State Firemen's & Fire Marshals' Association of Texas

Has Your Department Registered or Updated Your Department Information Lately? Please Update the Fire Department Directory Listing (5/20/10) More>

Chief Jack Colley passes away - Funeral Arrangements Now Available (5/19/10) More>

Do we have the names of your department members you wish to have recognized in our memorial program? If you have submitted names and haven't received a response from Mrs. Glass, please contact her at 512-454-3473 ext 902 (5/13/10)

SFFMA 134th Conference Schedule Posted - Training Classes Subject to Change (5/13/10) More>

The Department of Homeland Security has posted the FY 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program Guidance on the AFG Web site. (4/26/10) More>

SFFMA InfoFire Newsletter In the Mail - But You Can Download a Copy NOW (4/14/10) Download Now (6mb)

SFFMA Certification Board Releases Position Statement on Volunteer Firefighter Training and Certification (4/12/10) More>

SFFMA's 4th Vice President and ESTI's Associate Director Pat Barrett Passes Away. (4/3/10) More>

Fire Museum of Texas Seeks History from Texas Fire Departments (3/29/10) More>

NVFC Conducting Survey to Identify First Responder Health and Safety Risks (3/29/10) More>

USFA is looking for volunteer fire or volunteer fire/EMS departments that are having significant recruiting challenges. (3/23/10) More>

National Fallen Firefighter Foundation's Everyone Goes Home Program Announces Video Contest (3/12/10) More>

SFFMA/IAFC/ISO -ISO Workshop Seminar February 20th in Pflugerville - CANCELLED (2/8/10)

SFFMA Seeks Presenters for 2010 Conference -Deadline March 15! (2/2/10) More>

NVFC Releases White Paper on Training in the Volunteer Fire Service (2/2/10) More>

Nominate an Outstanding Member of the Fire Service for One of Four National Awards (2/2/10) More>

Former VFD Firefighter developing cooking show for firefighters (2/2/10) More>

Help us help Firefighters! - Texas Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride & Cook Off to Benefit the Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force on March 20th (1/27/10) More>

Going to the Planning Conference? Click here for last minute information! (1/26/10) More>

SFFMA in Need of an Architect to Design New Office Building! (12/29/09) More>

TDRA/SFFMA/SFMO and the Four Resource Conservation and Developments Councils Announce ISO workshop January 16th 2010 (12/28/09) More>

SFFMA Planning Conference and International Conference Online Registration -Now Available!! (12/28/09) - More>

SFFMA/IAFC/ISO Announces ISO Workshop Seminar February 20th in Pflugerville. (12/23/09) More>

SFFMA Holiday Hours - Closed 11:30am on 12/23, All day 12/24, 25th, 31st and January 1st. Happy Holidays! (12/23/09)

DHS Announces Extension of SAFER Grant Application Period (12/17/09) - More>

TEEX Announces Ambulance Strike Team
Medical Task Force Leader Training (12/15/09) - More>

Información actualizada y aplicación de Registro para la Conferencia Internacional en Laredo disponible ahora! Haz clic aqui (12/14/09)

SFFMA 2010 January Planning Conference Agenda Now Available (12/2/09) - More>

Price Increases on IFSTA Products beginning January 3rd! Order your training products NOW before the increase. Call 1-800-580-7336 or go to www.sffma.org/store to place an order (12/2/09)

Residential Fire Sprinklers Remain Mandatory in International Fire Code (10/30/09) More>

Delegation of Volunteer Fire Chiefs go to Washington DC for Legislative Trip (10/30/09) More>

SFFMA Past President Marvin Setzer Passes Away (10/26/09)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brazoria Fire Field, Brazoria Fire Department or the Presbyterian Church

Long time SFFMA Member Chief Murrell Porter of DeSoto FD Passes Away (10/26/09)

SFFMA Long Time Staff Member Passes Away (10/25/09)

LeRoy (Skip) Hahn- Skip was a long time staff member of SFFMA and served as the Industrial Coordinator, webmaster, and worked on all the technology needs for SFFMA.

TX Firemen Magazine in the Mail - Some Mailing/Print Errors (10/16/09) More>

Fire Department to Raffle New Dodge Quad Cab Truck for Firefighter Fundraiser (10/15/09) More>

Injured/Disabled Firefighter Financial Assistance Program Available (10/15/09) More>

TCFP Funding Program to be moved to the Texas Forest Service Soon (10/14/09) More>

The Department of Homeland Security has opened the FY 2009 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant application period. FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and fire-related hazards.(9/22/09) More>

USFA Releases Report on Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity (9/22/09) More>

SFFMA 133rd Conference Pictures Now Available Online (9/17/09) Many Thanks to Photographer Jim Hanson for taking all of the pictures!! More>

NVFC Establishes Volunteer Firefighter Health and Safety Priorities to Keep First Responders at their B.E.S.T (9/16/09) More>

State Fire Marshals' Office Receives Grant for "Have An Exit Strategy"
Campaign (9/14/09) More>

2010 Conference Dates and Hotel Information Now Available (9/9/09) More>

Fall District Officer Meetings Posted
(8/26/09) Fall District Meetings posted (for those we have received information) More >

Training Fund Gala Announced
(7/30/09) Help a local fund which helps other firefighters get much needed training. More >

Governor Declares Disaster Due to Wildfires
(7/15/09) Governor Perry declares disaster due to wildfires. A copy of the declaration may be found HERE.

CG Platinum & SFFMA Partner Up to Offer New Program
(7/14/09) Is your department looking for a way to better recognize street addresses and also serve as a fundraiser? More >

Why They Server Article
(7/05/09) Did you see this great article by PARADE Magazine on Volunteer Firefighters? More >

Texas Comptroller Announces Fuel Tax Exemption Procedures
(7/01/09) Curious how your department can receive a refund on the fuel excise taxes paid in the state of Texas? More >

Final Legislative Report Card
(6/22/09) For those not at the state convention to see it in person, here is T*Flag chairman Steve Perdue's report on how the SFFMA did in the legislative session. More >

McAllen Conference Wrap-Up
(6/22/09) The 133'rd SFFMA Training Conference and Convention was attended by 600 firefighters & fire officers in McAllen Texas. Check here for a wrap-up of all of the various convention activities. As information is received from the committees, it will be posted. More >

With Heavy Hearts We Report...
(6/12/09) It is our very sad duty to inform you that Judy White, wife of long time SFFMA member and Executive Board Parliamentarian Jim White passed away... More >

A Letter From Chaplain Ben Kennedy
(6/8/09) Please click here for a message from Ben... More >

Lonnie Bishop of Ballinger FD killed in vehicle accident
(6/5/09) It is with great saddness that the Ballinger FD and H.C.F.A, informs all, of the passing of Hill Country Fireman's Assoc. President Lonnie Bishop, as a result of a motor vehicle accident. More >

Cy-Fair FD Member Critically Injured - You Can Help
(6/4/09) Our sympathies go out to Cy-Fair Fire Department member Thomas Shuster. Thomas was critically injured when a vehicle hit him in a parking lot, causing a double amputation of his legs. Please read more about the fund raiser supporting him. More >

The Legislative Session Is Over - How'd We Do This Time Around?
(6/2/09) Well the session has come to an end. How did it all pan out for the Fire Service? We've made some good progress. Check here for a list of what Passed, and what Failed. More >

Some McAllen Training Classes Cancelled
(5/26/09) Some of the training classes scheduled for the SFFMA Training Conference & Convetion in McAllen have been cancelled. Please check here for details. More >

Calls Needed to Get Tuition Bill Out of Committee!
(5/20/09) HB 2013 which gives tuition exemptions to volunteer firefighters holding an advanced accredited SFFMA certification needs your help! More >

NFA Resident Courses - Application period closes on June 15th
(5/19/09) Check here for a listing of Region 6 based courses (includes Texas) and links to signup. More >

NVFC Junior Firefighter Scholarship Applications Due June 1'st!
(5/19/09) Be sure to get your Junior Firefighter scholarship applications turned in soon! More >

This Weeks Legislative Update - 5/11
(5/11/09) The week of May 11th - Things are still very active at the capital. Get your update here! More >

Update on H.B. 1913 & H.B. 387
(5/6/09) H.B. 1913 relating to the clarification of the black hydrant statute and H.B. 387 providing a fuel tax exemption for volunteer fire departments are both in the House Calendars Committee. Calls are needed. Read more here. More >

It’s Arson Awareness Week! - Media Kit Available
(5/4/09) This week is Arson Awareness Week, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has teamed up with the United States Fire Administration (USFA) and its partners to bring public attention to the alarming statistics about Arson for Profit. More >

Please Submit June Memorial Names
(5/4/09) This is a reminder to please submit the names of any of your brother or sister firefighters who have passed in the last year to the SFFMA office. We need all names to be included in the convention memorial service by May 19th. Email names to: cbarron@sffma.org

May 2009 InfoFire Conference Edition Posted
(4/30/09) If you can't wait for the paper copy of your e-InfoFire to hit your mailbox, you can read it here, now! More >

This Weeks Legislative Update
(4/27/09) The week of April 27th - May 1st will definately be a busy one. Get your update here! More >

URGENT ALERT! VOLUNTEER REGULATION PROPOSED!
(4/24/09) House Bill 3390 by Representative Linda Harper-Brown and Representative Yvonne Davis is proposing STATE REGULATION OF VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTERS. YOU NEED TO MAKE CALLS NOW! Click here for more. More >

2009 Firefighter Memorial Service Video Posted
(4/23/09) We have posted an 18 minute video of the 2009 Firefighter Memorial and Legislative Day. Produced by the Edinburg Cable Network. More >

2009 Star of Texas Awards Nominations
(4/17/09) The Governor’s Star of Texas Awards Advisory Committees are currently accepting nominations for the 2009 awards.. More >

Congratulations Bob!
(4/17/09) Congratulations to SFFMA Assistant Secretary Bob Doolittle for receiving the Galveston County Firefighters Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award!

