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 MEMBER NEWSSOURCE: Lucas Strough, Kilgore News Herald The Texas Workforce Commission awarded two Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants in the East Texas area, one of which was awarded to Kilgore College, to support career training. The college was awarded $279,296 to purchase safety equipment in the form of firefighting turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus systems. The equipment will help the college to initially provide 130 students with real-world fire-scenario training in the safest possible environment. The equipment funded through these grants will be used to train more students in the future. JET grants from the Texas Workforce Commission "provide funds to eligible entities to purchase and install equipment necessary for the development of career and technical education (CTE) courses or programs that lead to a license, certificate or post-secondary degree in a high-demand occupation."
SOURCE: Lake Cities Sun Corinth Fire Chief Chad Thiessen recently announced the promotion of Division Chief Greg Ward to Assistant Chief. Ward has been with the Lake Cities Fire Department since 1998 and has served as a firefighter, driver, captain and division chief. With over 20 years in fire services, Ward found his love for the fire service as an explorer with Plano Fire Rescue in early 1983. Ward will be responsible for managing fire operations and the emergency medical services for the department. "Greg has a genuine passion for the department and our community," said Thiessen. "He has proven to be an exceptional trainer and leader, and I know he will do a great job at working with our firefighters and strengthening our department."
SOURCE: WFAA-TV ABC 8 Dallas On Friday, April 29, former Argyle mayor and retired firefighter Don Moser, 56, died from cancer, which he had been battling since 2019. Moser started as a volunteer firefighter in Colleyville when he was 16 years old. He worked at the Bedford Fire Department for most of his career and retired at Westlake Fire Department in 2005. WFAA reported that Moser had previously said doctors believed it was caused by his occupation as a firefighter, specifically due to decades of exposure to carcinogens. Cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health concluded that firefighters face a 9% increase in cancer diagnosis and a 14% increase in cancer-related deaths, compared to the general U.S. population.
SOURCE: FOX 7 Austin The Cedar Park Fire Department celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 5. The incorporation of the Cedar Park Fire Department actually pre-dates the incorporation of the City of Cedar Park, according to the Cedar Park Fire Department website. "On May 5, 1972, a small but determined group of volunteers started the department with a used Ward La France Air Force crash truck, some donated bunker gear, and a lot of grit!" according to the website. At the time, Cedar Park's population was reportedly around 700, and there was only one traffic signal in town. There also was no emergency dispatch system — just a siren on top of a store, according to the fire department.
SOURCE: Victoria Advocate The Victoria Fire Department was once again named a Best Practices Fire Department by the Texas Fire Chiefs Association at the TFCA's annual conference, which was held in Waco on April 11-14. The designation recognizes fire departments that meet high standards in every area of job performance. The program evaluates fire departments' compliance with more than 117 best practices that cover all aspects of fire department management and services, including safety and health, professional standards and conduct, emergency medical service, fire prevention, risk reduction, community outreach, and administration and organization. The Victoria Fire Department, which has been a Best Practices Fire Department since 2018, is one of 30 departments statewide to hold this designation. The designation must be renewed every four years. In addition to the Victoria Fire Department, the following agencies have been re-designated as TFCA Best Practices Departments:
• Wylie • Webster • North Richland Hills • Red Oak • Rowlett • Coppell • Irving • South Montgomery County • Victoria • Keller • Belton
UPCOMING EVENTS*SOLD OUT* 2022 Spring Academy – Grapevine 2022 Fall Academy – San Marcos Follow the link below to register.
The 2022 TEM Conference is being held May 31-June 3 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. The conference attracts over 2,500 elected officials, first responders, emergency managers and decision-makers from across Texas and provides jurisdictions an opportunity to see and learn about innovative products and services from numerous organizations. The planning team is constantly monitoring the latest COVID-19 landscape. Any updates regarding the status of The Conference for 2022 will be updated here. The registration deadline is May 29. Follow the link below to register, become an exhibitor, nominate individuals for awards, view the schedule and submit presentation proposals.
INDUSTRY NEWSThe Taylor Honor Guard Academy teaches firefighters the fundamental elements of honor guard duties and includes instruction on the following topics: • Traditions and history of the honor guard. • Basic facing movements and drills. • Flag etiquette. • Color team. • Casket watch. • Casket movement. • Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force. • And more. Follow the link below for more information and to register.
TEXAS STATE NEWSIncreased fire weather conditions exist in parts of the state, including the Panhandle and West Texas, while an abundance of critically dry fuels, combined with high wind speeds and low humidity levels continue to support wildfire ignitions. Follow the link below to view updates about the ongoing Texas wildfires disaster. The TDEM website provides an overview of the ongoing disaster, offers resources for affected citizens and features an up-to-date wildfire map.
