The Friday Report
  June 7, 2024
MEMBER NEWS
All IAFC members should have received their emailed ballots for this year’s election, which opened on May 14, from the email address noreply@directvote.net. Please check your spam folder to ensure the ballot did not end up there. If you did not receive a ballot or are having trouble voting, we recommend you contact support@directvote.net, and for any IAFC-specific questions, you can reach out to elections@iafc.org.

Mobile Incident Command & Response Solution.
Tablet Command®
Tablet Command is a mobile incident command and response solution that increases situational awareness, speeds incident response, streamlines incident management and improves firefighter accountability. With Tablet Command -- a complete MDT replacement with features tailored to the needs of the Fire Service -- an incident commander can tap and drag responding apparatus onto an emergency scene, track progress against checklists, and time-stamp every maneuver throughout an incident.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

TPCA’s Officer Safety Committee, in a joint effort with the Risk Pool, provides training related to resiliency and critical incident interventions on a regular basis around the state. The content is broad enough to apply to all first responders and other departments that work in challenging environments that might take a toll on the employees. There is no charge to attend these programs and attendees do not have to be a member of the Risk Pool. Registration is required so we can account for all attendees.


Aug. 21 | Harlingen
Resilience Strategies for First Responders (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

For the most comprehensive fire training available, fire professionals choose the Annual Texas Fire Training Schools. Each year, thousands of fire service personnel from municipalities and industry participate in intensive, weeklong open-enrollment courses. Choosing to train during any of the fire schools enables participants to acquire new skills, meet with peers from around the globe, make new connections in the fire industry and to gain confidence from the best in hands-on emergency response training.

The TXFD Facilities Conference gathers Teas fire department logistics and facilities maintenance peers, professionals and planners, as well as leading industry consultants from around the state and beyond to discuss facilities best practices, innovations, renovations, and maintenance challenges specific to fire stations and to Texas. Please register and book hotels as soon as possible, as space is limited! 

Presented by 1st Responder Conferences in Partnership with First HELP and ICISF, Inc. and co-hosted by the Cypress Creek Fire Department, this training is for current and retired first responders, police, fire, military/veterans, corrections, dispatchers, chaplains, spouses, professional staff, clinicians, and all who work in the public safety field.

This multi-faceted two-day seminar and networking event is designed to improve the mental health and wellness of first responders by discussing the real issues that first responders and their families are currently facing. Our conference will provide awareness, resources, and action items to combat PTSD/PTSI, depression, suicide, addiction, stress, and overall mental health.

Martinez Architects, LP
LAWS Systems
INDUSTRY NEWS
SOURCE: FireRescue1
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) urges fire and EMS personnel to review the proposed standard, understand its potential impact on their communities, and prepare their comments for OSHA.

SOURCE: Wildfire Today
The National Weather Service forecasts the onset of the first significant heatwave in the Western U.S., with temperatures expected to remain above normal for several days.

Industry’s First Fluorine Free Foam Guide
National Foam, Inc.®
National Foam, a recognized leader in fluorine free foam concentrates, has developed the industry’s first fluorine free foam guide as a comprehensive reference guide for professional firefighters. The guide outlines the basic characteristics and types of firefighting foam as well as application hardware and proper application techniques. Order your free digital copy today. 
www.nationalfoam.com/sfff-guide/
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TEXAS STATE NEWS
SOURCE: CBS 10 KWTX
“Each of these individuals brings a unique set of skills, extensive experience, and a profound commitment to public safety. The search committee and I look forward to engaging with Mr. Chris Perez, Mr. Scott Walker, and Mr. Richie Quintero during the final stages of our selection process,” said City Manager Bradley Ford.

SOURCE: Texas Metro News
“It is a privilege to serve the City of Dallas and its residents. I look forward to working with my colleagues in a new capacity, building on our successes to continue to innovate and enhance our public safety operations,” said Chief Artis.

SOURCE: ABC 3 KBTX
“I am deeply humbled to serve in my own community and look forward to working with, not only the members of the fire department but the City of Brenham, as a whole,” Brenham Fire Chief Mark Donovan said.

SOURCE: Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM)
Following a series of informational training sessions, educational workshops, and networking opportunities at the Texas Emergency Management Conference last week, TDEM announced a record-setting turnout for the largest emergency management conference in the country.

Delta Fire & Safety
HED Architects
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE NEWS

TFCA is interested in learning about your legislative interests and concerns. Please take a moment to give us your thoughts on what the legislative committee can begin to develop as a list of topics. You can submit as many topics or issues as you would like, but please submit a new form for each topic so we can adequately capture and track the information.

