October 2014 / V O L U M E 4 9

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CA Lic#0041343 *Coverages described are subject to availability and eligibility. In some instances, insurance is underwritten by insuring partners. ©2013 California Casualty 2015 SFFMA PLANNING CONFERENCE JANUARY 23 - 24, 2015 - Galveston, TX

Host Hotel Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Annual Conference Convention Center June 12-17, 2015 Seven Hope Blvd Galveston, TX 77554 Check for conference updates at www.sffma.org. Ph. 409.741.8484 Room rate: $119 + tax (room/night) GROUP BLOCK IS CURRENTLY FULL.

TENTATIVE AGENDA Friday, January 23 8 a.m. - noon TIESB Meeting 1 - 5 p.m. SFFMA Executive Board Saturday, January 24 TABLE OF CONTENTS 8:30 a.m. Golf Tournament Committee 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Constitution and By-laws Committee EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S CORNER 2 Updates and upgrades Pumper Race Committee PRESIDENT’S FORUM Fire Marshal Committee 3 Meet your current president Finance Committee SFFMA FAQ 8:30 a.m. - noon Certification Board 6 General and certification Ladies Auxiliary Board SOCIAL MEDIA ... SO WHAT? General infomation, things you should know and basic setup 9 - 10 a.m. Sergeant-at-Arms Committee 9 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Poster Committee MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS 12 Full list of current membership benefits offered to SFFMA members Exhibits Committee

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE th Memorial Committee 14 Listing of bills that will be submitted in the 84 legislative session Driving Contest Committee SUSTAINING MEMBER LISTING EMS Committee 16 Support those who support you—buy from our sustaining members T*Flag Committee THETexas A&M CALL Forest ServiceTO articleSERVE, ANSWERED 12:30 p.m. Speaker Selection Committee 22 1 - 2 p.m. LUNCH (not provided) SFFMA INTERNATIONAL 28 International training 2 - 3:30 p.m. District Officers Meeting COMMITTEE LISTINGS 3:30 - 4 p.m. June Conference Agenda Review 32 Contact information for those who serve you 3:30 - 5 p.m. Health and Safety Committee BE AT YOUR B.E.S.T 4 - 4:30 p.m. Site Selection Report 42 New resources for heath & safety TEXAS FIREMEN’S AUXILIARY 51 TFA Board member information, president’s update

© 2014 State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas. Photo Credits Texas Firemen is published once a year in the fall. Any person interested in the emergency services may become Front Cover - Blackburn Photography an individual member of this association by the payment of annual dues in the amount of $30 per year (January - Page 1 - www.moodygardens.com December) which includes individual membership and allows for eligibility of benefits, including a subscription to Page 2 - Molly Quirk Photography this magazine. Advertising rates are available upon request or may be found online at www.sffma.org. SFFMA and the Page 15 - Lary Jones, AEP/ETT Texas Firemen assume no responsibility for statements made by contributors. Advertising in Texas Firemen does not Page 23 - Thomas McDonald, Friendswood FD imply approval or endorsement by the SFFMA. Pages 3, 5, 18, 27 and 51 - Jim Hanson S F F M A U P D A T E S

Hello SFFMA Members, is directly connected with our master It is nice to see that the fall season will database and we plan to implement the soon be arriving, and maybe we will see certification module as soon as it is tested some cooler temperatures and hopefully and programmed for our needs. some much-needed rain! We want to thank all of you who have The 2014 summer was a busy one for donated to our Capitol Monument SFFMA... Expansion Project. We are very pleased and proud to report that, as a team, we have met our goal of raising $150,000 Executive Director’s in 150 days. Unfortunately, as things often go with big projects, we’ve come across another obstacle in the expansion CORNER process. The State Preservation Board, which has the ultimate authority and We started off in June with our annual charge of caring for monuments upon conference, which was a great success. capitol grounds, has recently informed The quality of the classes that were us that a readjustment to the build taught, the hospitality received from estimate has been made. Folks, to put the Panhandle district and local it simply—we’re going to have to raise departments, and the overall program some more money ... but what a better was a positive thing for our association. group to take on this challenge than From there we went into assisting with the first responders of the great state of and participating in the various annual Texas? So in the coming months, we will fire schools in College Station, with staff restrategize our fundraising efforts for working our trade booth during the this project until we find ourselves on the Spanish and municipal fire schools along avenue leading to successful completion with Executive and Certification Board of the expansion. And we will get there, SFFMA STAFF meetings. During the time between because the honor and memory of the CHRIS BARRON, MBA conference and fire schools, SFFMA’s brave men and women who have given Executive Director website went through a major upgrade W: 512.454.3473 ext. 101 their lives in the protection of others, Email: [email protected] and rewrite. An updated database must be permanently recognized. was launched allowing for all staff to Please stay tuned for updates, and GABI GLASS, CMP have the ability to update the website’s Event Coordinator remember—this setback is just another W: 512.454.3473 ext. 102 content with current news and events opportunity to show how determined Email: [email protected] quickly rather than relying on a single and accomplished the SFFMA has always webmaster. More importantly, the new KEVIN CREAMER been and will continue to be, because we Certification Administrator/ database/website allows for our members get where we’re going together. to have a friendlier experience when Industrial Coordinator As we go into the 2015 legislative session, W: 512.454.3473 ext. 103 logging in, purchasing materials and our focus will be on the legislative Email: [email protected] signing up for events. It also allows priorities of the association: protecting for the capabilities to donate directly MARI GARZA the grant funds dedicated to VFDs and Administrative Assistant online, have a social networking board, increasing the funding to the full level W: 512.454.3473 ext. 104 and several other features we are Email: [email protected] for the dedicated grant programs. Our still learning about. The website will T*Flag representative will have an article JULIE BEAUCHAMP continue to change and improve as we in this magazine with the details of our Sales Department Manager learn more about all of the different W: 512.454.3473 ext. 105 legislative priorities for the next session. Email: [email protected] features but we are glad we have a much more technology-stable website for our We always welcome your comments, DIANA CARDONA members. concerns, questions, and compliments on Membership Coordinator/ how we are doing and what else we can International Membership Liaison As we go into the fall season, the do for you as our members. W: 512.454.3473 ext. 106 certification staff is working on preparing Email: [email protected] for the mandatory testing of firefighter Be Safe, JON BARRON certifications in partnership with TEEX. Facilitator / Special Projects TEEX will be hosting regional testing W: 512.454.3473 ext. 109 dates/locations across the state to Email: [email protected] allow for numerous opportunities for firefighters needing to test. Staff are also Chris Barron MALLORY FARRAR Certification Assistant testing a new certification module that Executive Director W: 512.454.3473 ext. 111 Email: [email protected] 2 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N S F F M A U P D A T E S

