Promote, Unify, Represent and Educate the Fire Service of Texas |
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Executive Director's Corner |
Greetings members,
A lot of work being done by our association may not be readily apparent to many of our members. What may also not be apparent is WHO accomplishes much of this work. I am here to tell you that many tasks are being handled by SFFMA members and associates willing to give of their time and energies to make our association “go”. They are the members of our boards and committees.
In a word, we simply could not accomplish all the work without them. More than 20 different boards and committees, consisting of over 250 people, handle responsibilities such as:
- Setting strategic direction for our association
- Establishing policies by which SFFMA programs operate
- Reviewing and approving association finances
- Advocating for the Texas fire service before the legislature
- Reviewing training programs for approval
- Developing and updating training curricula
- Validating questions for our certification exams
- Serving on the leadership team for the TEEX fire schools
- Planning and managing a multitude of activities at every annual conference
The list could go on, but I’m limited by space.
Most of us can say we have plenty on our plates, that we probably have more to do than there are hours each day. Yet these individuals made the decision to volunteer their time and efforts to make our association better for all of us. I want to extend a heart-felt word of THANKS to each of them for heeding the call to serve, and for making the commitment. I am honored to work alongside them in their roles and responsibilities.
I would also extend an invitation to all SFFMA members to consider serving as we move our great association forward. There’s plenty more to be done. Is there a role for you? Absolutely.
Serving with you,
Tim
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Data Management System Update |
It’s November, happy future Thanksgiving!
Last update I promised to start to dive into the UI (User Interface). Well, good news and bad news.
Bad news first, I don’t have any images to show yet. Everything that I created, as a prototype, won’t be used for the real project. While this may sound bad, please remember I’m not a graphics designer. It’s the best decision for the project as a whole.
On to the good news!
We have contracted a person whose specialty actually is graphics design and user interfaces. Right now, they have two tasks to complete for the association: a redesign of our website and the UI of the Member Application (code named "Hydra"). Work has already started on the website in mid-October. The goals for the new website are to make information easier to find, easier for staff to update, integrate the SFFMA Store, and detach it from GrowthZone where it can be detached.
I have worked with this person before and they are excited about the opportunity to do another project for the fire service. Click here for an example of their previous work. While the goal isn’t to redo, copy, or re-imagine what was done before, this person has the experience of making a content heavy website, with a similar purpose of the association, far easier to navigate.
Progress is happening.
Until next time.
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We would like to extend a warm welcome to the new Zone Representative for the Wintergarden District, Jarrett Ferris from La Coste Lions VFD. He will be completing the unexpired 4-year term that runs through June 2022. General questions regarding the certification program and Growth Zone database should first be directed to your zone representative.
There is still an unfilled vacancy for the northeast portion of Permian Basin District. Duties of Certification Board members are found HERE. Please forward interest in filling this position to the district president.
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Dear Members,
We are getting ready for our upcoming renewal season and wanted to let you know that SFFMA will begin to send invoices in mid-November. Before then, we ask that you review your department’s roster to ensure that it is accurate. The roster you have online will reflect the invoice you receive for your membership renewal. We also ask that you add any information your department members may be missing from their membership profile. We must have each members’ DOB, email, and last four of their SSN.
If you would like to make updates or add missing information, please login through your fire chief or coordinator profile and make the adjustments through the GrowthZone page. You are also welcome to reach out to our membership department via email to submit your roster updates.
We appreciate your assistance in making the renewal process as smooth as possible. Please let us know if you have any questions about making roster updates.
Sincerely,
SFFMA Membership Department
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CSU Chief Officer Field Training Academy |
What: Chief Officer Field Training Academy, a Columbia Southern University program
When: January 25-26, 2022, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
Where: Northwest VFD, 12820 TC Jester Blvd, Houston, TX 77038
Cost: General $290
The lead instructors and program developers are Chief Rick Lasky and Chief John Salka. This program has received great reviews from prior deliveries and the department is proud to be the host. View flyer and agenda here. Register online here. All cost associated for this course go to Columbia Southern University. Northwest VFD is looking to register at least 60 students for the course. Please check your calendars and consider attending. Also, please spread this information to your contact lists. Any questions should be forwarded to Andy Dexter or Mimi Henning.
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Conference News and Events |
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SFFMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND MEMORIAL SERVICE
June 24 - 29, 2022
MCM ELEGANTE – 2355 I-10 South, Beaumont, TX 77705. For reservations call 409-842-3600. Be sure to ask for the 2022 SFFMA Annual Conference to receive the special group rate. For directions, hotel amenities, dining and additional information about MCM Elegante, visit their website.
Additional rooms available at Courtyard by Marriott – 2275 I-10 South, Beaumont, TX 77705. For reservations call 409-840-5750. Ask for the 2022 SFFMA Annual Conference to receive the special group rate. For directions, hotel amenities, and additional information about Courtyard Hotel, click here.
CONFERENCE PLANNING – JANUARY 28, 2022
Planning sessions for the June conference will take place at the SFFMA office. If you are the chair of a committee that participates in conference planning, please plan to meet with your committee prior to January 28, and assign one or two committee members to meet with the board during planning sessions. Committee meetings can be held via Zoom or in person. If you need help setting up a Zoom meeting for your committee, please email us and we’ll be glad to facilitate a Zoom meeting for your group. Or if you would prefer to meet in person and need a meeting location, we can host your group at the SFFMA office. Any questions or concerns regarding conference planning can be directed to Heather Lundy at 512-454-3473 ext. 112.
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Crash Responder Safety Week is Nov. 8-14
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VFDs in MO and TX are Latest Recipients in MSA’s and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway
MSA, DuPont, and the NVFC are helping volunteer fire departments obtain much-needed gear through MSA’s and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway. Now in its tenth year, the program has provided over $1 million worth of gear to assist volunteer fire departments in need. In 2021, 13 departments will each receive four sets of turnout gear and four helmets to help enhance the safety of their firefighters. The first 500 applicants also received a one-year NVFC membership, courtesy of MSA.
The latest recipients of MSA’s and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway are the Tunas (MO) VFD and Selden VFD (Stephenville, TX).
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SFFMA Store
HAIX Boots Special for the Month of November
For every pair of HAIX boots purchased in the month of November, customers will receive a FREE bottle of HAIX boot polish! Just mention this ad or order through our online store and your polish will be included with your purchase. Visit the store today!
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SFFMA Office - Thanksgiving Holiday Hours
Just a reminder that our offices will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday on November 25-26, 2021. All of us here at SFFMA wish you and your family a very safe and happy Thanksgiving!
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NVFC Appoints CEO, Celebrates 45th Anniversary
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The NVFC held its annual fall board meeting in Jackson, WY, on October 13-15. A total of 67 directors representing 43 states met at the event, most in person while others opted to attend remotely. At the meeting, the board appointed Sarah Lee as permanent CEO, various committees met, a memorial scholarship was established in memory of Heather Schafer, and more. Read article.
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