SFFMA e-InfoFIRE February 2024

February 2024

Promote, Unify, Represent and Educate the Fire Service of Texas

Table of Contents

Welcome

President’s Corner

District Leadership Symposium Wrap-up

Volunteer Spotight: Lovebirds in VFDs

Conference News & Events

Feature Story: A Visit to Willow City

SFFMA Contest - Register your Account!

Certification & Testing

Written Testing Dates

Photobook

Q&A

SFFMA 2024 Conference Registration is Open!

Click to Learn More

Gunter Volunteer Fire & Rescue battling a barn fire.

Volunteer Spotlight with a Twist!

This month's volunteer spotlight is all about lovebirds in VFD, like Aaron Kreag and Kymper Cotter-Nowicki with Granbury VFD.

Read their stories!

Feature Story: A Visit to Willow City

Christmas is over but Willow City VFD's commitment to the community lasts all year long.

Register your PORTAL account!

Register your PORTAL account and you'll be entered into a contest to win one of four Amazon gift cards!

Welcome to e-InfoFIRE

To all of the departments, individual firefighters, sustaining members and industrial entities that already renewed for 2024 - THANK YOU! We appreciate you and look forward to continuing to serve our members.

Still need to renew? Now is a great time to get your coverage restarted!

Below are some of the benefits that come with your membership:

Insurance from VFIS (additional optional coverage also available)
Certification & Testing Made Easy
Training Opportunities
Leadership Development
SAFER Grant Funding
Assistance with Recruitment and Retention
A Network of Experts
Monthly e- InfoFIRE Newsletter
Legislative Advocacy for the Volunteer Fire Service in Texas
Discounts on Dental and Vision Insurance
Buying Power with SAVVIK
Specialized License Plates (must be FF1 Certified to qualify)

Beginning this month, we started promoting a new effort to get your PORTAL accounts registered. Between now and May 3, 2024, if you register your account, you'll be entered into a drawing for one of four prizes: we have four $148 Amazon gift cards (in honor of being 148 years old) to give away via a random drawing. It's so easy to enter - just register your account! (And there is no cost to register your PORTAL account.)

We encourage volunteer firefighters across Texas to log into/create your PORTAL account and provide the most updated contact info. We can't communicate with you if we can't reach you!

See all the contest rules on our website.

Check out the recap of our recent District Leader Symposium. We are thrilled with the attendance and with everyone's excitement moving forward - thanks! We can't wait to see y'all at the district meetings this spring.

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? Send an email to Kim Hilsenbeck: newsletter@sffma.org.

SFFMATX.ORG

Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and TwiX!

The President's Corner

by SFFMA Executive Board President

Donny Boggs

As always, I hope this writing finds all is well and the start of 2024 is proving to be what you envisioned. At this time, there continues to be a resurgence of members joining/renewing memberships and departments getting involved to promote and keep the forward movement of the association. Hopefully, this trend will continue well into the future.

The 2024 District Leaders Symposium was held January 26–28, 2024, at the SFFMA office in Austin. Thirty-six individuals, (including your Executive Board), representing fourteen districts attended to share information and hear presentations from several of our stakeholders including representatives from TEEX, TAMFS, TCFP, VFIS, and the Savvik Buying Group.

Incoming Executive Director Dan Kramer welcomed all attendees. He spoke about how excited he is to be part of this great association and to lead us forward. Our Legislative Advisor
J Pete Laney also spoke to the attendees about the legislative process and how districts can greatly help the cause.

The group asked many pertinent questions of our stakeholders, and all in attendance want to get more involved. The attendees also offered good suggestions to enhance and make this symposium better. All in all, the District Leaders Symposium was a huge success!

The 148^th SFFMA Training Conference and Convention in San Marcos June 27–30, 2024, at the Embassy Suites is in the final stages of completion. A conference planning meeting took place at the SFFMA office on January 26. Conference committees presented their needs to Heather Lundy, our events coordinator, and she gave reports to the Executive Board and SFFMA staff. Under the new format, most attendees will attend 3 ½ days.

Information on registering for the conference, the completed speaker/training schedule, and so much more is on the SFFMA website.

The Speaker Selection and Training Committee finalized the schedule of keynote speakers, presenters, and topics of training for the conference. See more about the conference below. Remember, attend one of the Recruitment & Retention workshops to get some of your travel reimbursed by the SAFER grant.

Several members of the Executive Board attended the 2024 TEEX Leadership Development Symposium held January 8-10 in San Marcos. There were over 1,100 attendees taking advantage of some very dynamic keynote speakers and presenters. I highly encourage you to make plans to attend the next symposium that will be held at the Embassy Suites in Frisco, Texas January 20–22, 2025.