133'rd SFFMA Annual Training Conference & Convention Registration Info/Form Posted
(4/16/09) The 2009 Training Conference and Convention registration form, and info packet has been posted. View/Print it here. Online registration will be available soon. More >

Application Period to Open: Fiscal Year 2009 Assistance to Firefighter Grants
(4/15/09) The 2009 Assistance to Firefighter Grants application period is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, April 15, 2009. More >

Houston loses two firefighters
(4/13/09) We all mourn the loss of Captain James Harlow and Probationary Firefighter Damien Hobbs of the Houston Fire Department who tragically lost their lives in a structure fire on Easter morning. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them and their families. More >

Going to Mexico while at the McAllen Conference?
(4/9/09) Effective June 1 – Everyone will need a passport to get back to the US side of the border! Get more information here. More >

2009 SFFMA Photo Contest
(4/9/09) The SFFMA is now accepting entries for the 2009 SFFMA Texas Firemens Magazine photo contest. Click here for more info! More >

GREAT NEWS ON SB 254!
(4/9/09) SB 254 which is the fuel tax exemption bill was voted out of Senate Finance Committee this morning. Read more on the next step! More >

NVFC Junior FF Grant Applications
(4/9/09) The application period for the 2009 National Junior Firefighter Program grants, sponsored by the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation, is now open! More >

SFFMA Legislative UPDATE
(4/6/09) We are going to start placing legislative bulletins on the web site at least weekly until the session is over. You may look for an updated calendar of what is coming up for a week by Monday morning as well as a “report card” of the status of various bills. More >

Do you want FREE Texas College Tuition?
(4/6/09) There is currently a bill before law makers that would treat volunteer firefighters the same as career fighters when it comes to free state college tuition for fire service degrees. If there's any hope of it passing, we need calls now. Click here for more info! More >

Roy Treadway Passes
(4/5/09) Sadly, Roy Treadway of the Pleasant Grove FD has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Click here for information on the service. More >

2009 Memorial & Legislative Day

(3/26/09) The central Texas weather smiled on the firefighters, families, and public who attended the 2009 Memorial Service and Legislative Day on Wednesday.

This day provides us the opportunity to honor our firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty as well as discuss the many legislative issues with our elected state leaders. For those that could not attend, there are many amazing photos available. Click for more information. More >

Baskin-Robbins 31 Cent Scoop Night BR Scoop Night

(3/12/09) During Baskin-Robbins 31 Cent Scoop Night, taking place April 29 from 5-10 p.m., Baskin-Robbins stores will reduce the price of ice cream scoops to 31 cents to honor America's firefighters and create an opportunity for fire service organizations to raise funds for their department.

Consider this opportunity to raise awareness in your neighborhood if you have a Baskin-Robbins in your district! More >

MSA Product Safety Notices
(3/10/09) If your fire department uses MSA SCBA's with the URC (RIT) connectors, please review these notices and make the appropriate inspections ASAP. More >

SFMO Closing 2008 TXFIRS Master File Soon
(3/6/09) The State Fire Marshal’s Office is in the process of closing its 2008 TEXFIRS master file. All 2008 data should be submitted as soon as possible. More >

Conferencia sobre informacion de bomberos en mcallen!
(3/5/09) Para obtener información sobre la conferencia en junio de SFFMA en McAllen Texas, por favor haga clic aquí. More >

(07/08/08) We lost two firefighters in seperate LODD incidents within 48 hours here in Texas.

Joe Pat Jordan - 71 year old Joe Pat Jordan passed away Friday from a heart attack while responding to an accident. Jordan founded the Pickton Pine Forest Volunteer Fire Department more than 30 years ago. It's just one of many accomplishments Jordan will be remembered for.

Chief Robert Knight - Teague Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robert Knight, 42, died of injuries he received while battling a building fire in downtown Teague. He died Saturday night at a hospital in Tyler, where he was taken after he was injured earlier in the collapse of a wall. Robert joined the Teague VFD in 1989 and became chief in 1999.

Both of these men will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers go out to their family and friends.

(06/18/08) ISO has embarked on a project entitled “Draft Concept FSRS 2009” to review the content of the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) with the objective of identifying those portions of the current grading evaluation that are worthy of potential revision. It is ISO’s desire to engage in discussion over the next few months with a variety of water, fire and emergency communication stakeholder organizations in order to obtain feedback on the potential scope and feasibility of such revisions.

Chiefs or Chief officers are encouraged to review the document and provide input.

(06/2/08) The Texas Intrastate Mutual Aid Plan (TIFMAS) has identified the need for Strike Team Leaders to be deployed through the TIFMAS. The goal is to find company level officers and above from the Texas Fire Service who would be interested in taking training to become a qualified Strike Team Leader. Personnel in this position would be placed into the TRRN data base and would be ordered during an activation of the TIFMAS. The training for Strike Team Leader will take place on June 23rd at 0900 and end on June 25th at noon. The class will be held at Camp Swift in Bastrop Texas. The class will be taught by Texas Forest Service instructors. The pre-requisites for this class are 3 years at the Company Officer level, completion of IC 100, 200, 300, 700, and 800. Lodging, breakfast and lunch for the class dates will be provided by the Texas Forest Service and a stipend for travel and Dinners for the 23rd and 24th will be provided by the Texas Fire Chief’s Association.

Please contact Chris Barron at 512-454-3473 or cbarron@sffma.org if you are interested in taking the class.

(05/29/08) The State Fire Marshal's Office has released a "Fire Marshal's Alert!" regarding the National Seat Belt Pledge. The SFFMA strongly ecourages ALL firefighters and emergency response personnel to use their seatbelts every time you're in a vehicle!

            (05/28/08) COLLEGE STATION – Tom Boggus, a 28-year career executive with the Texas Forest Service, was named interim director of the agency on Friday by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.
            Boggus, who has served as the agency’s associate director for forest resource development and sustainable forestry since 2005, succeeds James Hull, who is retiring at the end of the month after leading the Texas Forest Service for the last 12 years.
            “We are fortunate to have a person of Tom’s experience who will lead the agency until a new director is appointed,” said Dr. Mark Hussey, interim vice chancellor for agriculture and life sciences. .
            Boggus joined the Texas Forest Service as a forester based in Linden in 1980. He rose through the ranks to become the agency’s associate director for administration in 1996.
            Under Boggus’ leadership, the Texas Forest Service has reached out to new individual and family forest owners with innovative educational and conservation programs, developed a southern pine beetle prevention program that is a national model, and pioneered ways to provide new services aimed at conserving forests.
            Currently, Boggus serves as chair of the Southern Group of State Foresters’ Management Committee consisting of forest management leaders from 13 southern states, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and federal partners. He holds active memberships in the Society of American Foresters and is past president of the Texas Forestry Association.
He was recognized for his achievements in 2007 with the Regents Fellow Service Award. Boggus received his forestry training at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in forestry.
            The Texas Forest Service is recognized as the leader in defining forestry of the future for Texas and the nation through its applied programs in forest and tree development; wildfire prevention, mitigation and protection; urban and community forestry and a host of other innovative forest sustainability programs.

(05/07/08) Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is looking for a firefighter whose house and family need extreme

help. The show is accepting nominations for a firefighter who has displayed heroism or has proven to be a positive role model within the community, but whose family is in dire need of a new home. If there is a firefighter within your department or community that can benefit from a home makeover, nominate them today.

(05/02/08) The SFFMA has just launched its new and improved e-Store! As you've come to expect over the years, the SFFMA carries virtually all publishers and titles when it comes to Fire and EMS training/educational materials, at the guaranteed lowest prices. Now all of those items are available online! Publishers such as IFSTA, Jones & Bartlett, Brady, Cengage (Delmar), Pennwell, ICC, NFPA, McGraw Hill, Action Training Systems, and more! In fact, we're now selling SFFMA logo'd merchandise online as well.

This new store is completely tied into our inhouse database, making ordering a much easier process for you, our customer.

All customers can take advantage of the huge e-Store discounts automatically. SFFMA member departments, if using their Department Login/ID (NOT an individual login such as a Chief, Coordinator, or Member), can use the optional Net 30 terms instead of paying by credit card. If you don't have your Department ID, please contact the office and we'll advise you on how you can obtain it. If you're an individual SFFMA memeber, you'll be asked to login using your existing SFFMA membership ID number to speed the checkout process. If you're new to the store and not a member, you can create a store account immediately.

Simply click the SFFMA e-Store button

(located at the top of the page) to browse or search for your item of interest. You can browse or us ethe search function by Title, ISBN/Product code, or subject matter.

There are a huge number of products in the store, and some do not currently have pictures/images linked to them. We're still working on that part of the store and will have it completed as soon as possible.

(04/30/08) The combined efforts of the SFFMA, TFS, and numerous other state organizations have come to fruition in the implementation of the state wide Fire Department Directory (FDD). The SFFMA strongly encourages all departments in the state to meet the obligation of HB1915 and use the FDD to add their deparments information.

Across Texas and the nation, fire departments are the primary responders to emergencies and disasters. However, because there is no central registry for fire departments within Texas, there is no way to know our overall capacity to respond. In response to this the Texas legislature enacted HB1915 last session to “develop a complete list of fire departments and firefighting resources within this state.”

The listing, or Fire Department Directory (FDD), is a cooperative effort involving the Texas Forest Service, Firefighters' Pension Commission, Office of Rural Community Affairs, Texas Commission on Fire Protection, Texas Engineering Extension Service, Texas State Fire Marshal's Office of the Texas Department of Insurance, State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas, Texas Fire Chiefs Association, Texas Fire Marshals Association, Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts and the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters.

FDD is currently available as an online, web-based system to capture the essential information on fire departments across the state. The system is available to fire departments, agencies and associations. Fire departments are encouraged to participate directly and can request access online at http://tfsfrp.tamu.edu/fdd or by email to fdd@tfs.tamu.edu.

