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Published six times annually January 2026 |
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Chine Spring VFD handling a grassfire. Mutual aid provided by Valley Mills VFD and Speegleville VFD. |
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Special thanks to VFIS of Texas for becoming the SFFMA 2026 Fire Brigade Sponsor!
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Check out all our advertisers! |
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Happy 150th Anniversary to the State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas! That's right, SFFMA has been helping Texas firefighters since 1876. Our mission is to promote, unify, represent and educate the fire and EMS services of Texas. Join us on this journey as we celebrate our traditions and work toward a better future.
Our membership drive is rolling along, strong as ever. Thanks to every department and individual member who already renewed for 2026. For those still considering, check out our member benefits and learn more about how we can help you.
Hopefully you noticed the name change on this newsletter; it's now called "SFFMA Spark" and we'll offer this newsletter every other month. In between, we will launch an every other week bulletin called "SFFMA Snapshot". It will be short and sweet with tons of useful info for firefighters across Texas.
Conference planning is in full swing! Our conference web page will be updated with new info as soon as it's ready. Registration begins Monday, Feb. 2, 2026!
Thanks to all who attended the 2026 SFFMA District Leaders Symposium - what a great weekend! We appreciate your time and dedication to making SFFMA as strong and useful as possible. Read more here...
Reminder: National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) is now in effect. What is NERIS? It's the nation’s primary source for comprehensive fire and all-hazards emergency post-incident data. It is designed with the fire service to make reporting easier, reduce duplication, and provide departments with actionable insights and information to inform decisions. Learn more...
Stay tuned for several new and exciting things happening at SFFMA this year! Don't forget to check out Q&A with SFFMA where we provide answers to frequently asked questions. |
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Thanks to everyone who already renewed or joined SFFMA for 2026!
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If you renewed or joined SFFMA for 2026, thank you! We appreciate you. For those who were members in 2025 but haven't renewed yet, your VFIS policy expired on 12/31/25. Please renew today to ensure you/your department members are covered!
What can SFFMA do for you? Membership in SFFMA can help you:
- Take Charge of Your Career
- Find Your People
- Impact Your Community
For departments, membership in SFFMA provides the opportunity to use our PORTAL, which means you can easily track training and certifications for your members. Membership also provides access to networking, training opportunities, and learning about important information that impacts the fire service.
Visit the SFFMA PORTAL to renew your membership, or to join. Still not sure? Check out just a few of our benefits:
- Testing & Certification - Helping firefighters meet NFPA standards
- TCFP Reciprocity - Be recognized by the state commission
- VFIS Insurance - Peace of mind in case the worst happens
- SAFER Grant Funding - Helps pay for training, membership and recruitment
- Professional Development - Fire Chief Development and Managing Officer Program
- Store Discounts - Boots, books and merch
- Legislative Advocacy - Working with the state legislature on issues that benefit firefighters
- Buying Program & Discounts - Use SAVVIK for department needs; Use AMBA for discounts on eye and dental insurance
Annual Dues
Membership is affordable! See the annual membership dues below:
Department Membership - $200
Individual Membership - $50
Retired Membership - $25
Junior Membership - $25
(does not include insurance coverage)
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Happy 150th Anniversary, SFFMA!
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Time sure flies when you're helping to improve the Texas Fire Service! The last 150 years just flew by us. But in 2026, we're slowing things down so we can celebrate our many successes. Come along for the ride this year! Here are two special happenings:
- The 150th Annual Training Conference & Convention in Waco, June 11-14
- A Commemorative 150th Yearbook highlighting our members and the association
Information about pre-orders for year books will be publicized in this newsletter, on social media and at district meetings. |
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Award Submissions are Open
These awards are generously sponsored by VFIS of Texas.
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The Texas State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association (SFFMA) is proud to recognize the dedication, service, and heroism of Firefighters and EMS Responders across the state. As part of our continued commitment to honoring these brave individuals, VFIS of Texas is honored to sponsor the 2026 Firefighter & EMS Responder of the Year Awards.