NOTICE! NOTICE! NOTICE! Midnight December 31, 2023, was the deadline to renew membership before benefits expired/lapsed. If you did not renew your membership…YOUR BENEFITS ARE NOT IN EFFECT!!! Please take time NOW to renew and reinstate your benefit coverage. To date, there have been more than 12,540 individual and 660 department renewals – thank you! But there are still several departments and individuals that have not renewed. District leaders, REACH OUT to your departments and encourage them to act!!

As always, thank each of you for what you do for your department, community, district, county, the State of Texas, and the SFFMA. Please stay safe. God bless y’all.

Donny Boggs

SFFMA Executive Board

President 2023 – 2024

979-220-0141

donald.boggs@gmail.com

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District Leadership Symposium Wrap-up

A review of what we discussed, what we learned, and what we're looking forward to this year.

SFFMA welcomed district leaders to the Austin office January 26-28 for two jam-packed days of leadership, learning and listening. Friday night's social was a great way to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. But it was the Saturday and Sunday sessions that hit everything home.

The group heard from the various stakeholders in SFFMA and had the opportunity to ask questions.

SAFER Grant

Greg Reddin with Adapt Management conducted a recruitment and retention workshop first thing Saturday morning. The bottom line: there is money available for VFDs across the state!

With SFFMA receiving $2.1 million in SAFER Grant funds, volunteer departments can apply (and Greg's team can help) for reimbursements for:

Marketing in your local community
Basic firefighter training
New recruit physicals
New recruit PPE
Leadership and career development workshops
Travel costs for some training events.

The cost of your SFFMA memberships for your department's volunteers could also be covered. But ya gotta ask or you'll never know.

Visit the SFFMA website for more info.

TEEX

Chris Angerer, Randy McGregor, and Paul Siebert, presented information on their annual schools and regular training classes/programs.

TEEX reps covered the 600 Series courses; these are designed to work with department training. Students don’t have to do “everything” with TEEX. Using SFFMA objectives, TEEX can be a part of the solution. The course follows IFSTA Essentials 7th Edition and is now consistent with NFPA Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2. This course also helps departments maintain NIMS compliance and grant eligibility.

Audience members then engaged in conversation about the cost of the annual school training programs and other questions.

"Why does it cost so much?"

Annual training schools include the cost of everything from staff to fuel. TEEX explained the various factors:

• Staff time and benefits

• Industrial & Municipal Schools – 100% of the field is dedicated to Annual Schools

• Student and Guest Instructor Housing (not normally included in TEEX courses)

• Meals – breakfast & dinner for guest instructors, meal ticket for students

• Student and Guest Instructor Lunch (not normally included in TEEX courses)

• Golf Carts and Radio Rental

• Consumables (fuel, hay, fire extinguishers, extrication cars, buses, etc.)

• Limited reimbursement through HB2604 & TIFMAS

• $700 for a week-long class maximum (+lodging)

TCFP

Agency Chief Mike Wisko welcomed the district leaders and spoke about how the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and SFFMA are embarking on discussions to facilitate an easier way to crosswalk certifications between the two entities.

More information will be available later this year; check your monthly e- InfoFIRE and our Facebook page for announcements and updates!

VFIS

With your SFFMA membership of just $50, you receive accidental death and dismemberment coverage as well as Line of Duty Death benefits. That's per year so the coverage is affordable. (We recommend departments use that perk as a recruitment selling point!)

Stephanie Dew with VFIS of Texas shared information about the new optional Employee Assistance Program available through VFIS.

She also provided an update about the Firefighter of the Year and EMS Provider of the Year Awards, which VFIS supports. Winners in the two categories will now receive $3,000 each from VFIS! That is twice as much as past years. Runners up receive $1,000 each.

Districts: submit your FFOY/EMS awards to the SFFMA contest! Learn more on our website.

Legislative Update

J Pete Laney works with the SFFMA when it comes to the Capitol and the Legislature and spoke with district representatives during the symposium. The discussion centered around the upcoming political races and the importance of getting to know your local legislator. There were discussions about some of the issues and successes seen in the past few Legislative Sessions and ideas for the upcoming session. There was some discussion about the all-important topic of recruitment and retention. J Pete challenged the group to come up with ideas that might be implemented though legislation, and to bring those ideas back to the SFFMA Board.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway was that we all need to continue be involved and that it is incumbent on all of us to continue to educate and advocate for the needs of our volunteer firefighters and VFDs across Texas. That starts at the local level and carries through to the policy makers in Austin. Whether it’s our continuing to advocate for increases in grant funding, protections for those in our ranks, or just making sure legislation does not have adverse consequences, we all have a role to play.

