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 MEMBER NEWSPlease follow this link to the TFCA 89th session report. It summarizes the session as a whole and contains links to bills that passed and died that are of interest to the Texas fire service. Thank you to all the members of the TFCA who made many long trips back and forth to the Texas Capitol, attended on-the-fly meetings, had after-hours and into-the-morning conversations, and made last-minute hustles. The Texas fire service is stronger thanks to your dedication and focus. The legislative committee will conduct a post-session hotwash to discuss ways to improve during the interim session and better serve the members. These include improving communication throughout the session with the membership, establishing a process for better anticipating future bill topics, and establishing stronger relationships with elected members and their staff as they change. 89th(R) Session -TFCA Legislative Committee Adam Burklund - TFCA Legislative Consultant
The Texas Fire Chiefs Association recently marked the completion of the Fire Chief Academy in Ft. Worth, graduating 68 fire service professionals from across Texas. The Academy offers foundational leadership training designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge for the complex responsibilities of fire department leadership. Throughout the program, students engaged in foundational classes covering topics such as legislative updates, ensuring they stay informed on key changes affecting the fire service landscape. They also explored what city managers typically look for in fire chiefs, gaining valuable insight into the expectations and qualities that help build strong partnerships between fire departments and municipal leadership. Participants also learned about managing media communications during both routine and emergency situations. In addition, the Academy emphasized the importance of supporting department morale, recognizing its critical role in building resilient and motivated teams.
We are deeply grateful to the many chief officers who volunteered their time to serve as speakers, panelists, and graders throughout the Academy. Their leadership, mentorship, and willingness to share real-world experience played a vital role in shaping a meaningful and practical learning environment. Looking ahead, the Fall Fire Chief Academy will begin Sunday, October 12, 2025. Those interested in advancing their leadership skills are encouraged to consider participating.
Researchers from the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University (CSU), in affiliation with NOAA, are conducting a survey to better understand your experiences with fire weather products and services, especially those provided by the National Weather Service (NWS). This survey is part of a research study aimed at understanding how these products are used and how they can be improved to better support your decision-making needs. The survey will take approximately 15–20 minutes to complete.
The Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF), the research affiliate of NFPA, and the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, today issued a notice about a potential explosion hazard when fire blankets are used during electric vehicle fire suppression efforts with battery involvement.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTSAttending 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!
INDUSTRY NEWSNFPA Podcast (6/11/2025)
Governments and safety departments are heavily considering their vulnerabilities to heat and are taking action to protect their populations and infrastructure.
Fire Rescue 1 (6/9/2025)
Fire departments cannot afford to passively accept public policy decisions that affect them, as they can put people in danger if the policies are poorly informed.
TEXAS STATE NEWSTexas A&M Forest Service (6/11/2025)
Texas A&M Forest Service awarded $155,000 to Central Texas landowners for wildfire mitigation practices through the Mechanical Fuel Reduction Grant this spring.
Longview News-Journal (6/8/2025)
The Longview City Council voted June 12 on whether to confirm Greg Grimes, assistant chief of operations with the Allen Fire Department, to replace former fire chief J.P. Steelman.
TCFP UPDATESThe 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 NEWSRick Randall Upcoming Training July 9
TEEX NEWS
FIRE LAW BLOGIn this episode of Fire Law Roundup for June 9, 2025, Brad and Curt discuss the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a former Lynchburg, VA fire captain who claimed he was wrongfully terminated for posting anti-transgender content on social media; a disability discrimination filed by an Indianapolis firefighter alleging the Indianapolis Fire Department violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to accommodate him following a stroke; a ruling by the Third Circuit vacating the dismissal of claims brought by an Atlantic City firefighter who sought a religious exemption from the department’s clean-shaven policy; a lawsuit accusing the CAL FIRE and one of its officers of using excessive force during a traffic stop; and a lawsuit against the City of Hot Springs alleging a firefighter was subjected to retaliation and First Amendment violations after speaking out about safety concerns and union matters.
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