VFIS of Michigan

09/08/2026

Financial oversight (check registers & fraud)

Township board members: when's the last time you actually reviewed the check register? MTA's latest Township Focus is a good reminder that boards are on the hook for seeing every payment — payables AND payroll, not just the highlights. Fraud doesn't usually show up as a red flag waving in the wind; it shows up as a routine transaction nobody double-checked. If your board hasn't talked about internal controls lately, this month's the month.

09/07/2026

Looking forward to another great conference. Mark your calendar!

🔥 THE 2027 GREAT LAKES H.O.T. SPEAKER LINEUP IS HERE! 🔥

We’re bringing another powerhouse lineup to Grand Rapids, Michigan for Great Lakes H.O.T. 2027 at our new venue location: 📍GLC LIVE at 20 Monroe

🎤 2027 SPEAKERS:
• Rob Ramirez
• Benjamin Martin
• Jason Hoevelmann
• Jim Silvernail
• Corley Moore
• Matty Johnson
• Jimmy Davis
• Marcos Orozco

These instructors bring experience, leadership, passion, and hard-earned lessons from the fireground—and we can’t wait to have them take the stage in Grand Rapids.

📅 Conference Dates: JUNE 16–19, 2027
🎤 June 16–17 | LECTURES
Two days of education, conversation, leadership, and firemanship.
🔥 June 18–19 | HANDS-ON TRAINING
Two full days of getting reps, sharpening skills, and putting knowledge into action.

And this is only the beginning. More information on HOT classes, instructors, and conference details is coming soon.

🚨 REGISTRATION OPENS THIS OCTOBER! 🚨

Mark your calendars, tag your crew, and STAY TUNED. You’re not going to want to miss Great Lakes H.O.T. 2027.

09/04/2026

NEW PILOT COURSE: Utility Vehicle & Safe Trailer Operations Instructor Level (TTT)

VFIS of Michigan and Fire Mark Advantage LLC are rolling out the pilot release of our newest Instructor Level programs — Utility Vehicle Safety and Trailer Safety Operations.

Session details:

September 28-29, 2026
6:00-10:00 PM both nights, virtual via Zoom
Attend Utility Vehicle only, or both nights for full Trailer Safety Instructor certification
FREE for VFIS insured departments (1st registration) | $130 for additional registrations or non-VFIS insured

This is your chance to get certified on brand-new instructor-level content before it rolls out department-wide.

Register through SMOKE (Muskegon County) or contact instructor David Purchase at (231) 206-5372 with questions.

Spots are limited for this pilot — get your registration in.

09/03/2026

Your organization is built on a culture that reflects what you truly value, not necessarily what you say you value. The phrase plastered all over the firehouse doesn’t determine where you’re headed—your actions do.

Twenty years from now, your organization will be exactly where its values took it, not where the mission statement said it was going.

09/03/2026

You often celebrate the success of others—but do you give yourself the same acknowledgement? Don’t let your progression make you miss out on recognizing your progress!

Success is more than the final result. Explore why we dismiss our own accomplishments and how recognizing our growth builds stronger leadership.

09/03/2026

Looking for learning opportunities that fit your department’s busy schedule? Check out VFIS University’s online courses designed to help you better protect your community and serve your organization.

VFIS University offers our clients quality online education and training courses for emergency responders, many of which are recognized as meeting industry continuing education requirements, and you'll receive a certificate upon completion of each course. All courses are available online 24/7 so tha...

09/01/2026

2026 is seeing the rise in cyberattacks that are more automated, targeted, and difficult to detect.
Stay on top of emerging cybersecurity trends to help keep your organization safe from cyberattacks:

Top Cyber Security Trends in 2026 The cybersecurity landscape in 2026 is evolving faster than ever. Organizations are facing increasingly sophisticated threats driven by automation, artificial intelligence, and highly targeted attack strategies. Below are the most critical cybersecurity trends shapi...

09/01/2026

September is a heavy month. Lean on someone when you need to. There are resources here for you. Reach out to someone you think may be struggling. You are valuable and needed, and loved.

Today marks the start of Su***de Prevention Month. Your mental well-being matters as much as your physical safety, and there's nothing weak about needing support.

FST5 program is here so you don't have to carry it alone - led by first responders, for first responders, and our support extends to your immediate family too. Here's what's available:

🔹 24/7 Anonymous Crisis and Support Line: 1-833-34-STRONG (1-833-347-8766)
(National Su***de Prevention Lifeline: Call 988-273-TALK (8255))
🔹 Free presentations for departments across Michigan - to request one, email us: [email protected]
🔹 Clinics with no out-of-pocket cost through Wayne Health in Detroit and Marquette, or online statewide - call 313-577-1596
🔹 A resource hub with vetted providers, an interactive map, clear treatment options and specialized facilities for substance use and higher levels of care
🔹 Innovative PTSD treatment using mixed reality, also no out-of-pocket cost through Wayne Health
🔹 Education - webinars with CE credits, and our podcast On The Frontline Podcast, featuring incredible guests and run by first responders
🔹 Trainings and resources - check our website fst5.org for announcements

Reach out - for you, or for a family member who needs it too.

FST5 Program. Supporting the wellness of Michigan's first responders and their families.
In crisis or in need of resources call 1-833-34-STRONG (1-833-347-8766)

09/01/2026

When an emergency call comes in, every second matters—but responding in a privately owned vehicle (POV) can create unique safety risks.

Listen to the Don’t Risk It Podcast’s latest episode here:

Don’t Risk It is designed to help emergency service organizations better protect their responders, equipment and clients by covering a range of safety-related topics. Every other week, host Chris Rodgers, of VFIS Client Risk Solutions, will speak with industry veterans and risk management experts ...