As 1^st Vice President Billy Tidwell said during the discussion, “If you have any ideas, please bring them to us”.

Together, we will continue to be a strong voice when it comes to policies that impact all of us and the vital role we play in our communities, and in our state.

SAAVIK - Mickey Schulte

Savvik Buying Group assists departments with avoiding the bid process on purchases of key items for their department. They have 11 different ambulance vendors already in place along with key vendors like Philips, Stryker and ZOLL.

Going out to bid is a time-consuming process that neither the department nor the vendor wants to do, so use Savvik and purchase what you need when you need it. Savvik is free to join and use. The company serves over 16,000 agencies nationwide, with over 1,500 in Texas.

Savvik is also a master distributor of 5.11 Tactical gear and clothing. In the Savvik online store you can save 25% off retail everyday! Plus, when you use a Savvik contract, the SFFMA also earns money. Save time, money and help the SFFMA grow by using Savvik.

Their newest offering is Savvik Grants. They have a dedicated team that helps you find grants and will even help write them for you. With this program, any grant request under $10,000 is done free of charge. Savvik would love to help you find the money you need! Contact Brittany Maday and tell her what you need. She and the RPM team can also help write, manage and report on grants, both new and existing.

Together we can help save you time, money and help the SFFMA! Visit the Savvik website.

There will be a District Leaders meeting during the June conference - stay tuned for details!

Below are a few photos from the Meet & Greet and the Symposium:

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Lovebirds in VFDs

This month we're adding a twist to our volunteer spotlight: couples that met at or encouraged the other to join a volunteer fire department. Read their stories below, written in their own words with minimal editing for space and clarity.

Samantha and Jacob Lucas, Maxwell VFD (photo at right)

For years I had my own little charity in Jasper where I collected donations such as toiletries, food, and clothing. With my connections as a Jasper PD Dispatcher and being an advocate for the Pineywoods Safehouse, I would find people in need to give these items. Eventually I had an overabundance of items with very little space in my home to house them. This was a good problem!

In 2015 I heard about the devastating Memorial Day flood in Central Texas. I got with my good friends at my neighboring fire department and we decided we were going to volunteer for disaster relief! I packed a whole U-haul of stuff, combined with what Newton VFD collected, and Capt. Melanie Smith Bowman with that department and I headed west.

Almost five hours later we arrived at the Maxwell Community Volunteer Fire Department. Capt. Bowman had been in communications with the leadership at Maxwell Fire and they agreed to house us while we helped around Martindale and surrounding communities.

I remember spotting this man in the crowd of volunteer firefighters from MCVFD. I have never in my life seen someone with such beautiful eyes. I honestly could not focus on anything else about him because I was so mesmerized by those icy blue eyes.

Shortly after, I found out he was a lieutenant with Maxwell Fire. We went straight to work when we arrived, so I didn't really get a chance to even connect with ol' blue eyes.

Before we headed out to work we all put our phone numbers on the dry erase board in case we got separated. This is important for later...I promise.

The night after we worked our tails off, the fire department did a BBQ for us as a thank you. It was that night through group conversation I learned that the man with the blue eyes was Jacob Lucas. He used to have shoulder length blonde hair that made the girls swoon.

Another firefighter let it slip that Jacob's ID was a photo of him with long hair, so I finally convinced him to show me the ID. I guess I'm different than other girls because all I could do is laugh at his hair. That night, we slept in the MCVFD day room/training room on air mattresses.

The next morning, we got everything packed up and ready to go back to Jasper/Newton County. I have no clue what possessed me, but I left a little sticky note on his fire ID that was hanging on his locker. It said "Princess Jacy Lucas - Sam!" And I figured I would never hear from him again.

A few days later I got a picture of his ID with the post-it note in a text. He found my phone # on the dry erase board. (See, I told you it was Important! LOL)

From then on our story just got better and better. In 2018 we got married at the spot we had our first date. Then, we welcomed the two most gorgeous twin girls in the world, and we are now building our dream home on land we just purchased in Caldwell County. Eight years later and I am still with good ol' Maxwell Community Volunteer Fire Department as their Public Information Officer/Firefighter/Swiftwater Rescue Tech/Secretary and whatever else I am needed and Jacob volunteers when he can.

What's crazy is the day I was leaving for Maxwell in 2015 my supervisor told me I needed to stay because someone called into work. I was one of those people that didn't like to let others down, but something told me to say no to them for once. If I wouldn't have gone, my life would be drastically different and I just can't imagine that because now, I have it all.

