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Promote, Unify, Represent and Educate the Fire Service and EMS of Texas
November 2024 |
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Howard County Volunteer Fire Department battled this blaze recently.
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Be sure to support our advertisers! |
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Welcome to SFFMA e-
InfoFIRE! |
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It's hard to believe 2024 is winding down. But what a great year! Membership is on the rise, our annual training conference was a success and our fall district meetings had great turnout - thanks to all who attended. Being at those meetings is a great way to make your voice heard and to be active in this association.
Check out this month's Texas Legislative Update for an update on what's on the horizon at the state capitol during the 2025 legislative session and how any potential legislation may affect Texas fire departments. With support from our more than 16,600 members, SFFMA allows all of us to have an amplified voice and a way to communicate with the state legislature that has the most impact.
Our SFFMA 2025 Member Drive is in full swing! Don't wait - renew today and keep your insurance policy in effect plus take advantage of all our other benefits. Membership runs January 1 to December 31 each year. And don't forget - we have a retired member option and a junior FF option; both are just $25 anually!
As we head into the very busy holiday season, all of us here at SFFMA wish each of you all the best this time of year has to offer. Some days off, being with family, and delicious food. We hope you find some time to relax and rejuvenate and then kick off 2025 refreshed and ready to go!
Heads up: you'll soon be able to get the HOT Takes from SFFMA Staff! We are recording episodes for a new podcast called HOT Takes. They're short and sweet but give lots of great news and info you can use. Check our Facebook page for more info soon!
Enjoy this issue of e-
InfoFIRE. It’s
about firefighters and emergency responders and it’s
for firefighters and emergency responders. Making this newsletter something you want to read each month is our goal.
Want your department or a specific member featured in an upcoming issue? Email Kim Hilsenbeck: newsletter@sffma.org.
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Get some of these fun holiday ornaments! |
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These delightful Christmas tree ornaments are available just in time for the holidays! Designed by SFFMA Past President Tim Smith, they make great stocking stuffers. Get one for the firefighter in your life! A portion of the proceeds benefits our Fire Institute, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that helps provide funding for firefighter training.
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A monthly note from the SFFMA Board President |
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Hello fellow firefighters across the state,
I hope everyone is doing well. District meetings have come to an end – thanks to everyone who attended. It was great to see everyone and to see all the good things districts are doing for their members and the fire service.
Dan Kramer informed the Executive Board of the Texas State Firefighters and Fire Marshals Association (SFFMA) of his intention to resign as the Executive Director. The Board accepted his resignation, effective immediately. The Board recognizes that throughout Dan’s tenure with the association, he dedicated countless hours away from my family to fulfill his responsibilities and support the SFFMA mission.
The Board wishes Mr. Kramer continued success in his professional pursuits. While the Board seeks a replacement for Executive Director position, the Board voted to have me fill the position.
Dates for the upcoming planning conference and District Officers Symposium are January 24-26, 2025, at the SFFMA Office in Manchaca. For the leadership event, please plan to send two of your board officers to this important event. More details to come soon!
Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) reciprocity is one of the main priorities for SFFMA has been working toward full reciprocity with the commission. Achieving this goal will create more streamlined certification processes, enabling volunteer and career firefighters to transition between roles and departments seamlessly while meeting consistent state standards. This effort is a critical step toward reinforcing our commitment to professional development across the fire service spectrum.
Our team has worked closely with TCFP to ensure our training programs meet their certification requirements. These conversations are progressing, and I’m optimistic that we will reach a solution that benefits firefighters across the state. Stay tuned for more updates.
SFFMA membership runs from January 1-December 31 each calendar year. You’re now able to renew for 2025. Also, we are still looking for presenters for the upcoming 2025 Conference. If you would like to teach a class, please fill out the Call for Presenter form.
Activity is starting to happen at the Capitol. We are having great discussions with The Texas Forest Service and state legislators to work on additional funding for 2604 and other fire service-related items.
Membership and Benefits
Membership Renewal and Growth:
As of October 31, 16,642 individual members and 924 entities renewed their 2024 SFFMA memberships.
We ask you to promote the new retired member category and the junior member program, both of which have seen significant interest.
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LODD Benefits Compliance: Reinforce the importance of volunteer departments holding a training meeting at least twice a month to maintain eligibility for line-of-duty death (LODD) benefits. Non-compliance could lead to denial of benefits.
VFIS Insurance: Remind members to keep beneficiary forms up to date and on file; this is crucial for ensuring timely benefit distribution.
Certification and Testing Updates
Certification Growth:
During its last meeting on September 24, 2024, the SFFMA Certification Board voted to:
1. Realign Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations to the NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials of Mass Destruction (WMD) Standard for Responders standard; and
2. Include additional training to the HazMat Operations certification. Effective January 1, 2025, HazMat Operations is renamed HazMat Operations and Mission-Specific Responsibilities.