Well, my year as 2014-2015 president of this President’s great association is EXECUTIVE here. I am grateful to the membership FORUM for giving me this BOARD opportunity of a the Central Texas District meetings PRESIDENT Rusty Kattner from Fredericksburg to Brenham and 680 Fountain View Ln lifetime. I value League City, TX 77573-1971 my service to the everywhere in between. In those days the W: 409.925.7331 Central Texas meeting began on Saturday C: 832.221.9533 membership and Email: [email protected] pledge to always remember who gave me evening with a dance and Sunday was for this opportunity. meetings and pumper races. As I recall, 1st VICE PRESIDENT Paul Hamilton in those days it was nothing to see 300 to PO Box 364 I grew up in Copperas Cove, Texas. At that 400 people attend the convention—and Bushland, TX 79012-0364 time, it was a small community of military W: 806.383.3373 yes, it was a real convention rather than a C: 806.640.2195 families located about 60 miles northwest meeting. I grew up getting to know such Email: [email protected] of Austin, and bordering Fort Hood on the notable people as Past Presidents Blondy west. My family settled there well before 2nd VICE PRESIDENT Henry Perry Rucker, Herbert Gorubec, Leo Bales, PO Box 88 World War II, after emigrating from Robert Stubblefield, Don Hoffman, and Bastrop, TX 78602-0088 Germany. I remember my grandmother Ben Norman, all of whom hailed from W: 512.321.5550 had a collection of Methodist hymnals C: 512.848.7319 the Central Texas District. Henry Perry Email: [email protected] in their house that were in the German probably remembers this: Blondy Rucker language. Most of my family and relatives 3rd VICE PRESIDENT Harvie Cheshire at one time owned a skating rink in 1100 Merry Oaks Dr still reside there and continue to raise Killeen and he was a very good skater. He College Station, TX 77840-2607 their families in Copperas Cove. My would often, after the pumper races, put W: 979.862.7440 grandfather (we called him Dad) was one C: 979.324.4336 on his skates and skate about the dance Email: [email protected] of the founding members of the Copperas floor with a bottle of whiskey in one hand th Cove Volunteer Fire Department. My dad and a cigar in the other, just having a ball. 4 VICE PRESIDENT Mike Richardson (E.C.) followed in his footsteps and joined 608 County Road 4460 After graduating from high school in Decatur, TX 76234-8138 the volunteer fire department as a young W: 940.627.3199 man, eventually becoming fire chief in the 1972, my intention was to pursue a career C: 940.255.5034 in law enforcement. I attended college, Email: [email protected] late 60s. My dad also served as president eventually earning a degree in criminal of the Central Texas District in 1980. My justice. However, my uncle hired me SECRETARY Joe Ondrasek uncle, Grafton Seale, became the first 5572 Caroline Dr as a firefighter in 1973. A year later in Bryan, TX 77807-7806 paid fire chief in the early 70s and served 1974 the city needed a fire marshal, so W: 979.775.0194 in that position for a couple of years, C: 979.820.1038 I was volunteered. My uncle was gone Email: [email protected] just long enough to hire me into the fire by then and we had a new fire chief, department in 1973. Raymond Ashcraft, who knew I was ASSISTANT F. Jim White studying criminal justice at the time and SECRETARY 304 E Mundy St I joined the fire department as a Overton, TX 75684-1734 volunteer in 1970 while still in high just felt like I would be a good fit, so he H: 903.834.3457 school. I remember making trips to volunteered me. Email: [email protected]

2014 - 2015 Executive Board CHAPLAIN Ben Kennedy 4210 Camber Ct College Station, TX 77845 W: 979.229.1263 Email: [email protected]

PAST PRESIDENT Bill Gardner PO Box 319 Leander, TX 78646-0319 W: 512.528.1664 C: 512.845.9689 Email: [email protected]

EXECUTIVE Chris Barron DIRECTOR PO Box 1709 Manchaca, TX 78652 W: 512.454.3473 F: 512.453.1876 Email: [email protected]

MASCOT Kelby Jasinski 10858 Harmon School Rd Burton, TX 77835

BOARD Rayford W. Gibson PARLIAMENTARIAN PO Box 774 Tatum, TX 75691-0774 W: 979.229.8134 Front row from L to R: Rusty Kattner, Paul Hamilton, Henry Perry, Harvie Cheshire, Mike Richardson, Bill Gardner, Kelby Jasinski H: 903.947.2831 Back row from L to R: Ben Kennedy, F. Jim White, Chris Barron, Rayford Gibson, Joe Ondrasek Email: [email protected]

T E X A S F I R E M E N / O C T O B E R 2014 3 S F F M A U P D A T E S

Fire Department is co-op between Enough about me. As president of President’s six small villages. In 1999 and 2000 the SFFMA, I want to ensure that the all six villages amended their fire and association serves you—that as a member, building codes to require residential you receive as much benefit from the FORUM fire sprinklers in all new homes and any SFFMA as possible. That said, I have continued commercial building larger than 1,000 instructed our executive director to be square feet. We have nearly 20 percent of more open to the membership. I believe I was just 20 at the time and had no idea of our homes protected by residential fire that we should have no secrets and what being a fire marshal meant. The fire sprinklers. Our residential fire sprinkler shouldn’t withhold information from you. department had no inspection program, program is responsible, in part, for the Of course there will be some information no pre-fire plans and no public education. fire department and all of the villages that, as a matter of good business So while learning everything I could receiving an ISO rating of Class 1. In 2003 practice, we cannot divulge—such as legal by the seat of my pants, I began setting I was hired full time as an inspector, and proceedings—but as much as possible, I up those programs. I spent most of my in 2010 promoted to fire marshal. want the Executive Board, the executive summers attending municipal fire school director and staff to be responsive to your to learn my job as a fire marshal, or going All my life I have been active in numerous fire service organizations. I am a charter questions. So ask them, or express your to the police academy and attending an concerns to us. arson investigator class in Galveston for member of the Texas Fire Marshal’s two weeks. While in Galveston I became Association (TFMA). I was one of those I have also instructed the executive friends with the Galveston fire marshal, who saw the need for such an organization director to send our membership liaison, A.D. Carroll, and was hired as assistant and in 1977 we were chartered. Since Diana Cardona, out to visit with our fire marshal in Galveston in April 1977. that time we have grown to over 300 districts. Since being elected to the board members and sponsor the annual Texas and traveling around to our districts, My first day on the job was eventful. That I have noticed a significant reduction was a day I will never forget. I was on in attendance at our districts. We have that day and we had a general alarm fire had symposiums to try to correct this downtown. When I was called to respond, current trend, but still we have not I looked out my hotel window on Seawall seen any improvement. So, Diana will Boulevard toward downtown and the be visiting your districts to assist them entire night sky was lit up. When I finally with electronic media to enable them to made it downtown, a three-story hotel and communicate with their membership. a large furniture store were on fire—a half She will have conferences with your a block. The fire resulted in seven people district boards to let you know what the being burned to death and many people responsibilities are and the timelines unaccounted for. Nine months later, the required. grain elevator blew up, killing 22 people. Needless to say, my first year was quite The Executive Board this past year eventful. pushed our districts to get their reports in before the conference and make their In 1988 I was promoted to fire marshal committee appointments. Over recent and served in that position until my years, some districts have failed to submit retirement in 2000. As fire marshal, reports and the president has had to Galveston was a recipient of a grant from call district secretaries to get committee the U.S. Fire Administration to develop appointments. We had some success this a fire safety program for senior citizens. Fire Marshal’s Conference in Austin. year with district reports and committee With the help of the University of Texas I currently serve as a director of the appointments but still some districts were Medical Branch and the Shriner Burn TFMA and was a recipient of their Life lagging behind. So in addition to Diana Institute we produced a video in English Member Award in 2008. I have been visiting our districts, I have instructed the and Spanish, PSAs, and distributed active in the Galveston County Fire executive director to provide templates over 1,000 smoke detectors. We used Fighters Association since 1979. I served on the SFFMA website that will assist community organizations such as the as president in 1983, and secretary and/ the districts with their reports and Noon Optimist Club and Meals on Wheels or treasurer since 1988. (I am currently committee appointments. The president to present the programs while the fire serving as a commissioner and treasurer of the association has to make his or department installed the smoke detectors. for the county association.) her appointments in July after the June Our PSAs were shown courtesy of Several years ago the Houston-area fire conference. It was a task made easier this Houston TV stations. All this hard work marshals saw the need for an organization year by those districts who cooperated, paid off though—prior to receiving the among fire marshals to network and share but a dreaded task nonetheless. I know grant, Galveston’s fire death rate averaged information. As a result, the Greater Houston from previous presidents, those committee about three senior citizens annually. After Area Fire Marshal’s Council (GHFMC) was appointments were time-consuming the program was implemented and smoke formed. We provide a means to network because some of the districts did not send detectors installed, we had no fire deaths and share information, and provide regular in their committee appointments in a for almost seven years and that number training sessions in fire investigation and fire timely manner. I am hoping the website has remained low ever since. prevention. I am a past director and currently template will aid our districts in meeting In 2000 I retired and went to work part serve as their treasurer. In 1988 I served as their obligations to the SFFMA, thereby time for the Village Fire Department president of the Gulf Coast District. I have making committee appointments a more conducting inspections, primarily also been an instructor at the municipal fire enjoyable task for those presidents who residential sprinkler systems. The Village schools for 29 years. will follow me.