Lala & Leo Vasquez, Refugio VFD

🎶"Everything You Can Do, I Can Do Better"🎶

I suggest to fall in love with someone, who is just as adventurous and spontaneous as you are. Now, if you are a couch potato, then find someone who is a couch potato. I met my husband in a biker club, and it was the start of a beautiful friendship with a slightly competitive trash-talking to each other. By the way, we still trash talk and roast each other.

We both enjoy riding motorcycles, but we also enjoy, bicycle riding to the park, wrestling, boxing, exercising... Wait, I hate exercising, but I'll do it because I know it's good for my body. We encourage and challenge each other mentally, physically and intellectually. So when my husband mentioned he was going to the volunteer fire fighter meeting. I invited myself. We never held each other back from doing things. Our attitude is, "You want to do it? Ok, let's do it".

We have been part of the Refugio Volunteer Fire Department for over four years. Now, when we respond to a call on a Friday or Saturday, we call it, "Date Night". We feel we've been blessed in so many ways, we had plenty of parties, dinners, dancing, so many fun times. We feel we have so much to offer and assist to give to our community and we wouldn't change it for the world. Sharing my moments and experiences with my partner in crime is the best.

Kimberlee and Alton Adams, Chico VFD

My husband joined Chico VFD approximately five years ago because of our son’s love of all things firefighter related. I had zero interest in joining. About a year later I was persuaded to join to help with medical calls (I’m a nurse). I agreed and made it known had zero interest in ever running a fire call, strictly medical calls only.

One evening, my husband convinced me to run a fire call with the department and I’ve been hooked since. Now when the pager goes off, we’re both running to the door with excitement! We joke that our favorite date nights are running calls together! Serving our department, alongside my best friend, is by far one of my favorite joys in life. Sharing something you love to do with the person you love, you can’t beat that!

J'Lyn and Tony Shows, Christine VFD

My name is J’Lyn I’m with the Christine VFD. I got a divorce almost three years ago, moved back home and joined the VFD. I tried dating and was having a really hard time finding anyone to be honest, loyal, etc… welllll March 11, 2023, my Dad invited a man to my birthday party. We exchanged phone numbers and instantly clicked the moment we locked eyes. My Tony is absolutely a dream. He joined the VFD and we have a great time learning and growing for our community. We also love hunting and fishing together. I truly believe in my heart that God had our names written next to each other.

Jennifer and Josh Bardwell, West Mountain VFD

Josh grew up in the fire service, starting with being a junior volunteer firefighter with East Mountain VFD at age 16. He remained there until going off to college where he became a forester at SFA and starting a career as a Wildland Firefighter with USFS then later US Fish and Wildlife Service.

We met when he was stationed at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and later transferred to Caddo Lake. I finished college in Fort Worth at TCU for nursing then moved to East Texas where Josh and I became a part of Harrison Co ESD 3 as volunteer firefighters and were later married.

Funny side bar- wedding day Nov of 2012: we were paged for a wildfire and I had to tell him no he couldn’t go because he wouldn't be back in time for the ceremony. But the entire fire dept was able to make it to the reception. My family accidentally decorated the chief's fire truck with "Just Married".

We remained with them until moving due to job opportunities; we then joined West Mountain VFD together for the past five years. We participated with TFS and Texas National Guard in a supply and water drop after tornados in Feb. 2021. In November 2021 and 2022, we assisted Africa Fire Mission with two 2-week mission trips to Kenya to teach Kenyan fire fighters proper fire fighting tactics.

It has been fun learning his passion with the fire service and serving our rural community together!

Kimberlee and Alton Adams, Chico VFD

Katie Hugunin and Jeramiah Baker, Marble Falls Area Fire

Laura Ashley and Justin Sellers, Gregory VFD

Cheryl and Todd Moore, Chapel Hill VFD

Laura Ashley and Justin Sellers, Gregory VFD

My husband and I met at a grass fire for Rockport Volunteer Fire Department. He had just joined the department after COVID. I was taking a break in the engine, we had been working this fire all day, then he climbed up in the back seat of the truck and I had no idea who he was. But I knew right then - it was fate!

After that we were inseparable, and loving working fire calls together. We later on got married and moved to Gregory, where we are now both members of the Gregory Volunteer Fire Department. Justin is the assistant chief and myself I am a basic firefighter.

We spend so much time involved with the fire department, our two girls, Peyton (6) and Makenna (5) who love going to the station and being a part of it all. We are so thankful for our fire family!!

Jeramiah Baker and the soon-to-be Mrs. Baker, Katie Hugunin, Marble Falls Area Fire Department

I joined my local Volunteer Fire Department Marble Falls Area Fire Department in July 2022. I was experienced in EMS and was very happy to be apart of a dept again! My future husband, Jeremiah, joined the department in November 2022. He actually turned in his application during our annual Haunted House on Halloween! At first glance I thought WOW WHAT A LOOKER! He was all cowboyed up and looking fine!

