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Welcome to
SFFMA Snapshot, where we share short bits of useful info. Look for this only twice a month, so we're not flooding your inbox! It's news you can use and is relevant to Texas firefighters. Enjoy! |
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SFFMA 150th Conference - Register Today |
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- Excellent Keynote Speakers
- Top-notch Presenters
- Relevant Training
- Engaging and Lively Expo Show
- Games, Contests and Fun
- FFOY/EMS Awards
- Hospitality Night
- President's Dinner/Dance & Awards
- Elections
- Memorial Service
Registration is open so don't wait. Be sure to #BringABuddy to experience conference!
Service | Leadership | Legacy |
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**Conference Memorial Names Requested**
District Leaders: Please review the list of names sent to you via email. Verify their activity in the department. We will include all names in a printed scroll of names during the service, but any way we can limit the total number read out will save time during the service. Any individuals NOT on the list should be sent to memorial@sffma.org for inclusion. |
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Registration is officially open for the 38th Annual TEEX Spring Fire School. Join them March 1–6, 2026, at Brayton Fire Training Field for hands-on Fire, Rescue, and EMS training. With 16 classes designed to challenge and strengthen your skills, you can train alongside students and instructors at the most advanced facilities in the world.
Register now at teex.org/annualschools. |
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Our
SFFMA Snapshot newsletter reaches about 11,000 SFFMA members. It's a great, cost-effective way to get your company name in front of decision-makers across the state.
We also offer advertising on our website, on social media and in our
SFFMA Spark newsletter.
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Help Improve Trauma Care and Emergency Medical Services |
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Texas A&M is working on the Field Trauma Triage Guidelines Demonstration Project. They are actively seeking EMS organizations of all types and sizes to participate.
Applications are encouraged from private, volunteer, fire-based, hospital-based, or municipal EMS agencies that serve urban, suburban, rural, or tribal populations. Agencies that operate in rural and under-resourced communities will be prioritized.
To apply, agencies are asked to submit a brief application that includes organizational description and capacity, current triage system, activities and proposed work plan, and a budget.
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Texas A&M and TEEX Research Performance Impacts of Firefighter Protective Gear |
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Texas A&M University researchers, in collaboration with the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), are shedding new light on how modern firefighter protective gear impacts performance in real-world response conditions.
The findings are already helping inform future gear design and reinforce TEEX’s mission of translating applied research into safer training and operational practices for the fire service nationwide.
Read full story...
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New SFFMA Benefit from Provident |
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We added a new benefit for SFFMA members: The SFFMA SAFER Grant Accident & Health Benefit from Provident, which includes: Death Benefit, Impairment Benefits, Income Protection, and a First Responder Assistance Program.
The FRAP offers confidential assistance available 24/7 to help firefighters better cope with a range of personal issues.
Please note these benefits are in effect during the current SAFER Grant, effective 2/2/2026 to 12/22/29.
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Advertise in the SFFMA Spark Conference Edition |
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An advertisement in the March conference edition newsletter of
SFFMA Spark can help your business or organization reach thousands of firefighters across Texas.
The March conference edition provides all the info and details about the June conference - it's a great way to get eyeballs on your product or service!
Our rates are competitive and we can provide analytics about your ad.
Let us help you meet your marketing goals! Reach out to Kim Hilsenbeck for details.
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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.
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 Texas firefighters.
**Be sure to update your District Liaison, Kim Hilsenbeck, on meeting details!** |
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Firefighter of the Year/EMS Responder of the Year |
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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 its 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.
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SFFMA received an award for a fourth round of SAFER grants from FEMA. Learn more about how your department can benefit!
Visit the Grants page of the SFFMA website. |
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Thanks to everyone who already renewed for 2026 - we appreciate you! Not a member yet? Use our PORTAL to sign up. It's easy peasy! And individual membership is just $50 annually.
Individual SFFMA members (with the exception of junior members) receive an insurance policy from VFIS. New this year: an insurance policy from Provident covering: Death Benefit, Impairment Benefit, Income Protection. and a First Responder Assistance Program.
Visit our website to learn more:
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New Challenges, New Tactics: Responding to Contemporary Mid-Rise and
Multi-Dwelling Buildings |
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February 10 at 2pm ET
Presenters: Jimmy Davis, Mike Dugan, Clark Lamping, and Tom Merrill (Moderator)
Volunteer fire departments increasingly respond to contemporary mid-rise and multi-dwelling buildings that present unique operational challenges. Modern construction methods, lightweight materials, complex layouts, and mixed occupancies can significantly impact fire behavior, access, and firefighter safety.
This roundtable discussion will explore what those differences mean for response planning, size-up, search, air management, and extended operations.
Panelists will discuss practical considerations departments can address now to prepare for incidents in these evolving structures.
REGISTER HERE
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Our next "Coffee with Creamer" happens tonight, Tuesday, Feb. 10!
This monthly chat with Certification Administrator Kevin Creamer is an opportunity to learn more about SFFMA, ask questions, and hear what's new and what's coming down the pike.
Tune in at 6 p.m. Use this Zoom link to call into the meeting.
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SFFMA Wants Your Historical Pics and Info!
Staff is seeking any old SFFMA-related photos, documents, and other items that can be included in a 150 Year Commemorative Year Book.
Books will be on sale beginning June 11; tune in later this spring for more details.
Deadline: March 31, 2026 |
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