Promote, Unify, Represent and Educate the Fire Service of Texas               March 2024
Table of Contents
Welcome to SFFMA e- InfoFIRE!

Thanks to all who renewed or joined for 2024! We look forward to continuing to serve our members.

 

This is our annual Conference Edition of e- InfoFIRE. You'll find all things conference: how to register, hotel info, contests, games, training schedule, and much more! Please note, you'll register for the conference via the PORTAL system. For live hands-on training classes, you'll also need to register in the TEEX system.

 

We thank all of our 2024 conference sponsors and vendors for helping to make this year's event absolutely unmissable. That might not be a real word, but we think it conveys exactly what we mean: Don't miss this event! Special thanks to VFIS of Texas, Belfor Property Restoration, Siddons-Martin, Casco, and National Foam. We still have sponsor/vendor opportunities! Reach out to our Marketing Director Kim Hilsenbeck to learn more.

 

Between now and May 3, 2024, register your SFFMA PORTAL account to be entered into a drawing for one of four $148 Amazon gift cards (in honor of SFFMA being 148 years old). It's easy to enter - just register your account! (It's free) Why register? We can't communicate with you if we can't reach you! See all the contest rules on our website.

 

Be sure to check out our overview infographic for a cool update on how we're doing at SFFMA. And don't miss this month's volunteer spotlight feature, Women in the Fire Service.

 

Look for our annual member survey, which should be coming out in a few weeks. We'd appreciate your feedback so we can continue to improve and to meet our members' needs. Last year we collected more than 600 responses! We're asking y'all to help us get even more this year - share the survey link with fellow volunteers, neighboring departments and your districts. Check your email and our Facebook page soon for details.


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? Email Kim Hilsenbeck:  newsletter@sffma.org.

How can you help with recovery from the largest wildfire in the history of Texas?
Meet some of the leaders in the Texas Fire Service who happen to be women.
Check out photos from fire departments around the state!
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President's Corner
 
A monthly note from SFFMA Board President Donny Boggs

As I pen this article, my thoughts and prayers are for the safety of our volunteer responders and all involved with the major wildfires on-going in the Panhandle and neighboring state of Oklahoma. I mourn for those that have suffered losses and pray God’s comfort and love for all. It is truly heartbreaking to see the devastation throughout the region. Undoubtedly, this is the largest wildfire event in the history of Texas, but I know the perseverance, dedication, and determination of our responders to see the job through. Know the entire SFFMA family stands with you and supports you in all that you do.

 

The 148th SFFMA Training Conference and Convention will be held in San Marcos June 27–30, 2024, at the Embassy Suites. Information on registering for the conference, the completed speaker/training schedule, and more is now available on the website. Most attendees will attend 3 ½ days under the new format. Remember, by attending the Recruitment & Retention workshop, some of your travel can be reimbursed by the SAFER grant.

 

Executive Director Dan Kramer and I attended the Fire Consortium Group meeting on February 28 held at the Texas Commission on Fire Protection’s new office at 4800 N. Lamar, Suite 340, Austin, Texas. This group meets quarterly with emergency response stakeholders to discuss what is going on within each organization and to exchange thoughts and ideas to make the fire service better.

 

Organizations in attendace: Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP), Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association (SFFMA), Texas Association of Fire Educators (TAFE), State Fire Marshals’ Office (SFMO), Texas Fire Marshals’ Association (TFMA), Texas A&M Forestry Service (TAMFS), and State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts (SAFE-D). Also attending was our Legislative Advisor J Pete Laney.

 

TCFP held a workshop on Feb. 28 to discuss committee vacancies and a proposed process for future meetings regarding rules. During this meeting, representatives from Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) gave a presentation on possibly creating a certification for Emergency Management Coordinators (EMC’s)…aimed more toward the rural areas of the state. This is a topic 3rd Vice President R.J. Thomas is working on and has contact information to collaborate with these representatives to see if it can work for our needs. Look for more to follow on this very important function. 

