The Friday Report
  May 30, 2025
 
MEMBER NEWS
Voting for the 2025 IAFC Election opened on May 15, and runs through June 10. If you did not receive your election email by May 16, 2025, please contact support@directvote.net. For more information about the IAFC election, please visit https://www.iafc.org/about-iafc/committees/elections.

 

Four firefighters from the Galveston Fire Department were recognized this week by The 100 Club for their extraordinary bravery and life-saving actions during a residential structure fire last year.

In February 2024, GFD units responded to reports of a house fire with victims possibly trapped inside. Upon arrival, crews were met with a fully involved structure, heavy smoke, and near-zero visibility. Despite the extreme conditions, Firefighter Stewart Jackson and Acting Captain Michael Stuart quickly deployed a ladder to a second-story window. After clearing the glass, they accessed the room and rescued three trapped victims through the window to safety.

As conditions rapidly deteriorated, Jackson and Stuart re-entered the building through the same window to conduct a further search. Navigating a fire-engulfed hallway, they located a fourth victim in the bathroom. Meanwhile, Engineer Chris Anderson and Firefighter Collin Cagle positioned a second ladder at an adjacent window to assist with the rescue. Firefighter Cody Addison played a critical role in containing the flames, allowing the rescue teams the vital time needed to complete the extrication.

All four victims were transported to a nearby hospital. Tragically, one later succumbed to injuries sustained in the fire. However, thanks to the decisive and courageous actions of these firefighters, three lives were saved that day.

The Galveston Fire Department commends Firefighter Stewart Jackson, Acting Captain Michael Stuart, Engineer Chris Anderson, and Firefighter Collin Cagle for their heroism. Their actions exemplify the values of pride, honor, tradition, and leadership that define the fire service.

The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) is a 501C3 that was created and designed to help our heroes in the community with homeownership. Firefighters, EMS personnel, police, teachers, and veterans all qualify based on profession. It provides down payment and grant assistance toward a purchase of a home anywhere in Texas. It may also include a Mortgage Credit Certificate. For information, check with a mortgage professional for guidance. Visit TSAHC.ORG or reach to me stacylynn@highlandsmortgage.com for more information.

Mobile Incident Command & Response Solution
Tablet Command®
Tablet Command enhances situational awareness, speeds response, streamlines management, and improves firefighter accountability. This complete MDT replacement allows an incident commander to drag responding apparatus onto an emergency scene, track progress with checklists, and time-stamp maneuvers during incidents.

Manage Your Fire Scene Today
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UPCOMING EVENTS

We are bringing together three seasoned professionals with extensive experience in the field and analyzing incident after-action reports to address key concerns and answer your questions about effective incident management. Topics will include functional training, coordination tactics, critical decision-making during high-stakes hazmat responses, and the role of incident management teams.

Attending the Fire Station Facilities Conference is a must for anyone involved in fire station planning, design, construction, maintenance, or management. This event brings together industry experts, fire service leaders, and facility planners to explore the latest innovations, best practices, and funding strategies for modern, efficient, and safe fire stations. Gain value from connecting with key decision-makers and learning solutions tailored to fire and emergency service facilities. Whether you’re upgrading an existing station or building new, this conference provides the knowledge and resources needed to create state-of-the-art fire facilities that meet the evolving needs of First Responders and the communities they serve. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, network, and elevate your fire station projects!

Martinez Architects, LP
WinStar Insurance Group
INDUSTRY NEWS
U.S. Fire Administration (4/16/2025)
Windstorms can lead to defoliation, branch loss and the destruction of trees and shrubs that become deadfall, which puts areas at greater risk of wildfires.

Fire Rescue 1 (5/27/2025)
Conversations and feedback tend to skew negative, which is called negativity bias, but leaders can take steps to encourage a more positive outlook.

Wildfire Today (5/21/2025)
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins signed a memo directing the U.S. Forest Service to “prioritize and redeploy the non-fire workforce” to support wildfire response.