Expanding on the PPE and Product Control material, the remaining portion of the Mission Specifics chapter of the standard will be required. We provide the updated standard for your review at this link: 2025 Hazardous Materials Update.
We urge you to share this important information with your fire department members.
This is one of the final steps to achieve full reciprocity with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) for our members. SFFMA will send out additional updates as we near finalization of the project.
New Test Banks: Ongoing development of test banks for Driver Operator and Inspector certifications.
Certification Growth: As of August 2024, more than 2,800 certifications were issued.
Grant Opportunities
SAFER Grant Utilization:
- Emphasize the ongoing availability of SAFER Grant funds for recruitment and retention, leadership training, and PPE acquisition.
- Encourage departments to apply for these funds to support their growth and sustainability.
- Applying for a new SAFER grant with new priorities for funding
Everyone be safe and thank you all for what you do.
Sincerely,
Billy Tidwell
SFFMA President 2025
rallsfiretidwell@hotmail.com
806-777-5393
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Member Spotlight: Brenham Fire Department |
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The Brenham Fire Department's Fire Safety Clown Crew after a recent show in Brenham. This program is under the Auspices of the BFD Fire Marshal's Office. L-R Fire Marshal Steven Loving, Alex Knight, Belle, Capt. Andrew Jozwiak, (row behind) Jacov Kulowevine, Jon Devine, Capt. Josh "Hoser" Sebastian, Capt. Brett Schroeder; they are holding Rhye Moschak who plays the fire chief and Belle. |
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Brenham Fire Department spends a whole week in October just clowning around. And thank goodness! |
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Want to listen to this story instead of reading it? Click here
NOTE: we are testing new AI software so you may hear words like "jibber" and "jabber". Once we switch to the full version, those issues should be minimized. |
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Have you ever heard the roar of about 400 elementary school students? It's something to behold. The buzz in the cafeteria/multi-purpose stage area at Krause Elementary School in Brenham on October 24 was electrifying. Kiddos from grades K-4 waited in happy anticipation of the show about to begin.
Suddenly, the tiny paw of a Dalmatian puppet waved at the crowd from behind the closed curtain. The audience went absolutely wild!
These students were already familiar with the traveling clown show from Brenham Fire Department (BFD) that visits schools in Brenham each October, which is National Fire Prevention Month.
Minutes later, the Dalmatian puppet (her name is Belle) popped out from the middle of the curtain again and the sound was deafening. The students could barely contain their excitement and readiness for the entertainment.
And then it began. The lights dimmed as the music came up. The crowd once again gave a squeal in unison.
Alex and "Hoser", the show's narrators, ran on stage and started the Halloween-themed version of Brenham's Fire Prevention Month presentation. The crew has five different shows they rotate annually, so most students in the district see a new one each year of PK through fourth grade. The show we saw was "Halloween in the Fire Station". They also have one with pirates and another with a wild, wild, west theme.
Why clowns? According to Capt. Josh "Hoser" Sebastian, Brent Fauble brought the idea from a department in the DFW area years ago. BFD adapted several of those shows and Josh helped write a fifth skit along the way.
BFD firefighters have worked on sets, scripts, make-up, costumes and sound. They begin rehearsals a few weeks before National Fire Prevention Week.
We were impressed that they memorized all their lines, though sometimes they go off book.
"A lot of it is ad-libbed," Rhye said. "If you tried to follow along with the script you'd get lost."
But they always manage to hit the right lines that cue certain elements of the show, such as music and sound, props being used and of course what the puppet does. And Alex (one of the narrators) always manages to get the main safety messages across to the kids.
Once they hit the school circuit in October, they're ready to roll. And now they roll into about 11 school parking lots a 24-foot trailer with a custom wrap promoting the show. Several sponsor logos adorn the trailer. The group started off with a horse trailer. They now have a tiny room with a mirrored desk where they can apply the clown make-up and put on their costumes.
"Rhye coordinates all the make-up for everybody, in terms of the colors we use," Josh said. "Once a clown finds his face, they keep it until they retire [from the show]."
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The fire safety and prevention presentation was a show-stopper! Kiddos love the energy, music and fun of it while also learning important fire safety tips. As for the clowns, they love it, too.
The Brenham clown safety show has been around for nearly a decade. It takes roughly a dozen or so firefighters to make the show happen. And not everyone is a clown. There are also the story narrators, the puppet master, the sound guy (Capt. Brett Schroeder), and the fire marshal, Steven Loving, who coordinates everything with the schools and handles scheduling.
