FDIC International

The Ray Downey Scholarship will send two fire and rescue professionals to FDIC International 2027 for a fully funded conference experience, including airfare, hotel accommodations, conference access, exhibit hall admission, and 20 hours of Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) and Workshops. Built to carry forward Chief Ray Downey's passion for learning and professional growth. 📅Applications close September 11, 2026. Learn more and submit an application here: ow.ly/nkv650ZbTUO

Comfort is the enemy of growth. During the #FDIC2019 Opening Ceremonies, Aaron Fields of the Seattle (WA) Fire Department shared a powerful reminder that growth comes from challenging yourself, staying curious, and never becoming complacent. Watch the full keynote to hear more of Aaron's insights on leadership, learning, and the mindset that drives the fire service forward: ow.ly/5Eec50ZnoJs

"The firehouse doesn't smell like a firehouse anymore." Filmed in the FDIC Podcast Studio at #FDIC2026, Chief Victor Stagnaro explains why that’s a sign of progress and how cleaner stations, better decontamination practices, and a focus on firefighter health are helping protect the fire service. Watch the full video here: ow.ly/IeL550Zno6W

🚨Make your brand part of the industry's biggest week of training and innovation at #FDIC2027. Whether you're looking to increase brand awareness, connect with fire service professionals, or showcase your products and solutions, FDIC International offers sponsorship opportunities designed to help you reach your audience. From exclusive branding opportunities to sponsored education and event activations, there's an option to support your marketing goals. 🔥 Explore sponsorship opportunities today: ow.ly/nN3S50Zn5Yk

Great firefighters stay curious, adaptable, and open to new ideas. In his FDIC 2016 keynote, retired Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Chief Derek Alkonis shared a lesson from the Navy SEAL community: never let "we've always done it that way" become an excuse. The best firefighters never stop learning. Watch the full video here: ow.ly/swC650Zckt5

"Why as leaders are we not being empathetic?" As firefighters move through the ranks, it's easy to forget what life looks like from the back step. In this clip from Point of Origin, filmed in the FDIC Podcast Studio at #FDIC2026, Bobby Drake shares why the best leaders never lose sight of where they came from and why empathy is one of the most important qualities a leader can have. Watch the podcast here: ow.ly/ahPS50Zc1Gz

Happy Independence Day from FDIC International! As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary of independence, we proudly recognize the firefighters and first responders who answer the call every day. Thank you for your dedication, service, and unwavering commitment to protecting our communities. Wishing everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July.

In his powerful keynote at FDIC 2018, Chicago Fire Department Battalion Chief Daniel DeGryse challenged firefighters to rethink the excuses that hold the fire service back. Real change starts with leadership, personal responsibility, and modeling the behaviors we want to see in others. Watch the full video here: ow.ly/ko7t50ZcjOi

Treat it with a hazmat mindset. In large commercial buildings, fire protection systems play a critical role in controlling fire growth—but they also change how we operate on scene. In this Humpday Hangout episode on Fire Protection Systems in Large Commercial Buildings, recorded in the FDIC Podcast Studio at #FDIC2026, Battalion Chief Kyle Smith explains why firefighters need to slow down, size up the incident, and recognize what these systems are doing before taking action. Watch the full podcast here: ow.ly/INaF50Zc0P3

Chief Ray Downey believed in preparing firefighters for the challenges ahead. The Ray Downey Scholarship was created to help the next generation do exactly that. Two fire and rescue professionals will be selected to attend FDIC International 2027 with travel, lodging, conference registration, exhibit hall access, and 20 hours of Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) and Workshops included. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills, gain new perspectives, or connect with fellow firefighters from across the industry, this scholarship opens the door to an unforgettable learning experience. 📆 Application deadline: September 11, 2026 Learn more and apply here: ow.ly/3Y2u50ZbSKi

A smile can do more than brighten a moment—it can bring hope when people need it most. In his FDIC International 2022 Opening Ceremony keynote, Bringing Light to the Dark, David Page reminds us that compassion, kindness, and human connection are some of the most powerful tools we carry. Watch the full video here: ow.ly/TOLT50ZbZxT

Performance starts with the habits you build every day. Recorded in the FDIC Podcast Studio at #FDIC2026, Michelle Bugbee and Megan Lautz share why understanding your needs as a firefighter and fueling accordingly can have a lasting impact on your health and performance. Watch the full podcast here: ow.ly/fFq550ZbZ13

Supporting the fire service extends beyond the classroom. At #FDIC2026, FDIC International recognized the Firefighter Cancer Support Network as the 2026 Clarion Cares recipient. Through education, prevention initiatives, and badge-to-badge support, FCSN helps firefighters, EMS professionals, and their families navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Learn more here: ow.ly/c9Bb50ZcUnj Watch the full video here: ow.ly/7E8n50ZcUnk

"The training ground is the only place we control the chaos." In this clip from the FDIC Podcast Studio, Danny Arroyo discusses why realistic, effective training starts with managing risk while preparing firefighters for the unpredictable nature of the job. 🎥 Watch the full conversation filmed at #FDIC2026: ow.ly/ObxA50ZbXW9

What difference will you make today? Retired Bryan (OH) Fire Department Lieutenant Paul Combs delivers a memorable message on passion, purpose, and legacy during his FDIC 2019 Opening Ceremony keynote. How are you helping build the future of the fire service? Watch here: ow.ly/YItX50ZazB7

📢 Last chance to submit your proposal for #FDIC2027 —today is the deadline! This is your opportunity to inspire and educate fire & rescue service professionals by sharing your expertise at FDIC International 2027. Submit your proposal by 11:59 PM ET tonight. Learn more and apply here: ow.ly/sMwM50Z5GFT

What does it mean to speak at FDIC? In this conversation filmed in the FDIC Podcast Studio at #FDIC2026, Larry Conley and Dave McGlynn discuss the responsibility, passion, and purpose behind stepping up to share knowledge with the fire service. If you have a message, lesson, or experience that can make a difference, now is the time to share it. ⏰ The Call for Presentations for #FDIC2027 closes tomorrow. Submit your proposal and help shape the future of fire service education: ow.ly/FzIu50Z9Gfk Watch the full podcast here: ow.ly/Kb6p50Z9Gfi

⏳ Only a few days left to submit your proposal for #FDIC2027! FDIC International 2027 is seeking standout speakers ready to share fresh ideas and valuable insight with the fire and EMS community. If you have a topic in mind for next year’s conference, don’t wait—submit your session proposal for consideration by Wednesday, June 10 at 11:59 PM ET. Learn more and submit your proposal here: ow.ly/IERM50Z5FTz

Known for his leadership, dedication to training, and contributions to the fire service, Chief Ray Downey left a lasting legacy. To honor his impact, FDIC has established the Ray Downey Scholarship to support the growth and development of today’s fire and rescue professionals. Two recipients will receive a full FDIC International 2027 conference experience, including: ✅ 20 hours of Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) and Workshops ✅️ Full access to the conference program ✅️ Entry to the exhibit hall ✅️ 6 nights of hotel accommodations ✅️ Roundtrip airfare More than a scholarship, it’s an opportunity to grow, connect, and carry forward Chief Downey’s commitment to excellence. 📅Applications close September 11, 2026 Learn more and submit an application here: ow.ly/Pp1R50Z7lu9

No matter how much technology evolves, people will always be the foundation of the fire service. During the Opening Ceremony at FDIC International 2026, FDIC Education Director David Rhodes emphasized the importance of developing strong decision-makers and investing in people before technology.