4 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N S F F M A U P D A T E S

I have instructed the executive director this system will work will be coming out am certain there will be others as we move to develop a district manual that will in the near future, if not in this magazine. forward this legislative year. give guidance to the district boards on The changes to the FFI and FFII Please keep in mind that when you are their responsibilities, report guidelines, certification program did not make called by a member of the T-Flag or the and how to communicate with their everyone happy. Certain individuals Austin staff to call on your state legislator membership. It will include guidelines complained when some subjects were to support these bills or any other bill for the selection process of the firefighter removed and they felt it was taking away the SFFMA supports, please do so. This and EMS person of the year, pumper team from our certification. The program is a call to action, and believe me, your rules, poster contest rules, and all those we have meets the minimum standard legislator listens to his constituents when things that evolve around the district. of NFPA 1001. I want to emphasize they call. Chances are you voted for him I have asked the Executive Board to reach minimum. If a district, county or or her and may have even participated out to their counterparts on district boards department wants to add certain in their campaign. So when called upon, to solicit the needs of the district and to components to the program to meet please make those phone calls. provide a contact person that a district their needs without taking away from the Before I forget and get into some board member can call upon anytime minimum standard, by all means, that is serious trouble, I need to mention that there is an issue. If you are a district board acceptable and encouraged. The testing I am married to Nita, and while at the member, you should be contacted by your process is new, so be patient with the Galveston convention we will celebrate Executive Board member counterpart. Austin staff and TEEX as we work our 40 years of marriage. We have one If you have not been contacted, please way through this. I am certain there will daughter, Kristal, and two grandchildren: call them. Their contact information be hiccups, but enough thought and study Garrett, age nine, and Renee, age four. As is in the magazine and on the SFFMA have been put into the testing process that grandparents go, there is nothing those website. Communications between our those hiccups will be minor and easily two kids want that we won’t get for them, district boards and the Executive Board is overcome. even if their mother objects. Many of you imperative for a successful venture. This coming legislative year will be a busy know Nita served as president of the TFA Speaking of the EMS provider of the one for the SFFMA. We have numerous in 2008 and two terms as president of the year—do you know that this award may go pieces of legislation that we will be Gulf Coast Ladies Auxiliary. away sooner than later? Since the award looking to file. The first is a residential was instituted there have not been enough fire sprinkler bill. In 2009 the Legislature nominees each year to make it worthwhile. took away from municipalities the There is talk that if the committee doesn’t ability to enact residential fire sprinkler see an increase in nominees, the program ordinances (it’s called home rule). will be canceled. Please, the Executive We are of the belief that a municipal Board asks that each district submit a government is the best to gauge whether name. Give the program a chance to or not residential sprinklers are needed, recognize those who are deserving of such and not the state. Each community is a prestigious award. unique in its own right. Furthermore, The association is doing quite well under each community knows best what level the leadership of our Executive Director of fire protection it needs, not the state. Chris Barron. I don’t think you will find So the SFFMA is joined by numerous fire a more qualified person to oversee our service associations and trade associations association business. All the Austin staff and will be proposing legislation to reverse what was done in 2009. I want to work hard to assist the volunteer fire Finally, our convention will be here service of Texas. When you compare our emphasize that the legislation will not be about residential fire sprinklers but about before you know it. Your attendance is program to that of other states, we are urgently requested. You know that our second to none. In fact, it has been told home rule—the ability of a municipality to enact ordinances. membership is 20,000+ strong but only that our certification program is the best about 250 delegates make the decisions in the country. We will again try to get passed legislation that impact all of them. I know we won’t As you know, as of January 1, 2015, we will that enables certified volunteer fire get all 20,000 to attend, but if we could begin mandatory testing for Firefighter I marshals to inspect businesses. Currently get just five percent of the membership and Firefighter II certifications. A couple a volunteer fire marshal cannot inspect for to attend (that’s 1,000 members) each of years ago, the board decided that it was code enforcement reasons if he or she does and every convention, those decisions in all our best interests that testing for not hold a TCFP certification. An SFFMA we make will be more representative of all our disciplines be mandatory. So we inspector certification currently does not our membership. I ask that you make the instructed to the Certification Board that enable a fire marshal to conduct code commitment to attend our convention— we wanted to see testing by 2015. I am enforcement inspections and we think that even if it’s your first time or if you have proud to say we are there, at least for FFI he or she should be able to. Another piece missed a few or just stopped coming—we and FFII. We also solicited the assistance of legislation we will again propose is the want to see you in Galveston in 2015, of TEEX for testing. The Certification Volunteer Firefighter Protection Act. The McAllen in 2016, and San Marcos in Board and Executive Board felt it was act will prohibit business owners from 2017. We have top-quality training and important that third-party testing be a disciplining a volunteer firefighter who networking. You will always come away part of the program. Third-party testing leaves his job in response to a fire incident. with something new. adds a certain level of credibility to the We came really close last legislative year program and TEEX seemed to be the to getting this done, but unfortunately Thanks so much for reading my article. perfect fit for us. So, thanks to TEEX when the bill got to the governor’s desk I hope to see you in Galveston. and Chief Moore, we will have testing it was vetoed. Those are just three pieces beginning in January. The details of how of legislation we will be working on and I Rusty Kattner President, SFFMA T E X A S F I R E M E N / O C T O B E R 2014 5 S F F M A U P D A T E S / A R T I C L E