(4/30/08) Office of Rural Community Affairs has unveiled the new “Emergency Services Districts Operating Guide”. This guide is intended to offer informational help that ranges for the creation of an ESD to the conducting of business by ESD Commissioners. Included is a section listing contact telephone numbers and websites for agencies, associations, and departments helpful to ESDs.

Copies are also available on CD. A free CD may be requested by calling the ORCA office at 800-544-2042 or the Bedias Field Office at 936-395-2456.

(04/30/08) The Homeland Security Committee passed a resolution that the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) should collect information regarding problems that fire departments are having with the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) application process.

As many of you know, AFG is scheduled to be reauthorized next year and it will be useful for us to have as much input on potential issues to be addressed as possible. Many of you have expressed concerns about the difficulties that extremely small fire departments are having getting grants and the more evidence of this that we are able to collect the better. Please let your respective state association members know that if they have concerns regarding the AFG program that we would like to hear from them.

If you have had issues with the AFG grant program, application process, etc please contact Chris Barron at cbarron@sffma.org

(04/30/08) TEEX has reinstituted the Texas Fire Officer Program! This is a comprehensive fire officer training program offered by TEEX Emergency Services Training Institute to all Texas fire service personnel. The program consists of NFPA 1021-based Fire Officer Courses (Fire Officer I, II, III, and IV). All four courses are available and being scheduled now! If you want to register or would like to request a course to be scheduled in your area, please go to www.TEEX.org/TFOP.

(06/19/08) The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), all members of the Fire Corps National Advisory Committee, have partnered to support the 2008 Fire/EMS Safety, Health, and Survival Week, scheduled for June 22-28. The theme for the week is “Committed to Long-Term Results,” which encourages long-term investments by both chiefs and firefighters to enhance their health and safety. The ultimate goal is to institute a strong culture of health and safety within the fire and emergency medical services.
Fire Corps members can promote health, safety, and survival in their department by utilizing the suggested activities and materials, which emphasize three key areas where standard operating procedures, policies, and initiatives – along with the training and enforcement that support them – can limit fire/EMS personnel’s risk of injury or death. These areas include vehicle safety, wellness-fitness programs, and personal protective equipment. safety week

Fire Corps members, whether they are retired firefighters, public educators, fitness instructors, or family and friends of emergency personnel, can make a difference to improve the safety, health, and the overall survival of our nation’s first responders.

Learn more about Fire/EMS Safety, Health, and Survival Week and access planning resources. Learn more about health in the fire and emergency services through the NVFC’s Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program. Also stay tuned to the Heart-Healthy Firefighter web site and E-news for more information regarding the second annual National Firefighter Health Week, to be held from August 18-22. Learn more about the NVFC/USFA Emergency Vehicle Safe Operations Initiative.

The NFFF Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Program and the Courage to be Safe Program are asking firefighters to take this brief survey.

Everyone who completes the survey by Sunday, June 22, and includes their e-mail address at the end of the survey will automatically be entered in our random drawing for an Everyone Goes Home sweatshirt.

(see details below).

Everyone Goes HomeTM Job Shirt

This sweatshirt is constructed of 20 oz. Heavyweight 95/5 Cotton-Rich Fabric. Featuring the Everyone Goes HomeTM embroidered patch, a Denim Collar, Cut-in Pocket, Elbow Patches, and Quarter-Zip Front. Made in USA.

The odds of winning depend on the total number of respondents. The winner will be notified via e-mail.

If you have any questions or concerns about this survey, please contact Claire Jones, Research Project Manager, by e-mail at claire@iion.com.

Thank you again for your help with this important survey.

(05/16/08) The Rockport Volunteer Fire Deparment is hosting the 3'rd Annual "Toast of the Coast" Fishing Tournament on June 14th. This is a fund raiser for the VFD that includes the tournament, a fish dinner, Silent Auction, Raffle, and Music! Check out the links below for more information.

(03/5/08) We just recieved our new re-designed batch of SFFMA stickers! Proudly display them on your vehicle. They're only $1 each. (3.75" x 3.75" - full color)

Don't forget we now have the new SFFMA logo'd T-Shirts in stock and they're a bargain starting at $11.95! Available in Navy or Grey, Short Sleeve & Long Sleeve, Sizes Small to 4x.

We have various SFFMA logo'd merchandise in stock for immediate delivery including Padfolio's, Picture Frame/Clocks, Coffee Mugs, Travel Mugs, Coins, and much more.

Contact our SALES DEPARTMENT at 800-580-7336 for more information or to purchase

(03/5/08) The SFFMA has announced additional member benefits for 2008. In 2008, SFFMA has increased the Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance from $2000 per individual to $3000. Also in 2008, we are offering a Immediate $5000 LODD benefit to any member of SFFMA.

In the event of an LODD, an SFFMA representative will hand deliver the $5,000 check to the immediate wife/family of the fallen firefighter within 24-48 hours.

(03/5/08) SFFMA is pleased to offer our active districts a grant to be used toward improving the attendance, participation and level of service to the members of the district. “Active Districts” are defined as those who regularly hold meetings, promote attendance, are current with SFFMA dues, etc. Each district will be eligible for $1000 worth of funds available from SFFMA which can be used toward purchasing equipment or services to help the district with its attendance, participation, etc. Grant funding may be used to purchase an LCD Projector, a computer, internet access, etc. Districts are encouraged to fill out the form below and submit it to the SFFMA’s office for consideration.

(03/3/08) The Department of Homeland Security's Grant Programs Directorate began accepting applications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) today at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). The deadline for receipt of the applications is April 4, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The AFG, which will be distributed in phases throughout FY 2008, will ultimately award approximately $500 million.

Interested applicants can access the FY 2008 AFG application through the AFG web site (www.firegrantsupport.com), the U.S. Fire Administration's web site (www.usfa.fema.gov) and the Grants.gov web site (www.grants.gov). The AFG web site contains important information about the AFG, including the FY 2008 funding priorities and program guidance, a web-based tutorial on the application process, a listing of frequently asked questions, and other materials.

Fire departments that have questions regarding this grant opportunity should contact the Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960 or email to firegrants@dhs.gov. During the application period, Help Desk hours will be from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT. Additional Help Desk hours may be added if demand is high.

Eligible applicants for the FY 2008 AFG are limited to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations operating within the 50 United States , the District of Columbia , Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, American Samoa , and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Interested applicants may submit two separate applications for consideration under each of the following two program areas:

The FY 2008 AFG will also allow eligible applicants to submit an additional application for a regional project through which multiple organizations, serving more than one local jurisdiction, may benefit directly from the activities implemented with the grant funds.

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has an online AFG Grant Narrative Resource Center fire and EMS departments can use as a guide when applying for AFG. The Resource Center includes successful grant narratives from past years as well as a grant-writing guide created by DHS. Applicants should use the posted narratives as a reference only and not plagiarize from them. DHS uses software to detect language recurring in multiple grant applications. Submitting an application that includes false information is a crime punishable by law.

Departments that have received Assistance to Firefighter Grants in the past and would like to submit the narratives from successful applications to be included in the Resource Center can send them to dfinger@nvfc.org.

(02/29/08) The Texas Forest Service has announced the availability of special emergency grants available through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program (HB 2604). The program will provide special grants to volunteer fire departments located in counties recently designated as under threat of extreme fire hazard by proclamation of the Governor. Applications are now being accepted.
Please read this document for detailed information!

(02/28/08) Fire Departments – Now is the time to send in the names of those members who have passed away and need to be recognized for their service to your community at our annual Memorial Service. Deadline for inclusion in this year’s memorial service program is May 22nd. Please send the individual’s name, fire department and date of death to memorial@sffma.org

(02/04/08) Dilley VFD had two firefighters injured Thursday, Jan.31 fighting a wild land fire. One firefighter suffered burns to the hands and face, the other firefighter suffered burns to the face, shoulder and back of leg, along with a fractured leg.

Injuries occurred when they jumped from the back of the truck they were riding on. They were on a county road when high winds pushed the fire across the road. Both were wearing PPE.

An account has been set up at Dilley State Bank. Donations, cards, etc. may be sent to:

(02/04/08) On 1/31/08 the Raymondville Fire Deptartment responded to a strucutre fire at the home of Rio Grande Valley District mascot Johnny Rodriguez and his family. The family could use your help. Anyone wishing to donate funds to the family please contact Ronnie Ramirez at 956-966-6588.

(01/30/08) Governor Perry has signed a Proclamation declaring 152 counties in Texas in extreme fire danger. TFS is requesting departments report their fires and their mutual aid response on the web site listed in the notes. A Proclamation is different than a Disaster Declaration but it lays the ground work for requesting Federal funds to help with the cost of fighting fires. Press Release from Govenors office with county list.

8 aircraft are on duty in state: 1 helo in San Antonio, 3 in Austin, and 2 UH-60s and 2 Chinooks in Grand Prairie. One Air Attack surveillance aircraft is on duty in Rockwall. Air Attack is a priority aircraft so request it wisely for large fires.

Helos are prioritized for saving structures. Wind exceeding 40 MPH will cancel aircraft.

VFDs may receive fuel from TxDot but be aware this is for large fires and after local resources are exhausted. TxDot District Engineer is determiner of approving and distributing fuel

Departments need to start today listing your fires on the TFS Reporting site http://tfsfrp.tamu.edu/FDreporting/vfd/default.asp. It is very important that you do this for several reasons. It will allow TFS, the State SOC and my office to keep track and see where to move or relocate resources. Also should we get into a disaster situation these reports will be used like they were in 05-06 Statewide Wildfire Disaster. The reporting is simple so I encourage everyone to start putting their fires and info on the TFS system.

TFS offers Emergency Assistance for Departments that have had vehicle maintenance issues during this time contact TFS for help

Governor has issued a proclamation certifying that Texas is currently threatened by extreme fire hazard. I am emailing a copy of the proclamation to those counties mentioned in it. The counties mentioned in the proclamation are those that have passed a fire ban.