Converting Airports to Fluorine Free Foam with Avio Green Mil 3%
National Foam, Inc.®
National Foam's Avio Green Mil 3% Fluorine Free Foam (F3) Concentrate is approved by NAVSEA and listed on the Mil-Spec MIL-PRF-32725 Qualified Product List (QPL). The concentrate is designed for Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting vehicles (ARFF), Rapid Intervention Vehicles (RIV), airport crash trucks, and manual handlines during crash rescue operations at military land-based and civilian aviation facilities. Find resources and contact info on our website!
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TEXAS STATE NEWS
Texas Division of Emergency Management (5/27/2025)
The 2025 Texas Emergency Management Conference began May 27 at the Fort Worth Convention Center and will feature over 200 educational sessions.

KCENTV (5/23/2025)
The City of Waco announced that Christopher "Chris" Perez, Justin Wells, Reginald "Reggie" Freeman and Robin "Robby" Bergerson are the finalists to be the city's next fire chief.

Community Impact (5/23/2025)
Harris County Emergency Service District No. 9’s monthly board meeting saw a high turnout in support of Cy-Fair Fire Department's Fire Chief Amy Ramon.

Delta Fire & Safety
HED Architects
TCFP UPDATES
The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) has seen a remarkable increase in workload and productivity over the past five years. The increases in funding, staffing and equipment, provided during the 88th Legislative session were greatly appreciated and has enabled us to make tremendous strides in the services we provide. Due to the continued growth of the Texas Fire Service, we are struggling to meet our mandated inspections while managing injury and complaint investigations.

TCFP offers “regional meetings” throughout the year in a variety of locations around the state. These meetings are opportunities for members of nearby fire departments and other regulated entities to meet some of our staff in person. We want to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and give timely updates related to commission news. In addition, through a partnership with TEEX, CE will be awarded for your attendance at these meetings. 

For a list of all upcoming meeting dates, visit the Regional Meetings webpage.

TML NEWS

Rick Randall Upcoming Training

June 3-4
Kenedy
Resilience Strategies for First Responders (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Moving Right of Bang: Critical Incident Early Intervention Strategies (8 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

July 9
Brenham

Resilience Strategies for First Responders (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

This update covers the following:

  • Bills on the Move
  • Significant Committee Action
  • Federal Infrastructure Bill Update

Rapid Response, Reliable Supply: Husky Folding Frame Tanks
Husky Portable Containment®
Husky Folding Frame Tanks deliver reliable water supply when it matters most. Featuring a quick setup and durable construction, these tanks are ideal for firefighting and emergency applications. Our patented "Easy Lift Handles" (US Patent No. 8,746,478 and US Patent 10,518,967 ) make setup quick and easy. Trust Husky—where innovation meets reliability.
Discover How Husky Keep You Ready for Any Emergency
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TEEX NEWS

 Fire Service Chief
 Executive Officer

 June 2-6 | College Station

 NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II

 July 20-25 | College Station 


For course descriptions and current schedule, location, and registration information, see the individual course pages on the TEEX website.

On Duty Health
Komatsu Architecture
FIRE LAW BLOG
In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for May 26, 2025, Brad and Curt discuss the dismissal of a suit that sought to dissolve a a New York fire district; the dismissal of a disability discrimination lawsuit against a Washington state fire department; the dismissal of a First Amendment retaliation lawsuit brought against a California fire department; the dismissal of criminal charges against a Maryland medic who allegedly falsified a report; and a civil suit against an Iowa medic who administered the wrong medication to a patient resulting in the patient’s death.

Project Leadership, Planning and Management
FDCS®
Helping North Texas Municipalities with ground up construction, remodels and additions of Fire Stations, Police Sub-Stations, Libraries and City Government Centers.
 
If your community is experiencing rapid growth, has limited resources, looking for a better way, or stuck in the mindset of “we’ve always done it that way”, let FDCS help take your project to the next level of success.
For more information, please visit our website
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