effective with the amendments to Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 4765-15 and 4765-17 on Jan. 1, 2024. Click "Read Full Article" for more information.

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01/09/2024

Updated Schedule...More Trainings Added! Join Us In-Person and Virtually in 2024 for Peer Support & Resiliency Trainings!

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01/09/2024

January 2024 Sedgwick Safety Articles

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01/09/2024

Fire Officer I Scheduled for February and March - Register Today!

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01/09/2024

Foundational Leadership Program Scheduled for Seville-Guilford February 2024!

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12/04/2023

December 2023 Sedgwick Safety Articles

Read more on Cold Weather Driving and the upcoming OSHA and PERRP webinars.

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11/28/2023

OFCA Webinar Scheduled for January 10, 2024 on Performance Audits

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11/28/2023

Fire Officer I Scheduled for February 2024 - Sidney, Ohio

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11/28/2023

2024 Foundational Leadership Courses Scheduled

Wooster Township; Colerain Township; Jackson Township

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11/28/2023

Ohio Trauma Committee Position Vacancy

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11/13/2023

Eclipse Countdown: Is Your Department and Community Prepared for the 2024 Solar Eclipse?

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10/23/2023

2024 Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame Awards

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10/23/2023

Lexipol Public Safety and First Responder Webinars

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09/11/2023

September 2023 Sedgwick Safety Articles

Read more on Control of Hazardous Energy and the workers compensation enrollment deadlines that approaching.

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09/01/2023

OFE Class 24 Application NOW OPEN

The application period for OFE Class 24 is open now through November 1, 2023. The OFE program is designed for Chiefs who are newly appointed, or Chiefs with experience but who strive for personal and professional development and officers with high potential for greater responsibility as described by management. Take the first step to advancing your career in Ohio's fire service. Apply today!

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08/29/2023

Register Today for the Dr. John Maxwell's 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Class at Hamilton Fire Department!

There will be a Maxwell Class offering at Hamilton Fire Department (Butler County) on October 17, 20, & 23, 2023. This 3-day course is designed to present the leadership tenets that have influenced managers and leaders all over the world. Leadership determines the level of effectiveness and influence we have on others and organizations. Register today to secure your seat!

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08/07/2023

DEADLINE APPROACHING! Submit your application today to join the OFCA Board of Directors!

The OFCA Board of Directors is now taking applications for its open Director-At-Large position. Interested parties should submit a cover letter and resume to info@ohiofirechiefs.org by Friday, September 8, 2023.

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07/31/2023

Governor’s Task Force Recommendations Lead to Firefighter Grants

Volunteer Fire Departments will now be eligible for Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grant (FEEEG) money to purchase firefighting safety gear.

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07/31/2023

MARCS Subscriber Update

The OFCA received the following letter from the Ohio Department of Administrative Services Director Kathleen Madden regarding the MARCS Program funding.

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07/31/2023

BWC August Safety Newsletter

Read more about the August Safety Update from the Bureau of Workers Compensation in the most recent monthly newsletter.

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07/18/2023

Governor DeWine Announces Seventh Round of Wellness Support for First Responder Agencies

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that 20 local first responder agencies will receive a total of nearly $4 million to help support wellness and staffing needs.

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06/19/2023

June 2023 Safety Articles from Sedgwick

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05/22/2023

First Responder Mental Health & Wellness Conference - September 2023

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05/04/2023

News from the Ethics Commission - 2023 Quarter 2

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05/02/2023

Register Today for one of our Fall Fire Officer Courses!

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05/02/2023

Upcoming Lexipol Webinars: May 2 & 4, 2023 at 1:00 PM

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05/02/2023

Upcoming Webinar with the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center: May 18, 2023

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04/27/2023

OFCA September Symposiums

Resource Symposium, Volunteer Fire & Rescue Leadership Development Symposium, & OFE Alumni Symposium

Join the Ohio Fire Chiefs' Association at Salt Fork State Park for a weekend of learning and networking on September 16-17, 2023!

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04/26/2023

Register Today for the Dr. John Maxwell's 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Class at Wooster Twp. Fire Department!

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04/12/2023

Workforce Subcommittee Announcement

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04/03/2023

Register Today for the Weekend Fire Officer I & II Class at Mingo Junction Fire Department!

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