(01/07/08) On December 20, President Bush signed the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA) into law. The NVFC previously reported that VRIPA had been passed by the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. VRIPA provides tax relief to volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel who receive benefits from state and local units of government.

(12/18/07) On Monday, December 17th the TIFMAS Emergency Response Committee met for the purpose of electing a TIFMAS State Coordinator. The following organizations/agencies participated: TEEX/ESTI, TEEX/NERTC, TSAFF, TFC, SFFMA, EMAT, TFCA, ORCA & SAFE-D, TFS, SFMO, Governor's EMS, GETAC, and GDEM.

The decision was unanimous to elect Joe Florentino, Fire Chief of Little Elm Fire Department, as the TIFMAS State Coordinator. Under Joe's leadership, the next course of business that TIFMAS Emergency Response Committee will undertake is to fill the TIFMAS Assistant State Coordinator and the TIFMAS Regional Resource Coordinators positions.

Please join us in congratulating Joe on his new role as TIFMAS State Coordinator.

Legislative Victory: Congress Passes Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act

(12/19/07) Earlier today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA), prohibiting the federal government from taxing benefits provided to volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel by state and local units of government. VRIPA, which was one of the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) top legislative priorities in 2007, passed the Senate last week as part of H.R. 3648 and is now headed to the President for signature.

Communities across the country provide various types of benefits to volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel as a recruitment and retention tool. On October 17, the NVFC testified before the House Ways and Means Committee about the need to protect these benefits from being taxed as income.

"Federal taxation of volunteer first responder benefits has several effects," said John McAuliffe, NVFC Connecticut State Director, during the testimony. "The most obvious is to reduce the value of the benefit to the volunteer. Additionally, small communities with severely limited resources often find the administrative and legal burdens associated with processing tax documents for volunteer emergency responders overwhelming. Passage of VRIPA would address both of these issues and enhance the ability of communities to recruit and retain volunteer emergency responders."

The language that passed in H.R. 3648 exempts all tax benefits provided by state and local units of government to volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel from taxation by the federal government. Additionally, the first $360 per year of any other type of benefit that a volunteer receives would be exempted from taxation.

VRIPA originally passed the House of Representatives on November 6, as part of H.R. 3997. Then last week, the Senate inserted the VRIPA language into H.R. 3648, which passed in the Senate on December 14. All throughout this process, the NVFC has been contacting U.S. Senators and Representatives to advocate passage of the provision and asking our members to do the same.

"I’m very pleased to announce the passage of the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act," said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. "This is a tremendous benefit for volunteer emergency responders and the communities that rely on their service. The NVFC will continue to work to ensure that the President signs VRIPA into law and to see that it is implemented properly by the federal government."

For more information on VRIPA and other NVFC legislative priorities, visit the NVFC web site at www.nvfc.org.

(12/18/07) Our prayers and well wishes go out to the six Beaumont firefighters injured on Monday. Cody Schroeder, who was seriously injured Monday, remains in stable condition at UTMB in Galveston after receiving burns to 40 percent of his body.

Investigators are releasing the names of six firefighters injured in a house fire Monday morning in Beaumont.

*Cody Schroeder- 34% burns primarily to his back and lower body. Will have surgery Tuesday.
*Calvin Carrier- burns to face, should be released Tuesday.
*Kirk Blanchard, Jeff Neson and Pete Johnson all had minor burns. All have been released.
*James Blanchard - back injury. Not hospitalized.

Six Beaumont firefighters have been injured in a house fire south of downtown, and in a live breaking news report on KFDM, Interim Fire Chief Pete Shelton told us one firefighter had burns to about 34 percent of his body, primarily his back, and was taken by medical helicopter to a Galveston burn unit, and a second would also be taken to Galveston.

Shelton says a house fire at 2180 Neches near Emma was reported shortly before 9 a.m. Monday, and Chief Shelton says a flashback caused the fire to blow back toward the firefighters.

One of the firefighters that was flown to UTMB, Cody Schroeder, sustained burns to 34 percent of his body, primarily his back, and 14 percent were third degree burns. District Chief Jeff McNeel says Schroeder will have surgery Tuesday.

The second firefighter flown to UTMB, Calvin Carrier, has burns to his face. He's expected to be released Tuesday.

Three other firefighters received minor burns and were released.

A sixth firefighter had a back injury. He wasn't hospitalized.

Firefighters issued a "mayday" indicating all firefighters must leave the building.

Two medical helicopters were called to the scene.

No one was home at the time of the fire. The woman who lives in the home told us her son had left for school and she had left for the grocery store at about 8:30 a.m. with her one year old grandson just before the fire was reported at about 8:45 a.m.

Investigators have determined the cause of the fire was a small space heater sitting too close to a bed.

Investigators say two firefighters went in to fight the fire while a third remained outside manning the pumper truck. Three more firefighters were on the scene when the flashback burned the other firefighters.

District Chief Jeff McNeel told KFDM News it's unclear if a rule mandating four men per fire truck, something the firefighter's union has been advocating, would have had an impact on this fire.

(12/3/07) As part of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, we have an opportunity to assist the Texas Forest Service in the deployment of resources when a disaster strikes Texas. Volunteers are needed to assist with the coordination of resources and MUST have the requirements identified by the TIFMAS Committee.

Regional Coordinators will need to be trained in: ICS 100 – Introduction to ICS, ICS 200 – Basic ICS, ICS 300 – Intermediate ICS, ICS 400 – Advanced ICS, IS 700 – National Incident Management System, IS 800 – National Response Plan, Minimum of five (5) years command experience in the fire service, Appropriate position specific training. Regional Coordinators will also need to attend a two-day training and be able to respond to the TFS Emergency Operations Center (in College Station) if needed. Since there is no funding available yet for these positions (travel expenses) the coordinator position in the EOC will be rotated among the Regional Coordinators.

Deadlines for those interested in one of the Regional Coordinator Positions is December 31st!! (The next Regional Coordinator training will be held January 16/17) If interested contact Chris Barron at 512-454-3473 ext 901 or cbarron@sffma.org

The new state plan also calls for the TIFMAS Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator be elected from the TIFMAS Committee. These positions are also voluntary have the responsibilities of:

c. Has overall direction, coordination, implementation and management of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) Addendum to Annex F;

e. Appoints TIFMAS Regional Resource Coordinators for each of the twenty four Regions;

f. Maintains contact with all TIFMAS Regional Resource Coordinators upon appointment;

g. Holds regular TIFMAS Emergency Response Committee meetings. These meetings shall be conducted at least quarterly;

h. Makes reports to the membership and employees of various State agencies and associations on an annual or as needed basis of the TIFMAS and the activities of the TIFMAS Emergency Response Committee;

i. Insures TIFMAS updating, training, funding and other administrative functions are on going;

n. Serves as the liaison, during the disaster, to the affected Regional Coordinator in providing needed resources from other regions in the state;

o. Notifies TIFMAS Regional Resource Coordinators of the TIFMAS activation and that resources may be required;

a. Assists the TIFMAS Coordinator in the overall direction, coordination, implementation and management of the TIFMAS.

b. Is appointed bi-annually by the Chairman of the TIFMAS Emergency Response Committee;

c. Serves as committee chairman and State TIFMAS Coordinator in the absence of the Coordinator;

Deadlines for those interested in the TIFMAS Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator positions is December 14th!! If interested contact Chris Barron at 512-454-3473 ext 901 or cbarron@sffma.org

Attention Department Chiefs and Training Coordinators! - SFFMA Online 2.0

(11/26/07) Good News! - We have just completed a large project here at the SFFMA to greatly improve the SFFMA Online certification/training system. Every SFFMA member can now access the system to perform various functions based on their postion within the department.

IMPORTANT:
With the new SFFMA Online system come some changes in the way you will login. Every member of your department has an SFFMA ID# and this is the key to using the system. The User ID is your SFFMA Member ID number (located on your SFFMA annual membership card). The default password will be the first initial of your first name and the first initial of your last name, both lower case, plus the last four digits of your SSN. See example below.

Member ID = 11111, Name = John Doe, SSN ###-##-2594.
Therefore: User ID = 11111 Password = jd2594

*** Please note that when you login for the first time you will be required to change/enter a new password for security reasons. Follow the directions on the screen.

There are three types of security levels in the new SFFMA Online. Coordinators: have access to the entire system. Chief’s: have the same privileges as Coordinators with the exception of training records management. Individuals: Any member can login and review their own home contact information and update it, as well as print their own training progress report.

The new system is aware of the Chief or Coordinator on record and sets security privileges mentioned above accordingly. For that reason, it is more critical than ever for your department to notify the SFFMA office of any Chief or Coordinator changes when they happen.
If you have ANY problems or questions regarding the new SFFMA Online, please don’t hesitate to contact the SFFMA office at 800-580-7336

In addition to the above changes we are launching a brand new redesigned online store very soon. Each Department will be issued a new “Department” User ID and Password for the all new SFFMA Online store. Only the person given permission by the department to use this special login can order books and merchandise on the departments behalf. This special login allows Net 30 billing, Tax exemption, and discount pricing. We will send a letter to every chief with this login in the coming days.

If you’ve haven’t had the opportunity to attend the Capital Area Interagency Wildfire and Incident Command Academy (CAIWA) the last nine years, don’t miss out on this one.

More than 800 students are expected for the 10th anniversary of the two-week academy that runs from Oct. 12-26. Instructors and students come from all across the United States, even other countries, to experience the wildfire academy every year, which is held at Camp Swift, a National Guard Training facility 8 miles north of Bastrop.
“After the wildfire season we had in 2005-06, both career and volunteer fire departments in Texas have really seen the need for specialized wildland training,” says Rich Gray, who organized the first CAIWA 10 years ago. “This year, we will emphasis safety training with special courses designed for fire departments. The academy provides a proving ground for ideas and tactics firefighters learn, with field exercises as well as the opportunity to network with fellow firefighters from across the country.”