Well he started running calls a month or so later and we realized we both like hanging out together and the only mutual way to do that was by being at the station. So we pretty much lived at our station for a couple of months, just hanging out, getting to know each other and running calls! Everyone on our department thought we were already more than friends, but we weren’t, not 'till several months later.

One day my family came to hang out at the station and of course Jeremiah was there and he was in our office writing a report and my Mema cornered him to interrogate him about why he isn’t dating me yet, and what does he think about me, and she said, "What do you want to know about her, I’ll tell you whatever you want to know!" I was flabbergasted! Jeremiah was so red-cheeked! He didn’t know how to answer! It was hysterical! So we just played it off, like, oh, Mema is crazy! No big deal!

But a few weeks later we traveled down to College Station for TEEX Fire Spring School and on our first day there before class is when he decided to kiss me! Since then we started spending all of our time together, we both have so much in common and we really mesh well. So then a fellow firefighter who owns a fishing charter company let us use his boat for a fun weekend at the coast, and this is when Jeremiah decided to POP the question. Right after I caught a huge 20-pound Red Tail. It was quite the adrenaline-filled experience! Of course, I said yes!

Kymper Cotter-Nowicki and Aaron Kreag, Granbury

Aaron and I met through an online dating app in January 2023. Both empty nesters and both starting to write the next chapters of our lives, we decided to meet the same day we connected online-Jan. 14th. What was expected to be a brief meetup for a beverage and introduction turned into a 6-hr long chat about all kinds of topics. There was an instant connection between us.

We continued to spend time together over the next three days, and at that point I just knew we were destined to be in each other's lives in some way. We quickly developed a really great friendship and Aaron decided not too long later to settle down in Granbury. One deciding factor for him was our volunteer fire department. With many years of experience as a paramedic and some time as a volunteer firefighter in Indiana, he was looking for a small-town community with a strong volunteer fire department and opportunities to give back. Our saying is "no coincidences", and Arron says that at that time, everything just seemed to be coming together and that it all felt right.

Early in our relationship, Aaron asked me if I would be interested in joining the department with him. At that time, I honestly had never considered getting involved in any type of first responder capacity. However, I too was looking for ways to become more involved in my community and I was very interested in giving back in some way.

Aaron joined Granbury VFD in June 2023 and I joined in July. We instantly felt welcomed, started making new connections and friends, and started to learn a lot- especially me since I had no prior fire experience. It was a fun thing for us to do together, and it definitely took our relationship to a new level, brought us closer together and gave us an opportunity to support one another in an endeavor we were sharing. In fact, my very first fire call with the department was a fully involved structure fire at night. Aaron and I responded together with GVFD alongside several other local departments. It was an exciting and eye-opening experience for me, and I remember how comforting and awesome it felt to be there with Aaron. I think he felt the same way.

Celebrating our 6-month anniversary at the same venue where we first met, we playfully agreed that if we ever got married, we should do right there where it all started. Soon after, on Sept 6, Aaron proposed to me while we were on a trip in Chicago. We are both very social, outgoing people, and both having been married before, we decided that hosting a casual, public party-like wedding event would suit us best. So, we set the date for Nov. 17^th and arranged to have our wedding at Warren's Backyard, where we first met.

While planning our wedding, we also embarked on our 9-week Rookie Academy with GVFD and Arron began his journey to become re-certified as a paramedic. To say that last fall was crazy would be an understatement. Not only did we graduate from Rookie Academy, we both obtained our SSFMA FFI & II and Hazmat certificates, but Arron also passed his Paramedic National Registry exam and recertified multiple advanced paramedic certificates.

Our wedding was amazing! Our department Chaplin opened up our ceremony in prayer, and the audience had many of our fire department family members in attendance. It warmed our hearts to realize how, in just six months, we made so many wonderful friends through our involvement with the fire department and to have so many of them there that night to celebrate with us.

Aaron and I both have since been voted on to the department as active members and proudly wear our black helmets. Aaron was also recently hired as a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic with Brady FD.This Valentine's Day will mark our 1 year and 1 month anniversary of meeting. If we don't get toned out to a structure fire, we have plans to spend the evening at a nice restaurant.

Cheryl Moore Todd Moore, Chapel Hill VFD

My husband was previously in law enforcement as a reserve officer before we moved to Texas. When we moved he decided to give the fire service a try and he was hooked. Finally I decided I would like to give it a try as well. We are both certified FF2 and we enjoy being able to give back to our community together.

