NH Fire Chiefs

09/02/2026

08/07/2026

Great seminar/meeting with our North Country brethren Thursday. Boston Deputy Fire Chief Steve Shaffer lead an awesome seminar about the recent fire in Boston that was fatal to two Boston fire personnel and the functional changes made after the post incident review. Fire Chiefs from throughout the North Country also heard welcome and congratulatory remarks from Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill and written remarks from Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. Chief John Ross from Whitefield was congratulated on the delivery of their Urban Woodland Interface vehicle, purchased with major Congressional funding with assistance from the Congresswoman.

07/24/2026

Sharing a piece on understanding the NEAFC SAFER grant instructions for "Nominal Stipend".

Understanding The Nominal Stipend

Volunteer, Paid-on-Call, Part-time, Reserve, and Call Firefighters can qualify for SAFER Grant benefits — but only if their pay is a "Nominal Stipend."

What is a Nominal Stipend?
Pay that's 20% or less of what a full-time firefighter would earn for the same work.

How to Calculate It — Two Methods:

1. Have full-time firefighters on staff?
Compare the stipend to what your full-time firefighters earn for similar duties.

2. All-volunteer department?
Compare the stipend to a full-time firefighter's salary in a neighboring town or elsewhere in your state.

Why It Matters
Getting this right keeps your volunteers eligible for reimbursement on physicals, training, PPE, and membership dues. Access the Admin Guide HERE for additional information.

Questions?
Sarah Perez: [email protected]

03/23/2026

Our NHAFC delegates to CFSI this year.

02/27/2026

The photo speaks for itself. 🙂

02/13/2026

Special thanks to Nashua Chief Steve Buxton and city Emergency Management Director Emily Martuscello for a great presentation on the active shooter incident at a country club in the city. Also thanks to Ray Lincoln from United Diagnostic, vendor for one of the first in the nation cancer screening program for career firefighters and retirees. 87 NH Fire Chiefs attended the seminars and monthly meeting of the New Hampshire Association of Fire Chiefs. The cancer screening is the result of a coordinated effort by the NH Association of Fire Chiefs, the Professional Firefighters of NH, Commissioner Robert Quinn and the NH Department of Safety and the NH Fire Standards, Training and EMS division. Thanks to all!

11/25/2025

The delegation from the NHAFC at the North Country Public Safety Awards ceremony on November 14 at the Omni Mt. Washington.