Promote, Unify, Represent and Educate the Fire Service of Texas |
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I hope everybody who attended the Conference in Lubbock has returned home safely. For those who were not able to attend, you missed a good one.
First, let me say I thank you for allowing me to serve as your President this year. It is an honor I take very seriously. I promise to do the best job I possibly can. With the help of the other Executive Board members, the Austin Staff and you the members we will make it a successful year.
I welcome new 4th Vice President Billy Tidwell to the board. I know you will be a very valuable addition. Our new Mascot Hannah Brown will do an excellent job for the members. She has hit the ground running and is already busy collecting money for MDA.
Again, I thank you for the opportunity to serve you. An excellent Executive Board has been installed and we are ready to work for you. Should any of you feel the need to discuss anything with me my number is 817-538-2313, or if you feel more comfortable using email contact me here.
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At their June meeting the Certification Board accepted the following changes to go into effect January 1, 2022:
1001: Firefighter I & II Instructional Skills Update
1001: Firefighter I & II Testing Skills Update
1002: Driver/Operator – Pumper and Aerial Testing Skills Update
1002: Driver/Operator – Wildland and Mobile Water Supply certifications
Links to the finalized documents to be posted on the site shortly.
Additionally, the Certification Board gave final approval to the following individuals for their Master Firefighter certifications:
Zone 03 San Felipe/Frydek FD Steven Anthony Silver
Zone 06 Pasadena FD Andrew Martinez Aleman
Zone 06 Pasadena FD Christopher Lloyd Ebdon
Zone 06 Santa Fe F/R David Allen Hefner
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SFFMA Recruitment and Retention Update |
Greg Redden of Adapt Management gave a SAFER grant update at our June business meeting in Lubbock. Here are some of the highlights:
- 181 recruitment banners/posters/flyers shipped to departments to date
- 3,088 volunteer firefighter applications since inception - estimated 15% actually join a VFD = 463 new recruits
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Spanish version website launched on May 1, 2021: bomberovoluntario.org
- SFFMA SAFER surveys revealed an average of 17.3 new recruit applications have been received since January 1, 2019. An average of 6.2 new recruits have been added in that same period.
- The quality of the recruitment kit materials was rated at an average of 9.2.
If you'd like to request a recruitment kit for your department, please complete this form. Click here to view the various kits that are available. See story below for an upcoming workshop at SFFMA headquarters.
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SFFMA Legislative Session Wrap-Up |
SFFMA had a very successful 2019 Legislative Session and looked to build on that success in 2021. Unbeknownst to anyone, we were heading into a Session during a global pandemic, shutdowns, and a canceled annual convention. With all the uncertainty, SFFMA took a more defensive than offensive approach this Session and looked to protect the progress in 2019 and for opportunities that might arise.
Throughout the course of the Session, we reviewed thousands of pieces of legislation. By the end of the period to file legislation you had a total of 6,927 bills filed, of which 1,073 passed, and a handful were vetoed by the governor. Of those 6,927 we tracked around 137 pieces of legislation, which consisted of legislation we supported, opposed, or wanted to keep an eye on just in case it changed during the process and adversely impact SFFMA and its members. Of the 137, 19 passed and 1 was vetoed by the governor making a total of 18 of the tracked bills that passed in some form or fashion.
Of the ones that passed, the one that is probably of most significance is HB 1069 by Representative Cody Harris of Palestine and Senator Brian Birdwell of Waco, which will go into effect September 1, 2021. HB 1069 relates to the carrying of a handgun by certain first responders. This provides the requirements that must be met to allow a first responder to carry a firearm while on duty, while also prohibiting ordinances that would prohibit the carry of a firearm. The bill also sets up the requirements for liability protections and training. Read on for more details and a list of TFLAG members.
View the presentation that was given at our meeting in Lubbock by J Pete Laney, including an updated 2604 disaster grants list including Winter Storm Uri.
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RECRUIT, RETAIN, and NETWORK with Fellow Company Officers!
You won't want to miss the NEW and IMPROVED Workshop featuring all-new segments.
· Dates: September 25-26, 2021
· Times: Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Sunday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
· Location: SFFMA Office
· Address: 707 W FM 1626 Austin, TX 78748
· Hotel Block: Hampton Inn Buda
*Per diem, applicable travel and lodging expenses will be reimbursed upon successful completion of the workshop, hold on to your lodging receipts! Click to learn more.
Chiefs Norvin Collins and Stacee Martin Will Be Teaching You How To:
· Market to New Potential Recruits · Fine-Tune Leadership Techniques · Motivate Your Current Emergency Responders · Incentivize Dedicated Service · Take Advantage of FREE Customized Marketing Materials
Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
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Grant Writing Course
The NVFC's course Grant Writing for the Fire and Emergency Services is being offered for free for a limited time thanks to MSA. The course educates fire and EMS personnel on how to write a successful grant narrative. You can register for the course here.
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TEXAS EMS Award Nominations Now Open
DSHS sponsors the Texas EMS Awards and invites you to submit your nominations for this year’s awards ceremony. Each category honors a person or organization that exemplifies the best that EMS/Trauma System has to offer. It’s quite an honor to be nominated and to win. The categories and explanations are listed below. Once you’ve chosen the correct category, the rest is pretty easy. Click here for the awards nomination form. Visit the website for more information.
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Texas Mutual Grant Application Period Opens |
1,500 Safety Grant applications will be available starting July 27th.
Texas Mutual is giving away $2 million in safety grants for equipment to keep workers safe and help prevent workplace injuries.
Starting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 27, you can apply for a safety grant by logging in to your Texas Mutual Online (TMO) account. There will be a banner at the top of the page that will take you to Texas Mutual's safety grants information page.
Applications will be processed in the order they are received, and the application will close when all grant funds have been allotted. It is encouraged that policyholders apply as soon as the application opens.
A safety grant of $1,500 can be received to purchase ergonomic, safety, COVID-19 prevention and/or industrial hygiene equipment to reduce or eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses. More information is available on Texas Mutual's 2021 Safety Grant Program Guide on how to apply, as well as examples of approved and unapproved items.
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