 

At midnight on December 31, 2023, SFFMA benefits expired/lapsed. If you did not renew your membership…YOUR BENEFITS ARE NOT IN EFFECT!!! Please take time NOW to renew and re-instate your benefit coverage.

 

To date, we have 13,274 individual (85% of last year) and 713 department renewals (78% of last year). These are tremendous numbers, but there are still many departments and individuals that have not renewed. District Leaders, REACH OUT to your departments and encourage them to act!! If the department is not able to access the website to create or print their invoice, have them call the Austin office. Our friendly membership services staff will assist you.  

 

In closing, I thank each and every one of you for what you do for your department, community, district, county, the State of Texas, and the SFFMA. Please stay safe and God bless y’all.

 

Donny Boggs

SFFMA Executive Board President 2023 – 2024

979-220-0141

donald.boggs@gmail.com  
From the Desk of the Executive Director
 
Dan Kramer is the Executive Director of SFFMA

Welcome Message

 

Dear Members of the State Firefighters and Fire Marshals Association of Texas,

 

I am honored and thrilled to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of our esteemed association. My name is Dan Kramer, and I bring to this position a wealth of experience in fire service and public safety, combined with a deep commitment to our shared values of welfare and professional advancement. I understand the challenges and dedication each of you brings to your roles, and I am here to support and empower you in every way I can.

 

I have spent the past twelve years dedicated to fire safety, working in various capacities, from active firefighting to administrative roles within fire departments across Texas. A steadfast commitment to excellence, community service, and the relentless pursuit of safety and innovation has marked my journey in fire service.

 

As your new Executive Director, my primary goal is to ensure that our association remains at the forefront of advocating for our members' interests, safety, and professional development. I am committed to fostering a community where all members feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential. In the coming months, I plan to initiate listening sessions to better understand your needs, expectations, and challenges in your respective roles.

 

Furthermore, I am deeply committed to enhancing our training and certification programs, advocacy efforts, and member services. I believe that through collaborative efforts, we can overcome the challenges facing our profession and continue improving fire safety and prevention standards across Texas.

 

I am also eager to strengthen our partnerships with related organizations, governmental agencies, and community stakeholders to further our mission and impact. By working together, we can ensure that the voices of Texas firefighters and fire marshals are heard and respected at all levels of government and within our communities.

 

In the spirit of collaboration and progress, I invite you to contact me with your ideas, concerns, and aspirations for our association. Your input is not just valuable; it is integral to our operations. Together, we will chart the course for a successful and impactful future.

 

I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve as your Executive Director. Together, we will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and service, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

 

Warm regards,

 

Dan Kramer

Executive Director 

State Firefighters and Fire Marshals Association of Texas

Conference Updates and Early Bird Pricing
Conference Registration is Open!
We are rockin' and rollin' with the SFFMA 148th Annual Training Conference and Convention. This year's event takes place at the San Marcos Convention Center June 27-30, 2024. Register for the conference using the SFFMA PORTAL. Early bird pricing ends June 7 so don't delay!
 
This year's Fire Chief level conference sponsor is VFIS. We are grateful for their continued support!!
 
Read the conference info below and check our website for all the details:
 
Keynote Speaker - We welcome Deputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb to this year's conference! He will share his advice for creating a well-functioning team through effective leadership. Leeb has been with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) for more than 30 years. Thanks to Belfor for sponsoring this keynote speaker! Read more...
 
Conference Schedule - Check out the full conference schedule to find out where and when everything is happening. Read more...
 
Training Schedule - Don't miss this chance to receive great training on timely, relevant topics. This year we've added new topics and speakers as well as live hands-on training options! 
 
TEEX Registration for Training - Sign up for classes through the TEEX registration system.
 
Games/Races - Get ready for the fun! Pull together your dream team for the SFFMA Annual Pumper Races and the Firefighter Gauntlet, sponsored by National FoamWe're inviting the public and local media to share in the joy! Bonus: This year both the pumper races and the gauntlet will offer cash prizes!
 