LOSING THE CLIPBOARD: that will help to prevent the need for TRUCK CHECKS IN THE costly repairs. When everyone knows I N M E M O R I A M ST what needs to be done and what has 21 CENTURY already been done, the fire department Cloverleaf VFD By David Cain saves time and money. Problems get Chief Michael Battise September 3, 2014 caught up front and major breakdowns TEEX Guest Instructors Most fire districts across the country are reduced drastically or eliminated Pete Martinez still log their apparatus and equipment altogether.” Aransas Pass VFD June 6, 2014 checks on clipboards or paper logsheets. But that’s starting to change, as many Although fire agencies do not Bennie Spaulding departments are beginning to convert necessarily need a software program Killeen FD June 7, 2014 from these pen-and-paper systems to help them catch issues early on Texas A&M Forest Service into digital logbooks. Automating (Chief Cimini has been repairing Jerry Williams July 26, 2014 inspections saves apparatus long departments before there were both time and digital systems out FREQUENTLY ASKED money since there), the demand crews can is increasing as QUESTIONS - General perform their departments Is the State Firemen's & Fire Marshals' Associa- checks with are asked to do tion part of state government in any way? greater efficiency, more with less. No. We have “State” in our name but that refers to ensuring that Firefighters are the fact that the state office is the physical headquar- nothing slips trained in more ters of the association and its districts. This is also through the areas today, and where all membership, certification and historical cracks. departments records are kept. SFFMA is a private, nonprofit trade have much more association by definition. While the specialized start-up costs of equipment to How many employees work at SFFMA? implementing track, maintain Currently we have seven full-time employees: our executive director, certification administrator, such systems and document. certification assistant, membership coordinator, is higher than Digital logbooks event planner, sales manager, and an administrative paper-based help departments assistant. We also have both a contracted facilities programs, the organize and manager and an accountant. Together we serve ap- savings in the manage this proximately 20,400 individual members and 1,420 long run are multitude of fire departments and other organizations. substantial. “A Engineer Carrie Porter performs her daily inspections with information more Southwest Adams County Fire Rescue in Denver, Colo. conservative (Image courtesy of PSTrax.com) efficiently than Does SFFMA maintain records on volunteer estimate is that paper checksheets. firefighter pensions? a targeted document management No. That information is maintained by the Texas With the improved efficiency and Emergency Services Retirement System (TESRS), effort can return as much as $20-$40 transparency that comes with digital for every dollar invested,” according formerly known as the Firefighters’ Pension Com- logbooks, it is only a matter of time mission. Website: www.tesrs.org, Phone: (512) to a report from totallypaperless. before they take the place of paper 936-3372. com. These savings are the result of checks. Consider what has happened increased productivity, immediate with incident reporting. Before NFIRS, Where can I find a copy of our fire department access to decision-critical data, and the all incident logs were done on paper. charter? ability to keep, organize and retrieve But the move to computerized records That information is filed with the secretary of state, vast amounts of information (think has drastically increased efficiency by corporations section. Website: www.sos.state.tx.us/ regulatory guidelines, manufacturer centralizing information, improving corp/forms_option.shtml, Phone: (512) 463-5555. specs, and compliance documents). accessibility, and cutting down on But the highest ROI for departments redundancies. Digital logbooks aim to Is SFFMA closed every Friday? that have taken their checks paperless No. Our office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., do the same thing for apparatus and Monday through Friday. comes from identifying and repairing equipment checks. apparatus issues early on, before the repairs become more costly and I heard the SFFMA office has moved. Is it still David Cain was deputy chief with the located near Austin? dangerous. According to Daniel Boulder (Colo.) Fire Department for 34 Yes. We are located about 13 miles south of the capi- Cimini, fire chief for Surfside Beach years. Since his retirement in 2013, he tol in an unincorporated area of Travis County. (S.C.) Fire Department and former has worked as a consultant for PSTrax, member of the NFPA 1901 Technical a cloud-based service that digitizes fire Does SFFMA get involved in politics? Committee, “There are several things department apparatus and equipment Yes, but the association has no official party that firefighters can do on a regular checks. You can reach Chief Cain at affiliation. We have a lobbyist and a political action basis to head off issues early on, and [email protected] or 303-972-9444. committee that work closely with the Executive Board at the legislative level to help support and protect the interests of our volunteer emergency responders. 6 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N S F F M A U P D A T E S

FREQUENTLY ASKED or the coordinator is notified of any 2015 UPDATE QUESTIONS - Certification irregularities. Main causes for delay are: Progress Is the Certification Board going to stop making changes to the program How does the TCFP firefighter Reports (annual training summaries) not submitted or closed, coordinator anytime soon? program match up to the SFFMA No. At the Executive Board’s direction, has not met the workshop attendance firefighter program? the Certification Board has tied the requirement, appropriate fees have not Because both programs are based on SFFMA program to NFPA standards. yet been paid, applicant’s membership the same training, the TCFP views the Those NFPA standards go under periodic dues have not yet been paid, clear/ following certifications with the same review about every four years, so you can appropriate documentation not weight as a TCFP academy: current plan on continual review and update of submitted with the application, and Module 4, Firefighter II (Advanced), full all of the certifications offered. Firefighter II, or Advanced Firefighter/ missing/incorrect signatures. Once the last of the issues is corrected, we will Accredited Advanced Firefighter issued When can we expect another update? issue the outstanding certificates, even if prior to 2012. Provide a copy of one of January 1, 2015, should be the last it takes a couple of years. these to TCFP to document eligibility to major restructuring of the firefighter challenge their Basic Firefighter exam(s). program. The next update to NFPA I recently attended training outside of A department’s certification coordinator 1001 should be effective 2018, with the department, but I do not see that SFFMA and TCFP making their program should credit anyone holding a TCFP reflected in my individual training academy completion certificate with adjustments effective 2019. All of the record in SFFMA Online, why not? other certifications are based on separate the required objectives for the current The certification coordinator at your SFFMA program Modules 1-4, and NFPA standards that are on their own department is the sole individual four to five-year review cycles. can file an application up through and responsible for entering your training including all four modules. Anyone into the SFFMA Online system. SFFMA I’ve heard the changes are to mirror the already certified to Module 4, who certification staff has no way of knowing provides a copy of their TCFP exam TCFP program. Is that true? who has attended what training and No. SFFMA and TCFP both base their verification letter or TCFP Basic where, or what material was covered in Firefighter certificate will be upgraded certification programs on a national the training unless that information is standard (NFPA), and by doing so help to full SFFMA Firefighter II, at no extra provided to us directly, and furthermore, charge. to legitimize both programs nationally. we do not have the authority to sign off A benefit of basing the programs on on the accuracy of records made and NFPA is that certifications based on the My department had a fire/flood/ kept within your department. It is up to same standard from other states easily catastrophe and all of our training the individual and the coordinator to be transition into and out of Texas. IFSAC records are gone. Do we have to start sure that accurate training information is and ProBoard exams are also based on over? entered when training is completed. the NFPA curriculum materials. No. In situations where training records are missing, an instructor certified by I received my membership card but it What is the overall change to the SFFMA or TCFP can test individuals on does not show my certifications, firefighter program for next year? the material. As long as the individuals why not? There is an overall decrease in the are able to demonstrate knowledge of the Unless you have applied for certification amount of material required to earn a material, the coordinator may give them through SFFMA, you will not have any firefighter certification through SFFMA credit for the specific objectives. The certification codes on your membership starting on January 1, 2015. exam will take the place of the missing card—even if you are TCFP, IFSAC or Six categories of training are being fully documentation in the individual’s ProBoard-certified. Our membership removed from the firefighter curriculum records. cards only reflect certifications held with three of those moving from through the SFFMA Certification the firefighter to the driver/operator How long do we need to keep training Program at the time that the card curriculum. There are some objectives records on file? was printed. If you have applied for added to the program, but the overall The Certification Board recommends SFFMA certifications and they do not total will be significantly lower. retaining training records for a minimum show on your card, please check with of three years. If the department has your coordinator to see if they are The term “Module” has been widely access to a scanner, consider saving aware of any issues holding up your confused with the TEEX “Phase” them in PDF to a CD or other portable certification(s), or call the SFFMA classes, so the board is scrapping that medium to cut down on physical storage certification staff. If you require a new term. Instead there will be three levels space. card, replacements are available for $5. to NFPA 1001 training: Introductory, full Firefighter I and full Firefighter II. My application was sent in a long time How much will my application cost? Introductory is the minimum amount ago and I’ve not gotten a certificate. Currently, application processing fees of Firefighter I training recommended What’s the holdup? range from $5 to $30, but on January under NFPA 1403: Standard on Live Fire Please check with your department’s 1, 2015, the fees will standardize to $25 Training Evolutions. coordinator. All applications are each. currently reviewed within three weeks of arrival and are either immediately issued Membership Q&A can be found on our website at www.sffma.org under About Us.