Weekend classes designed specifically for Texas volunteer and career departments are still open for registration. The tuition cost covers all class materials and meals that include breakfast and lunch. In addition, barrack housing is available on a first available basis. Qualifying fire departments are encouraged to apply for HB 2604 Funding to cover the tuition cost. With the voucher system currently in place the departments approved for a training grant only need worry about transportation and limited meal costs. This makes the training offered at the academy virtually free to the approved departments.

For more information on the academy and the HB 2604 program please logon to www.tamu.edu/ticc/training. For additional information on the HB2604 program or other fire department assistance programs please logon to txforestservice.tamu.edu.

WPI Firefighters’ Fund 3rd Annual Stop, Drop & Roll Chili Cook Off - October 13, 2007

(9/25/07) We would like to extend an invitation to all of our friends at SFFMA to attend our 3rd annual chili cook off. We are starting to see the tradition we had hoped for take shape. We appreciate all of the support from everyone at SFFMA. The SFFMA staff, the members and their families have all helped in making this a successful event. We were able to raise $49,000.00 last year and we expect to exceed this amount at the 2007 event.

Make plans to join us at the Bass Pro Shops in Grapevine, Texas on October 13th, from 10 am ‘til 5 pm. There will be live music from the Budweiser Stage, Miss Texas is assisting us with the awards presentations, the Grapevine Fire Clowns will be there and radio personalities from ESPN will be doing some live broadcasting. Shop the silent auction, sample the chili, have a cold one and enter the Firefighter Contest.

The WPI Firefighters’ Fund is a registered 501c(3) founded in 1999 to assist the firefighters who protect our families, homes, and communities. The organization provides financial assistance to the families of firefighters killed or injured in the line of duty and to volunteer fire departments for much-needed equipment. The WPI Firefighters’ Fund has a corporate sponsor that pays all administrative costs, allowing every dollar in donations to help firefighters and their families. WPI Firefighters’ Fund has granted more than $620,000 and continues to support the nation’s firefighter community. For additional information on the WPI Firefighters’ Fund, go to www.wpifirefightersfund.org. For more information regarding this story, contact Robin Williams at 817.870.8006 or robin.williams@williams-pyro.com.

State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association Responds to Concern Over Black Fire Hydrants

(9/18/07) It is our sad duty to report the passing of former Victoria County Fire Marshal Donnie R. Teague. Donnie passed away early the morning of September 15th after a long illness. Donnie devoted almost 40 years to fire service and was the driving force in making the 11 volunteer fire departments in Victoria County what they are today.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 22, 2007 at Parkway Baptist Church, 4802 N. John Stockbauer Drive, Victoria, TX 77904 under the direction of Grace Funeral Home. Long-time friend Ben Kennedy will perform the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Donnie Teague Fire Training Scholarship Fund, c/o Trust Texas Bank, P O Box 808, Cuero, TX 77954.

(9/5/07) The Brenham Fire Department will be hosting a fundraiser for one of its own. On March 9th, 2007, John Schulze and Dalton Schulze were involved in a head-on collision on State Highway 105. Both John and Dalton were injured and had to be rescued from their vehicle by Brenham Fire Fighters. John has recovered from his injuries, but Dalton, a student in the Brenham School District, was severely injured. John has been a Brenham Fire Fighter for 15 years. Both he and his wife, Sonya, have been active in the Fire Department for all of those years.

Dalton served as mascot for the Brenham Fire Department in 2003. He also served as mascot for the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals' Association in 2004. Dalton will be a freshman at Brenham High School this year. He is very active in school and has played soccer since he was four years old. Dalton plays soccer year round. He has played in the Division Four Playoffs the past three years. In addition to soccer his hobbies include golfing and hunting. Dalton is still undergoing surgeries to correct his injuries. Medical bills have become overwhelming for the Schulze family.

The Brenham Fire Department will be hosting a Bar-B-Que chicken and sausage fundraiser meal Sunday, October 21st, 2007 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The event will be held at the Brenham Fireman’s Training Center. If you purchase a ticket you can dine inside the Training Center. Should you not want to dine in, a drive through line will be set up in the parking lot. There will also be a live auction in the Training Center at 1:00 pm. There will be many fine items to purchase at the auction. Tickets for the meal will be sold for $ 8.00 each. Purchasing a ticket will also get you to the auction. The members of the Brenham Fire Department certainly hope to see you there.

Tickets will be available from Brenham Fire Fighters. Other locations to purchase tickets will be announced soon. If you cannot attend the fundraiser, the Dalton Schulze Benefit Fund has been established at Citizen’s State Bank in Brenham. Donations can be made directly to the account.

If you would like to make a donation you can do so by mailing it to: The Dalton Schulze Benefit Fund P.O. Box 90 Brenham, TX. 77834 Any and all donations would be greatly appreciated.

(9/4/07) Funeral service for Mr. Perry Campbell Sweetser, age 81, of Nacogdoches will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007 at Laird Funeral Home with Rev. Robbyn Hunt and Bro. Jon Hancock officiating. Interment will follow in Alazan Cemetery.

Mr. Sweetser was called into the glorious presence of Jesus Christ on Sunday, Sept. 2, 2007. Born in Nacogdoches on Dec. 21, 1925, he was the son of the late Albert Lee and Margie Dee (Fore) Sweetser. He was raised in the Gravel Ridge community in Nacogdoches County. He went to Harmony School and later graduated from Massey Business College. He and Mattie Lee Pitts met in school and married on April 24, 1943. Later he served in the US Army during WWII. A decorated veteran, he served in the Asiatic-Pacific theater Field Artillery, in the Philippines, on Mindanao Island, and after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he participated in the occupation of Japan. After the war they moved to Houston and later the Alazan community where he worked as a cattle rancher and a timber contractor. He had served as a church deacon, a trustee and Sunday School teacher, and he was a member of the Alazan Congregational Methodist Church. He also served as a Nacogdoches Reserve Deputy under Sheriff John Lightfoot. Mr. Sweetser belonged to the Nacogdoches VFW Post 3893, the Nacogdoches Milam #2 Masonic Lodge, the 32nd degree Scottish Rite in Houston, the Shrine Temple in Tyler, and the Nacogdoches Shrine Club. He helped organize the Lake Nacogdoches Volunteer Fire Department and was their first chief. He was a public accountant and Notary Public in Nacogdoches and Houston for over 37 years. He loved to help his family and friends. He was a very giving person and his joy was his Lord, followed by his family, hunting, fishing and traveling.

Survivors include his beloved wife of sixty-four years, Mattie Lee Pitts Sweetser of Nacogdoches and his daughter and son-in-law, Maxine and Arthur Mac Johnson of Nacogdoches. He is also survived by his grandson, Lowell Johnson and wife Trecia Smith Johnson of Nacogdoches; great-grandchildren Matthew, Morgan and Andrew Johnson; his sister Louise Eddings of Lufkin; several nieces and nephews, along with many friends. In addition to his parents, Mr. Sweetser was preceded in death by his brothers Oscar, R.V. and Buford Sweetser and an infant brother. Active pallbearers are David Beall, Jerry Eddings, Doug Short, Moises Servin, Buford Short and Jay Durr. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Langford and Ira Bright. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007 from 5 until 7 p.m. at Laird Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Alazan Cemetery Maintenance Fund, 1509 Durst St., Nacogdoches, TX 75964. Laird Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

(9/4/07) In 2003, the 78th Texas Legislature passed and Governor Perry signed House Bill 1937, creating the Star of Texas Awards to honor and commemorate selected first responders who made profound commitments while performing their duties as peace officers, firefighters and emergency medical first responders. HB 1937 also designated September 11th of every year as Texas First Responders Day.

In 2005, amendments to the Star of Texas Awards statute (Texas Government Code Chapter 3106) expanded awards to include all peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical first responders who were seriously injured or killed in the line of duty on or after September 1, 2003.

In 2007 Governor Perry signed HB 1164 into law amending the Star of Texas Awards statute to include awards for federal law enforcement officers or special agents seriously injured or killed while performing duties in Texas while assisting a state or local law enforcement agency.

Three advisory committees (one for each category of first responder) that are appointed by the Governor review award nominations each year to ensure that they meet statutory criteria.

The 2007 Star of Texas Awards Ceremony will be held on September 11, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in the Texas State Senate chamber.

(8/21/07) When the threat of Hurricane Dean heading to Texas occurred, the recent passage of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System went into affect. Emergency resources across the state were requested by the fire service associations such as the State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association and the Texas Fire Chiefs Association to be identified in case they needed to be deployed to assist those in need. The Texas fire service responded with an overwhelming 120 departments offering equipment and personnel resources available for deployment at a moments notice.

Luckily the threat of Hurricane Dean only turned out to be a threat but it helped activate a mutual aid plan which will allow for a more organized and coordinated response from the Texas Fire Service. We would like to express our appreciation to those departments who offered up their equipment and personnel to respond and we would like to encourage emergency departments to record their available resources in the Texas Regional Response Network at www.trrn.state.tx.us so that information about each resource will already be in the system and can be identified by its capabilities. You can review the TIFMAS plan here.

Thank you once again for your response to Texas’ request for assistance!

(8/15/07) In November of 2006 the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section [VCOS] of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and VFIS®, a Division of Glatfelter Insurance Group, partnered to establish a Vehicle Safe Operations Initiative to support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the United States Fire Administration initiatives to reduce firefighter injuries and deaths as a result of vehicle accidents.

The program is designed to recognize emergency service organizations that are members of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section who have experience zero accidents in a 12 month period. The first period ran from July 2006 through June of 2007.

Applications for the 1st annual award are being accepted through August 31, 2007.

Organizations that have no accidents during the reporting period will be eligible to complete the Vehicle Safe Operations Achievement Award Application. For the purpose of the program an accident will be defined as a reported accident in your state or an accident that resulted in injury.