SOURCE: Tamlyn Cochran and Vanessa Garcia, KFDA-TV
Multiple crews responded to a fire near Masterson in Moore County on Monday. Dumas Fire Department says the fire is now under control and there are dozer and motor grader lines around the fire. Two coolant towers, four factory warehouses and six oilfields as well as tractor-trailers and a shed were lost in the fire. The Dumas Fire Department says firefighters were able to save over 40 other structures, including some homes, a school and a church.
SOURCE: Moriah Ballard, KPRC-TV, Houston Officials say they have rescued a 17-year-old who was swept away by a current in the San Jacinto River on May 8. According to firefighters with the Needham Fire Department, two males were reportedly in distress in the river. When firefighters arrived, they found one of the men who had gotten out of the water, while the other man was more than 100 yards away hanging onto a limb headed downstream. A firefighter was said to have gone after the teen and grabbed him just as the limb broke. That firefighter then reportedly swam with the teen to the opposite shore where Montgomery County Deputies and medics were waiting.
SOURCE: Jamel Valencia, KFOX-TV A body believed to be that of a missing hiker was found in Franklin Mountain on May 9. El Paso Combined Search and Rescue crews brought the body down the mountain sometime after noon, and the police department's Crimes Against Persons is investigating the man's death. The 46-year-old man had gone hiking in Franklin Mountain Saturday and was reported missing Sunday.
TCFP UPDATESThe Texas Commission on Fire Protection is holding an informational meeting on June 16 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Wichita Falls Fire Department, located at 710 Flood St. in Wichita Falls, Texas. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the TCFP staff and put a “name to the face” as well as network with other agencies. Agency Chief Mike Wisko and staff will be available during the meeting to discuss the many topics of the agency, with the first hour being agenda-driven and the second being an open-forum Q&A session. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP no later than June 3. Please RSVP and submit topics to appear on the agenda by sending an email to Tim Gothard. Through a partnership with TEEX, TCFP will now be offering CE hours for attendance at TCFP meetings. Please pre-register using the QR Code that can be found by following the link provided below.
TML NEWSWhile the TML Leadership Academy's Course I and Course II are sold out, the organization has a few upcoming events, trainings and webinars planned. Regional Meetings Region 15 May 19 5:30-8 p.m. Cajun Tex Hallsville, TX Region 9 May 26 Beverly Hills, TX Region 3 June 29 Lubbock Small Town Conference May 19-20 The Hangar Hotel 155 Airport Road Fredericksburg, TX Budget and Tax Rate Workshop May 20 Belton, TX June 30 Bastrop, TX Webinar: Build Effective City Council Relationships June 29 Follow the link below for more event details, including links to webinars.
This week's Legislative Update features information regarding a Supreme Court ruling that Boston violated the First Amendment when it refused to allow a flag, described as a Christian flag, outside city hall; the Railroad Commission's proposed emergency prioritization rules; the state Department of Housing and Community Affairs' recently announced Homeowner Assistance Fund; and updates on the state House and Senate Committee Interim Hearings.
TEEX NEWSIn 2004, teams of first responders from the United Kingdom came to Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) to train in urban search and rescue, including training on breaching, shoring and structural collapse. When the 7/7 terror attack hit London’s subway system with a series of bombs the following year, first responders used techniques they had learned at TEEX. London’s Fire Commissioner at the time, Sir Ken Knight, described on CNN the importance of the training first responders had received at TEEX: “We had taken the view that it was when rather than if, and had a high level of training in place, including a number of London firefighters that trained at Texas A&M for anti-terrorist activities. ... This day was the reality of that training.” This is just one profound example of the importance of TEEX’s global training. TEEX trains people around the world, thanks to its International Program, which became a stand-alone program in the mid-2000s. The International Program is a hub for all international training activities, organizing training, creating contracts and ensuring TEEX meets global customer needs. Click here for more information about the International Program or contact Brian Freeman. For questions in Spanish or for information about Spanish language training, contact Ulises Penalvar.
Fire Officer I June 6-10 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Round Rock Public Safety Training Center 2801 N. May St. Round Rock, TX Cost: $400 for Texas firefighters, $800 for out-of-state firefighters. This course is available to all members of volunteer, paid or part-paid fire departments of cities and industries who need or wish to obtain state or national certification in accordance with NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications Incident Safety Officer Aug. 8-12 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Potter County Fire Rescue Station 3 4150 N. Soncy Road Amarillo, TX 79214 Cost: $600 for Texas firefighters; $1,200 for out-of-state firefighters. This course is available to all members of volunteer, paid, or part-paid fire departments of cities and industries that need or wish to obtain state certification in accordance with NFPA 1521, Standard for Incident Safety Officer. Fire Officer III/IV Combination Aug. 22-Sept. 2 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Castle Hills Fire Department 209 Lemonwood Drive Castle Hills, TX 78213 Cost: $600 for Texas firefighters; $1,200 for out-of-state firefighters. This course is available to all volunteer, paid, or part-paid fire departments of cities and industries that need or wish to obtain state or national certification in accordance with NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications. Follow the link below and select the desired course to be taken to the registration page. Those with questions may contact Sean Fay by email or phone at 979-321-6215.
