On February 12-13, 2025, the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) will host the 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner in Washington, DC. Once again, the annual tribute to the nation’s fire service is expected to draw over 1,500 of your colleagues from the fire and emergency services. By registering, you can attend educational seminars, conduct meetings with your member of Congress, and network with your colleagues. At the conclusion of the two-day event, you will join together in the Marriott Marquis ballroom to hear national political leaders paying tribute to the dedication and commitment of our nation’s firefighters and emergency services personnel. CFSI invites you to participate in this important event.
The National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner is an event like no other in the fire and emergency services. You will develop a better understanding of the federal government’s role in addressing the challenges and concerns of our firefighters, emergency services personnel, and the fire service industry. Opportunities abound to interact with members of Congress and federal agency officials to discuss both national issues and local concerns. The knowledge you will acquire will increase your understanding of federal programs and legislation, while emboldening you to take a stronger interest in advocating for fire and emergency services on Capitol Hill.
The seminars program is something you can only experience in our nation’s capital. Featuring federal policymakers and national fire service leaders, the program covers a broad array of national issues – issues being considered by Congress and implemented by federal agencies, as well as issues being addressed collectively by national organizations and distinguished fire service officials. Your registration fee will allow you full access to the seminars program and the Dinner.
Capping off the two-day event, the 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner will feature leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and the Administration who will pay their personal tributes to the men and women of the fire and emergency services. The program will also include four award presentations for individual and organizational leadership in advancing the readiness and response capabilities of our nation’s fire and emergency services.
If you have any questions, please give us a call at 202-371-1277 or reach us online.
Three Important Reasons Why CFSI Offers This Program Are:
Educate
To learn about current and future critical national issues, legislation, and policies that impact the entire fire and emergency services community.
Engage
To meet with members of Congress and their professional staff, as well as leaders of federal agencies and other key Administration representatives.
Network
To build relationships with a diverse assembly of leaders from throughout national fire and emergency services organizations.
Schedule of Events
*Schedule is Subject to Change
Wednesday, February 12
Will Call
1 - 5 PM
Will Call will be located in the Marriott Marquis, in the level M1 lobby, where attendees can claim their tickets to the National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner.Â
Tickets will allow entrance to all seminars and the dinner program on Thursday.
Fire Service Day on the Hill
All Day
Your presence is powerful. Congress wants to hear YOUR story to help shape policy on Capitol Hill.
Join the effort today! Click here to learn how to schedule meetings with your members of Congress when you’re in town.
Capitol Hill Coffee
10 AM - 1:30 PM
Join us in the Rayburn Foyer in the Rayburn House Office Building between your meetings to relax, grab coffee, and chat with fellow fire service officials and federal representatives.
Capitol Hill Group Photo
2 PM
Join us on the East Front plaza for a group photo to show the impact of the fire and emergency services on Capitol Hill! The East front is across the street from the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress.
Fire and Water Mixer
5 - 7 PM
Secure your spot today at the Fire & Water mixer at #CFSI2025 – tickets are limited. Join us to network and engage with fellow fire service leaders in a relaxed atmosphere right by the conference hotel. Don’t miss your chance to attend this exclusive event!
Complimentary tickets are also available to Cabinet-level or higher members of the CFSI Associate’s Club – click here to join!
Thursday, February 13
Will Call
7 AM - 7:30 PM
Will Call will be located in the Marriott Marquis, in the level M1 lobby, where attendees can claim their tickets to the National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner.Â
Tickets will allow entrance to all seminars and the dinner program on Thursday.
CFSI Symposium
9 AM - 4 PM
Featuring federal policymakers and national fire service leaders, the program covers a broad array of national issues being worked on by government, as well as issues being addressed by national organizations.
Scroll down to see the full seminar schedule.
CFSI General Reception
5 - 6:30 PM
Don’t miss your chance to connect with friends and colleagues at the General Reception held in the beautiful Mezzanine Foyer at the Marriott Marquis!
35th Annual National Fire & Emergency Services Dinner
7 - 10 PM
The 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner will feature tributes from leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and the Administration, award presentations for individual and organizational leadership, and much more!
CFSI After Hours Reception
10 PM - 12 AM
Join us after the Dinner to grab a drink, relax, and chat with friends and colleagues just steps outside the Marquis Ballroom!
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Seminar Schedule
Thursday, February 13, 2025
9 AM – 9:50 AM
University of DC/Catholic University Room, Marriott Marquis
Igniting Innovation: Fighting Fire with Emerging Technologies
Description: Learn how the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate is partnering with state and local fire departments and industry to bring emerging technologies to mitigate evolving threats.
From piloting advanced sensors that detect wildfires at ignition to evaluating artificial intelligence analytics that increase the speed and accuracy of fire detection; from securing resilient connectivity to commercializing long overdue respirators for wildland firefighters; and from integrating next generation alerts and warnings into the technologies we use daily to addressing severe lithium-ion battery fire risks – these new capabilities can save lives.
