The Friday Report
  November 14, 2025
 
MEMBER NEWS
 
This year, we encourage all TFCA members to submit a breakout session presentation for consideration at the 2026 TFCA Annual Conference in April! The maximum length of prospective presentations will be 45 minutes plus 10 minutes for questions.The planning committee is seeking all types of presentations; however, they have identified a list of topics as specific areas of interest to the TFCA Membership. If you would like to submit an abstract on a different topic, please do - TFCA is always interested in new ideas.Presentation submissions are due by the end of the day, Monday, December 1, 2025. We will distribute notifications of selection by Monday,  December 15, 2025. If you have any questions, please email info@txfirechiefs.org or call 512-939-7277.

 
The Texas Fire Chief’s Association (TFCA) is now accepting nominations for its Annual Awards. To select the honorees, each department will have one vote for each of the awards/achievements listed below:

• Fire Chief of the Year
• Lone Star Achievement
• Fire Safety
• Valor Award

As leaders, your experiences and perspectives are what guide the future of the fire service. By taking this short survey, you’ll help strengthen the camaraderie, values, and priorities that unite us across departments statewide.

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.

Twenty years ago, the Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives and NFFF Advocate Program were created to reduce preventable line-of-duty deaths and injuries. Passionate volunteers from all ranks and departments drive our mission forward.

Our presence across the nation is more important than ever as today’s firefighters face growing challenges. We need dedicated advocates in every state and U.S. territory! YOU can help us impact survival and improve the fire service.

Benefits of being an NFFF Adocate include:
Delivery Experience: Gain confidence in communication, public speaking, and adult education.
Networking: Build strong networks with individuals inside and outside your organization.
Personal Growth: Learn from forward thinking fire service leaders, enhance critical thinking, and boost your professional profile.

Advocates will be expected to represent their state in the promotion, presentation, and awareness of Firefighters Life Safety Initiatives. They will serve as the eyes and ears of the Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Program for their state.

To apply and for more information visit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

 

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.

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UPCOMING EVENTS
Texas Fire Chiefs Workshop is a comprehensive networking opportunity for current Fire Chiefs (Head of Department). Earn the Additional 20 Hours Required by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection with your peers in one event!

1st Responder Conferences, co-hosted by Galveston County CISM Team, presents a multi-faceted two-day seminar and networking event for improving the mental health and wellness of our first responders. This is our 62nd conference and we are glad you will be joining us!

Inspired by the Texas Fire Chief’s Annual Workshop, this gathering is designed specifically for the Second in Command. Attendees will tackle common challenges encountered in their position and will discuss innovations and strategies used in departments throughout Texas. Past history shows that these formal and informal conversations provide dynamic networking opportunities made possible by the diverse and talented professionals of the Texas Fire Service.

January 21 

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

 February 25

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

Technology Summit International (TSI) is coming to Irving, Texas, December 9–11!
Join hundreds of fire service leaders, innovators and tech experts for three action-packed days focused on the future of firefighting. From AI and data-driven decision-making to smart apparatus and connected fire stations, TSI brings you real-world solutions, interactive demos, and unmatched networking opportunities — all designed to help your department operate safer, smarter, and more efficiently.
💥 Exclusive Offer for Texas Fire Chiefs!
Register today and use code TSITEX100 to save $100 off your registration!
👉 Reserve your spot now before prices increase — and be part of the movement shaping the fire service of tomorrow.
📍 Irving Convention Center – Las Colinas

Fire Department administrative staff carry a heavy burden. Without a strong administrative staff, organizations cannot achieve their full potential and operate efficiently. The goal of this conference is to provide position-specific training and development opportunities and to help connect FIRE/EMS administrative staff members, enabling them to provide the highest level of support possible.

Martinez Architects, LP
WinStar Insurance Group
INDUSTRY NEWS
NFPA Podcast (11/11/2025)
Researcher Michael Gollner explains the results of a California wildfires study showing why some homes survive and others don’t. He also discusses how AI figures into the way we think about these disasters.

Fire Rescue 1 (11/10/2025)
The entire crew in Cornersville, Tennessee, stepped down after years of financial strain, heavy administrative duties and inadequate facilities. The former leader, Matt Fox, cited personal sacrifices and burnout, urging officials to address systemic challenges facing unpaid responders.

Wildfire Today (11/11/2025)
Representatives pledged to strengthen wildfire prevention and response through shared technology, funding and training. The initiative emphasizes collaboration to protect ecosystems, reduce emissions and safeguard communities from increasingly severe climate-driven fire events.

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
Fox 7 Austin (11/7/2025)
Authorities confirmed that Dana Diamond was among those killed when a cargo aircraft went down near a Texas community. Investigators are reviewing flight data and weather conditions to determine the cause of the crash.

KCEN TV (11/6/2025)
An experienced emergency responder has been temporarily appointed to lead the department in the Central Texas city. Officials cited leadership continuity and operational stability as priorities while the search for a permanent replacement continues.

Beeville Bee-Picayne (11/7/2025)
Skidmore, Tynan, and Papalote Volunteer Fire Departments were awarded $300,000 each for new water tenders through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The Normanna Volunteer Fire Department is slated for $265,000 for a brush truck.

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.

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
 
 

Online continuing education is a powerful tool that helps fire departments stay mission-ready while supporting professional growth. It offers flexible, cost-effective access to high-quality training that fits around demanding schedules and limited budgets. By delivering standardized, up-to-date content aligned with national best practices, online learning ensures firefighters are equipped with the latest knowledge and tactics. It also enables rapid response to emerging threats and evolving standards, while fostering career advancement and retention through accessible development opportunities. Investing in online education is an investment in safer communities and a stronger fire service.
 
The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service would like to better understand how fire chiefs, firefighters, and department leaders utilize online continuing education as a tool for training and education. We would invite fire service leaders who want to help shape the future of training programs to complete this short survey:  https://teex.link/CEsurvey
 
Your input will help ensure they remain relevant, accessible, and responsive to the evolving demands of the fire service. Whether you're a seasoned chief or a new recruit, your voice matters. This is your opportunity to help us better support your department’s mission, your professional growth, and the safety of the communities you serve. Thank you for your time and commitment to excellence in fire service education.

BRW Architects
Komatsu Architecture
FIRE LAW BLOG
In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for November 10, 2025, Brad and Curt discuss a wrongful termination suit filed by the former human resources director for the Seattle Fire Department; a suit brought by female firefighter in New Castle, Pennsylvania, alleging harassment, discrimination, and retaliation; a disability discrimination and retaliation suit filed by a former firefighter has filed suit in federal court; a wrongful termination suit by a Paducah fire captain and union president alleging that his termination in October constituted retaliation for his union involvement; and a decision by a Virginia court who issued an injunction to block the discipline of a firefighter for using medically-certified cannabis oil.
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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