Contests - We love these traditional elements of the conference; they remind us of the traditions of the fire service. Submit your best pics for the Photo Contest; collect fire prevention messages from school children for the Poster Contest and challenge yourself in the Driver Contest
 
Delegate Approval Form - Each member DEPARTMENT is authorized to send up to FIVE (5) delegates. An approved signature from the department fire chief must be on file for delegates to be eligible to vote at SFFMA business sessions at the 2024 Conference. Read more and download the form...
 
Hotel Info - The conference center is connected to the Embassy Suites Hotel. Use code “State Firefighters 90K” to get the discounted rate. Book your room today!
Keynote Speaker Deputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb will share his 30+ years of experience as a leader within the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). This is one general session you don't want to miss!
Firefighter/EMS Responder of the Year Awards
Throwback to Last Year:
 
The 2023 EMS Responder of the Year:
Dave Bellows, Hartley Fire & EMS (Photo at left)
 
In addition to a $3,000 cash prize, the EMS Responder of the Year receives a beautiful metal eagle!
 
 
 
The Firefighter of the Year (FFOY) and EMS Service Responder of the Year Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognize an outstanding member of your organization. Sponsored by Texas Mutual/VFIS of Texas, the awards signify a dedication to excellence within the fire and emergency service
Each SFFMA District should submit the winner of its FFOY and EMS Responder awards. Those candidates are then asked to attend conference and participate in an interview. They are also provided a special breakfast just for the candidates.
 
But here is the best part: Each winner earns a $3,000 prize courtesy of Texas Mutual/VFIS of Texas! That's $3K for the FFOY and $3K for the EMS Responder. And if your firefighters go on medical calls and provide service, they are eligible for both categories! Two runners up in each category also win $1,000 each.
 
In addition to the prize money, Casco also graciously provides a beautiful leather helmet for the FFOY winner. The EMS Responder of the Year receives a gorgeous metal eagle. We can't think of any reason NOT to apply for these awards!
Throwback to Last Year:
 
The 2023 Firefighter of the Year: 
Chief Jeff Ballew, Edgecliff Village Fire Department (Photo at right)
 
In addition to a $3,000 cash prize, the FFOY receives a helmet from Casco!
Thanks to Casco, a long-time suppoter of SFFMA!
Memorial Service Information
Honor your fallen firefighters at the SFFMA Annual Conference Memorial Service
 
The loss of our brothers and sisters in the fire service makes all our hearts heavy. But with our Memorial Service at the annual conference, you can make sure their memory is honored. If your department has names to share (from June 15, 2023, forward), please send those to us as soon as possible - the DEADLINE IS JUNE 2, 2024. That way, we can ensure they are included in the ceremony. Send an email to memorial@sffma.org that includes the person's name, date of birth, date of death, rank at time of death (or indicate if retired), if it was an LODD, department name and whether any family member will attend the service. This year's memorial event takes place June 30 at 9 a.m.
Advertising Options
With our multiple platforms that reach a wide audience of decision makers in the Texas Fire Service, advertising with SFFMA is a great way to help meet your marketing goals.
 
Our Marketing Director Kim Hilsenbeck can work with you to customize an advertising package that is affordable and that works for you.
 
Interested in the conference? We got you. Want to target social media users? We can help. Prefer website ads? Look no further.
 
Let us help you develop an advertising plan that is within your budget and will get you the most bang for your buck.
Contests & Deadlines
Our annual training conference and convention offers great classes, hands-on training and awesome speakers. But there is still some fun to be had outside the classroom! Below is information on some of our annual contests. Each has a link to the contest rules on our website.
Driving Contest - We all think we're good drivers. Now you get a chance to prove it! Well, with a fire truck anyway. The field course includes Offset Alley, Loading Dock, Controlled Cornering, The Serpentine and The Stop Line. Are you up for the challenge? See the complete rules on our website.
 
