|
Promote, Unify, Represent and Educate the Fire Service of Texas April 2024 |
|
|---|
|
Marion VFD took advantage of this year's gorgeous Texas bluebonnets to grab a few fun photos. Thanks for sharing! |
|
|---|
|
|
This month's advertisers; be sure to check them out! (Click on an ad to link to that web page)
|
|
|---|
|
Welcome to SFFMA e-
InfoFIRE! |
|
|---|
|
Our 2024 Membership Drive is in full swing! We invite you to renew or join today to ensure your insurance benefits are in effect. Plus as a member, you can take advantage of our Testing & Certification Program. See more benefits here.
Check out our website for all the info about the SFFMA 148th Annual Training Conference and Convention. 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.
Many thanks to our 2024 conference sponsors and vendors for helping to make this year's event absolutely incredible. Special thanks to VFIS of Texas, Texas Farm Bureau, 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.
There's still time to 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!
[
Register by May 3, 2024. See all the contest rules on our website.]
This month's volunteer spotlight is about Quay, also know as Lawson Loyd with Crabb's Prairie VFD. Read all about this 21-year-old who says being part of the VFD is like being part of a big family.
It's time for this year's SFFMA Feedback Survey! We'd appreciate your input 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.
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.
|
|
|---|
|
|
Is your team ready? What are you waiting for?? |
|
|---|
|
|
|
This month's volunteer spotlight features a 21-year-old known as Quay. |
|
|---|
|
|
|
Check out photos from fire departments around the state! |
|
|---|
|
|
|
|---|
|
|
|
A monthly note from SFFMA Board President Donny Boggs |
|
|
|
|
My prayers continue for our first responders recovering from fighting the largest wildfire in the history of our state. Even though these fires have been contained, severe fire weather danger still exists and our responders must be ever vigilant and ready to respond and I know they will. Our volunteer firefighters and responders are the heart and soul of the Texas fire service. I pray God’s protection over each and everyone.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE!! The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) wrote a proposal to change the 29CFR 1910.156 Fire Brigade rule. They are removing “Fire Brigades” and replacing it with “Emergency Response”. This basically is a blanket or umbrella coverage that includes everyone in the fire service. If this rule is enacted as written, most VFDs cannot financially comply or do not have the staffing to comply. This rule will make it mandatory to comply with 22 NFPA Standards in whole and another 14 NFPA Standards in part. Read the proposed rule here.
I have been in conversations with our brothers and sisters from Ohio, West Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Massachusetts, and New York state and all are fighting this rule, as it is written. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) petitioned and received a 45-day extension to the comment period (which now ends June 21) so more states and departments can review and make comments on the negative impact this rule will bring. We believe enacting this rule will put VFDs out of business or they will be breaking the law to protect their communities. As I understand it, if you utilize funds from an AFG or SAFER grant (federally funded) you WILL fall under this rule. All departments need to be involved and speaking to your U.S. Congressmen. DO NOT IGNORE or TAKE LIGHTLY this proposal.
You may submit comments and attachments, identified by Docket No. OSHA-2007-0073, electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
By the time this article comes out, everyone within the “path” of the total solar eclipse will have dealt with all the influx of “eclipse watchers” from all across the good ole USA. I know many of the departments planned for months in how to deal with the added traffic congestion and several thousand NEW residents for a day or two. I pray all your hard work and planning will have things under control. I, personally, plan on watching from my front porch out in the middle of nowhere USA!
|
|
|
Now to bring some sad news, again, from different tragedies with the same results. On March 5, we lost two (2) of our volunteer members in separate incidents. Fritch VFD Fire Chief Zeb Smith died while battling a structure fire and Hilltop Lakes EMS Director Dennis Smith died in a motorcycle/semi-truck accident. Both were members in previous years but unfortunately, neither their departments or the individuals were current members at the time of their passing.
This is getting very disheartening delivering this news time and time again. There is absolutely no reason departments, and their members, are not a part of this association. The SAFER Grant can assist with the dues if a department is having difficulty financially. Please don’t let another department or member’s family miss out on receiving monetary benefits because the dues were not paid.
Remember, midnight December 31, 2023, 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.
As of now, there have been 14,281 individual (91% of last year) and 801 entity renewals (88% of last year). These are tremendous numbers, but there are still many departments and individuals that have not renewed. District leaders, we invite you to 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 at 512-454-3473. Our membership services staff can and will assist you.
The 148th SFFMA Training Conference and Convention is fast approaching and will be held June 27–30, 2024 at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos. Information on registering for the conference, the completed speaker/training schedule, and more is available on the SFFMA website. There will be a live band for the dinner and dance this year, along with well-known speakers and hands-on training. Most attendees will attend 3½ days under the new format. Remember, by attending the Recruitment & Retention workshop, some of your travel can be reimbursed by the SAFER Grant.