T E X A S F I R E M E N / O C T O B E R 2014 7 A R T I C L E S

New Nonprofit Invites hearing in Austin to discuss their SFFMA Members concerns,” she said. “Now, with to Create Statewide Glasshouse Policy’s one of a kind Fire Policy “Texansourced” policy forum, every Austin—A new nonprofit will bring a unique Texan will have form of policymaking to Texas this fall—one the opportunity to that could permanently improve fire preven- submit legislative tion for Texans. Glasshouse Policy, which was ideas and share founded in February by Francisco Enriquez unique points of and Thomas Visco, has built an online forum view with legislative where they plan to host a public effort to Francisco Enriquez and Thomas Visco in the gallery decision makers.” at the Texas House of Representatives “crowdsource” state policy. Glasshouse Policy’s online, crowd- “After the tragedy in West, Texas, some gether a diverse collection of otherwise discon- sourced process starts in September. In legislators, firemen and newspapers pointed nected individuals to accomplish a goal. Similar October, Glasshouse Policy will host the first to Texas’s fire codes, saying that the codes are to the way in which Wikipedia constructs their of several stakeholder roundtables. At these to blame for the destruction of property and comprehensive, user-written and user-edited roundtables, Glasshouse Policy users’ opin- loss of life,” Enriquez said. “Other Texans say encyclopedia, Glasshouse Policy will craft ions will be presented to experts, advocates, that our fire codes work, and they worry that legislation based on input from a huge swath academics, and legislators. augmenting the current system of fire codes of Texans. “We hope our platform provides new ideas could hurt the economy.” for the capitol community,” Enriquez said. “...fire prevention policy is Grace Renbarger, a board member “Whichever side of Glasshouse Policy and a lecturer “Our ultimate goal is to get stuff done in you come down on,” fertile ground for at the University of Texas, hopes Austin,” he continued, “and we’ll need Texans Visco added, “fire a collaborative dialogue.” that the forum will include more to help us accomplish that goal.” prevention policy is Texans in a policymaking conver- To find more information on Glasshouse Policy fertile ground for a collaborative dialogue.” sation this fall. “Not every firefighter or fire or to participate in their online discussion, go to Crowdsourcing is the process of bringing to- marshal in Texas can appear at a committee www.glasshousepolicy.org.

Rule Review for TESRS The schedule for our rule review is If you’d like to send suggestions for rule By Michelle Jordan as follows: changes, you can email them to us at [email protected]. Rule changes It’s been a productive first October 15, 2014 require a legal review and we need to al- year and we’re proud of Rules Committee to begin rule review process low enough time for that process. For this what we’ve been able to ac- December 15-16, 2014 reason, suggestions must be forwarded to complish with our partners Rules Committee to meet in Austin to discuss us no later than February 6, 2015. in the fire service. We value our relation- rules under consideration for change ships with SFFMA, member departments, We’re grateful to all of our stakeholders for active members, retirees, and other February 6, 2015 their support as we work to make TESRS stakeholders. We’re all on the same team. Deadline for emailing rule change suggestions Collaboration produces better results. to the agency the best it can be. Follow our progress: Working together makes us stronger. February 26-27, 2015 online at www.tesrs.texas.gov, txfirefigh- Rules Committee to meet in Austin to finalize terpension on Facebook, and ForTexasH- With those principals in mind, we will be rule change suggestions eroes on Twitter. We hope you’ll feel free beginning a review of all of our program March 2015 to contact us anytime with your comments rules, in order to clarify and improve their TESRS staff to format proposed rule changes and suggestions at (512) 844-TXHEROES or [email protected]. efficiency. It is our hope that our member April – June 2015 departments will contribute their ideas, Legal review of proposed rule changes because we know that they know how this The Texas Emergency stuff really works in practice. June 16, 2015 Rules Committee presentation of proposed Services Retirement We will begin this process in October changes to the board of trustees in Galveston, System (TESRS) is an 2014 with the goal being to provide the with a public hearing format for departmental agency of the state of Texas board of trustees proposed changes at the input that administers a pension board meeting in Galveston, to be held June 2015 system for 223 volunteer fire and emer- during the SFFMA conference on June Proposed Rules posted in the Texas Register gency services departments in communities 16, 2015. The meeting will be held at the for comment statewide. In addition to providing a pension Moody Gardens Hotel, in order to make August 2015 benefit, departmental membership in the it possible for departments to attend the Board consideration for adoption of the pro- TESRS system means volunteers are covered meeting and address the board if desired. posed rules by death and disability benefits.

8 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N A R T I C L E S

SOCIAL MEDIA … SO WHAT? This ensures that if someone leaves your 4. Make your page publicly searchable. Statements, information and tips within this department, you can still have control over Make sure that your page settings are set article taken from the HubSpot eBook, “How the account. to be public. This will allow your page to to Use Facebook for Business: An Introductory 3. Pages are public and help you get listed show up in searches and drive more likes. Guide” and 2014 Social Marketing Industry in more relevant search results. GROUPS vs. PAGES Report by Social Media Examiner.com 4. Profiles have friends, which require The key distinction between groups and By now you have heard of social media, user-acceptance, but anyone can become a pages is that a group is for a community and maybe you’ve experimented with it. fan of your page without going through an of people with a common interest, while Not only is it an excellent way to keep in approval process. a page represents a brand or entity of touch with friends and family, but it has GET STARTED which there are fans. Depending on how become increasingly important for busi- 1. Create an engaging page. Use applica- you want to manage your audience, you nesses and organizations to find customer tions like Facebook’s Discussion Boards can use either. However, it’s important and donor support. and YouTube’s Video Box to add more to be transparent and authentic when Think about how you find information interesting and engaging content to your using social media for your organization. about products and services. Are you page. Give users a reason to become a fan People like to connect with people, and watching commercials on TV? Maybe of your page and interact with you. what’s more people-oriented than the fire you’re sifting through those mailers that service? fill up your mailbox or looking online. LITTLE- There are a lot of options when it comes KNOWN to consuming information, but people FACTS have gotten better and better at ignoring marketing messages. - 73% of men and women Enter Facebook. Facebook is a social born between media tool used for networking. It allows 1946-1964 use users to connect and share information in Facebook over many different ways. The access to all age other social demographics and the ability to hone in media sites on niche markets have made Facebook the top social media site in the world. - 13% of men and women Users have an opportunity to use Face- born between book to engage with others directly, and 1946-1964 use this allows you to promote content like Twitter webinars, articles and other resources that further similar interests or causes. - 13% of men Facebook is a great tool for fire depart- and women ments because it provides an easy way to born between connect with your community. Websites 1946-1964 use are over! They continue to have a purpose, LinkedIn but they’re not where the action is hap- Think about pening. People want real-time activity and what audience relevant news, especially if you’re trying to you want to inform them about a cause or a campaign reach. This can for recruitment or even an upcoming help you make a decision about where event. 2. Use the News Feed. The added benefit of creating an engaging page is that every your social media activity will be more THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW: time a fan engages with your page, that successful. 1. Do not create a personal profile for your activity is published to their News Feed. If you have any questions on how to get business. Profiles are for individuals and 3. Use your existing network. Spread the pages are for businesses. word to the people you already know and set up with any of these social media tools, 2. Pages allow you to designate multiple ask them to become fans of your page on please email [email protected] and administrators, so that you can have Facebook. This will lead to more likes, and we’ll provide you some useful information to several people managing the account. build your audience. help you get started!