Photo Contest* - Great photos deserve to be seen and rewarded! Twelve of this year's contest submissions will become the featured photos in our 2025 SFFMA Calendar! The top winner will grace the front cover. Each winning pic displayed in the calendar will receive photo credit, in the calendar and elsewhere (such as on social media and in our newsletter). Funds raised from the calendar sales go to our Fire Institute, our 501(c)3 nonprofit; monies are used for firefighter travel costs to attend training and to aid in panhandle fire recovery for volunteer departments that aided in the incident. See complete rules on our website.
 
Poster Contest - The Gary Tilton Memorial Fire Prevention Post Contest is open to all students in grades Pre-K through 12 enrolled in any school (public, private, parochial, etc.) or home schooled. The poster must be original and may be on any phase of fire prevention and/or fire safety. Only individual work by the student, and one entry per student, will be accepted.  See the complete rules on our website.
 
*open to any resident of Texas except for professional photographers
 
See some of last year's winners below:

2023 Photo Contest: Best in Show and First Place in Fire-Related Acts by Xavier Garcia of Pleasanton

2023 Poster Contest: 1st Place - Jr. High Division by Camila Santiago, Pasadena

2023 Driving Contest First-Place winner, Keith E. Tate of Flint-Gresham VFD, with a time of 2:08.80

Panhandle Wildfire Assistance
The devastation resulting from the massive wildfires in the Texas panhandle will take months to repair and rebuild. Loss of lives, livestock, buildings, property and vehicles happened throughout the region.
 
So many Texans have stepped up to help their fellow Texans. As always during a disaster of this nature, we come together regardless of anything else to help those in need. How can you help? See the info below. And note that SFFMA will use its Fire Institute, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, in the coming months to help raise money for volunteer departments that suffered vehicle and equipment losses. More to come soon!
 
City of Borger Donations/Wildfire Hotline: 806-273-0955
For questions, concerns, offering of help, volunteering. Donations can be delivered to 1113 Bulldog Blvd., Borger, TX 79007 (The Dome Civic and Convention) but please call the hotline first to see what items are needed. Also check with these organizations: CCS Connect Community Services, Celebration Family Church, First Baptist Church Stinnett, Stinnett Fire Department, Fritch Volunteer Fire DepartmentHutchinson County United Way also has a fund set up you can donate to online.
 
PFFMA Disaster Relief Fund
The PFFMA Executive Board created The Panhandle Fireman's and Fire Marshall's Association Disaster Relief Fund. This fund is available to not only members of that district, but to any fire department within the district. If your department has suffered damages to equipment, reach out and request financial assistance to help with repairs. Please email pffmasecretary2020@gmail.com. To donate to this fund, please mail checks to: PFFMA PO Box 32413, Amarillo, TX 79120. Be sure to write Disaster Relief Fund in the memo!
Etoile VFD hosting a training class
Another photos from Etoile VFD's training class
Yorktown VFD working a fire
Training class posted by RGV District
Edcouch VFD on a scene
Sinton VFD at a structure fire
A member of Harris County ESD 16 - Klein Fire Department reading a book to elementary school students as part of the Read Across America program
Belmont Volunteer Fire Department muggin' for the camera
Poteet Volunteer Fire Department training on hose ops
Greenville Fire-Rescue, TX, on the way to help with the panhandle fires
Women in the Fire Service - Volunteer Spotlight
In March we celebrate Women's History Month and International Women's Day. In that spirit, we are sharing profiles on several women in the Texas Fire Service who are chiefs or assistant chiefs. Keep rockin' it, ladies!
Chandra Elliott, Fire Chief, Ables-Springs Fire Department
 