The approach to the interim session is as follows:

  1. Update our relationships with elected officials and re-establish a formal scope of work.
  2. Educate members on local impact and advocacy.
  3. Gather the membership's interests and concerns in order to develop a TFCA prioritization list and focus for the session in 2025. The committee's recommendation for TFCA's 2025 89th legislative prioritization list will be presented to the TFCA executive board and membership for approval sometime between August and September 2024.

Click Here for the Questionnaire

TCFP UPDATES

Accepting Applications for TCFP's Health & Wellness Committee

The Health & Wellness Committee of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection plays a critical role in promoting and safeguarding the physical and mental well-being of firefighters across the state. As a committee member, you will contribute to the development and implementation of strategies aimed at enhancing the health, safety, mental wellness, and overall quality of life for Texas firefighters.  The deadline to apply is June 17. Click here to learn more.

DEADLINE: Fire Marshal Exam

The special temporary provision (a.k.a. the grandfathering period) during which you can take the fire marshal certification exam without first having to take an approved course is coming to an end. If you haven't scheduled your fire marshal exam yet, please submit your application right away.

You must apply to take the exam by Aug. 1, 2024, and you must take the exam by Aug, 30, 2024. If you miss the Aug. 1 application deadline, you must take and pass an approved course before you can apply to take the exam.

For more information, see the full announcement on TCFP’s website. If you have additional questions, contact testing@tcfp.texas.gov

Registration Open for Upcoming Regional Meetings

TCFP offers “regional meetings” throughout the year in a variety of locations around the state. These meetings are opportunities for members of nearby fire departments and other regulated entities to meet some of our staff in person. We want to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and give timely updates related to commission news. In addition, through a partnership with TEEX, CE will be awarded for your attendance at these meetings. 

For a list of all upcoming meeting dates, visit the Regional Meetings webpage.

TML NEWS
This update covers the following:
  • Texas Primary Runoff Results
  • Resolutions for the 2024 TML Annual Conference
  • DOJ Issues Final Rule Regarding ADA Accessibility for City Websites and Mobile Apps
  • EPA to Host PFAS Chemical Rulemaking Briefing for City Officials
  • USDA Holds Webinar in Advance of Next Round of Broadband Technical Assistance Funding
  • Federal Infrastructure Bill Update

Clear Launches New Service for Fire Departments
Clear Career Professionals, LLC®
Unlock your team's potential with our specialized fire department recruitment solutions. From sourcing top-tier fire department executives to interim placements and finely-tuned promotional assessment centers, we ensure the best fit for your department's success. Trust our tailored approach to match your department's unique needs, ensuring optimal performance and exceptional service delivery. Let us ignite excellence in your firefighting force!
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TEEX NEWS

 Fire Officer III

 June 17-21 | Round Rock

 Fire Officer IV

 Aug. 12-16 | Round Rock


For course descriptions and current schedule, location, and registration information, see the individual course pages on the TEEX website.

On Duty Health
Komatsu Architecture
FIRE LAW BLOG
  
In this episode of Fire Law Roundup, hosts Brad and Curt discuss various legal cases, including a lawsuit filed by a former paramedic in Nashville alleging retaliation for reporting jail staff's failure to adhere to medical transport laws, a wrongful termination lawsuit over social media posts, a lawsuit by a California IAFF local claiming retaliation for raising concerns about fire department mismanagement, and a religious discrimination lawsuit by a Lifeguard Captain in the Los Angeles County Fire Department for being required to raise the Progress Pride Flag.

HONORING OUR CRAFT
  
Taking place each year during the third full week of June, Safety Stand Down highlights critical safety, health, and survival issues for fire and emergency services personnel. Departments are asked to suspend all non-emergency activities during the week to focus their attention on safety and health education efforts. A week is provided to ensure that all duty shifts can participate.

This years' theme focuses on the important role training plays in a department’s success and building the right foundation for a department-specific training program. Each day will cover a different topic within the theme, including back to the basics, assessing department and community needs, safety during training, health considerations, and the 12 foundations of fire department training.

LEADERSHIP
  
Leadership is essential to the day-to-day operations and future potential of every volunteer fire department. Identifying, training, and empowering strong leaders is central to departmental success. Join IAFC on June 11 to hear about one region's effort to modify a program developed for career staff to serve and meet the needs of volunteer departments. This webinar equips you with the knowledge and tools to develop and implement a similar leadership program tailored to your department's unique needs, ensuring its practicality and relevance to your role.

Project Leadership, Planning and Management
FDCS®
Helping North Texas Municipalities with ground up construction, remodels and additions of Fire Stations, Police Sub-Stations, Libraries and City Government Centers.
 
If your community is experiencing rapid growth, has limited resources, looking for a better way, or stuck in the mindset of “we’ve always done it that way”, let FDCS help take your project to the next level of success.
For more information, please visit our website
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