Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association

10/08/2026

Last week, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) hosted leading fire service representatives for the Urban Fire Forum at its headquarters in Quincy, Massachusetts, coming a long way since the first event in 1989.

The Urban Fire Forum matters because it gives chiefs from some of the world's largest urban departments a place to work through fast-moving challenges, including AI, drones, responder wellness, PFAS exposure, and workforce sustainability, using research and peer experience rather than guesswork. Discussions turn into practical guidance departments can use to improve service delivery, firefighter safety, and organizational resilience.

Thank you to all who participated this year and continue their commitment to moving fire and emergency services forward.

10/07/2026

Proud to be represented by our Past President John Butler from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, partnering with the Africa Fire Mission in .

In case you missed it: the AFM team is in Liberia! Leaders from AFM and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association landed in Liberia over the weekend for discussions, observations, and engagements to explore future collaboration.

10/07/2026

Fire chiefs and fire service leaders from Australia, Canada, Mexico, Slovenia, and the U.S. gathered in September for the 2026 NFPA Urban Fire Forum, focused on "Leading through Disruption: Preparing Urban Fire Services for an Era of Accelerating Change."

Discussions covered AI, drone deployment, responder wellness, and workforce sustainability. The Forum also adopted five Urban Fire Forum-Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association position statements providing guidance on emerging operational, technological, and workforce challenges:
• Advancing Fire Fighter Wellness and Fitness
• Turning PFAS Research into Action: A Roadmap for the Fire Service
• Guidelines for Ethical and Effective Implementation of Drones in First Response
• Leading Under Pressure – Fire Chief Strong
• A Strategic Framework for the Future of the National Fire Service

Read the full press release: https://bit.ly/3WbXV9Q
View the position papers and presentations: https://metrofirechiefs.org/urban-fire-forum/

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Explore the Urban Fire Forum for fire service news, leadership insights, and collaboration among metropolitan fire chiefs and professionals.

10/01/2026

09/23/2026

Proud to have been part of the conversation at . As Metro Chiefs, we know that no community faces these challenges alone. Collaboration and shared learning across borders make us all stronger.

World Fire Congress 2026 brought together fire and life safety leaders from 61 countries together to tackle shared challenges - from climate driven wildfires to lithium-ion battery risks and exploring how AI, digital tools and innovation can strengthen prevention and response. Read on to see the key...

09/21/2026

Pleased to share a special episode of the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s Flames of Knowledge podcast commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, and reflecting on its lasting impact on the fire and emergency services.

The episode features Dr. Denis Onieal, who served as Superintendent of the National Fire Academy on September 11 and later played a role in the federal response and support provided to the FDNY. Denis has also provided many years of dedicated service to the Metro, generously sharing his leadership, experience, and counsel with our organization and its members.

In this episode, he offers his firsthand perspective on that historic day, the lessons learned over the past 25 years, and the importance of carrying those lessons forward to future generations.

New York City Fire Department (FDNY)

Flames of Knowledge · Episode

09/17/2026

The Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association is honored to be recognized as a 2026 National Firefighter Registry for Cancer Champion.

More than 50,000 firefighters have enrolled in the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer. Their participation is already supporting published research, ongoing analyses, and resources that help the fire service better understand and address occupational cancer.

The more firefighters who enroll, the more researchers can learn. The Metro encourages active and retired firefighters, with or without a cancer diagnosis, to add their experience to this important national effort.

Fire departments can also help by sharing NFR information, providing firefighters with time and assistance to enroll, and using available communication materials to promote participation.

Every enrollment strengthens the research and helps move the fire service closer to understanding and reducing the impact of cancer.

Learn more and enroll: https://nfr.cdc.gov/
NFR outreach materials: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/registry/nfrcomm.html

09/17/2026

Great video representative of the host National Fire Chiefs Council - NFCC but also echos the themes of the World Fire Congress - coming together to address the same or similar hazards and challenges across diverse cultures and geographies.

09/16/2026

We are incredibly proud of our Metro Chiefs President, Chief Trisha Wolford, on her service as Vice Chair of the FirstNet Authority Board.

Congratulations, Trisha, on this well-deserved opportunity to serve and lead. We are honored to see your experience, perspective, and commitment to the fire service helping shape the important work of the FirstNet Authority.

We couldn’t be prouder to have the Metro Chiefs perspective represented at this level. Congratulations, Trisha! 👏🧑🏻‍🚒

We are proud to announce Chief Trisha Wolford as the new Vice Chair of the FirstNet Authority Board. Chief Wolford, AACoFD Station 8, brings over 20 years of experience and leadership in public safety including serving as president of IAFC - International Association of Fire Chiefs. firstnet.gov/about/board