While each qualifying organization will be recognized for their success through a certificate, only one organization will be awarded the Vehicle Safe Operation Achievement Award. Applicants will be judged on their organizations approach to vehicle safety through the information submitted with their application. All qualifying applications will be reviewed and evaluated by a VCOS/VFIS awards panel that will select the organization that will receive the annual award.

For further information regarding the program please contact Chief David B. Fulmer at fulmerdbf@aol.com or Chief Bill Jenaway at WJenaway@vfis.com.

Memorial Service for Capt. Kevin Williams, and firefighter Austin Cheek of the Noonday Volunteer Fire Department

(7/5/07) A combined firefighter memorial service has been planned for Capt. Kevin Williams, and firefighter Austin Cheek of the Noonday Volunteer Fire Department and will be held on Monday, August 6, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. It will be held at the Green Acres Baptist Church, 1607 Troup Highway, Tyler, TX 75701.

Captain Kevin Williams’ funeral and burial information:

Visitation: 5:00-7:00 pm on Sunday, August 5, 2007 at Stewart Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler, TX 75703

Funeral Services: 2:00 pm on Monday, August 6, 2007 at Bethel Bible Church, 17121 Highway 69 South, Tyler, TX 75703. Burial: immediately following.

Firefighter Austin Cheek’s funeral and burial information:

Visitation: 6:00-8:00 pm on Monday, August 6, 2007 at Burks-Walker-Tippit Funeral Home, 215 East Front Street, Tyler, TX 75702
Funeral Service: 2:00pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at Green Acres Baptist Church (Chapel), 1607 Troup Highway, Tyler, TX 75701 Burial: Immediately following.

The Service of Remembrance and Hope co-sponsored by Noonday United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church and was originally scheduled to be held tomorrow (Sunday) at Noonday United Methodist Church HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

HOTELS
The following is a list of hotels that are available
in Tyler, TX.
•    Candlewood Suites (903) 509-4131
•    Comfort Suites (903) 534-0999
•    La Quinta Inn & Suites (903) 561-2203
•    Ramada Inn (903) 593-3600

FLOWERS AND CARDS
For agencies that wish to send FLOWERS, CARDS and other remembrances, send them to:
Noonday Volunteer Fire Department
16619 Highway 15 5 South
Tyler, TX 75703
903-561-1170

MEMORIAL FUND: A fund has been established for the fallen firefighters. Donations can be sent to:
Tragedy Fund for Noonday Firefighters.
Noonday Volunteer Fire Department
16619 Highway 155 South
Tyler, TX 75703

For more information contact Wendy Norris, TX LODD Task Force/National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, LAST at 832-647-6770 or Todd Havard with Noonday VFD at 903-360-5300.

(7/5/07) The SFFMA is now accepting applications for the position of Membership Liaison. Qualified applicants should have knowledge of the fire service, the various types of SFFMA memberships, and programs within the association. This position will entail representing the SFFMA at local and district wide meetings, direct contact with SFFMA membership, and developing programs to attract new membership. Essential skills include the ability to multi-task, work independently, and have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs. This position is in Austin, Texas. Required travel is approximately 50%.

If interested please send a resume to Will Collier at wcollier@sffma.org or call 512-454-3473 ext902

80th Legislative Session - HUGE wins for all SFFMA members!
By T*Flag chairman Steve Purdue

The State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals Association of Texas is proud to announce this list of achievements that you, the Texas Firefighter, achieved during this session of the Texas Legislature. These are the bills that SFFMA worked hard on, and supported throughout the session:

This remarkable success in bill passage is because firefighters throughout the State decided to get involved and voice their opinions and needs to their legislators. We have said for years that the fire service is a sleeping giant. We proved it this session. The defeat of HB 1315 and the fact that the Plan A from the TSAFF never even got introduced proves that your voice is heard. The fact that HB 2868 which doubles funding for the HB 2604 from last session which was literally snatched from death by Representatives Keffer and Swinford and Senator Duncan prove that your voice has been heard. Now is the time to take heed of lessons learned and stay in contact with your legislative process.

Please take the time to write your State Senator and your State Representative a letter thanking them for the support during this session. We would also appreciate letters to Representatives David Swinford, Jim Keffer, Jim McReynolds and Phil King thanking them for their support. We also need letters to Senators Duncan and Hegar thanking them.

The time to begin planning for the 2009 Legislative Session is NOW. Invite your senator and representative to department functions such as banquets, family outings, schools, anything where your department is going to look good. Get them involved. Get them where they know you on a first name basis. It paid dividends for us in 2007 and it will pay even bigger dividends in 2009.

(5/22/07) We recently had a surprise visitor at the SFFMA state offices here in Austin. Who walked through the door other than 1961 Past President C.H. Boring! C.H. stopped by with members of his family on May 8th and got the grand tour of the state office. C.H. and his wife still reside in Honolulu and were here on the 'mainland' visiting. It was a thrill for us to see C.H. and his family, and for some of the staff it was the first time they had actually met him. We hope to see him again soon! (You can click on the photos below for larger pictures)

Fairfax, Va., May 9, 2007... This afternoon, the United States House of Representatives passed an amendment to H.R. 1684, the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 that would provide important employment protection for volunteer emergency services personnel. Specifically, the amendment would grant job security to volunteer firefighters and EMTs responding to a presidentially-declared major disaster or emergency for up to 14 days per calendar year. This amendment is based on the Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Personnel Job Protection Act (H.R. 1643), which was introduced by Representatives Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Michael Castle (R-DE), Peter King (R-NY) and others.

Upon learning of the House’s action, President Jim Harmes remarked, “This is a very positive first step for this important legislation and for America’s volunteer firefighters. We thank the cosponsors and supporters of this legislation for their efforts. These firefighters and EMS personnel should not have to worry about their jobs back home, when responding with their departments to national events like Hurricane Katrina.” President Harmes continued, “The IAFC will work with the Senate to ensure this language stays in the bill when it comes before that body for consideration and ensure its final passage.”

Currently, volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel are not protected against termination or demotion by their employers should they miss work when called upon to respond to a presidentially-declared emergency. Most volunteers hope to resume their work upon returning home without facing consequences from their employers. The protections passed today do not apply to self-dispatched emergency responders. Passage of the job protection language would strengthen mutual aid agreements, grant protection to volunteers and remove the threat of termination or demotion surrounding the issue of response.

Registration is now available for this year’s conference in Amarillo. Attendees may register online for the conference by clicking the link on the front page of the SFFMA website to access information concerning the conference.

All the information can be found by clicking the link on the website (which is circled below) at www.sffma.org

-Command and Control of Wildland Urban Interface Operations for Structural Firefighter

We look forward to seeing you there! Register online NOW by clicking HERE!

(4/16/07) There are a number of ways you can reward your volunteers, but the "gift that keeps on giving" is enrollment in the TESRS. This provides a guaranteed monetary benefit to your VFD member's when they retire. The benefit varies depending on participation level by your department.

The Texas Emergency Services Retirement System fund was created by the State of Texas in 1977 to finance a pension system for volunteer firefighters. The system is administered by the State of Texas through the Office of the Firefighters’ Pension Commissioner and is overseen by a state board of trustees. Over 175 departments around the state currently participate in the fund.

The agency administers the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System under the authority of the Title 8, Government Code, Subtitle H. Texas Emergency Services Retirement System. The System provides a cost-effective means for small volunteer departments to belong to a professionally managed fund for the benefit of their local volunteer fire and EMS personnel.

As the administrator of the system, the FFPC collects contributions of participating department members, invests the proceeds, calculates benefits, and issues payments to retirees and their beneficiaries.

(3/12/07) LEGISLATIVE DAY is Wednesday, March 21, 2007. This is a special day for Firefighters to recognize and honor their legislators and to be recognized. Schedule:

(3/12/07) This years Arson Conference will be held on March 18-23 at the Omni Southpark in Austin. You can find much more information on the conference at the link below.

(12/12/06) The SFFMA and PFFMA have teamed up with Tripp's Harley Davidson of Amarillo to bring you a fantastic raffle. We're offering the chance to win a 2007 Harley Davidson XL 883 Sportster Motorcycle for $5 per ticket.

The drawing will be held at the SFFMA Training Conference and Convention, June 12th 2007, in Amarillo. You do NOT have to be present to win!

You can purchase tickets from the SFFMA state office, or any of the PFFMA officers (a full list of officers and contact information can be found in the Decemeber issue of InfoFire, Page 8 - Get it here)

(12/12/06) The Refugio Volunteer Fire Department is currently accepting monetary donations which will be applied to the collection set aside regarding the shaving of Vic Einspahr's beard and head. This long time Beeville firefighter and friend of the fire service and supporter of MDA has unwillingly agreed to have his beard and head shaved at the SFFMA Planning Convention in Amarillo in January, 2007. '

The catch is that we must raise $5,000 before the January 27th, 2007 SFFMA Planning Conference to get him in the barber's chair, and all the proceeds will go to MDA. We are writing to you to ask that you ask all departments state wide to contribute to this cause and help us make that and more if at all possible. We realize that many departments have their own causes and we do not wish to reduce any amount of importance from those causes but if you could help us get the word out that would be great in itself. If there are any additional questions please contact Chief Don Pullin at (361)526-2119.

Make checks payable to: Refugio VFD / MDA
Mail to: Refugio V.F.D., P.O. Box 398 Refugio, Texas 78377-0398

At last weeks Consortium meeting, Mike Higgins of TSAFF (Texas State Association of FireFighters) introduced two proposals relating to the regulation and registration of the fire service of Texas and/or the re-structuring of the Commission on Fire Protection to do away with the volunteer firefighter representation on the commission.

Under the column “Individual Archives” scroll to the 8/14/06, and you will see LBB Joint Budget Hearings, Commission on Fire Protection. Click on it and watch the meeting or just go to the time clock and advance the meeting to the 1:27:14 mark to go to his comments.