Current age: 42
Year became a firefighter: 2019
How long have you been the fire chief: 14 months
Did you face any barriers at the time: "No, ma'am."
Number on roster when you became chief: 16
New females on roster since you became chief: 3
Current number on roster: 22
Best advice ever received about being a chief: "A fellow chief told me, 'Step up and lead that crew. You got it in you. You have the vision for it.' It was simple, but powerful. To this day, he and a few other chiefs and colleagues continue to help me every step of the way and I'm forever grateful for those friendships. Recognizing that none of us know it all, but as a team we can accomplish great things is key to our success."
Advice you would give young women today: "Exude confidence in everything you do. Keep that brave face on and push through the tough times. That's how you grow out of the comfort zone. Don't allow disrespectful comments. Firmly, but respectfully establish yourself as someone who should be taken seriously. Lastly, surround yourself with good, positive people that will push you toward your goals."
Cassandra Malone-Godfrey, Todd Mission Fire Department
 
Current age: 33
Year became a firefighter: 2013
How long have you been the fire chief: 5 years
Did you face any barriers at the time: "Yes; however, nothing that hard work, dedication, persistence and a commitment to training couldn’t fix."
Number on roster when you became chief: 18
New females on roster since you became chief: Yes
Current number on roster: 30 (about half and half female/males); junior firefighter program is also evenly split between males and females.
Best advice ever received about being a chief: "My very best fire chief, Chief Faterkowski, has always been passionate about investing back into the crew and ensuring that you leave the fire service a better place than you found it. His words make the decision-making process of every day challenges easier to navigate. The crew is my priority and ensuring progress forward for the fire station, even if some days its only baby steps as opposed to leaps and bounds."
Advice you would give young women today: "Work hard, never lose your passion, learn from mistakes, listen to the senior firemen, and train as if your life depends on it – because it does."
Jessica Martinez, Assistant Chief, Devine Fire Department
 

Current age31

Year became a firefighter2007

How long have you been the Asst. Fire Chief: 5 months

Did you face any barriers at the time: The new experiences were nerve-wracking but I have a great support system at home; they told me I was capable of doing anything as long as I set my mind to it.

Number on roster when you became the assistant chief: 34

New females on roster since you became assistant chief: 4

Current number on roster: 36

Best advice ever received about being a chief: Don't let the "you're a girl" card stop you from accomplishing anything.

Advice you would give young women today: Try your best, work hard for the things you want. Don't let anyone tell you what you can and can't do. If you feel like quitting, reevaluate your wants/needs and try again. You can have anything you want in life as long as you are willing to work for it. You are strong, capable, beautiful and worthy; you can truly have it all! I am a mother, a daughter, sister, and wife! I am a friend, a coworker, and a chief. Days get hard sometimes and I spend a lot of time wondering if I am doing enough. Be proud of yourself and don't be afraid to reach out to your village. Asking for help takes so much courage and makes you so much stronger. You go girl! You got this!


Janet Wood, Assistant Chief, Todd Mission Volunteer Fire Department 

 

Current age: 51

Year became a firefighter: 2018

How long have you been the Asst. Fire Chief: ~2 years

Did you face any barriers at the time: Really the only barrier I faced was self-inflicted doubt. I was new to the fire industry and was not sure how or what I was capable of doing physically. Of course, being a woman in the industry, stereotyping can already create a barrier. I joined TMVFD when I was already into my 40’s and you can say I was very green. 

Number on roster when you became the assistant chief: 20

New females on roster since you became assistant chief: yes

Current number on roster: 30

Best advice ever received about being a chief: My Chief is a great leader and of course I had doubts when I was appointed AC, but she showed me that I have the ability and no matter where I started, I would be able to do this! I was given lots of encouragement and, with my crew's help, I have been stepping up and into my role as AC. 

Advice you would give young women today: If you have an interest in the fire industry, Just Do It! There is a position for everyone and with the training and the right leadership, there is nothing you can’t do. Never in my life did I think that I would EVER be a firefighter but now here I am, an AC and driving my crew to the scene in our fire trucks. This is definitely the Greatest Job I Never Knew I Would Love!