This year’s winners will receive a $3,000 cash prize, and runners-up will also receive monetary awards.
All finalists will be recognized, and winners will be announced at the Presidents Dinner & Dance on TBD. |
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Register today for the TEEX Annual Spring Fire School! |
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This month, we're recapping the District Leaders Symposium.
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The annual SFFMA District Leaders Symposium was a big hit! Leaders from around the state gathered in Austin to get updates, hear what's new, learn more about the association and find out what to expect in the coming months. They also heard what executive board members expect from districts.
We kicked off the weekend with a Meet 'n Greet networking event. Attendees could interact with other district leaders and make new connections within the fire service. The District Leaders Symposium sponsor, Heat Safety Equipment, gave a brief intro and a preview of their Saturday presentation.
Saturday was packed with great info. District leaders heard about the SFFMA SAFER Grant and how it can help departments. Greg Redden and Vicki Wright provided a workshop that morning covered all aspects of the grant. Look for the updated admin guide and more info on our website soon.
Our e-board shared its vision for working with districts, including timely communication, clarification of issues, prompt responses to emails and phone calls from the board and staff, and having an e-board member at each district meeting in the spring and fall.
Expectations from district leaders includes updated board info and meeting details, submission of names for committees by June 1, working to reengage former members/seek new members, and actively promoting SFFMA benefits along with HB 2604 funding.
Greg Atkinson from Heat Safety Equipment explained to attendees that he can help departments find grant funding. Heat provides this service at no cost. Learn more by contacting Greg. |
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Kim Hilsenbeck and Jesse Slaughter offered an overview of the SFFMA marketing class, asking attendees who want to bring the class to their area to hold the class during district meetings when possible. This class is free to SFFMA members, but the host is requested to provide food for students.
During the VFIS presentation, Billy Tidwell, Bianca Nelson, and Logan Mangold, explained the insurance benefit offered with SFFMA membership as well as what the optional insurance coverage provides. SAVVIK and AMBA representatives shared how their companies offer benefits to SFFMA members. Executive Director Cherry Kay Abel shared information and updates about the 150th Annual SFFMA Training Conference and Convention, which takes place June 11-14 in Waco. Visit the conference website for all the latest info!
Sunday's sessions included a legislative update from J Pete Laney, conducting an effective meeting from Parliamentarian Robert Bennett, effective use of Fire Connect by Assistant Secretary Logan Thompson, and an overview of the District Chaplain Program by Lowell Ercanbrack.
The board then asked attendees about how to make future symposiums even better. All attendees received an email with a link to an online survey. Please be sure to complete it!
Below are just a few pics from the symposium.
Check out more of the photos from the weekend.
Thanks to all the district leaders who attended - we appreciate you! |
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Chief Will Norris with Friberg-Cooper VFD and Chief Ryan Fetzer wirth Wichita West VFD. |
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Elizabeth White and her dad, Scott White. Both are with Hartley Fire & EMS. |
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South Central District President Rhonda Payne, SFFMA 1st VP RJ Thomas, and Fire Marshal Scott Marion and his son, Dalton Marion, at the meeting. |
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SFFMA Asst. Secretary Logan Thompson (Moffat VFD), Chief James Longbrake (Ponder VFD) and Asst. Chief Brian Falkenberg (Moffat VFD). |
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Andy Dexter (Klein FD) and SFFMA Chaplain Lowell Ercanbrack (Granbury VFD) solving all the world's problems. |
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Greg Atkinson with Heat Safety Equipment sharing how the company helps fire departments find grant funding. |
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Join us in Waco as we celebrate 150 years of training Texas firefighters!
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Great instructors, excellent keynote speakers, a full line-up of conference fun and games, plus a memorial service, contests and more - that accurately describes our 150th Annual Training Conference and Convention happening this June. Attend and help us celebrate 150 years of training Texas firefighters. Registration opens February 2! Conference takes place June 11-14 in Waco. Check out our website for more details.
Know a firefighter who hasn't attended before? Bring them along! #BringABuddy
Vendor registration opening soon - check our Facebook page for updates! |
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Pics from fire departments around the state.
