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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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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.
**Be sure to update your District Liaison, Kim Hilsenbeck, on meeting details!** |
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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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The National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) is an online tool that improves how fire incidents are reported and analyzed. NERIS will replace the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).
NERIS will be the main source of information and detailed analysis on fire issues in the United States. It will help state, local, territorial, and tribal fire services by providing information to manage resources, prepare, and coordinate more effectively and safely.
NERIS is supported by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology.
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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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Advertise in the SFFMA Spark Conference Edition |
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An ad in the March conference edition newsletter of
SFFMA Spark can help your business or organization reach thousands of firefighters across Texas. 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. DEADLINE: March 5. Let us help you meet your marketing goals! Reach out to Kim Hilsenbeck for details.
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SFFMA 150th Conference - Register Today |
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Early Bird Rates end April 15 at 11:59 p.m.
We're celebrating this important milestone at the Waco Convention Center. Here are just a few reasons to attend:
- 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! |
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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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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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Our next "Coffee with Creamer" happens on March 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. Find the Zoom link on our website the Monday prior.
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To celebrate our 150th year of supporting Texas firefighters, SFFMA is compiling a commemorative yearbook. And we want your department to be included!
Deadline for written pieces and photos: April 30, 2026.
The yearbook will cover the history of the association as well as individual departments. Your fire department is a vital part of your community, and we know many of you have long and storied histories. Let’s share them!
We’re requesting that fire departments across Texas submit the following:
1. Written history including original founders, year created, special notes, highlights, etc. Please keep write-ups to 200 words or less.
2. Photos - include a few from the past, a few recent pics and one of your current members (group photo); photos may also include original and new fire trucks.
Each photo must include a brief description explaining who/what is in the photo and when it was taken (or approx year if unknown).
Write-ups and photos can be submitted digitally to info@sffma.org and please use the email title 150th Yearbook Submission.
SFFMA welcomes all Texas fire departments to submit their histories and photos for inclusion in the yearbook. Sales will begin following this year’s June conference in Waco. At that time, we will be taking pre-orders for books.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of SFFMAs history! |
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