For those interested in issues related to preparedness, training, planning, communications and emergency response to public health and medical emergencies, please consider applying to be a member of the Preparedness Coordinating Council. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission executive commissioner will appoint members to the council to serve a term expiring Dec. 31, 2028, unless otherwise noted. 

TFCA members are encouraged to review Preparedness Coordinating Council Application for Membership application letter to see if they qualify for joining. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 16.

TFCA members are invited to participate in a survey regarding the causes, implications, and management of firefighter stress prepared by researchers at Oklahoma State University. The research team has done extensive work in this area, and their findings have led to positive changes in several departments.  This anonymous survey should take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete and includes one entry to into a drawing for a $100 Amazon e-Gift card.

Leading Into the Future
March 19-22, 2024 | Waco Convention Center

The Texas Fire Chiefs Association Annual Conference is the signature event of the Texas Fire Chiefs Association and is one of the state’s largest gatherings of fire chiefs, fire service leaders, and decision-makers.

The conference attracts hundreds of attendees from all regions of the state each year. Our attendees are fire chiefs, assistant fire chiefs, deputy chiefs, battalion chiefs, training officers, fire fighters, and city department executives who work together and get positive results. Come meet and network with top leaders in the fire service, learn from those who are foremost in their divisions who are winning awards and guiding others, and join in the tough discussions. Develop relationships which push through legislation and team up across borders to aid one another. Come witness and celebrate with those who have been called out and awarded valor and honor in the line of duty, and cheer for the one who has been nominated and will be name Fire Chief of the Year. You won’t want to miss it!

This high-energy program will address the hottest issues and challenges that company officers face in today’s Fire Service. Topics include communication, trust, ethics, diversity, generational challenges, CISM, accountability, and social media to name just a few. Dates and locations have been announced for all the Company Officer Symposiums in 2024.  Click the button below learn more and to register.

The Best Southwest Cities Emergency Management and Fire Training are hosting an Active Shooter Response Summit on March 6-7, 2024 at IBOC Church (7701 S Westmoreland Rd, Dallas, TX 75237). Police, Fire, Emergency Management, Dispatch, Hospital, ISD, and other public safety partners are invited to attend to hear firsthand from multiple agencies about active shooter incident response and recovery. The goal of this summit is to share lessons learned that attendees can put into practice in thier home agency to increase their preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities.
 

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.

This course was developed by Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc and the USDA Forest Service and will be hosted in partnership with Texas A&M Forest Service. Created for current or future mitigation specialists, wildfire program leads, and others who work with residents and their communities to reduce wildfire risk, the Mitigation Best Practices training covers everything from effective communication to strategic wildfire planning. You will come out with the tools to help you engage with local communities and target which prevention strategies are effective.

You and your significant other are invited to the Stronger Families: First Responder OXYGEN Couples Retreat, where you can savor some moments together, recharge, get expert input, and rekindle your love during these challenging times. This retreat includes one night at the Courtyard by Marriott San Antonio Seaworld-Westover Hills, two mid-day meals, and all sessions from the OXYGEN Program, a national program that has served over 80,000 from our U.S. Military & First Responder families. This is a great opportunity to get away together and gain some tools to make your relationship stronger!

SOURCE: NFPA
Firefighters face risks using elevators during fires due to automatic features malfunctioning, but safety measures like Phase I and II controls mitigate dangers.

SOURCE: 24/7 Wall St.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas ranks number 8 for states who pay firefighters the highest compensation, with a median annual salary of $66,780.

SOURCE: Fire Engineering
“With a career spanning several decades, Terry has consistently demonstrated his dedication to safeguarding lives, property, and communities,” said TIFMAS Chief ESF4 Coordinator Gabe Mahlum.

SOURCE: Crossroads Today
The City of Victoria held a swearing-in ceremony for George Gamez on Monday. Gamez brings 30 years of experience in fire fighting and rescue to his new role as Fire Chief.

SOURCE: CBS News
"Our foremost priority is supporting the wellbeing of our firefighters and their families in this difficult moment," said Fort Worth Fire Chief Jim Davis.

SOURCE: FOX 26 Houston
"There was no time to really process fear," Houston firefighter Corey Grant said as he described his experience fleeing a gunman. "It's, I have to get out of here, or I don't see my parents anymore."

This update covers the following:
  • Upcoming Texas Primary: Several Legislators Not Returning
  • U.S. Department of Labor Issues Final Rule on Employee or Independent Contractor Classification
  • IMLA Seeking City Survey Responses for Amicus Brief
  • 2024 City Tax and Budget Deadline Memos Now Available
  • NLC Holding Series of Free Federal Grant Bootcamps
  • Texas Restaurant Association Hosts Virtual Town Hall for Local Elected Officials
  • Deadline Approaching: Local Hotel Occupancy Reporting Requirements
  • Federal Infrastructure Bill Update

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup, hosts Brad and Curt discuss the settlement of two gender discrimination lawsuits, a case involving a who claims kayaker they were injured during a rescue, and three discrimination lawsuits, among other cases.

Randy Bruegman, former fire chief and founder of the Crucible Leadership Foundation, talks with Lee Ellis, the founder and president of leading with Honor and Freedom Star Media. His extensive experience includes flying 53 combat missions over North Vietnam and enduring over five years as a POW. In this podcast, he provides insights on  authentic leadership, balancing results with relationships, accountability, continuous learning, and adaptability for organizational growth.