 
 
 
 
Chief of Communications for the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Kimberly Quiros
Behind the Scenes with NVFC
 
We recently had the good fortune to talk with Kimberly Quiros, Communications Guru for the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). Her actual title is Chief of Communications, but we all know she is a guru, which we are sure will make her blush. Given what she's accomplished, we think the title is fitting.
 
In our conversation, we learned more about the organization and more about her.
 
Back in 1976, Kimberly said there was no one voice for volunteer firefighters across the nation. NVFC began as a way to offer support for VFFs and to help achieve a mission of unifying the volunteer fire service. Fast forward from 1976 to 2024; NVFC now has 33,000 members. A good percentage of those are from Texas.
 
From its website: 'The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation.'
 
In addition to individual members, the NVFC has 47 state fire association members, like the State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas (SFFMA). Each appoints a representative to serve on the NVFC Board of Directors. The Texas rep is Dallas Renfrew, who is currently 1st Vice Chair with NVFC. Dallas, an SFFMA Past President, serves with the Seminole Volunteer Fire Department. He also works for the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service/Emergency Services Training Institute (TEEX/ESTI) as a fire service instructor and the extension program training coordinator. 
 
How does the NVFC accomplish its mission? 
 
"We provide meaningful support to fire and EMS organizations through a wide range of programs," Kimberly said. "This includes representing their interests at the federal congressional level and with national standards setting committees."
 
Kimberly said NVFCs programs include Fire Corps, Heart-Healthy Firefighter, Make Me A Firefighter and the National Junior Firefighter Program, among others. The council focuses on health and safety, recruitment and retention, establishing support programs and fostering the next generation of firefighters.
 
Communicating all of these programs to volunteer firefighters across the United States is no easy feat. Using all the tools at her disposal, Kimberly manages a website, a newsletter and crafts a variety of marketing collateral to provide to the volunteer fire service. She also helps promote programs and giveaways, such as a partnership with Anheuser-Busch to provide water to volunteer departments.
 
Kimberly has managed NVFC communications with professionalism and aplomb. She started as the first full-time Communications Associate but worked her way up to Chief of Communications. For nearly all of her 18 years with NVFC, Kimberly ran a solo shop. It's only been in the last three years that she was able to hire a coordinator.
 
What has changed in the nearly two decades since she started?
 
"We are now offering so much for individuals," she said.
 
Membership in NVFC includes a $10,000 AD&D insurance policy.
 
"NVFC also has additional benefits to enhance their membership value," Kimberly said.
 
A sample of these programs includes scholarships, a family guide and member-only discounts. NVFC offers free courses/classes. The council also has a benefit similar to an Employee Assistance Program that includes a help line.
 
Prior to starting at NVFC, Kimberly was a researcher with a newspaper in Newport News, VA, before becoming a communications specialist at a DC-based nonprofit. She also earned a Masters in Communications. Her work at NVFC is visible to tens of thousands of volunteer firefighters across the nation. The Dispatch newsletter, which she manages, reaches well beyond just NVFC members.
 
Kimberly said she looks forward to continuing her work with NVFC and to expanding its audience so more of the public sees the need to support local volunteer departments.
 
"Our newsletter and social media connect not only our members but those beyond the volunteer fire service," she said. "Through our efforts, and those of our member organizations, we can continue to forward the mission of volunteer firefighters."
 
 
 
Kimberly Quiros (center) with NVFC co-workers Meg Goldberg and Rachel Buczynski at the 2010 Congressional Fire Services Institute’s Training Day in College Park, MD
Celebrating more than five decades of volunteer service!
 
The folks over at Jim Ned Volunteer Fire Department (JNVFD) recently had occasion to celebrate, though perhaps it was a tad bittersweet. Volunteer Bob Eisenberg turned 80! And he retired from JNVFD. Bob served 54 years with the department. He joined in February of 1970 and served in multiple roles during his time there.
 
As his colleagues wrote on the FB post, "Thank you for the more than half century of service, you've touched countless lives with your guidance and wisdom. Many blessing to you and your family. Thank you Bob!"
 
