An Inspiring Gathering of Fire Service Leaders in Waco

The Texas Fire Chiefs Association was proud to host the 2025 Annual Conference in Waco, Texas—an event that welcomed a record number of attendees and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, leadership, and ongoing professional development within the fire service community.

This year’s conference theme, Leading into the Future, guided a comprehensive agenda designed to address the evolving challenges and opportunities facing today’s fire service professionals. The conference featured a diverse range of keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and workshops focused on leadership development, operational excellence, mental wellness, and strategic innovation.

Attendees—ranging from experienced fire chiefs to emerging leaders—engaged in valuable discussions and training opportunities aimed at enhancing leadership capacity and fostering stronger, more resilient organizations. The event underscored the importance of adaptive leadership and highlighted the value of continued learning in a rapidly changing environment.

Celebrating Excellence - 2024 TFCA Award Winners

Each year, the Texas Fire Chiefs Association honors outstanding individuals and departments whose dedication, courage, and innovation elevate the fire service across the state. During the 2025 Annual Conference, we proudly recognized the 2024 TFCA Award Winners—exceptional leaders and teams who embody the spirit of service, commitment to community, and pursuit of excellence. Their achievements serve as powerful reminders of the impact strong leadership and unwavering dedication can have on the safety and well-being of our communities.

• Lone Star Achievement – Chief Kevin Hosler, Montgomery County ESD4

• Fire Safety - Spring Fire Department Community Risk Reduction Division

• Valor Award – Engineer Buddy Lemons, San Angelo Fire Department

• Fire Chief of the Year – Chief Kyle Taylor, Kyle Fire Department/HCESD5

Acknowledging Our Supporters

The success of the 2025 Annual Conference would not have been possible without the outstanding support of our exhibitors and sponsors. We are sincerely grateful for your continued partnership and dedication to strengthening the fire service across Texas.

We would also like to extend our deepest appreciation to the TFCA Board of Directors and the CMP planning team. Your vision, leadership, and tireless efforts played a critical role in the planning and execution of this year’s event. Your commitment ensures the TFCA Annual Conference remains a premier platform for connection, education, and professional growth.

We thank everyone who contributed to this year’s success and look forward to continuing our shared mission of advancing the fire service in the years ahead.

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.

Rick Randall Upcoming Training

May 7-8 
Texas City
Resilience Strategies for First Responders (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) 
Moving Right of the Bang: Critical Incident Early Intervention Strategies (8 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

June 3-4
Kenedy
Resilience Strategies for First Responders (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Moving Right of Bang: Critical Incident Early Intervention Strategies (8 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

July 9
Brenham
Resilience Strategies for First Responders (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

This update covers the following:

• Bills on the Move
• City Voices at the Capitol: Staying Engaged Through Grassroots Efforts
• Federal Infrastructure Bill Update

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