Check out the photos below from our lovebirds!

Kymper Cotter-Nowicki and Aaron Kreag, Granbury VFD

J'Lyn and Tony Shows, Christine VFD

Josh and Jennifer Bardwell, West Mountain VFD

Lala and Leo Vasquez, Refigio VFD

Samantha and Jacob Lucas, Maxwell VFD

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Mark your calendars! The 148th Annual Training Conference & Convention is happening June 27-30, 2024, at the Embassy Suites Convention Center in beautiful San Marcos, Texas. Visit our website and social media pages to stay up-to-date about the conference. (Follow us on Facebook and Like us on Twitter/X!)

----- Registration is now open!! -----

On our website, you'll find all the conference info:

Training classes (cool new topics)
Great speakers/instructors (some big names!)
Live hands-on training (pre-register and bring PPE and other items from home)
Sponsorship opportunities (help us make this the best conference ever)
Advertising (reach folks beyond the conference)
Races (Pumper and Firefighter Gauntlet, Driving Contest)
Other Contests (Photo, Poster)
Hotel info (it's on the website!)

SAVVIK Buying Group is awarding five (5) organizations a $2,000 grant each. That's a total of $10,000 total in grant dollars available!

See the grant application here.

Share this with your neighboring VFDs to get signed up - the submission deadline is Fri., March 15, 2024!

A Visit with Willow City

Christmas may be long over, but the feeling of community and family lasts all year long at Willow Creek VFD. These folks were so warm and welcoming when we visited in December. We felt like family! Even snagged a few hugs before the night was over.

In an interview with Chief Stanley Rabke and volunteer Michael Pressler, that feeling of taking care of each other and their community came out over and over.

We spoke with Michael as part of our series on younger (young-ish) volunteers. (See the photo below of Michael, his wife Leslie and their three children)

Even with two jobs and three kids, Michael Pressler, 40, finds time to volunteer with Willow City VFD. He, along with about 35 other folks, are on the roster at this department in this town of maybe 2,000 residents. That's an impressive number of volunteers for a small town!

How does Michael find the time to help?

To him, it's simple.

"I make time," he said. "My wife and kids realize I volunteer...there are times I get called away but they understand and are supportive."

One of his full-time jobs is a paid firefighter in Fredericksburg. He's also a diesel mechanic. His uncle helped him get started as a volunteer firefighter in roughly 2005.

"I was instantly hooked," he said.

So much so, he became a paid firefighter! He's been a volunteer in Willow City for about five years. Five other Fredericksburg firefighters are also Willow City volunteers.

Born and raised in Willow City, Michael said he likes the peace and quiet.

"It's so different from Fredericksburg, which has a steady flow of visitors and traffic," he said.

In an average year, Willow City VFD runs about 100 calls out to Enchanted Rock State Park, roughly 16 miles away. The calls run the gamut from falls to broken bones to dehydration to heart attacks and strokes. In town, the department also runs a variety of medical calls, accidents, structure fires and anything else thrown their way.

Chief Rabke, whose wife and son are also volunteers (his son is the Assistant Chief!), said the community is very good to the VFD. We visited on the night when volunteers hosted a spaghetti dinner for the locals to thank them for their continued support.

While Michael isn't sure if any of his children will follow in his footsteps and become a volunteer, they are at least involved as a family when it comes to events and fundraisers. This seems to be the case across Texas where families are a huge part of volunteer fire departments.

We enjoyed meeting Michael and talking with him and Chief Rabke. The chief reminded us that in May they have a big fundraiser, so check their Facebook page and if you're in the area, stop on by and support Willow City VFD!

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SFFMA Contest

Register your PORTAL account and be entered to win an Amazon gift card!

Enter our SFFMA contest by registering your PORTAL account between now and May 3, 2024, and you could win one of four (4) $148 Amazon Gift Cards in honor of SFFMA being 148 years old. (Previously registered accounts will be automatically entered.) There is no cost for registering your PORTAL account.

Check out the fine print and contest rules.

Meet the Staff

This month's featured staffer is
Julie Wegmiller!

In this photo, Julie is standing with her buddy in the store.

Many of you may recognize this month's 'Meet the Staff' star: it's Julie Wegmiller, Sales Manager. She's been with SFFMA 17 years but did you know she used to be a Fire Prevention Inspector? It's true!

She graduated in 1992 with a BA from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. In 1999, she got certified through TEEX as a Fire Prevention Inspector. Her first job in the field was with Hudson Bend ESD 6 (now called Lake Travis Fire). As part of that part-time gig, she facilitated the in-house fire prevention clown program - "The Safety Squad" - and was the Public Education Coordinator for the department.