SFFMA salutes and celebrates you, sir. Thank for you for years of dedication to serving your community. Enjoy your retirement!
News from VFIS
 
Congrats to all the recipients of the VFIS Emergency Response Health & Wellness Grants! The full list is on the VFIS website. The grants are sponsored by VFIS of Texas and Texas Mutual. They had a record-breaking 229 applications requesting over $1 million! If you didn't receive funding this go-round, be sure to apply next year.
Store Featured Item: Ornament
 
Introducing our newest store item: the 2024 SFFMA Annual Conference Commemorative Ornament! This item from 1st Alarm Laser Engraving is crafted on wood and hand-painted by the owner, former SFFMA President Tim Smith.
 
We are selling a limited quantity at this year's conference so be sure to get yours! Then each year moving forward, we will roll out a new conference ornament - you can collect them for your own tree or start a collection for a loved one. Each ornament is just $20 and a portion of sales benefits the SFFMA Fire Institute, our 501(c)3 nonprofit.
Certification and Testing
 

Master Firefighter

At its February meeting the Certification Board approved issuance of Master Firefighter certificates for the following individuals:

 

Department                   Applicant
Berlin-Mill Creek            Kasey Michael Ullrich

Friendswood FD            John David Valdina

South Brazos Co FD      Robert Travis Lull

 

Due to the rigorous requirements to receive Master Firefighter certification, the number we issue is quite small. Those who do receive the certification have worked very hard, so please help recognize their efforts. Congrats to each of you!

 

More information on filing for Master Firefighter certification located in the Certification Manual starting on page 53.

 

Transfer SFFMA Training to Test with TCFP

Individuals or departments interested in challenging the TCFP examination without attending a full-time academy can use the following steps to receive a Letter of Eligibility from SFFMA.

  • Document all training for HazMat Awareness, HazMat Operations, Firefighter I, and Firefighter II
  • Pay the required examination fees for the four levels at least once. (In instances where ProBoard or IFSAC documentation was used to show completion of one of the four levels, we would need payment of the issuance fee in place of the examination fee.)
  • Send a request e-mail to certification@sffma.org

Austin staff will double check all steps have been completed and reply with a PDF letter. TCFP views the letter with the same weight as completion of a full-time academy toward their program.

 
Upcoming Testing Dates

Monday, March 18, 2024
6:00 PM - 9:30 PM (
CST)

Klein FD
18606 Stuebner Airline Rd
Klein, TX 77379

 

Wednesday, March 20, 2024
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM (
CDT)

Brenham FD
101 N Chappell Hill St
Brenham, TX 77833

Saturday, March 23, 2024
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (
CST)

Klein FD
18606 Stuebner Airline Rd
Klein, TX 77379

 

Saturday, March 23, 2024
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CDT)

Guadalupe County Fire Training Facility
320 Fire Field Rd
New Braunfels, TX 78130

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

Devine Vol. Fire & Rescue
1419 County Road 5710
Devine, TX 78016

SFFMA Overview Infographic
The infographic below is a visual way to represent some of the happenings at SFFMA in recent months and in 2023. For example, our membership drive is going strong, we've issued 812 certifications so far this year and our social media is gaining new followers daily. Thank you to each and every firefighter who is a member of SFFMA!

NUTELLA® STACKS FOR GIVING BACK

National Volunteer Fire Council partnered with nutella to offer five $5K grants to volunteer fire departments!!!! Check here for details and how to apply.
TEEX Training
Continuing Education & Professional Credits from Texas Engineering Extension Service
 
April 22–26, 2024 M-F |
8 a.m.–5 p.m. Fire & Life Safety Educator 1, Course FP LSE100 9
(Not a Pro-Board Certification Course)
 
May 13-17, 2024 M-F | 8 a.m.–
5 p.m. Fire Instructor II, Course INS200-0199
(This is a Pro-Board Certification Course)
 
Learn more about training opportunities from TEEX on their website.
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