LIKE OUR COME JOIN WATCH MY SKILLS HERE IS A FIND FAVORITE BEST FIRE CHECKED INTO FIRE OUR #FIRE OUR FIRE INCLUDE PHOTO OF FIREFIGHTER DEPARTMENT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT FIRE OUR STATION RECIPES AROUND STATION IN ACTION FIGHTING T E X A S F I R E M E N / O C T O B E R 2014 9 A R T I C L E S S F F M A U P D A T E S

Click here for members-only experience.**

NAVIGATING THE NEW SFFMA WEBSITE ABOUT US DIVISIONS COMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS, FIREFIGHTER NEWS—currently also DISTRICTS—new information ADVERTISING INFORMATION— MEMORIAL EXPANSION displayed on the homepage, available (maps, district contacts, rates, deadlines, artwork DONATIONS, VFD INSURANCE, under building image updates on events) specifics BUILDING PAVERS). EXECUTIVE BOARD and EMS MEMBER CONNECTIONS STAFF listing and contact INDUSTRIAL PUBLICATIONS—e-InfoFire, EVENTS information INTERNATIONAL InfoFire, Texas Firemen GENERAL INFORMATION FAQ—membership TFA (scholarship information) PHOTO GALLERY CONFERENCE INFO—previous CONTACT US CERTIFICATION **COMMITTEE ROSTERS— year contest winners and follow- must sign in to view rosters ing year details Includes direct access EVENTS LIST JOIN SFFMA ONLINE, to CONTEST RULES—Photo Con- Under JOIN you can find CERTIFICATION NEWS, SHOP LISTINGS, BOARD MEMBER Inludes anything you can test, Pumper Races, FFOY/EMS everything related to of the Year, Driving Contest membership. MEMBERSHIP CONTACT INFORMATION, purchase or order through INFORMATION, BENEFITS, LICENSE PLATE APPLICATION SFFMA (TRAINING LIBRARIES, SFFMA MERCHANDISE, R&R FORMS, TYPES, ETC. INFORMATION and FAQ.

10 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N S F F M A U P D A T E S

New to SFFMA? Create a new Connect with us via social media. account.* NOTES

RESOURCES MEMBERS-ONLY AREA CONSTITUTION and BY-LAWS Once you log in, you will be able to view and access TRAINING member benefits (including promotional codes), FIREFIGHTER ASSISTANCE communications (directory where you can search AVAILABLE GRANTS—HB 2604, for members in different departments, committee VFIS of Texas and Texas Mutual rosters), and your account (where you can update your Insurance Company READY,SET, GO GUIDE information). FIREFIGHTER YOUR INPUT MEMORIAL EXPANSION If you have any questions, changes or suggestions on how to enhance member experience with our website, please VFD INSURANCE email [email protected].

BUILDING PAVERS *Please do not create a new account if you maintain current membership or you have previously been a member.

T E X A S F I R E M E N / O C T O B E R 2014 11 M E M B E R S H I P B E N E F I T S

CAR RENTAL members and their families. They offer a free $5,000 AD&D and LODD policy to SFFMA members’ families. Schedule your meeting. Contact: Jimmy Sewell Phone: 210.379.0456 Email: [email protected] Association Member Benefits Advisors La Quinta Inn & Suites (AMBA) SFFMA members can get up to 25% off Now it’s easy to rent and save with exclusive their nightly rate by providing a unique member rates! Choose from a large selec- promocode when presenting their SFFMA tion of cars, vans and SUVs, available at any ID card at check-in. Offer varies based of our convenient airport or neighborhood on location, participation and availability. locations. Think “member benefits” when Check www.lq.com for more information. Air Evac Lifeteam you reserve a rental car for business or AirMedCare Network providers can provide pleasure! Discounts up to 25%! financial peace of mind for you and your family while extending this vital service to Avis discount code: AWD# 6725000 the community. Call: 800.331.1212 Contact: Randy Teague www.avis.com Wyndam Hotel Group Code: 8000000406 Phone: 325.501.6278 Budget discount code: BCD X925500 Includes: Wyndam Garden, Wingate, Email: [email protected] Call: 800.527.0700 Hawthorn Suites, Ramada, Days Inn, Super www.airmedcarenetwork.com www.budget.com 8, Baymont Inn & Suites, Microtel Inns Hertz discount code: CDP #1860896 & Suites, Howard Johnson, Travel Lodge, Call: 800.654.2210 Knights Inn TRAVEL Ameridoc Call a doctor while on the road or traveling; no denials or application, immediate cover- Cheap-O-Stay age nationwide. Ask about life/disability Save $10 - $25 on your stay with a choice benefits. AMBA Travel Perx of many hotels all over the world. Promo- Phone: 877.870.4447 Ext.8 AMBA Travel Perx brings the best values in tions vary throughout the year. Request a vacations to association members. Special promocode via email. offers are available on fantastic cruises, resorts and escorted tour vacations to the SUPPLEMENTAL PLANS** Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal, Europe, Alaska, South America, and Asia. VFIS of Texas SFFMA’s longstanding partner and benefit provider. Any fire department insurance need can be fulfilled with VFIS’s extensive Association Member Benefits Advisors coverage packages that include accident and Cheap-O-Air (AMBA) sickness insurance, liability, property, etc. Save $10 - $25 off your airfare. SFFMA SFFMA Dental & Vision Program Phone: 800-252-9435 members must request a promocode prior First Diagnosis Cancer Plan Fax: 512-448-9929 to purchase. Promotions vary throughout Medicare Supplement Email: [email protected] the year. Life Insurance Annuity DINING Identity Protection Medical Air Services Association Phone: 800.258.7041 Government Employee Travel myAMBA Dining Opportunities Enjoy dining out? Exploring local eateries? This is a unique space-available vacation, AMBA and restaurant.com have teamed up condominium, hotel, and resort program to offer members exclusive dining discount exclusively for current and retired govern- Aflac (Supplemental) cards for use on restaurant.com. Buy your ment employees and now open to our Reduce the out-of-pocket expenses caused discounted gift certificate and save big on association members! Space-available by hospitalization or accidents. Aflac pays your next restaurant visit! condos are located worldwide and available cash benefits directly to you! Buy a $5 gift card and get $25 dining credit. for $349. Contact: David Espinosa Buy a $10 gift card and get $50 dining credit. Phone: 512.535.5683 Buy a $20 gift card and get $100 dining www.espinosaAgency.com credit. www.myambadining.com Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio) COMPUTERS SFFMA members never have to pay retail again for admission to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. SFFMA general admission Armed Forces Benefit Association is $35.99. That’s 50% off the regular price! (AFBA) Tickets must be purchased ONLINE. Ask us AFBA honors the mission set forth by its Apple Discount to email you the special link. founders—to promote the welfare of its Members qualify for preferred pricing on some of the latest Apple products and acces-

** SFFMA has negotiated a discounted rate on all the supplemental plans. (AMBA, Aflac, AFBA, AirEvac, 12 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N AmeriDoc, VFIS of Texas). These plans are NOT included in your SFFMA membership. M E M B E R S H I P B E N E F I T S sories. Apple member purchase program Whether it’s big, small or somewhere in be- benefits include special member discounts tween, your LegalShield-provider law firm on Apple products, quarterly promotions, will be there to offer advice or assistance free standard shipping on orders over $50, on a variety of issues. They offer advice, free engraving on iPod, online custom consultation and representation. Member- product configuration, and simplified ship even includes attorney fees in trial Stream Energy/PowerUp! Program checkout using any combination of credit defense services (see plan for details). This Lower your energy costs by switching your card, Apple Gift Card and Apple Instant is a monthly membership, $18.95/month provider to Stream Energy and you may re- Loan. Phone: 1.877.377.6362 for SFFMA members (and it covers your ceive discounts on your monthly bill! Check http://store.apple.com/us/go/eppstore/amba whole family). if Stream Energy is an energy provider in When calling, use discount code “AMBA” Contact: Diana Cardona your area. Enroll in the PowerUp! Program *Discounts not available on all items. Phone: 512.454.3473 Ext.106 and see how you can save big. If you are Check with Apple by phone or online to Website: www.legalshield.com/info/sffmatx already a Stream Energy customer, please verify discounted items. contact our representative and let him know.

