As 2024 comes to an end, and we are in the middle of the Thanksgiving season, fire departments across the nation have much to reflect on and be thankful for. While the year brought its challenges, it also highlighted progress, innovation, and the unwavering support from communities and organizations. Here’s a look at some of the key things fire departments can be grateful for this year.

1. Advances in Firefighter Health and Safety

The safety of firefighters continues to improve with the development of new equipment and protocols. Enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE), thermal imaging technology, and the growing availability of health monitoring tools have all contributed to keeping firefighters safer on the job. Physical fitness is becoming the norm within our departments and nutrition is discussed and accepted much more widely than in years past. Moreover, there’s been increased awareness of firefighter mental health, with more departments implementing peer support programs and mental health services to combat PTSD and other occupational stressors. We are moving well past the days of laugh about it, now burry it deep down inside, hoping it won’t boil to the surface in the future.

2. Renewed Emphasis on Community Risk Reduction (CRR)

Fire departments are embracing Community Risk Reduction (CRR) like never before. Organizations like Vision 2020 and Virtual CRR have helped fire departments integrate prevention efforts into their daily operations. Whether through smoke alarm installation campaigns, home safety assessments, or targeted fire prevention education, these programs have saved countless lives. Most importantly, the Operations sections of our departments are integrating into the Community Risk Reduction mindset and family. All members of our departments need to be on the same page to effectively reduce the risk to our community. They are part of the 5 E’s of CRR, “Emergency Response.”

Virtual CRR’s innovative use of data and technology has made it easier for departments to identify at-risk populations and prioritize resources effectively.

Additionally, conferences such as the IAFC’s CRR Leadership Conference, NFPA Conference and Expo, CRRN Conference of the Rockies, and Vision 2020 Symposium, have been instrumental in providing fire service leaders with strategies to incorporate CRR into their departments. These annual conferences offers training, networking opportunities, and the latest insights on reducing community risk, making it a must-attend event for leaders in the fire service.

3. Increased Funding and Grants

In 2024, many departments benefited from enhanced federal and state funding. Programs like the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and SAFER grants provided much-needed financial support, enabling departments to invest in new apparatus, equipment, and personnel. This funding has been critical for smaller and rural fire departments, ensuring they can continue to meet the needs of their communities.

4. Breakthroughs in Technology

The fire service is no stranger to innovation, and 2024 was no exception. From drones assisting in wildfire management to data-driven tools for incident prediction and response, technology is transforming the way fire departments operate. The use of GIS with products supported by ESRI and their partners, helps us to actually see the data we are collecting. The NERIS program from the US Fire Administration promises to be a huge step in the right direction for data collection and interpretation.

The IAFC Technology Summit this year will showcase cutting-edge solutions, including advancements in fireground communications, artificial intelligence for incident analysis, and enhanced tools for firefighter training. Departments attending the summit will leave with actionable insights into how technology can streamline operations and improve safety.

With the help of public and private-sector innovators, fire departments are adopting tools that enhance situational awareness, improve firefighter training through virtual reality, and streamline emergency communication.

5. Community Support and Partnerships

The bond between fire departments and their communities has grown stronger than ever. Local businesses, schools, and residents have stepped up to support their first responders, whether through fundraising events, volunteering for CRR initiatives, or simply expressing gratitude.

Partnerships with organizations like Vision 2020, IAFC, Virtual CRR, and NFPA have also bolstered department efforts, providing valuable resources and expertise to improve community safety.

6. A Stronger Fire Service Network

Fire departments thrive on collaboration, and 2024 has seen an increase in knowledge-sharing across the fire service. Conferences, training events, and online platforms have connected firefighters and leaders, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collective problem-solving.

Events like the ones listed above, as well within local communities, have been pivotal in bringing fire service professionals together. These gatherings provide not only training and tools but also opportunities to exchange ideas that strengthen the fire service community as a whole. We can and should be relying on others to increase our outreach to the community and model excellent programs.

Looking Forward

As fire departments reflect on 2024, we are reminded of the progress we’ve made and the support we’ve received. While challenges like staffing shortages, mental health concerns, and evolving fire risks remain, the fire service is better equipped than ever to tackle these issues.

This Thanksgiving, fire departments are thankful for their dedicated personnel, supportive communities, and the continued efforts of organizations that champion their mission. Together, these elements create a brighter, safer future for everyone.


Brent Faulkner MAM, FO is the CEO and Founder of Virtual CRR Inc. He has 27 years  in the fire service and is a Retired Anaheim Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief. During this time, he responded to numerous emergency situations including structure fires, wildland fires, hazardous materials responses, emergency medical situations, and numerous types of rescues. In addition, he has served on a Type 1 Hazardous Materials Response Team for 17 years.

Brent had a defining moment in his career which lead him to create the Virtual CRR program and his passion for Community Risk Reduction. He led a team in Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) at a recognized Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Terrorism Fusion Center. This team was responsible for increasing the safety of critical infrastructure as it relates to terrorism, general security, and natural disasters. He has a Master’s Degree in Management (MAM), a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Studies (BA), an Associate’s Degree (AS) in Hazardous Materials Response, and another in Fire Science.