Presenters
- Moderator: Daniel Cotter, Acting Deputy Under Secretary, DHS Science & Technology Directorate
- Panelists:
- Mike Morgan, Director of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control and Member, Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission
- Chief Daniel Flynn, Chief Fire Marshal, FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation (BFI)
- Chief Daniel Berlant, California State Fire Marshal, CAL FIRE
- Chief John Butler, Fire Chief, Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue Department
10 AM – 10:50 AM
University of DC/Catholic University Room, Marriott Marquis
Managing Large Outdoor Special Events for the Fire Service
Description: Fire departments and fire code officials are critical stakeholders who must be engaged as members of the event planning team to set conditions for safety. Considerations include:
- Effective command and control,
- Ingress/egress planning,
- Crowd capacity, and
- Emergency notifications.
The presentation will focus on how fire officials can successfully and effectively manage the many aspects of large outdoor events and the preplanned response during an emergency.
Presenters
- Chief Bryan Frieders (Ret.), Director of Health and Safety, Red Rock Entertainment
11 AM – 11:50 AM
University of DC/Catholic University Room, Marriott Marquis
NERIS: It is all about the data!
Description: With the transition from the NFIRS to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) in 2025, join us to hear a comprehensive update regarding the strategy and approach to national onboarding for NERIS. This session will focus primarily on sharing important information that was gathered from Beta and Version 1 departments, as well as elaborating on the year ahead.
Presenters
- Tom Jenkins, Senior Advisor and Research Manager, UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI)
- Dustin McDonald, Battalion Chief, Springdale (AR) Fire Department
- McKenzi Ezell, Data Analyst/Chief of Staff, Lawrence-Douglas County (KS) Fire Medical
- Dan Ripley, Company Officer, Lincoln (NE) Fire & Rescue
12 PM – 1 PM
Lunch Break
1 PM – 2:30 PM
University of DC/Catholic University Room, Marriott Marquis
Code Red: Threats to Codes and Standards Across the Country and the Need for Action
Description: Across the country, states and localities face both ongoing and new challenges to the code and standards environment, including:
- Continued attempts to amend out fire sprinkler provisions,
- New groups championing one way out buildings,
- Various emerging technologies that present new risks, and
- Use of the legislative process to override national consensus codes and standards.
This two-part seminar will explore both the continued and emerging challenges that the fire service is facing in 2025, as well as discuss ways that the fire service can prepare for and respond to these issues.
Presenters
Part 1: Codes and Standards Challenges Facing the Fire Service in 2025 and Beyond
- Moderator:Â Shane Ray, Congressional Fire Services Institute Board of Directors and President, National Fire Sprinkler Association
- Panelists:
- Michael Desrochers, President, National Association of State Fire Marshals
- Chief Robert Marshall, Chair of the Fire Code Action Committee, International Code Council, and Vice-Chair, Fire and Life Safety Section, International Association of Fire Chiefs
- Sean DeCrane, Director of Fire Fighter Health and Safety Operational Services, International Association of Fire Fighters
- Ray Bizal, Director of Regional Operations, National Fire Protection Association
Part 2:Â Advocacy and Engagement for a Safer Tomorrow
- Moderator: Michaela Campbell, Director for Government Affairs, Congressional Fire Services Institute
- Panelists:
- Vickie Pritchett, Vice President/Executive Officer, National Fire Sprinkler Association
- Chief Butch Browning (Ret.), Executive Director, National Association of State Fire Marshals
- Seth Statler, Director of Government Affairs, National Fire Protection Association
- Aaron Davis, Vice President of Federal Relations, International Code Council
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
University of DC/Catholic University Room, Marriott Marquis
Training for Success: Enhancing Recruitment and Retention in the Fire Service
Description: Participants will learn how comprehensive, flexible, and ongoing training programs can serve as powerful tools to engage new recruits and keep experienced personnel motivated and committed. Components of a successful strategy will include skills development, certification opportunities, personal safety, camaraderie-building, and community safety preparedness.
The session will also cover how to leverage and customize existing accessible training resources— state, national, federal, and virtual —to ensure firefighters have the knowledge, skills, and support they need to thrive in their roles. Attendees will leave with turnkey strategies to assess and improve recruitment efforts and enhance long-term retention through training.Â
Presenters
- Moderator:Â Ken Willette, Executive Director, North American Fire Training Directors
- Panelists:Â
- Chief Joel Cerny, NVFC Director and Chair of the NVFC’s R&R Committee
- Dr. Brittany Hollerbach, Associate Scientist and Deputy Director at the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research, part of NDRI-USA
- Eriks Gabliks, Superintendent, National Fire Academy, U.S. Fire Administration
- Chief Rich Cowger, Chair, IAFC-VCOS
need a room?
CFSI Hotel Room Blocks SOLD OUT!
The CFSI Hotel Room Blocks at the Marriott Marquis and Courtyard Marriott are sold out. There are a number of hotels just steps away to the Marriott Marquis that have available rooms. Please see list of hotels below:Â
need to park?
Available Alternate Parking
The Marriott Marquis has an attached parking garage. If the parking garage is full, please consider using one of the parking garages below:
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