Proposal “A” for legislation is for the full regulation of the fire service of Texas to be registered and certified under TCFP rules.

Proposal “B” is for the restructuring of the Commission to do away with the two SFFMA representatives, the fire engineer position and a civilian position. Also, included in this proposal is to transfer the Fire Department Emergency Funding Board, assets, etc to TFS or A&M.

We are taking these proposals very seriously as they would have a significant impact to each department in Texas. We are taking input from our members and will be discussing this and counter legislative proposals at the upcoming board meeting.

Please feel free to email Steve Purdue (sperdue@mesh.net) or I your thoughts or comments.

Zavalla VFD loses station, equipment, and apparatus
(10/25/06) The Zavalla VFD has lost most of its’ equipment and apparatus due to an afternoon fire that destroyed the fire station. More information about the firemay be found at: http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=51693&sectionId=46

A relief fund has been established to help the Zavalla Volunteer Fire Department rebuild. Cash donations are being accepted at any Huntington State Bank or via mail at Huntington State Bank P.O. Box 500 Zavalla, TX 75980 Phone: 936-897-9023 (Molina). Donations of Equipment and supplies are being coordinated through Zavalla City Hall. Call 936-897-3311 or 936-897-8209.

This VFD needs our help and we encourage other SFFMA department members to make contact to provide some assistance.

Long time friend and association member Wayne Popp passes away

(9/22/06) It is our very sad duty to report that long time association friend and member Wayne Popp passed away on Friday. Wayne was very active in the SFFMA and known and loved by everyone. Our hearts and prayers go out to Wayne's wife Shirley, and all of his family. He will be missed. Wayne's Funeral will be at the Hilje St. Andrews Catholic Church on Highway 59 (between El Campo and Louise) at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26th.

"LOUISE - Wayne E. Popp, 63, of Louise, died Friday, Sept. 22, 2006. He was born Dec. 1, 1942, in El Campo, to Willie "Bill" and Ruby Popp of Louise. He was a member of St. Procopius Catholic Church, graduate of Louise High School, served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, lifetime member of UFOO #2786, American Legion Post #251, Elks Lodge, 100 Club of Wharton County, lifetime member of Wharton County Youth Fair in which he served on the board of directors and executive board, El Campo Chamber of Commerce, Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce, WCWCD #1, Wharton County FFA, GFFMA, SFFMA, Men's Softball Association, 28 years with the Louise Volunteer Fire Dept., lifetime member of VFW Post 2786, Citizen of Year Award from Wharton County Sheriff's Association, Louise Citizen of the Year 1991 and founding director of El Campo Girls Softball Associaition.

Survivors: daughters, Robin Sless and Kendra Charbula, both of Louise and Peanut Lipinski of Hallettsville; adopted daughter, Lydia Dunbar of Victoria; and nine grandchildren."

Star of Texas Awards Presented by Governor Perry
(9/11/06) On the 5th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, Gov. Rick Perry

awarded the 2006 Star of Texas Award to 49 first responders for heroic sacrifice in the line of duty.

"September 11th instilled in us all a renewed sense of appreciation for all the men and women who are first upon the scene of tragedy," Perry said. "Today we pay special honor to the 49 men and women who have earned the 2006 Star of Texas Award for heroic sacrifice in the line of duty."

The Star of Texas Award was created by the Texas Legislature in 2003 to honor Texas' first responders. Awards are issued annually for each peace officer, firefighter, and emergency medical first responder who is seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.

"On behalf of 23 million Texans, I offer the salute of a people forever in your debt," Perry said. "As thousands of Texans who have had their prayers answered in their hour of need can testify, every peace officer, every fire fighter and every emergency medical team member has earned our respect and admiration."

"We will never forget the bravery of the Americans who are willing to lay down their lives to save lives," Perry said. "Today, we give thanks for the invaluable service our first responders provide, and we will celebrate the freedom, health, and security they help provide everyday we are blessed to breathe the air of freedom."

SFFMA Members invited to "Into the Fire " Documentary Sneak Preview

Fireman's Fund has joined forces with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to raise money for underfunded departments via fundraising events, online donations, T-shirt and film memorabilia sales and DVD sales in conjunction with "Into the Fire". More information is available at Firemen's Fund "Into the Fire" Website.

A special sneak preview of the film will take place at the Fire Rescue International (FRI) trade show in the Dallas Convention Center Theatre at 3 p.m. on Friday, September 15th. All SFFMA members are invited to attend.

If you are attending the FRI trade show you should receive a free ticket to the screening in your welcome packet. If you need additional tickets please visit the Fireman's Fund booth at FRI and they will provide them or click the picture of the ticket in this article and print the ticket displayed.

Have an Exit Strategy Campaign Rolled out by SFMO

The State Fire Marshal's Office and the Texas Fire Service Consortium are supporting "Have an Exit Strategy" (HAES) as the theme for the 2006 Fire Prevention Week. This campaign features a simple, yet powerful message to Texans: always locate a second exit when entering a public place. In addition, the campaign will encourage business owners to ensure that all exits on their properties are clearly marked and freely accessible. For full details visit the HAES website at: www.haveanexitstrategy.com

Delivering effective fire prevention messages such as this can save not only civilian lives but also the lives of the dedicated firefighters in your communities who risk their lives for others. We appreciate your continued support of this campaign as we spread this important safety message throughout Texas.

The SFFMA encourags fire departments to work with local business owners to make sure all local ordinances are folowed with regard to public fire safety, especially exit egress issues.

TCFP Basic Fire Investigator Changes / Teex Class Available

(11/7/06) The SFFMA and Teex want to make you aware that the TCFP as of 1/1/07 will no longer allow the Fire/Arson Investigation Certification course to be taught in phases. There are approxiamtely 70 to 100 volunteer personnel out there that will need to either finish the program prior to January 1 or they will have to start over again with the new program. The new program is 150 hours and five weeks in length that will have to be taken all at one time.

Because of these changes TEEX is putting on one final Basic Fire Investigator Class in College Station before the deadline. Please click HERE to view a flyer on the course or visit the TEEX website at www.teex.com

Congratulations to Gerald Matheaus from Needville VFD!

Belated congratulations go out to Gerald Matheaus from Needville VFD on receiving the only annual Lifetime Achievment award presented for 2006 by the 100 Club. The awards ceremony took place in May of this year. This is a fantastic honor and the SFFMA congratulates Gerald and his family.

The 100 Club was organized in 1953 by Leopold L. Meyer, Ray R, Elliot, R.H. Abercrombie, William A. "Bill" Smith and Jim "Silver Dollar" West. One hundred people who contributed $100 each formed the initial base. Today membership exceeds 22,000.

To date, over $23,921,000 has been collected and dispersed to surviving dependents, for special equipment, to educate officers, and to award outstanding officers and firefighters. To date, The 100 Club has provided families with gifts in excess of $7,500,000.

TFA A&M Golf Tournament results - Better late than never!
On July 22, 2006 the A&M Golf Tournament – benefiting the Texas Firemen’s Auxiliary was held at the Bryan Municipal Golf Course. The results are as follows:

Longest Drive – Helmets
1) 19’ 5” – Justin Weaver
2) 45’ 4” – Matt Graves
3) 62’ 2” – Justin Wilcox
1st Place – Team #5 1) Kurt Kresta 2) Chris Record 3) Kyle Kresta 4) Dustin Weaver
2nd Place – Team #1 1) Chad Tye 2) Mike Seagraves 3) Chip Eaton 4) C. C. Seagraves
3rd Place – Team #18 1) Darrel Rust 2) Jesse Contreras 3) Will Maddox 4) Michael Pratt
10th Place – Team #9 1) Chad Chadwick 2) Mike Hill 3) Jim Thomas 4) Jonathan Brown
15th Place – Team #12 1) Jim Murray 2) Ricky Guzman 3) Brandon Hill 4) J.R. Gregory
20th Place – Team #14 1) Joe Raska 2) Aaron Ruback 3) Kris Cole 4) Mike Denning
Last Place – Team #2 1) Bob Collins 2) Jeffrey Thompson 3) Billy Dalmolin 4) Matt Grave

This was a half scholarship, half player pot. Total pot was $528, and the winner Jesse Contreras received $264. Everyone had a great time. We thank everyone who attended and especially the tournament sponsors!

A Great Fire Rescue International Deal - Destination Dalls!

Don’t miss FRI 2006 in Dallas, Texas on September 15-16! Plan your trip to FRI today and get this amazing offer to attend at NO expense! The IAFC is proud to offer the Texas fire service the “Destination Dallas” package – an exclusive gift that includes the following:

• 1 FREE General Session admission – featuring keynote speaker: NASCAR legend Rusty Wallace (Friday 8:30 am)

• 1 FREE access to the Challenges Networking Roundtable – an open forum to exchange ideas, gripes and best practices with your peers (Saturday 10:45 am)

• Great prizes and giveaways, networking reception, job fair, education sessions and more... all on the exhibit floor.

• 1 FREE $8 lunch voucher at good at six different restaurants on the FRI exhibit floor • A dinner reward to be used at one of seven restaurants in downtown Dallas

• And you will be entered in a drawing to win a FREE weekend night stay at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel in the executive suite with breakfast for two and a round of golf for two at the Tribute Golf Club. (Prize drawing will be conducted in advance of FRI. Check the onsite prize board for winner announcements.)

The deadline for this special offer is Monday, August 28 or when packages run out. A confirmation email will be sent out with further instructions at that time. Take advantage of this special offer to network and learn at the premier fire service event! We look forward to seeing you in Dallas on September 15-16!