Steven came on board with BFD about 2.5 years ago and now works with the clown safety crew to ensure all school-aged children in Brenham see quality program that is entertaining, educational and just plain fun.
Several of the crew have been with the show for the eight or nine years it's been in existence. Others have been with the show about four years. A few are newbies, including one crew member who graduated from the fire academy in May of this year.
After the show, each member was generous with their time to talk with SFFMA about being part of the show and what it means to the students and to them personally.
What is your favorite part of being part of this fire safety show? They answered,
"They remember what we teach them every year." "They'll come up to us [on the street] and tell us." "They know you're [one of the show's] clowns."
As an added bonus for the students, each one receives a trading card from one of the clowns, including the puppet. These cards are professionally created and include the character photo on the front and details about the firefighter who plays that character on the back. Steven was able to get the cost of the cards sponsored by Brenham National Bank, and the bank's name is printed on the cards as well.
Josh, who Steven said is "the head clown", explained that the department and the BFD Firefighters Association made the backdrops, bought the sound system and everything else needed to get the show up and running.
"It took us about $10,000 to get started," he said. "The puppets are expensive and they take about a year to get. They're all hand made."
The firefighters who are on the show crew generally stay with it over time.
"Those who have been on the show the longest get the first right of refusal," Rhye said.
Why do you keep coming back to the show?
"The kids."
"The joy you see in the kids' faces."
"I said I wasn't going to do it this year, but here I am. I gotta do it for the kids. I love it."
SFFMA was privileged to have a front row seat at the show and we were honored to chat with the crew - not to mentioned thrilled to receive signed trading cards!
Our sincere thanks for allowing us to tell this story.
Side Note: Capt. Sebsastian said if other fire departments around Texas are interested in creating a similar program, BFD is happy to help them get started. |
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Learn more about our professional development programs on the SFFMA website.
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Texas Fire Service Hall of Honor |
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On January 19, 2025, four individuals will be inducted into the Texas Fire Service Hall of Honor for their career-long commitment to the Texas Fire Service. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes current and former firefighters, emergency service personnel and others who have made significant contributions and shown outstanding commitment to the Texas Fire Service. This year’s award recipients, Dr. G. Kemble Bennett, Stuart Grant, Helen Benner Johnson and W. H. “Willie” Wisko, will join six previous inductees to the Hall of Honor. Read more... |
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Follow us on Instagram! (Click the image) |
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Call for Presenters TODAY IS THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT! |
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The State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association is accepting presentation proposals for the SFFMA 149th Annual Conference and Convention June 19-22, 2025, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Frisco Hotel & Convention Center in Frisco, Texas. Our audience includes professionals ranging from those new to public safety to expert master level firefighters with many years of experience.
The SFFMA Speaker Selection Committee will consider session presentations that reflect the wide range of needs, interests, and experience levels of our fire service community. If you would like to share your knowledge and best practices, we invite you to send your session proposals for any relevant topic related to fire service, EMS and industrial services.
Submission deadline is November 15, 2024. Final approval of presentations will be made by the SFFMA Speaker Selection Committee. Presenters will be notified of selection via email on or before February 10, 2025, to include draft presentation schedule.
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SFFMA Legislative Update by J Pete Laney |
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With the 2024 elections behind us, we are moving full steam ahead towards the 2025 Legislative Session. There will be a lot of new faces in Texas State Capitol starting this January. In the 31-member Texas Senate, there are three new senators, and in the 150-member Texas House of Representatives, there are 32 new legislators. SFFMA continues to meet all the new members, most of whom represent areas that include many of our association members.
SFFMA is also working with members of the legislature in crafting legislation relating to volunteer fire departments. In the aftermath of the unprecedented wildfires earlier this year, those legislators made that issue one of their priorities this session.
As we head into the session, do not hesitate to reach out myself or SFFMA if you would like to help in educating the legislators and advocating behalf of all our men and women who do so much protecting life and property in their local communities and across the state.
Please contact me, J Pete Laney, if you have any questions about the results of the election or the upcoming legislative session.
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MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet Giveaway |
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MSA Safety teamed up with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to give away four MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmets in 2024. The final entry period is now open. NVFC members who are active U.S. volunteer firefighters have until November 30 to enter.
Enter for your chance to win a MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet at www.nvfc.org/helmet.
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You can now renewal your membership for 2025! SFFMA membership runs January 1-December 31
each calendar year. Don't wait until next year to renew - your coverage will not be in effect if your membership is not active. Your department should have received a postcard that looks like the one below. Please share with all members on your roster. Thanks! |
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The State Firefighters' & Fire Marshals' Association of Texas is a professional trade group established in 1876. Our goal then as now is to promote, unify, represent and educate firefighters and EMS responders throughout the state, whether they are paid or volunteer. The ultimate goal is always to enhance and improve the Texas fire service.