Contact: Ajax Daugherty Phone 214.766.7056 Monitronics Email: [email protected] Get professionally monitored home security Dell Computer for $10 a month, with a 36-month contract CELLULAR PHONE Dell now offers members special pricing discount on monthly service. under their Employee Purchase program Phone 800.615.4225 SERVICES Phone: 866.257.4711 www.dell.com/epp Dell ID number-PS95750248 at&t SFFMA members receive 8% DISCOUNTS ON SERVICES Dignity Memorial off monthly payments when SFFMA Bereavement Program offers sav- providing a unique promocode: ings on funeral/cremation products and 2400560. services. Discount based on the arrange- Assets-In-Order ments made through a Dignity Memorial This online service is 256-bit encrypted, service provider in your area. equal to security levels used by banks. Includes 1 GB of storage of any important MedeStat information your family might need in case This is a free service that of your passing. SFFMA members get a free aims to reduce the cost of Sprint 1-year Legacy Lockbox Heritage Member- health care by providing SFFMA members receive 23% off select ship! Phone: 888.840.1213 important information vital to plans. Primary account holder must be the patient’s health via special- SFFMA member. Everything Unlimited plan ized QR-code system. If you know you have is not eligible for this discount. a special medical condition, take medica- Promocode: tion, or have food allergies, this free QR BAKFlip Tonneau Covers program could save your life! It can even The BAKflip Tonneau Cover/Truck Bed store your emergency contact information. Cover is the newest generation of hard, SFFMA members are encouraged to use folding, multi-panel tonneau covers! Enjoy the free basic service to create their own all the security of a locking hard tonneau MedeStat label. Medestat also has upgraded Solavei cover and have instant access to your entire products that can be updated remotely. No contract, no hidden fees, just $49 a truck bed! SFFMA members receive $75 off month for unlimited voice, text and data. their purchase. Limited to one per cus- Add three people to your Solavei Network tomer. Request a promocode by emailing: and earn $20 a month! Add nine people and [email protected]. your monthly bill is PAID IN FULL! http://www.solavei.com/txfirefighters Premier Nationwide Lending Home Sweet Texas/Homes for Texas Heroes California Casualty Program: Find the best value in auto insurance with California Casualty. Premier Nationwide Lending is one of the Call now for a free, no-obligation rate leading mortgage companies in America. T-Mobile quote! Special firefighter program available! Eligible borrowers are full-time: teachers, Switch to T-Mobile and your family’s early Contact: Brandon Watson teacher’s aides, librarians, nurses, counsel- termination fees will be covered when you Phone: 866.477.7423 ors, nurses/nursing program faculty, allied trade in your devices—up to $650 per line. Email: [email protected] health program faculty, firefighters, correc- So you can experience fast, 4G LTE network tions officers/juvenile corrections officers, with no annual service contract and no over- county jailers, public security officers, peace age charges. officers, medical service personnel. Get Phone: 1.866.464.8662 LegalShield more information about eligibility! Promocode: 25454TMOFAV Low-priced legal advice and protection! Contact: Jorge Aldrete LegalShield gives you the power to talk to Phone: 512.699.5267 an attorney about any personal legal issue. Email: [email protected] www.teamaldrete.com T E X A S F I R E M E N / O C T O B E R 2014 13 M E M B E R S H I P B E N E F I T S / A R T I C L E S

MEMBER BENEFITS CONTINUED FELLOW TEXAS RESPONDERS TRAINING MATERIALS By Dan Key, co-chairman of the T*Flag Committee

SFFMA SFFMA store offers training President Kattner has appointed Past • Double TFS TIFMAS funding to $2 materials and SFFMA mer- President Bill Gardner and me as million chandise. SFFMA members co-chairmen of T*FLAG for this year. • Volunteer firefighter job protection bill take advantage of the best discount prices available Together, Bill and I will be able to (50 employees minimum) from a variety of publishers. track the election and the subsequent The election will come first in early Contact: Julie Beauchamp legislative session more effectively since November, and T*FLAG as well as Phone: 512.454.3473 Ext 105 Bill is located closer to the center of the Email: [email protected] TESPAC are in the process of evaluating action in Austin. which candidates to endorse. We are Election 2014 is in full swing now, vetting the candidates to see who will and once the races are settled and the support the issues of firefighters and swearing-in, inauguration speeches and first responders. We are capable of NCEMSC inaugural festivities are over, all eyes will bringing a very large group of voters North Central EMS Cooperative assists th to the polls on election day, given the members in providing cost-effective quality be on the 84 Texas Legislative Session. service by negotiating discounted contracts During the SFFMA conference in SFFMA membership of over 22,000 for EMS equipment and supplies from differ- along with their families and friends. ent vendors. Lubbock back in June, we sat and talked about how the 84th session might shape The candidates know very well what a National Volunteer Fire up. There will be more changes in huge influence we could have on a race Council leadership than have been seen in a long for statewide office. Please keep an eye Become a member of NVFC on the races as early voting starts in a to take advantage of increased time at the capitol. There will be a new AD&D and LODD benefits, governor, a new lt. governor (senate week or so and political issues related to member access to NVFC president pro tem), a new AG, and the fire service could always pop up in website and resources, and discounts. the campaigns. Join NVFC for $15 a year, includes a $10,000 many new senators and representatives AD&D and $20,000 LODD benefit. in the house. The speaker of the house The SFFMA website and social is one of the few who will remain in media links will be a good source of place. What this could mean is that information for you to refer to. The first Target Solutions the Legislature could get off to a slow responders of Texas can influence budget Accredited training for EMS continuing edu- start while the new leaders get all the priorities and legislation if we stay cation. Track and record hands-on training. committee assignments made and get engaged and speak with an informed There is no software necessary. Receive up to a $30 discount on Prevention Link profes- settled into their new positions. We voice. Please join the effort and get sional online training! don’t know yet what the new leaders are engaged in the election and the run-up Contact: Jason Finley going to designate as priorities in the to the 84th Texas Legislative Session. Phone: 858-376-1619 budget process or in considering bills to As always, if you have questions or need FINANCIAL be brought up. help with fire service issues related to We will keep a close watch for the legislation, please contact me or Past early trends of the new leadership at President Gardner. the capitol with the help of Executive Director Barron, our lobbyist Trey Sincerely, Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union Blocker and others. When you compare RBFCU to other local T*FLAG is working with President financial institutions, it’s easy to see the value that comes with membership in our credit Kattner to identify the legislative Dan Key union. RBFCU households save an average of priorities for SFFMA. We have a $432 per year compared to bank customers, preliminary list of legislative priorities Co-Chairman, T*Flag Committee and about $130 annually compared to those other credit unions. Forty-five branch loca- which includes the following; Dan Key tions throughout south central Texas. New • Inspector bill (broaden language to locations in Collin County. Cell: 281.923.7670 inspectors meeting/exceeding NFPA Email: [email protected] 1031)

Texas TM Fire Facilities Fund • Home Rule bill, Chapter 1301 of Texas Fire Facilities Fund plumbing code related to sprinklers Bill Gardner TFFF is dedicated to providing the most cost- • Restoration of TFS 2604 funding to Phone: 512.845.9689 effective financing and expertise to fund your fire station and equipment. the full $30 million Email: [email protected] Phone: 800.883.1199, www.govcap.com (mention SFFMA membership) 14 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N S F F M A U P D A T E S

Thank you to TEEX and Texas At about the same time that the SFFMA team was completing plans for the Legislative Day A&M Forest Service for hosting trip, Executive Director Chris Barron was also meeting with representatives from Electric the 3rd Annual Legislative Day Transmission Texas (ETT) regarding contributions. Barron extended an invitation to ETT at their headquarters in College representatives to accompany the group to the firefighter school. Larry Jones, AEP Texas Station. Many thanks to each Corporate Communications manager and a spokesperson for ETT, was able to join the trip and and every one of you who took photograph the group touring the site. the time out of your busy sched- "The facility is absolutely incredible," Jones said. "We learned about what occurred during recent ules to participate in this event. wildfires in Texas and were able to see the types of training that volunteer firefighters go through here in SFFMA appreciates your time and Texas. My respect and appreciation for how seriously the volunteers take this training was already high; dedication to the fire service of but those feelings increased by orders of magnitude as a result of the tour.” Texas. "Touring Disaster City reminded me of trips to Universal City," Jones continued. "The difference is the participants are training for life and death situations—not make-believe ones." SAVE THE DATE

First Responder and Legislator Appreciation Day & Memorial Service

MARCH 25, 2015 11 A.M.