During her time with Hudson Bend, she also wrote a weekly fire safety column for the Lake Travis View newspaper. She switched gears in 2007 when she took the Membership Coordinator position with SFFMA. Back then, her role was to support the membership efforts.

"I processed a lot of paperwork," she said with a laugh.

Julie took over Sales & Membership after the manager resigned in 2008.

"Sales of instructional materials were on fire," she said. "Departments would get tons of books and training manuals through the store because they were reimbursable through the HB 2604 funds."

Julie said SFFMA members were soon calling for more hands-on training.

She gradually moved to handling sales almost exclusively and handed off the membership piece to Diana.

"I hired her as a temp and she ended up staying seven years," Julie said. "She was great!"

In 2013, Julie was part of the staff that helped break ground on the new SFFMA headquarters building in Manchaca. With a nice area for a store, a warehouse and an office, Julie made the transition to the new digs.

When members were clamoring for an online store, Julie headed up that endeavor - that was six years ago.

"I created everything for that store from scratch," she said.

Julie quickly learned how to set up the online store and still manages that process today.

Though her titles have been mostly sales and membership, Julie has been an integral part of the association over the past 17 years. She recalls her time with SFFMA fondly, remembering things like helping with the huge catfish fry luncheon after each Firefighter Memorial Ceremony at the Texas Capitol building. Or the time in 2011 when she and other staff members attended ACL in Austin and helped raise $15,000 after the wildfire disaster in Bastrop. She was in charge of the fundraising effort.

For a few years, she wrote the monthly newsletter, e- InfoFIRE, and posted SFFMA info on Facebook. When a previous staffer resigned, Julie stepped in to take care of accounts receivable.

"I had to learn Quickbooks Desktop and then about a year later, we started using Quickbook Online," she said. "I had to learn that new program. I also started helping with the annual audit and producing reports and sale inventory lists."

She is kind of a Julie-of-all-Trades around SFFMA. Her experience and skills make her a valued member of the team. Her historical knowledge of SFFMA always comes in handy!

These days, Julie manages the store and shipping of items, online sales, accounts receivable, Point-of-Sale transactions (such as selling items at conferences) and still assists with the audits. She also facilitates the two professional development courses that run each year. When students are in town for instruction, Julie ensures they have food and beverages, snacks and helps them with hotels and directions.

What does she like most about her job?

"It's the relationships I have with our customers," she said. "I'm always thinking, 'How can I help them?' What more can I do?'"

Julie's can-do attitude and ability to connect with people ensures our members will be taken care of whenever she assists them. Thanks, Julie, for all you do for SFFMA!

Fun Fact about Julie: She used to do barrel racing at rodeos as a kid!

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SFFMA Store

Featured Store Item: Navy Zippered Hoodie!

This month's featured store item is the new zippered hoodie with the SFFMA logo. Julie Wegmiller ordered the hoodies not long ago and said she thinks folks will like them a whole bunch.

They are sturdy, soft and go with just about anything! Perfect weight for chilly days and equally good in that cold office you work in every day.

And at just $35, they are a great price! Order yours today. Visit the SFFMA Store

Description: These Gildan® Heavy Blend full-zip hoodies are made from an 8-oz, 50/50 cotton/polyester blend fleece. This sweatshirt features an unlined hood with color-matched draw cord, rib-knit cuffs and a waistband with spandex. Double-needle stitching at pockets, shoulders, armholes, neck, waistband and cuffs for added reinforcement. SFFMA logo embroidered on left chest.

Research on Firefighter Stress - Take the Survey!

Oklahoma State University - Spears School of Business and the OSU College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology are collaborating on a study on firefighter stress. They requested our assistance in sharing the study with our audience.

The researchers invite you to participate in a survey regarding the causes, implications, and management of firefighter stress prepared by researchers at Oklahoma State University.

SFFMA encourages you to consider participating in this survey so the results reflect a range of experiences for firefighters across the country. The research team has done extensive work in this area and their findings have led to positive change in several departments.

Per the invite, this anonymous survey constitutes the first phase of the study and should take about 15-20 minutes to complete. Completing the survey gives you a chance to win one of 50 $100 Amazon e-Gift cards. Because this is a two part survey, in approximately four weeks, you will be asked to complete a second survey. If you complete both surveys, you will receive three entries into the raffle (as opposed to one entry).

To take the survey, please click the link below or copy and paste it into your browser:
https://okstate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cRY0GmKVwUrDV1Y

Thanks for helping the researchers at Oklahoma State University!

Get Reimbursed For Firefighter Insurance!

