GFSTC Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council

10/03/2026

For years it has been asked that the fire service show up and show their respects to the families of the ones we have lost.
Let's make this standing room only!! Show up GA Fire Service !!

10/01/2026

Announcement: GFSTC Council Meeting 11/10/2026 -

OPENING OF THE MEETING ESTABLISH QUORUM  APPROVAL OF MINUTES  AGENCY UPDATE NEW BUSINESS ADJOURN Room number and Zoom info will be shared soon.

09/30/2026

First National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer Study Published
NIOSH researchers published the first scientific paper describing NFR data. The study examined characteristics of participants enrolled during the NFR's first three years to assess recruitment success and identify areas for improvement. The analysis found strong engagement, with nearly 40,000 firefighters enrolled from all 50 states, several territories, and a range of job assignments. The study showed that initiatives like Gold Helmet Departments can help recruit firefighters from different demographic backgrounds and firefighters without cancer. Findings also highlighted growth areas to strengthen future recruitment and communication efforts.

New Safety Checklist on Best Practices for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Training Prop Evolutions
Fire instructors and fire officers can use and customize a new safety checklist to incorporate best practices into SCBA training prop evolutions. Content includes prevention actions from decades of NIOSH investigations in a concise, structured form to serve as a reminder of best practices to prevent fatalities or serious injuries while conducting SCBA trainings.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13393521/?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_10_8-DM158420&ACSTrackingLabel=September%202026&deliveryName=USCDC_10_8-DM158420

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/registry/index.html?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_10_8-DM158420&ACSTrackingLabel=September%202026&deliveryName=USCDC_10_8-DM158420

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/registry/goldhelmet.html?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_10_8-DM158420&ACSTrackingLabel=September%202026&deliveryName=USCDC_10_8-DM158420

U.S. fire departments with high participation in the NFR for Cancer can become Gold Helmet Depts.

09/29/2026

ATTENTION EVERYONE!! There have been a lot of requests made directly to Proboard regarding certifications lately.
Please remind your staff of the procedure for requesting applications and that we are the liaison for anything that is needed with Proboard. There should be no need to contact Proboard directly, as we are the representative for Ga.

Thank you for the time, understanding, and help getting this to everyone!

09/25/2026

Fire Service Leader,
The Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) is pleased to host Georgia’s FirstNet Coverage Enhancement Workshop on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the GPSTC Forsyth Campus in the Auditorium.

The First Responder Network Authority is visiting every state to provide public safety agencies with updates on the continued buildout of FirstNet, emerging technologies, and other recent developments. The two-hour workshop will also include a facilitated discussion focused on prioritizing future coverage reinvestments and identifying areas of interest across Georgia. The discussion during the workshop will directly affect funding for network coverage.

Attendance is encouraged for representatives of Georgia’s public safety community, including:

First responder leaders
State and local public safety officials
State and local government leaders
There is no cost to attend. Preregistration is not required but is encouraged using the following link.

https://access.gpstc.org/student/login;jsessionid=DB4D7654131125A14F6B7A5CCD4CD3A9

Student ID or Personal Email Password Trouble logging in? GPSTC Support Still having trouble accessing your account, visit our support page or view related articles below. How do I create an account? I can't remember my password or login? How do I manage my agency? Students may register for classes,...

09/24/2026

Here is the link for the "Taking Care of Our Own" Class to be held at Gwinnett County Fire Training Georgia Public Safety Training Center

https://access.gpstc.org/student/classes/register?courseNumber=FFAF261028

Student ID or Personal Email Password Trouble logging in? GPSTC Support Still having trouble accessing your account, visit our support page or view related articles below. How do I create an account? I can't remember my password or login? How do I manage my agency? Students may register for classes,...

09/21/2026

Grant opportunity !!

The VFA Grant is a 50/50 matching grant.
Maximum eligible amount: $10,000
Maximum VFA reimbursement: $5,000
The department is responsible for the all funding upfront and reimbursed the 50% match
by GFC using VFA funding
Funding is subject to availability and all applicable VFA program requirements.
Departments with an open-approved application that has not yet been reimbursed must
complete that application and receive reimbursement before becoming eligible to submit
another application.
The Georgia Forestry Commission Rural Fire Defense Program appreciates the continued efforts
of Georgia& #39;s rural fire departments and their commitment to protecting lives, property, forests,
and communities from wildfire. For any questions or concerns please email Justin Brown at
[email protected] or call 912-515-4035.

09/18/2026

🏆GAME WEEK IS HERE🏆

The countdown is almost over…the GAWPS 2026 Annual Conference kicks off THIS MONDAY🎉🏅

Before you hit the road, don’t forget to:
📲 Join the BAND app for important conference updates and reminders ➡️ code FFR-8J6-F2
🧳 Check those packing lists and make sure you’ve got everything you need
🏈 Get your sports gear ready and come prepared to have some fun!

We can’t wait to see everyone at Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa! Let’s make this conference an MVP week!🏆💜

See you Monday!🎉

09/15/2026

Check out this opportunity!

Fire Service Leaders,

The GPSTC is proud to announce our Third Come in From the Rain Symposium. Attendees will discover strategies to take care of themselves and each other with tools to prevent burnout, depression and the effects of the devastation experienced every day, as well as resources and options when the situation becomes unbearable.

All Public Safety, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, communications, and anyone interested in Mental health first aid, financial wellness, resilience, peer counseling and support, physical wellness, mindset, and more.

The symposium is 16 hours over two days and will be held in the Auditorium on GPSTC's main campus in Forsyth on October 27-28, 2026.

Register today at: https://access.gpstc.org/student/login;jsessionid=471F03C136E8787C39675CE477E127C2