About Us
WHO ARE WE?
The Arkansas Fire Convention stands as a beacon of excellence within the firefighting community, representing an invaluable resource for firefighters across the state. As the esteemed host of crucial organizations such as the Arkansas Association of Fire Chiefs, Arkansas State Firefighters Association, Arkansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial, Arkansas Fire Training Academy and the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board, our annual convention serves as a cornerstone event in the Arkansas firefighting calendar. This convention is a dynamic platform that seamlessly melds critical training, both in the form of hands-on exercises and comprehensive classroom theory. It also features a bustling exhibit hall, showcasing cutting-edge equipment and technology vital for modern firefighting. Beyond skill-building, the convention is a forum for crucial legislative discussions and invaluable networking opportunities, solidifying its role as an indispensable gathering for all dedicated to fire service excellence in the state of Arkansas.
Arkansas Fire Convention welcomes ALL firefighters whether professional or volunteer.
AFC serves as host to the following Associations and Boards
ARKANSAS ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS
The AAFC is specifically formed to bring career and volunteer Fire Chiefs, from all over the State of Arkansas to a forum of communication, camaraderie, and professionalism. The AAFC believes in serving the citizens of Arkansas by actively participating in the advancement of the fire service, through positive leadership, the sharing of information, and active legislative involvement.
ARKANSAS STATE FIREFIGHTERS' ASSOCIATION
The object of this organization shall be the fostering and the encouragement of a high degree of skill and efficiency in all Fire Departments in the State; to encourage the establishment of schools of instruction for imparting knowledge of modern and improved methods of fire suppression and fire prevention; to encourage the enactment of laws that will protect the lives and property of the citizens of Arkansas, and laws that will give protection to FIREFIGHTERS and create more efficiency in all fire departments in the State of Arkansas, and the cultivation of a friendship among its members and the provision of membership benefits.
The Arkansas State Firefighters Association was formed and has been ongoing since 1920. It is the oldest and largest association that works for all Arkansas Firefighters. The ASFFA is broken into districts across the state that works together for fighters though education and legislation.
Arkansas Fallen Firefighters' Memorial
Arkansas State Capital Grounds
The Arkansas Fallen Firefighters' Memorial is dedicated to the memories of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in the line of duty. The project was initiated at the annual Firefighters Convention in 1985.
The Arkansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial groundbreaking ceremony was held on March 23, 2013. The completed memorial was dedicated on March 22, 2014. The annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony is held on the last Saturday of March each year.
The Chaplain Steven Farmer Memorial Ceremony
The Memorial holds a ceremony each year at the Arkansas Fire Convention. This ceremony honors all firefighter deaths throughout the previous year, regardless of the cause of death. At the 2021 convention, it was decided to rename the convention ceremony after Chaplain Steven Farmer of Brookland FD, who died of Covid complications. Chaplain Farmer served as officiant of the convention ceremony for many years.
ARKANSAS FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES
BOARD
The Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board stands as a crucial regulatory authority overseeing fire protection services in the state. Its primary mission is to safeguard public safety by setting and enforcing stringent standards for fire protection professionals.
This board administers licensing and certification procedures for firefighters, fire inspectors, and related professionals, ensuring they meet specific educational, training, and experiential criteria. This guarantees that those in the field are well-prepared and qualified.
It diligently establishes and upholds rigorous training benchmarks for firefighters and their counterparts. This encompasses initial training for recruits and ongoing professional development, ensuring a continuous elevation of skills.
The board rigorously enforces fire protection codes, rules, and regulations, encompassing safety protocols, equipment standards, and building codes.
With a commitment to aligning with nationally recognized standards, the board works tirelessly to adopt and update fire codes. This ensures that fire protection measures remain at the forefront of industry practices.
In the pursuit of compliance, the board investigates complaints and takes necessary disciplinary actions against individuals or organizations found in violation of state fire protection laws and regulations.
Aiming to create a safer environment, the board actively engages in public education endeavors. These efforts raise awareness about fire safety and prevention, benefiting the entire community.
By providing invaluable technical guidance and support to fire departments, professionals, and communities, the board plays a pivotal role in matters related to fire protection and safety.
Moreover, the board is instrumental in the development and advocacy of policies that bolster fire protection services statewide.
Through these vital functions, the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board upholds unwavering standards of professionalism, safety, and efficacy within the realm of fire protection services in Arkansas.
Arkansas Fire Training Academy
The Arkansas Fire Training Academy is a resource for emergency responders and related community organizations that provides professional education and training utilizing the latest practices and standards established by state and national authorities.