Why should you join?
- Offers all firefighters a chance to have a voice in issues that impact them individually and the profession itself. Alone we can only do so much - together our voices are amplified. (Legislative Advocacy)
- An excellent way to take advantage of our testing and certification program. (Testing & Certification)
- Provide you and your family with some peace of mind if the worst were to happen. (VFIS Insurance)
- Our other benefits are awesome, too! (Savvik, e-InfoFIRE, store discounts, etc.)
Our 2025 Member Drive began November 1. Reminder postcards have been mailed to departments. We encourage you to share the info with all of your active members!
Be sure to sign up or rejoin! Visit our member PORTAL. |
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SAFER GRANT MONEY IS AVAILABLE!
The SAFER Grant and other programs exist to help departments. Let SFFMA help you navigate using SAFER Grant funding for your department's needs, including PPE, physicals and training. It may also be able to cover your membership dues!!! |
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Ladies with DCBE-Acton training. |
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A ghostly sight at DCBE-Acton. |
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Bat Girl's tutu was stunning. |
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Fellow Dalmatians with Sparky at Elsa VFD. |
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Sparky the Fire Dog with costumed trick o' treaters at Elsa Volunteer Fire Department. |
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Elsa Volunteer Fire Department brought Sparky the Fire Dog to life for Halloween goers. |
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A mini firefighter enjoys a moment in the driver's seat. |
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It's Batman. And Sparky. (Elsa VFD) |
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Just one of the awesome Halloween displays at Nueces County VFD. |
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Several super kiddos stop for a pic at Nueces County VFDs Halloween event. |
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Beetlejuice on the loose at Nueces County VFD. |
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Whatacostume at Nuceces County VFD. |
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No more monkeys jumpin' on the bed at Sinton VFD. |
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My what big ears you have! East Montgomery County Fire Department. |
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Certification and Testing |
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Effective January 1, 2025
More changes were recently approved by the SFFMA Certification Board. Please see below for updates:
All certifications require completion of a Cancer Awareness course. Upload course completion certificates to PORTAL profiles now to prevent any certification issuance delays.
In last month’s newsletter, we shared that Hazardous Materials certifications were realigned to meet the requirements of NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials of Mass Destruction (WMD) Standard for Responders standard.
HazMat Operations is renamed HazMat Operations and Mission-Specific Responsibilities. Expanding on the PPE and Product Control material, the remaining portion of the Mission Specifics chapter of the standard will be required.
New Hazardous Materials Technician certification available for issuance. Documents previously submitted through PORTAL will be reposted towards issuance as long as they meet the completion date requirements. Documents submitted through the Equivalent Training area of PORTAL must meet the requirements of the current or most previous edition of the given NFPA standard.
The full text of the Hazardous Materials update available HERE.
Industrial Firefighter I – updated from requiring completion of Hazardous Materials Technician training, to requiring
issuance of full Hazardous Materials Awareness certification along with Hazardous Materials Operations and Mission Specifics certification.
Industrial Firefighter II – updated from just completion of Hazardous Materials Technician training, to requiring issuance of full Hazardous Materials Technician certification. (see above)
The full text of the Industrial Firefighter update available HERE.
For written exams, both the number of questions and the allowed time doubles. Firefighter I & II (structural and industrial) increase to 100 questions with an allowed time of two hours each. HazMat Awareness and HazMat Operations and Mission Specifics increase to 50 questions with an allowed time of one hour each. This change reduces the number of points credited to each question, so wrong answers will take off half the number of points. The passing grade remains at 70%.
Questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to your Zone Rep!
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November 17
Rusk Co ESD Training Facility
1-4 p.m.
November 17
El Paso Co ESD 2
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
November 23
Tarrant County College
8 a.m.012 p.m. |
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November 23
Abilene FD Training Field
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
November 26
Community VFD Conference Center
5-8 p.m.
December 10
El Paso Co ESD 2
9 a.m.-12 p.m. |
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For additional testing dates, log into your PORTAL account and follow the above instructions (under Testing Opportunities). |
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Continuing Education & Professional Credits from Texas Engineering Extension Service
Learn more about training opportunities from TEEX on their website.
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Questions about SFFMA? We’ve got answers! We occasionally get questions about the association, so we’re sharing them - and the answers - here.
> What types of grant programs are available for my department? Grants
Have questions about SFFMA or the benefits of being a member? Let us know! Send an email to Membership. |
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Did you know we have a Classifieds section of our website? Our members can list job openings, services and equipment for sale. Nonmembers can run a 30-day ad for just $20.
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