343 Memorial Climb - September 23'rd

The State Firemen's and Fire Marshal's Association is excited to announce that we are joining with the Fallen Heroes Family Support Fund (FHFSF) to raise money for our very own JC Swadley Fund (Fire Programs Institute). The FHFSF hosts the 343 Memorial Climb. This will be their second year. "We have $2,343 to donate from our 2005 fundraising effort and hope to donate much more from this year's event. " said Laura Carman, director of the Fund and the event. "We really like what you do and that you support both the paid and volunteer fire fighters of Texas. We are honored to help all of you and your families," said Carman. The 343 Memorial Climb will be held at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas on Saturday, September 23. Named in honor of the 343 firefighters who were lost in the World Trade Center disaster on September 11, 2001, the 343 Memorial Climb will feature a relay race by teams of 4 fire fighters from all across Texas, a public stair climb and Red Cross blood drive. For team registration and more information, visit www.343memorialclimb.com.

Annual Municipal School Registration Opens

The Texas Engineering Extension Service invites you to participate in the 77th Annual Municipal School, to be conducted at the world famous Brayton Fire Training Field in College Station, Tx. Schools dates are July 23-28, 2006. The Municipal School has implemented numerous course updates and program changes. All personnel and departments are encouraged to review the course descriptions and changes made to the Municipal School program. Course descriptions and changes are listed on the Municipal School website. The updates and course revisions follow NFPA and SFFMA training requirements and certification program guidelines. Annual School information is located at: www.teex.com/annualschools. Click on the Industrial or Municipal link for school information and the registration form. Personnel must fill out the registration form and submit it to ESTI/TEEX College Station with payment. The vendor exhibit show will be held at Reed Arena on Sunday, July 23rd. For vendor booth space information contact Ms. Stephanie Thompson / ph. 979.458.4108 / stephanie.thompson@teexmail.tamu.edu For information on the many course offerings by TEEX call 979.845.7641 / 866.878.8900 or check the web at: www.teex.com

FREE Fire Team USA Fire Protection Planning Seminar in Austin! - Fire Team USA invites you to participate in a FREE informational seminar and workshop on planning fire protection for yourcommunity. This informational and training seminar will explore current public policy,how community planning affects fire protection, fire prevention efforts currently underway, and how fire sprinkler legislation can assist in the future quality of life in our communities. The seminar will also explore opportunities that exist for grants to assist local communities with their fire protection efforts.

Please, gather up your team and join us for the future of your community and our state. FireTeam USA would like a fire chief, fire marshal, an elected or appointed official, and the building official from every county and city in the state to participate. Their website, www.fireteamusa.com will has the latest information and more details on the conference. You will be able to register online and they will take care of the rest! If you do not have internet access, and would like a paper registration form, please call us at 615-533-0305.

Who is invited to attend: Each community has four seats with suggested stakeholders being:

The Fire Team USA seminar will take place July 12th & 13th in Austin Texas at the Red Lion Hotel at Highway 290 & IH35.

Fire Team USA is a special day and a half informational and training conference on fire protection for your community. All you have to do is coordinate your team, sign up, and show up!

Accommodations, training, and information is provided free of charge, sorry, no travel reimbursement or stipends. Registration is handled when you log on to www.fireteamusa.com and register. They will make your hotel arrangements and provide you with a confirmation and details. If you are close to the Fire Team USA site, simply select the button that designates no hotel room needed, let us know you will commute!

Fire Team USA is partnering for public policy with a focus on cooperating for quality communities. This seminar is an initiative to bring fire marshals, fire chiefs, elected officials, building officials, and other stakeholders from communities across your state and region together to learn and share fire prevention methods and alternatives that affect our quality of life. Some communities bring insurance agents, sprinkler contractors, water purveyors....all of this is decided by where you are in the process.

Fire Team USA is a partnership between the Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors Association and the National Fire Sprinkler Association that addresses the economics of various fire safety issues within communities across the United States, including residential fire sprinkler ordinance adoption.

HB 2604 covers cost of SFFMA Training Conference & Convention! - Did you know that HB 2604 training grant funds from the Texas Forest Service are available to cover your registration fees for the SFFMA Training Conference & Convention in Waco? This basically means that attendance is fully reimbursed for qualified applicants! Classes available include:

You can fill out and fax (if paying by credit card) or mail your registration form, and learn more about HB 2604 funds (and apply for reimbursement) here.

The conference is being held from June 9 – 14 at the Waco Convention Center (100 Washington Ave). Don’t let this opportunity slip by!

SFFMA Online Improved! - SFFMA recently changed hosting providers to improve the performance and memory of SFFMA Online. Users using the site should no longer get error messages when performing progress reports or updating departmental records.

Firefighters urged to report near-miss incidents on firefighternearmiss.com - When firefighters experience near-miss incidents, the lessons learned may never go further than their own firehouse kitchen table. But now, a new program will allow firefighters to share their lessons learned with other firefighters from around the country. Click here to read more.

The NIMS National Standard Curriculum: Training Development Guidance outlines the system’s ICS concepts and principles, management characteristics, organizations and operations, organizational element titles and recommendations for a model curriculum. It also provides an evaluation checklist for content that may be used to make sure that ICS training meets the “as taught by DHS” standard.

The model NIMS ICS curriculum organizes four levels of training – ICS-100, Introduction to ICS; ICS-200, Basic ICS; ICS-300, Intermediate ICS; and ICS-400, Advanced ICS. ICS training provided by the Emergency Management Institute, the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard follow this model.

According to the NIMS Integration Center emergency management and response personnel already ICS trained do not need retraining if their previous training is consistent with the DHS standard. This would include courses managed, administered or delivered by the Emergency Management Institute, the National Fire Academy, NWCG, USDA, EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard, the NIMS Center said.

NIMS Compliance and Day-to-Day Operations

The NIMS Integration Center has received a number of questions recently asking if organizations must use National Incident Management System (NIMS) concepts and principles in day-to-day emergency operations versus only during major incidents involving federal participation.

The requirement to adopt and implement NIMS and ICS means NIMS and ICS for incident management every day. Those who don't are not NIMS compliant.

The intent of Homeland Security Presidential Directive/HSPD-5, which ordered the development of the NIMS, is clear: "The objective of the United States Government is to ensure that all levels of government across the Nation have the capability to work efficiently and effectively together, using a [single, comprehensive] national approach to domestic incident management."

The point is that all responders at all levels use the same organizational structures, terminology, procedures and systems all the time. The idea is to achieve interoperability among jurisdictions and
disciplines. Those who do not train for, exercise and use NIMS and ICS in their day-to-day operations will not be able to integrate their activities into a system they do not know, haven't practiced and don't use.

To underscore the importance of the nationwide adoption of NIMS, the Department of Homeland Security has directed that all federal preparedness assistance to states and local jurisdictions be tied to compliance with the requirements of NIMS. Beginning Oct. 1, 2005, all recipients of federal preparedness funds must adopt and use NIMS as a condition for the receipt of FY06 preparedness assistance funding. This does not just include funds from the Department of Homeland Security;
it includes preparedness funds from all federal departments and agencies, although there is no linkage between post disaster assistance funds and NIMS compliance. Specific preparedness grants will outline the requirements for eligibility in the grant language.

A preliminary list of affected federal preparedness grant programs is listed on the NIMS Integration Center's Web page at www.fema.gov/nims. The NIMS Integration Center has made this preliminary list available to help state and local entities identify funding streams that may be affected in connection with NIMS implementation requirements. The listing should not be considered a definitive list of federal preparedness grants and agreements. For more information about NIMS see our Web page at www.fema.gov/nims.
Questions? Ask the NIMS Integration Center at NIMS-Integration-Center@dhs.gov, or 202-646-3850.

“Walk of Honor” National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Nation Memorial Park , Emmitsburg MD

To insure every fire station in the United States is represented and honored with an inscribed brick at the “Walk of Honor”.

To support the families and associates of the fallen by funding the Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Money from brick donations help comfort those who have suffered a loss.

Our goal is for every fire station in the United States to be honored with a brick. Tax deductible donations are $249.99 per brick. You will receive a customized certificate recognizing your support.

In order to view this you will need to have Microsoft Power Point on your computer.
(Click here to view this Campaign) (11/01/04)

SFFMA License Plates - Volunteer Firefighter License Plates
New Texas License Plate "Certified Firefighter"

To acquire this plate complete the attached Application for Certified Firefighter Plates
(Just click here for Application)
(Just click here for more info on plates)

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER LICENSE PLATES: REMAKE PROCEDURE

If the customer's current plates are less than 5 years old, customer must send the statutory $4.00 fee along with a written remake request to: Texas Department of Transportation, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division (SPB), Austin, TX 78779-0001. The plates will be manufactured with the same license number and mailed to the tax office in the customer's county of residence. The customer will be notified when the new plates have been ordered and advised as to when to expect them to arrive at his/her county tax office. When the new plates are issued at the county, the county will collect an additional $5.30 replacement fee ($6.30 in counties with population of 50,000 or more); the county will reset the RTS plate age to 0 (zero). *

If customer requests a remake and the plates are at least 5 years old, the plates can be remade at no charge to the customer. The customer can call the Special Plates Branch (SPB) at (512) 374-5010, or write to the above address, to request that the plates be remade. In this scenario, the plates are sent from TDCJ to SPB and mailed directly from SPB to the customer. SPB will reset the RTS plate age to 0 (zero). *

J. C. Swadley, from Grand Prairie, and President of the SFFMA in 1953, left a portion of his estate to the SFFMA Fire Programs Institute 501(c)(3) Fund. Chief Swadley was a long time supporter of the Association and will long be remembered for his sweet spirit and loving demeanor.

The Executive Board voted unanimously to name the Fire Programs Institute Fund, the J.C. Swadley Fund and the proceeds from his estate were placed in that Fund. These funds will be used to support training, education, the State Capitol Memorial Ceremony, and other programs to benefit SFFMA members.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Fund can do so in memory or in honor of a loved one, a fallen firefighter, relative or friend. Contributions can be sent to: J.C. Swadley Fund, SFFMA, 4450 Frontier Trail, Austin TX 78745. Acknowledgement will be sent by the SFFMA staff to the family whose loved one was honored. (11/17/04)