Leading Into the Future
March 19-22, 2024 | Waco Convention Center

The Texas Fire Chiefs Association Annual Conference is the signature event of the Texas Fire Chiefs Association and is one of the state’s largest gatherings of fire chiefs, fire service leaders, and decision-makers.

The conference attracts hundreds of attendees from all regions of the state each year. Our attendees are fire chiefs, assistant fire chiefs, deputy chiefs, battalion chiefs, training officers, fire fighters, and city department executives who work together and get positive results. Come meet and network with top leaders in the fire service, learn from those who are foremost in their divisions who are winning awards and guiding others, and join in the tough discussions. Develop relationships which push through legislation and team up across borders to aid one another. Come witness and celebrate with those who have been called out and awarded valor and honor in the line of duty, and cheer for the one who has been nominated and will be name Fire Chief of the Year. You won’t want to miss it!

The Best Southwest Cities Emergency Management and Fire Training are hosting an Active Shooter Response Summit on March 6-7, 2024 at IBOC Church (7701 S Westmoreland Rd, Dallas, TX 75237). Police, Fire, Emergency Management, Dispatch, Hospital, ISD, and other public safety partners are invited to attend to hear firsthand from multiple agencies about active shooter incident response and recovery. The goal of this summit is to share lessons learned that attendees can put into practice in thier home agency to increase their preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities.
 

Presneted in Partnership with First H.E.L.P., co-hosted by the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office, and endorsed by the El Paso Fire Department, Cypress Creek Fire Department and Texas LODD Task Force, 1st Responder Conferences presents a multi-faceted two-day seminar and networking event for improving the mental health and wellness of our first responders. By discussing the real 21st Century issues our first responders and their families are continually facing, our conference will provide awareness, resources and action items to combat PTSD/PTSI, depression, suicide, addiction, stress, and overall mental health. The event will take place March 7-8, 2024 at the Wyndham El Paso Airport. Download the flyer and click the button below to register.

TPCA’s Officer Safety Committee, in a joint effort with the Risk Pool, provides training related to resiliency and critical incident interventions on a regular basis around the state. The content is broad enough to apply to all first responders and other departments that work in challenging environments that might take a toll on the employees. There is no charge to attend these programs and attendees do not have to be a member of the Risk Pool.Registration is required so we can account for all attendees.

This course was developed by Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc and the USDA Forest Service and will be hosted in partnership with Texas A&M Forest Service. Created for current or future mitigation specialists, wildfire program leads, and others who work with residents and their communities to reduce wildfire risk, the Mitigation Best Practices training covers everything from effective communication to strategic wildfire planning. You will come out with the tools to help you engage with local communities and target which prevention strategies are effective.

This high-energy program will address the hottest issues and challenges that company officers face in today’s Fire Service. Topics include communication, trust, ethics, diversity, generational challenges, CISM, accountability, and social media to name just a few. Dates and locations have been announced for all the Company Officer Symposiums in 2024.  Click the button below learn more and to register.

In collaboration with CPSE, the Bryan Fire Department is pleased to invite you to the Quality Improvement for the Fire and Emergency Services Workshop. This course features three full days of instruction to help agencies prepare for accreditation under the 10th edition of the CFAI^® model. It covers the development of the three key documents, the Community Risk Assessment/Standards of Cover, Strategic Plan, and Self-Assessment Manual. 

You and your significant other are invited to the Stronger Families: First Responder OXYGEN Couples Retreat, where you can savor some moments together, recharge, get expert input, and rekindle your love during these challenging times. This retreat includes one night at the Courtyard by Marriott San Antonio Seaworld-Westover Hills, two mid-day meals, and all sessions from the OXYGEN Program, a national program that has served over 80,000 from our U.S. Military & First Responder families. This is a great opportunity to get away together and gain some tools to make your relationship stronger!

The 4.5-day Battalion Chiefs Academy empowers aspiring and new Battalion Chiefs with strategic leadership skills. Focusing on guiding principles rather than tactical aspects, our comprehensive training equips participants to excel in their roles. Join us for a transformative learning experience, honing critical decision-making abilities and paving the way for success as fire service leaders.

SOURCE: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are seeking to improve quality of life and workplace health and safety or firefighters by looking at health data from retired fighters.  The data is being collected via an anonymous survey, and all retired firefighters in the U.S. are invited to participate. 

SOURCE: International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
"The sooner Congress acts, the faster we can start to prevent unsafe lithium-ion batteries from being on America’s streets and in American homes," stated Fire Chief John S. Butler, President and Board Chair of IAFC.

SOURCE: U.S. Fire Administration
A new report from the National EMS Quality Alliance (NEMSQA) states that the use of lights and sirens on emergency vehicles does not significantly save time and is associated with an increase in crashes.

SOURCE: Axios
Axios highlights a study that found the level of care patients receive in a medical emergency varies widely by location.

SOURCE: CBS News Texas
Allen fire department has collaborated with a video game company to develop a unique simulator for firefighter training.

SOURCE: NewsRadion 1080 KRLD
After being damaged by storms in 2019, Dallas Fire Station #41 was reopened last week with the help of Dallas Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki.

SOURCE: Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) 
“We have created a repository of information and training resources located on the TEEX website where first responders can obtain the latest information and learn about our agency’s training on preparing for and responding to an EV/ESS fire," says Gordon Lohmeyer, division director of TEEX Fire and Emergency Services.

Please see click the button below for directions to the new TCFP Offices and Parking Information.

This update covers the following:
  • Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Releases Manual Identifying Generally Accepted Agricultural Practices
  • Attorney General Proposes New Rules for Electronic PIA Decision Requests
  • Reminder: TWDB Seeking Input on Texas Water Fund
  • Federal Infrastructure Bill Update

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup, hosts Brad and Curt examine proposed revisions to OSHA’s Fire Brigade Standard, as well as several legal cases, including a lawsuit filed by the estate of a man who passed away following an altercation with a medic, a wrongful arrest lawsuit, a legal battle over denial of gender affirming treatment for a battalion chief in Philadelphia, and an Illinois firefighter who was denied pension after switching jobs.

Every year, fire departments across the U.S. participate in the Fill the Boot campaign. Created by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), the campaign helps raise money and awareness for those living with neuromuscular disease.  According to the Fill the Boot leaderboard, L0936 Corpus Christi ranks fourth for the most money raised since 2022 at $127,638.  Click the button below to learn how to participate. 

SOURCE: The Shorthorn
Firefighters at Arlington's Fire Station #1 reflect on changes over the years, bonding with each other, and serving the community.