The 2024 program period for Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural VFD Insurance Program began on November 1. It extends through July 31 of next year. This program reimburses eligible fire departments for their firefighter insurance (workers’ comp, AD&D, accident & sickness, group term life, and cancer related coverage) - up to $190 per insured fire department member. This program is also the newest addition to FireConnect, Texas A&M Forest Service’s online web application system for fire departments to report fires and request grant assistance. Be sure to take advantage of this great program, freeing up funds for other department needs. Just log into FireConnect and submit for reimbursement today!

If you have any questions regarding the Rural VFD Insurance Program, please

call 979-458-6505 or email ffins@tfs.tamu.edu.

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Take the NVFC Health & Safety Survey!

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is asking all first responders to participate in a survey to measure the influence of our health and safety programming. The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete and will be used to help increase the effectiveness of the NVFC’s health and safety initiatives and better serve volunteers across the country. Fire department leadership and firefighters/EMS personnel are invited to participate. Those who complete the survey can enter into a raffle to win a $100 gift card. Take the survey by February 25 here.

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Junior Firefighter Program Starter Kit

Is your fire department looking for a way to increase non-operational support, enhance community relations, and create a pipeline for recruitment? Then start a junior firefighter program!

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has released an updated Junior Firefighter Program Starter Kit to help departments build the framework for a successful youth program. (Click here to learn more,)

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2024 Membership Drive

If you haven't already, be sure to sign up/renew today!

If you're not yet paid up for 2024, your insurance benefits are not in effect. We encourage all departments and/or individuals to renew today and avoid a lapse in coverage. With six LODDs in the past two years where their insurance premium was not up to date, their families were not able to get the benefits - and that is almost as tragic as losing a loved one in the line of duty.

Have you logged into the SFFMA PORTAL? It’s easy to set up your account and much easier to navigate because it was designed to be more intuitive. Find what you want quickly and efficiently!

Here are some things you can do on PORTAL:

Verify membership info.
Find individuals or departments.
Verify SFFMA-issued certifications.
Create and pay invoices.

Visit PORTAL to take a test drive!

Important Reminder: You won’t receive a membership invoice in the mail, but departments should have received a reminder postcard. Plus, it’s crazy easy to log into PORTAL and generate your own invoice. You can then pay online or print it out and mail it with a check – whatever is easiest for you and your department. You're in control!

If you’re using the SFFMA PORTAL for the first time, you'll be asked to create an account login and password. It's fast and easy - really! Save your username and password and be sure the email you provide during the registration process is one you will have access to in the future. It's best not to use a work or department email for PORTAL.

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VFIS of Texas is more than an insurance agency. They also offer training, education, and risk control services to assist your organization in all facets.

Every year injuries occur to emergency service personnel during training or on actual emergency calls. The company's goal is to educate and train personnel to better protect them and to reduce their risk of injury or death.

Part of this commitment is promoting the safe operation of emergency vehicles. With this in mind, VFIS of Texas and TEEX have partnered to provide a nationally recognized Emergency Vehicle Driver Training program through the TEEX Emergency Services Training Institute (ESTI). ESTI is the NFA-recognized State Fire Training agency for the state of Texas.

To request a course or to review the ESTI Extension course schedule, CLICK HERE.

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Certification & Testing

Need information or have questions about testing and certification? Check out our website to learn more. You can also check with your department's certification coordinator if you need additional help.

Written Testing Dates

To join a scheduled session, e-mail Kevin Creamer at testing@sffma.org.

Just a reminder: we made some changes to our testing processes and policies:

Individuals interested in taking an SFFMA written exam must have a registered account in the SFFMA PORTAL.
Each examination requires payment of a testing fee, which is currently $25. There is a also testing fee for each retest, should any be necessary.

Exam results are valid for two years from the testing date. Trainee must meet all issuance requirements within this period (completion of prerequisites and skill examination) or exam results are void.

Upcoming Test Dates

Saturday, February 24, 2024
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CDT)

Andrews FD
105 Commerce Dr
Andrews, TX 79714

Wednesday, February 28, 2024
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM (CDT)

Brenham FD
101 N Chappell Hill St
Brenham, TX 77833

Tuesday, March 12, 2024
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (MDT)

El Paso County ESD 2
16001 Socorro Rd
Fabens, TX 79838

Saturday, March 16, 2024
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM (CDT)

Tarrant County College Fire Service Training Center
4801 Marine Creek Pkwy
Fort Worth, TX 76179-3513

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Photobook

A snapshot of pics from fire departments across Texas:

So many of these awesome photos should be entered into the SFFMA Photo Contest! Read more on our website. (Professional photographers excluded, but the rest of y'all qualify!)