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 |
|
|
|
|
Dear Members,
March and April have been bustling months for the SFFMA as we engaged in numerous activities to improve fire safety and emergency response services across our great state. We're excited to share these updates and highlights with you, demonstrating our collective commitment to the safety and well-being of all Texans.
Legislative Developments:
One of our key focuses this month has been advocating for beneficial legislative changes. We've been working closely with state lawmakers to support new bills to enhance fire safety regulations and provide better support for firefighters and fire marshals statewide. Notably, the discussion around the proposed changes to OSHA’s 1910.156 has been at the forefront of our conversations, and we will continue to work in the interest of the Texas Fire Service.
Training and Certifications:
These two months saw the continuation of our statewide initiative to enhance the skills of fire service professionals. We are working diligently with our partners at TCFP to determine the best course forward on offering reciprocity to our members. You all work very hard to complete your certifications with SFFMA and if you feel the desire to move into the career fire world, we want to make that as seamless as possible for you.
SAFER Grant:
We encourage our members to continue using the SAFER grant. This grant can cover your membership costs as well as several other important endeavors, including Firefighter I certification training and bunker gear for new members. If you have any questions, we are happy to help you out!
Membership:
As of today, our membership numbers have crossed over 14,200 for 2024 and continue to climb! This is because all of you out there supporting the mission of the SFFMA.
Upcoming Events:
Looking forward to June, we are excited about the upcoming Annual Conference in San Marcos. This conference will feature exhibitions of the latest firefighting technologies, workshops, and seminars led by industry experts. It provides a fantastic opportunity for networking, professional development, and showcasing the cutting-edge practices that keep Texans safe. If you attend the recruitment and retention workshop on Friday, you can even cover the bulk of your travel costs through the SAFER grant. Reach out to the office for more information!
In Conclusion:
As we move forward, the Association remains dedicated to enhancing fire and life safety across Texas. We thank all our members for their relentless service, innovation, and community focus. Let us continue to work together, learn from each other, and strive for excellence in all we do.
Stay safe,
Dan Kramer
Executive Director
State Firefighters and Fire Marshals Association of Texas
dkramer@sffma.org
|
|
|---|
|
Conference Info & Early Bird Pricing |
|
|---|
|
|
This year's Fire Chief level conference sponsors are VFIS and Texas Farm Bureau. 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! Read more...
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 Foam. We'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 (with support from Nations Photo Lab); 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...
Constitution & Bylaws Proposals for 2024 Conference - Visit our website to see the proposals.
Hotel Info - The conference center is connected to the San Marcos Embassy Suites Hotel. Use code “State Firefighters 90K” to get the discounted rate. Book your room today! |
|
|---|
|
Keynote Speaker: Deputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb
Leeb will share his 30+ years of experience as a leader within the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and 40 years at a volunteer department. This is one general session you don't want to miss! Catch the presentation by Frank Leeb on June 29 at 1 p.m.
|
|
|
|
|
|
While there are many reasons to join SFFMA, we think one of the most important is to provide you and your family with some peace of mind if the worst were to happen. But our other benefits are also awesome!
If you haven't renewed for 2024, your insurance policy is not in effect. Don't wait - rejoin today! Visit the member PORTAL. |
|
|
|
|
Firefighter/EMS Responder of the Year Awards |
|
|---|
|
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. And if your firefighters go on medical calls and provide service, they are eligible for both categories (note: you can only submit for one).
One nominee from each District should be submitted in a sealed envelope to the state SFFMA office no later than the 4th Monday in May. Submissions must be received with a letter from the District and signed by the District President or Secretary. |
|
|
| |
|
It's worth submitting for these awards! Each top winner receives a $3,000 cash prize courtesy of Texas Mutual/VFIS of Texas! 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!
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Light the Night!
Join the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation May 1-5 to honor and remember the sacrifice of America’s fallen fire heroes. Light up red at your stations, homes, and businesses to show 'We Remember and will Never Forget!'
|
|
|
|
|
Memorial Service Information |
|
|---|
|
Honor 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 unless never previously honored), 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. |
|
|
|
|
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 affordable advertising package 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. |
|
|
|
|
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. (Sponsored by National Foam.)
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). A portion of the funds raised from the calendar sales will go to our Fire Institute, our 501(c)3 nonprofit; monies are used for firefighter travel costs to attend training. See complete rules on our website. (With support from Nations Photo Lab.)
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 |
|
|---|
|
Smokey Bear turns 80 this summer. You can send him a birthday card!
