ABOUT US
The Northwest Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend began as an idea of the Florida State Fire College in 2005. They wanted a fire department to host this event, and the Valparaiso Volunteer Fire Department agreed to do it. In the spring of 2006, we began our planning and the first annual Northwest Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend was held December 8-10, 2006. Valparaiso Volunteer Fire Department partnered with the Florida State Fire College, the Florida Fire Chief’s Foundation (formally Florida Fire and Emergency Services Foundation), and several corporate sponsors to produce this free training event. The event was a huge success with over 140 volunteer firefighters from more than 40 departments. The volunteer firefighters received over 1700 hours of training during the weekend.
In early 2007, we began planning with the Florida State Fire College for the Second annual event and decided that we should become an independent non-profit organization. The necessary forms were filed with the State of Florida and on May 10, 2007 we become the “Northwest Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend Council, Inc.” In June of 2008, we filed with the IRS to become a 501(c) (3) organization. In December of 2008, the IRS determined that we qualified for 501(c) (3) status. The Northwest Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend Council continues to partner with the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, Florida Fire Chief’s Foundation, and Northwest Florida State College to provide FREE training to volunteer firefighters.
The Northwest Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend Council, Inc. is under the direction of a Board of Directors, comprised of Charlie Frank (President), Tim Diamond (Vice-President) and Robbie Whitfield (Secretary/Treasurer). Our offices are located in Navarre, Florida.
Our goal is to provide FREE quality “hands on” and classroom training for volunteer firefighters. This training is provided by highly qualified instructors who are well known throughout the Southeastern United States.
STUDENTS SURVEYED REPORTED
Strongly Agree
The staff was very helpful and courteous.
Very Likely
Will I attend another training event through the NW FL Volunteer Firefighter Weekend?
Strongly Agree
The training covered current techniques and was up-to-date with the tasks I complete during my job.
Strongly Agree
The facilities and training props were adequate for the training.
CHIEFS SURVEYED REPORTED
Agree or Strongly Agree that the traing was relevant to their firefighter’s needs.
Agree or Strongly Agree that the training was up to date for their firefighter’s.
Agree or Strongly Agree that information learned enhances their departments procedures and efficiency.
Are likely to send members of their department to future NW FL Volunteer Firefighter Weekends
TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR ATTENDEES
Don’t take our word for it – Here’s what other firefighters had to say:
Live burn instructors kept it blunt and told us what we needed to improve on. Training was safe and they did a good job looking out for everyone.”
I really enjoyed my class offering — I couldn’t believe the credits I was getting with NAEMT. How wonderful to have this!!!”
The instructors and staff went above and beyond to ensure that the training was adequate and everything was understood.”
The events held through out the weekend gave some of my newer firefighters a wide variety of training to partake in.”
