BabaFire platform launches to improve fire service marketing

8THIRTYFOUR on March 12, 2019

Chattanooga, Tennessee – March 12, 2019 – Babacita, a fire and emergency service marketing agency, announced BabaFire, an online learning platform to assist volunteer fire and emergency service organizations with their marketing components.

BabaFire brings value and experience to any organization. Learning modules include videos, written instructions and commentary along with tips, tricks and downloadable templates. The goal of BabaFire is to bring a positive learning experience to arm departments with the knowledge and tools necessary to elevate them to the next level and to empower them for marketing success.

“My experience includes my rural volunteer fire department to help raise the level of public perception, interaction and overall department marketing. Foundational marketing aspects can be incorporated into a planned program to not only improve the image, but also the fundraising and recruitment activities to help a department on a variety of levels,” states John Kowalski of Babacita.

Learning modules of BabaFire include

Department Image & Priorities
Developing an Effective Marketing Program
Recruitment – Now and the Future
Developing a Public Education Program
Raising Funds & Grant Writing
Event Planning with Purpose
Chain of Command, Teamwork & Conflict Resolution

A firefighter wearing a hat and coat smiles at the camera.

The BabaFire program is backed by a guarantee of success through personal consultation to ensure department satisfaction. “I believe in this program and through the feedback I have received with senior-level fire and emergency service personnel,” Kowalski continues. “This is the beginning of BabaFire and as additional modules are added, those purchasing the Complete program will get those with no extra expense.”

“Having served in two combination fire departments back in the ‘70’s & 80’s, we never even thought of marketing/branding the department. Today, there are sound opportunities to cultivate a strong, positive image for your department; both for the public and members. With John’s experience in both marketing and the fire service, he is able to provide you with the guidance necessary, to help market your department,” states Steve Greene, founder of Dalmatian Productions and the host of 5-Alarm Task Force podcast.

Individual modules cost $15.99 with the complete offering at $99.99.

About Babacita:

A consultancy incorporating empowerment and improvement for fire and emergency service organizations. As a volunteer firefighter and professional marketers, we understand the challenges that face volunteer organizations and work with departments to guide solutions to all marketing programs and community engagement. Visit http://babacita.com for more information.

Listen to John on 5-Alarm Task Force

8THIRTYFOUR on March 8, 2019

I had the great pleasure of being interviewed by Steve Greene of the 5-Alarm Task Force podcast and Dalmatian Productions. We discussed my philosophy and approach to fire hall and emergency service marketing and all of its aspects – image and perception, program planning, community education, fundraising and grant writing, membership and more.

Listen now, enjoy and share with your friends and colleagues today!

SAFER Grant application period announced

8THIRTYFOUR on February 11, 2019

The FY 2018 SAFER application period will open on Friday, February 15, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. ET and will close on Friday, March 22, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Start planning your FY 2018 SAFER Grant application now by reviewing the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), and Economic Hardship Waivers Information Bulletin (IB), and technical assistance tools below. These tools were produced specifically to help potential applicants begin to plan their 2018 applications ahead of the application period. The tools can be viewed on the AFG website or downloaded to your computer.

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Economic Hardship Waivers
SAFER Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Application Checklist – This checklist will help you prepare your SAFER grant application
Self-Evaluation –Hiring of Firefighters – Career, combination, and volunteer fire departments
Self-Evaluation – Recruitment and Retention – Fire Departments – Combination and volunteer fire departments
Self-Evaluation – Recruitment and Retention – Interest Organizations – National, State, Local, or Tribal Volunteer Firefighters Interest Organizations
Recruitment and Retention – Request Details Description Instructions – This document will provide Recruitment and Retention applicants with a list of the categories and sub-category available in the application as well as information on the level of details needed for each budget line item.

SAFER Grants Help Desk:If you have questions about the technical assistance tools listed below, call or e-mail the SAFER Grants help Desk. The toll-free number is 1-866-274-0960; the e-mail address for questions is firegrants@fema.dhs.gov.

Cancer Awareness & Prevention

8THIRTYFOUR on December 19, 2018

This is some great information from Firehouse Magazine to help keep yourself, your department and your families safe.

A new supplement in Firehouse magazine looks at cancer in the fire service and provides tips and information to help firefighters protect themselves and their crew. The NVFC served as a cornerstone sponsor for the project. View supplement. You can also learn the 11 best practices for preventing firefighter cancer in the Lavender Ribbon Report; download here.

Unique Challenges? Try Extreme Cold.

8THIRTYFOUR on December 18, 2018

Every department faces their own unique set of challenges. Whether it be a high-density urban wildland interface or mountainous terrain, we must all overcome these special circumstances within our districts. Here’s an interesting article I came across regarding an Antarctic firefighter.

What special challenges do you face? Comment below!

Antarctic firefighter discusses unique challenges on continent of extremes