#DidYouKnow you can send Smokey Bear a letter?! He is one of the few Americans with his very own zip code, 20252! Write him a birthday card for his 80th birthday (Aug. 9) later this year! Be sure to address it to:
Smokey Bear
Washington, DC 20252
Remember, only you can prevent forest fires. |
|
|
|
|
VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS - MONEY IS AVAILABLE! The SAFER Grant and other programs exist to help departments. Visit our website to learn more. |
|
|---|
|
Training Officer Richard Alvarado from Seminole Fire Department lookin' all cute in the bluebonnets |
|
|
Training Officer Richard Alvarado - Take 2, also cute |
|
|---|
|
Marion VFD hamming it up for the camera |
|
|
Marion VFD gettin' creative in the bluebonnets |
|
|---|
|
Sabine Fire & Rescue showing their whimsical side |
|
|
|
|---|
|
Converse Fire Dept. taking a knee |
|
|
Bexar County 2 Fire Department smiling in the bluebonnets |
|
|---|
|
Turtle Creek Volunteer Fire Department looking into the eyes of the sun |
|
|
Members of Devine Fire Department geared up for the solar eclipse |
|
|---|
|
Lumberton VFD ready for the show |
|
|
Josephine Volunteer Fire Department givin' the peace sign while waiting for the eclipse |
|
|---|
|
Volunteer Spotlight - Quay |
|
|---|
|
This month's volunteer spotlight is on Lawson Loyd, but most people know him as Quay. |
|
|
|
|
Each month we feature a spotlight article on a volunteer in the #texasfireservice. This month, we're introducing you to Quay, whose name is Lawson Loyd. As a member of the Crabb's Prairie VFD, this 21-year-old originally from Sweetwater, Texas, joined the department in May 2023.
How did that come about?
"My truck was stuck," he recalled. "The Fire Chief had a tow truck. But he wouldn't take any money. He said, 'Come to the fire department.' So I did."
Quay said within 30 minutes he was thinking, "This is fun!"
So he joined.
He's an admitted adrenaline junkie (he's also a rodeo competitor with the Sam Houston State Rodeo Team and enjoys snowboarding) but said joining the fire service as a volunteer is also a great way to give back to his community. And he said he tells everyone about it.
"I never shut up about it," Quay said. "I love it. It's a brotherhood."
Quay completed hi FF1 test in December and passed the certification exam through SFFMA. Next up will be HazMat training.
He said he would like to become a paid firefighter in the future. Quay said he has his family's full support.
As far as the volunteer side of things, he said, "It's a dying breed - putting others in front of yourself."
Quay said a 4,800-acre forest fire brought in a lot of new recruits and about four of them are under age 25. He said Crabb's Prairie embraces all new recruits and that it's like a big family.
"I love 'em," he said. "I'm definitely spoiled by these loving, caring people; I call them brothers and sisters. It's one of the best volunteer fire departments."
What message does Quay have for other younger volunteers?
"You're able to make a difference in your community and give back," he said. "It also provides a great foundation and you learn so many life lessons."
He added, "It's super cool to be part of something like this." |
|
|---|
|
Photos courtesy of Lawson "Quay" Loyd with Crabb's Prairie VFD |
|
|---|
|
|
Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement Curriculum, USB, 9th Edition
Instructors can count on IFSTA’s Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement, 9th Edition, Curriculum to equip them with valuable resources that are easy to customize and are up-to-date on all the latest practices. The curriculum covers all 16 chapters and is detailed and simple-to-use.
|
|
|
|
|
Get Your Commemorative Conference Ornament!
Check out 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. |
|
|
|
|
Farewell and Good Luck!
After 17 years, SFFMA staff (current and former) recently said good-bye to Sales Manager Julie Wegmiller (center). She accepted a position closer to home and we wish her all the best! Julie has been an incredibly effective employee and is just an all around good human. She will be greatly missed. We wish her all the best of luck in her new role!
PS - We're pleased that Teresa Junkin (far right) will take over the store and several other functions. |
|
|
|
|
Certification and Testing
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.
|
|
|---|
|
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (CDT)
Brenham FD
101 N Chappell Hill St
Brenham, TX 77833
Saturday, April 27, 2024
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CST)
Potter County Station 3
4150 N Soncy Rd
Amarillo, TX 79124
|
|
|
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (MDT)
El Paso County ESD 2
16001 Socorro Rd
Fabens, TX 79838
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (CDT)
Brenham FD
101 N Chappell Hill St
Brenham, TX 77833
|
|
|---|
|
|
Continuing Education & Professional Credits from Texas Engineering Extension Service
(This is a Pro-Board Certification Course)
Learn more about training opportunities from TEEX on their website. |
|
|
|
|
|
Did you know we have a Classifieds section of our website? Our members can list job openings, services and equipment for sale. Check it out!
https://www.sffmatx.org/classifieds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
View this email in your browser
You are receiving this email because of your relationship with State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas. Please reconfirm your interest in receiving emails from us. If you do not wish to receive any more emails, you can unsubscribe here.
|
|
|
|  |
|
|
|
|
