The Friday Report
  December 22, 2023
MEMBER NEWS

Interested in volunteering with the TFCA? We have several committees looking for those who are looking to serve. Click the button below to sign up and let us know which committees you may be interested in serving with.

 
   

The Texas Fire Chief’s Association is pleased to announce the release of the Basic Cancer Guide, created through the efforts of the TFCA Health and Safety Committee.  This guide provides essential knowledge about cancer terminology, risks, and prevention efforts in the fire service industry.  Utilize this guide to explore the basics of firefighter cancer, including best prevention practices, as well as to access resources for further research. 

The Texas Fire Chief’s Association (TFCA) is now accepting nominations for its Annual Awards. To select the honorees, each department will have one vote for each of the awards/achievements listed below.

Fire Chief of the Year
Please include the name of the individual and a detailed description of the reasons for your nomination. Please also include any supporting documentation you wish to submit as well as the nominee's contact information and your contact information.

Lone Star Achievement
Please include the name of the individual or organization you are nominating, their contact information, a description of the achievement as well as any supporting documentation relevant to the nomination. Please also include your name and contact information.

Fire Safety
Please include the name of the individual or organization you are nominating, their contact information, a description of the program as well as any supporting documentation relevant to the nomination. Please also include your name and contact information.

Valor Award
Please include the nominee's name, contact information, a brief description of the incident as well as your name and contact information. Newspaper clippings and media submissions should be sent as additional attachments.

Please submit your nominations and supporting materials by Jan. 12, 2024.

Click Here to Submit Nomination

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EIKON Consulting Group®
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UPCOMING EVENTS
This class is open to all fire service personnel who are considered Second in Command to their Head of Department. Attendees will tackle common challenges encountered in their position and will discuss innovations and strategies used in departments throughout Texas. Past history shows that these formal and informal conversations provide dynamic networking opportunities made possible by the diverse and talented professionals of the Texas Fire Service. Class size is limited so please make plans now to attend or send your staff who hold the Second in Command position.

  
Fire Department administrative staff carry a heavy burden. Without a strong administrative staff, organizations cannot achieve their full potential and operate efficiently. The goal of this conference is to provide position-specific training and development opportunities and to help connect FIRE/EMS administrative staff members enabling them to provide the highest level of support possible.

Presneted in Partnership with First H.E.L.P., co-hosted by the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office, and endorsed by the El Paso Fire Department, Cypress Creek Fire Department and Texas LODD Task Force, 1st Responder Conferences presents a multi-faceted two-day seminar and networking event for improving the mental health and wellness of our first responders. By discussing the real 21st Century issues our first responders and their families are continually facing, our conference will provide awareness, resources and action items to combat PTSD/PTSI, depression, suicide, addiction, stress, and overall mental health. The event will take place March 7-8, 2024 at the Wyndham El Paso Airport. Download the flyer and click the button below to register.

Martinez Architects, LP
LAWS Systems
INDUSTRY NEWS
SOURCE: NFPA
Thermal protective performance (TPP) tests are used to determine how well firefighter turnout gear will perform. Learn what the test measures and how to interpret the results.

SOURCE: Wildfire Today
Depending on where and how intensely they burn, wildfires can convert elements in soil into dangerous, cancer-causing heavy metals, new research from Stanford University reveals.

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
UNT Dallas is proud to offer a Bachelor’s of Applied Arts and Science degree in Emergency Services Administration that is 100% online.  We are recognized by the US Fire Administration as a program that utilizes their model curriculum.  Texas Fighter Tuition Exemption is available for qualifying students.  Students are able to transfer up to 84 credits.

Tami Kayea has been named the next Fire Chief of Sunnyvale Fire Rescue, becoming the first female fire chief in North Texas and one of only five in the state. Please join the TFCA in welcoming Chief Kayea to our ranks.

SOURCE: NBC 5 DFW
A recent fire resulting from an overheated lithium-ion battery inspires caution about electronic toys as Christmas gifts. 

SOURCE: Bluebonnet News
"Our living quarters were upgraded from eight beds to 20. The kitchen was renovated and we have new furniture throughout the building,” said Liberty Fire Chief Brian Hurst, detailing renovations that also included upgrades to the bathrooms and sprinkler system.

SOURCE: CBS News, Texas
After several instances this year of parents leaving school-aged children at Fort Worth Fire Departments, the city is making changes to preserve the intent of the Baby Moses law.

SOURCE: NM State KRWG Public Media
"A lot of the time we have to change our hats from that law enforcement hat, to that humanitarian hat. I have to go from that mindset of looking for people to make an arrest, to looking for people because they're in need and I need to rescue them," says Border Patrol Agent Fidel Baca.

iPlanTables
HED Architects

TML NEWS
This update covers the following:
  • TWDB Opens SWIFT Applications
  • EPA Invites Public Comment on New Lead and Copper Pipe Rules
  • Broadband Development Office Holding Series of Local Government Technical Assistance Webinars
  • Lt. Governor Appoints New Chair to Criminal Justice Committee
  • Federal Infrastructure Bill Update

Sounding the Alarm on Low Tire Pressure
Bellacorp, Inc.®
Fire Engines responding to calls expose tires to multiple hazards of glass, metal shards, screws and other tire puncturing road debris. Bellacorp, Inc. sells and supports commercial grade tire monitoring systems for fire trucks and big rigs. Full time/real time electronic monitoring from the cab ensures redundant safety checks for tires. Low pressure alarms alert personnel to sudden tire deflation in the field.
Learn More
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On Duty Health
Komatsu Architecture
FIRE LAW BLOG
  
In this episode of Fire Law Roundup, hosts Brad and Curt discuss a ruling that a firefighter employed by the city of San Francisco cannot sue a transit authority bus driver who is also employed by the city, a ruling that a fighter cannot later sue over wrongful termination after he resigned, a dispute over a nativity scene, and other cases.

HONORING OUR CRAFT
  
SOURCE: ABC 10 KFDA
“It started off with just some candy and some fruit and it’s grown to all of this. So every year, it just gets bigger and bigger,” says Cactus Fire Department Chief Tim Nicholson.

LEADERSHIP
  
SOURCE: Fire Engineering
In this podcast, former Texas fire chief Rick Lasky and retired Battalion Chief John Salka discuss visiting departments across the country, promotion practices in the industry, and appreciating time with family during the holidays.

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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