Kyle Field is a place typically reserved for Texas A&M University football and large game-day crowds. But on May 4-5, first responders used the facilities for emergency-response training that will benefit communities. Professionals from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and students in an advanced rope-rescue course used the football stadium to practice high-level rope rescue exercises. Rescuers had to figure out where they could set up the equipment needed to rescue mannequins suspended in the stadium. First responders commonly use these techniques in disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes or construction accidents. “Our props at TEEX facilities are designed to be used for training, but a football stadium is not," said TEEX Rescue Training Manager Matt Young. "Being in Kyle Field will present some unique challenges that may not arise in a manufactured training environment.”
FIRE LAW BLOG
In this week’s episode, the hosts discuss a larceny case involving a volunteer fire company in Pennsylvania; a drowning case in Maine; the discipline of a Jamaica firefighter protesting a schedule change; a ruling upholding Idaho’s firefighter cancer presumption law; and a California lawsuit alleging age discrimination, retaliation and whistleblower violations.
HONORING OUR CRAFTDallas Fire-Rescue will be hosting special events to honor and celebrate each member and their families as part of the department's 150th anniversary. With over 2,000 members, the department services 59 fire stations, which answer more than 800 responses per day and more than 600 incidents per day, or approximately 340,000 responses annually. On average, DFR conducts a total of 50,870 fire inspections for businesses and investigated 1086 fire incidents that resulted in property loss. With support, the department will be able to host three key events to commemorate this monumental achievement. Please consider donating in at least one of the four areas listed below to support our fundraising efforts: • Corporate Sponsor • General Donation • Raffle Prizes • Vendor Services • Vendor Booth DFR’s 150th Fourth of July – Appreciation Block Party July 4 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dallas Firefighter’s Museum 3801 Parry Ave. Dallas, Texas Donations and logos no longer accepted for this event. Fire Family Fall Festival – A DFR 150th Celebration Sept. 10 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dallas Fire Department Training Center 5000 Dolphin Road Dallas, Texas Donations and logos due by July 1. Dallas Fire-Rescue Awards Show – Commemorating 150 years Dec. 3 6-11 p.m. Location TBD Donations and logos due by Oct. 1. Click on the link below for additional details. And for more information contact: Adriana Gallegos, 972-904-9577; Stefani Salinas, 469-456-8669; or Chief Eric Beal, 469-323-5600.
SOURCE: NAEMT The coming week marks the 47th annual National EMS Week. In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation's communities. NAEMT partners with the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) to lead annual EMS Week activities. Together, NAEMT and ACEP are working to ensure that the important contributions of EMS practitioners in safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of their communities are fully celebrated and recognized. Theme Days: • Sunday: Health, Wellness and Resilience Day • Monday: EMS Education Day • Tuesday: Safety Tuesday • Wednesday: EMS for Children Day • Thursday: Save-A-Life Day (CPR & Stop the Bleed) • Friday: EMS Recognition Day Click here to learn about the many ways you or your organization can celebrate EMS Week, or follow the link below to view the joint ACEP-NAEMT press release.
The National Volunteer Fire Council is hosting a webinar titled "Traumatic Events: Building Resiliency and Support Systems in the Emergency Services" on May 18 from 2-3 p.m. As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, there is no better time to engage in a live discussion on ways to integrate resiliency and support systems into your department. Routine exposure to traumatic events can have long-lasting consequences on the well-being of emergency responders. Building resiliency and support systems into the department culture can help to mitigate these impacts and better assist responders in need. Hosts for this event are Richard Brown, NVFC Director; Ali Rothrock, CEO and lead instructor of On the Job and Off; Hersch Wilson, author, speaker and consultant; and Jared Meeker, former fire chief at the Lake Shore Fire Department (Rochester, New York) and 30 plus-year fire service veteran.
SOURCE: Firefighterclosecalls.com
One of the two Firefighters who were burned last month while battling a wildfire in the Oklahoma panhandle has died in the line of duty. Balko Firefighter Jason Smith died on May 8 after taking a sudden turn for the worse 33 days after the incident. Smith and fellow firefighter Tyler Morris were burned on April 5 when their truck rolled over in a ditch. The two were operating at the Beaver River Fire in Beaver County and were treated in the burn unit at University Medical Center in Lubbock. Smith was released from the hospital on April 19.
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