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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 2027 Fire Chief Development Program |
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This course is designed to assist current and aspiring fire chiefs or assistant and deputy chiefs meet the changing needs of managing, improving, and directing volunteer and combination departments.
Welcome back and thanks to HEAT Safety Equipment for being a 2027 sponsor of this important professional development training.
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SFFMA CALL FOR PRESENTERS |
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SFFMA is accepting submissions from individuals interested in presenting at our 151st Annual Training Conference & Convention. The event takes place in June 2027 in Wichita Falls.*
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*PLEASE NOTE - The SFFMA does not typically have the ability to provide travel reimbursements or speaker stipends. |
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The SFFMA 2027 Member Drive begins November 1!
Individual SFFMA members (except juniors) receive an insurance policy from VFIS of Texas. Individual SFFMA memberships are just $4.14 per month, which is less than a latte! Even if your department isn't paying for your membership, the cost is affordable and offers your loved ones peace of mind.
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TEEX Fire Service Chief Executive Officer Course |
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TEEX Emergency Services Training Institute and the Texas A&M Mays Business School are proud to offer an executive development capstone program for current and aspiring fire service chief executive officers.
Learn more...
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Texas Farm Bureau Insurance is our 2026 Fire Department Sponsor! |
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Catch our latest episodes of
HOT Takes with SFFMA; this podcast covers info/people of interest to Texas firefighters.
Episode 15 continues our "Conversations with Past Presidents" series as we celebrate 150 years of service. This conversation is with Past President Tim Smith!
Episodes are on Spotify; click the link above to listen. |
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SFFMA SAFER #4 GRANT UPDATE |
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We made some changes to our SAFER Grant process. The biggest one is that reimbursements* for PPE and physicals will require pre-approval beginning in January 2027. If approved, the department will then receive the reimbursement forms.
Check out the SFFMA website for all the details and to read the updated administrative guide.
*Qualifications for grant reimbursement include an operational budget of $75,000 or less if requesting PPE, physicals, training or advanced training.
Membership dues or 2027 can be requested beginning in November 2026. To qualify for membership dues reimbursement your department’s operational budget must be $50,000 or under.
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Holiday Ornaments on Sale
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Get your SFFMA 2026 commemorative Christmas ornament today! This beautiful collector's piece matches the 150th challenge coin from Waco. Visit the SFFMA store to order.
They will look gorgeous on your tree but also make perfect gifts! |
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SFFMA Certification Update
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The SFFMA Certification Board is preparing several updates for 2027. Please be aware of the following changes to NFPA standards and certification testing.
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Help Us Complete the SFFMA 150th Yearbook! |
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Our commemorative yearbook celebrates 150 years of SFFMA supporting the Texas Fire Service. Be sure your department is included! Please send write-ups and photos to info@sffma.org. Deadline: October 31, 2026.
Please send photos as either .jpg or .png files.
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Fall 2026 District Meetings |
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Fall District Meetings are wrapping up! Check our website for details. |
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Please note, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. Occasionally meeting times and/or locations change on the day of the event. Check with your district board for up-to-date info. |
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New Benefit* from Provident through the SAFER Grant |
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Texas volunteer firefighters now have insurance coverage through Provident. This policy includes a death benefit, impairment benefit, income protection and a first responder assistance program (FRAP).
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*Benefits are provided while acting on behalf of the fire district and are a covered activity. Runs through December 22, 2029. |
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The SFFMA Education and Travel Grant Committee raffle tickets are available from any Executive Board member as well as the following individuals:
Chuck Richardson, Kelsey Trotty, Robert Bennett, Melissa Robinson, Billy Tidwell, Ruben Balboa, Jesse Slaughter, and Jeff Ballew. Tickets are also available at the SFFMA office in Austin.
Learn more...
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VFIS of Texas is our 2026
Fire Brigade Sponsor! |
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Get AMBA Dental and Vision Insurance at Great Rates |
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Being a member of SFFMA can get you access to dental insurance at a great rate!
👉 Explore dental (and vision) coverage:
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Want to Be Seen by Fire Service Professionals? |
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With average open rates of 50%, our
Snapshot and
Spark newsletters are ideal vehicles for your message.
We also offer ads on social media and on our website.
Contact our Marketing Director for pricing and to learn more about how SFFMA can help you reach your marketing goals. |
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TFA Scholarship Opens Soon
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The Texas Firemen's Auxiliary gives out scholarships each year to children who meet the eligibility requirements.
If interested, or if you have questions, please email TFAScholarshipChairman@gmail.com beginning November 1 and no later than January 15, 2027, to request an application and essay topic.
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Check out the SFFMA Store
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SFFMA 2027 Managing Officer Program - Training Officer
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This course is designed to provide effective leadership and management skills for the development of current and future personnel who aspire to be or who are currently serving as department training officers.
Welcome and thanks to HEAT Safety Equipment for being a 2027 sponsor of this important professional development training.
Learn more on our website. Submit your application here. |
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