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Lilbert-Looneyville, Cushing, and Central Heights VFDs along with Texas Forest Service, were dispatched to a grass fire. |
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Community VFD battling a structure fire at an apartment complex. |
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Baytown E5, E7, TR51 and B1 responded to a mutual aid call in Chambers County, for an 18-wheeler rollover with entrapment. |
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Gunter FD and Allegiance Mobile Health were toned out to a structure fire in Gunter; mutual aid from Tioga Volunteer Fire Department, Van Alstyne Fire-Rescue and Celina Fire Department was also requested. |
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Conversations with a wide range of folks in the fire service or fire adjacent. Take a listen! Visit our website to learn more. Have an idea for someone to interview? Let us know! Email our Marketing & Outreach Director. |
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Join Certification Administrator Kevin Creamer on the second Tuesday of each month for a Zoom call. He will answer all your burning questions about SFFMA! Call links will be posted on the Monday before the meeting; check the SFFMA website and FB page. |
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Each spring and fall, SFFMA districts across Texas host meetings. Attending provides an excellent opportunity to stay current on fire service issues, hear what's happening with SFFMA, meet executive board members, talk with vendors, and network with other firefighters. Many meetings offer training classes as well as elections, memorials, and games. Not to mention a meal! Check with your local district leaders on costs. And bring a friend (or three) from a neighboring department! Let's work to engage all fire departments across the state. Check our website for district meeting info. Attend district meetings and make sure your voice is heard!
District leaders: need help creating an event or meeting flyer? Ask SFFMA for help! |
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Learn more on our website about:the following topics:
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ASP302-
Advanced Engine Company Operations is an intense, action-packed 32-hour experiencedesigned for engine company members ready to dominate the fireground. This high-energy program blends cutting-edge tactics with proven research from UL and NIST, ensuring participants stay ahead of the curve. REGISTER
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ASP701 -
Fundamentals of Rural Firefighting is an intense, hands-on training experience built to prepare firefighters for the unique challenges of rural operations. This course goes beyond theory—participants will dive into live fire scenarios that demand quick thinking and decisive action in fast-changing environments. REGISTER
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A note from SFFMA President Mark Wobus
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Read the blog by SFFMA Executive Director, Cherry Kay Abel
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Want to hear what's new and what's happening in SFFMA? Read the blog by Executive Director, Cherry Kay Abel. See the blog posts here. |
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Your support is greatly appreciated!
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Partnering with SFFMA just makes good sense! We offer advertising and sponsorship options, so you can use what works best for your company.
Why SFFMA?
- Large, targeted audience
- Recognized brand name
- Affordable rates
- Many options across multiple mediums
- Web ads
- Newsletter ads
- Social media ads
- Conference sponsorship
We offer a wide range of sponsorship opportunities to help meet your marketing goals. Get your company name in front of thousands of firefighters across Texas while helping to support our efforts to improve the Texas Fire Service. Check out our sponsor levels and packages on our website. Or contact Marketing & Outreach Director Kim Hilsenbeck to customize a package just for you! Call 512-454-3473.
Thanks to our SFFMA 2026 Partners
SFFMA greatly appreciates the support of the companies that have already
signed up for 2026.
Fire Brigade Level - VFIS of Texas
Fire Department Level - Texas Farm Bureau Insurance
District Leader Meetings - Heat Safety Equipment
SFFMA Fire Chief Development Program - Heat Safety Equipment
Conference Games - National Foam
SFFMA Supporter/FFOY Helmet - Casco Industries
Conference Sponsor - NAFECO
Firefighter Level - TPC Group
Fire Supporter - Duty Coin
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What is the SFFMA Snapshot?
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Beginning later this month, you'll start seeing the SFFMA Snapshot every other week. What is it?? The Snapshot will be a brief bulletin with important updates, training opportunities, events, and items relevant to the Texas Fire Service. It is for all firefighters, paid or volunteer. And it's a great way to get bite-sized snippits of timely, helpful info right in your inbox. No long stories, no letters - just news you can use. |
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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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