Memorial service will be followed by a fish-fry luncheon. More information to follow.

T E X A S F I R E M E N / O C T O B E R 2014 15 S U S T A I N I N G M E M B E R S

Below is an aphabetical listing of current SFFMA Sustaining Members. Hoyt Breathing Air Products Sustaining Membership is available to any company interested in F HOYT, PETE exhibiting at the SFFMA Annual Conference & Convention. Please keep Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc. PO Box 653 JOHNSON, MIKE Quinlan, TX 75474-0011 these companies in mind when purchasing new apparatus, equipment and PO Box 249 Phone: 903.447.3385 services. Holden, LA 70744-0249 Email: [email protected] Phone: 225.567.7100 A D Email: [email protected] I Advanced Rescue Systems Daco Fire Equipment Co Fire in Texas WILLIAMS, BRYAN DOBMEIER, GARRETT GOTHARD, RONNIE IamResponding.com 3459 FM 36 S PO Box 5006 1334 Sharon Ln SEIDBERG, DANIEL Caddo Mills, TX 75135-6773 Lubbock, TX 79408-5006 Sulphur Springs, TX 75482-5509 PO Box 93 Phone: 903.527.3841 Phone: 806.763.0808 Phone: 903.438.0300 Syracuse, NY 13214-0093 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 315.701.1372 ext. 23 Email: [email protected] AG-Meier, Inc. Deep South Fire Trucks, Inc. Fire Supply Inc. HAYS, BILLY TAYLOR, RONNIE MCKITTRICK, RICH Independent Insurance Agents of Texas th PO Box 89 VANDELINDER, DAVID 920 East 6 Avenue 11 Wayne Dr Godley, TX 76044-0089 Belton, TX 76513-2712 Woodville, TX 75979-4004 Phone: 817.389.2377 1115 San Jacinto Ste 100 Phone: 979.451.3855 Phone: 601.722.4166 Email: [email protected] Austin, TX 78701-1994 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 800.880.7428 Email: [email protected] FIREHOUSE Solutions - A Xerox Company Akron Brass Co. Del Mar College - Regional Fire Academy ROGERS, MIKE RUDY, ZACH THIEME, WALTER 10051 Barton Cir Industrial Safety Training Council PO Box 86 101 Baldwin Blvd Frisco, TX 75035-6667 PHILP, JIM Wooster, OH 44691-0086 Corpus Christi, TX 78404-3805 Phone: 888.941.3473 324 N Memorial Fwy Phone: 800.228.1161 Phone: 361.698.1724 Email: [email protected] Nederland, TX 77627-7150 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 409.833.2378 Firehouse Trophies and Gifts Email: [email protected] American Signal Corporation DK Firexpress LLC MORGANS, KAY RIESELBACH, ROB KRISTENSEN, JESPER 12525 Skyline Dr Insurance Services Office, Inc. 8600 W Bradley Rd 8001 Boat Club Road Ste B Jenks, OK 74037-4917 BRADLEY, PHILLIP Fort Worth, TX 76179 Phone: 918.528.6119 Milwaukee, WI 53224-2816 Email: [email protected] 4030 W Braker Ln Ste 350 Phone: 800.243.2911 Phone: 830.480.2485 Austin, TX 78759-5353 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 512.440.9914 Fisher Sportswear Email: [email protected] Applied Force Technologies FISHER, BARRY WATKINS, BOB E 6672 Lincoln Dr 2409 Colleen Dr Philadelphia, PA 19119-3118 J Pearland, TX 77581-5403 E.D. Bullard Phone: 215.755.8565 Phone: 832.289.2135 BARNETT, STEVE Email: [email protected] Jacobs-Weber, Inc. Email: [email protected] 1814 Bayou Breeze Dr HULL, PATRICK Baytown, TX 77523-8448 Foam Pro PO Box 67 Phone: 713.384.3028 SMALL, CHUCK Yoakum, TX 77995-0067 C Email: [email protected] 11650 S Ridgeway Dr Willis, TX 77318-5464 Phone: 361.293.3557 Email: [email protected] California Casualty Edward Jones Phone: 936.697.3626 Email: [email protected] ALMEIDA, LISA MALONE, SHIRLEY Jones and Bartlett Learning PO Box M 203 Railroad St Ste 1B ROONEY, BRIAN San Mateo, CA 94402-0080 Buda, TX 78610-3437 Fuego International, LLC 5 Wall St Phone: 866.680.5143 Phone: 512.312.2332 HIDROGO, JOE Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 8101 Cameron Rd Ste 101 Burlington, MA 01803-4700 Austin, TX 78754-3816 Phone: 978.579.8154 Casco Industries EFJohnnson Technologies Phone: 512.490.1480 Email: [email protected] MURRAY, RAYMOND DIXON, BRITTANY Email: [email protected] 607 W 62nd St 1440 Corporate Dr Shreveport, LA 71106-2913 Irving, TX 75038-2401 K Phone: 800.551.8787 Phone: 800.328.3911 G Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Kimco Services, Inc. KIMMEL, ROY Global Traffic Technologies 103 Oyster Creek Dr # 3 CCMAX Elkhart Brass Mfg. Co., Inc. DOWELL, STEPHANIE MORQUECHO, FERNANDO BENN, RACHELE 7800 3rd St N Ste 100 Lake Jackson, TX 77566-4157 11211 Katy Fwy 1302 W Beardsley Ave Saint Paul, MN 55128-5452 Phone: 979.297.9246 Houston, TX 77079 Elkhart, IN 46514-1891 Phone: 214.548.2497 Email: [email protected] Phone: 832.436.7028 Phone: 574.295.8330 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Knapheide Truck Company Government Capital Corporation PIKE, TIM CE Solutions Emergency Response Maps SANDERS, MICHELLE 398 N Interstate 35 Service Rd LUBITZ, LINDA ROBERTS, BEN 345 Miron Dr Red Oak, TX 75154-4248 PO Box 3004 12550 W Colfax Ave 109 Southlake, TX 76092-7826 Phone: 972.617.3770 Marble Falls, TX 78654-3076 Lakewood, CO 80215 Phone: 800.883.1199 Email: [email protected] Phone: 512.715.9333 Phone: 480.205.6524 Email:[email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Knox Company Gulf State Safety, LLC HELLER, REBECCA Chief Fire & Safety Co. Inc. Emergency Services Insurance (Fire Fighter Tool Supply, Inc.) PAYNE, RICHARD Program - ESIP 1601 W Deer Valley Rd SCHMITZ, WAYNE Phoenix, AZ 85027-2112 927 S 4th St DIXON, BILL 11614 Boudreaux Rd Chickasha, OK 73018-4655 PO Box 5670 Tomball, TX 77375-7402 Phone: 623.687.2300 x 505 Phone: 405.224.2596 Cortland, NY 13045-5670 Phone: 281.631.0588 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 800.822.3747 Ext 125 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Consolidated Traffic Controls, Inc. L AYERS, DAVID Extraco Insurance H 1016 Enterprise Place RICE, JUDY Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus Texas LLC La Quinta Hotel Management Arlington, TX 76001-7140 18 S Main Street HOLMES, MARIA ALLEN, KATHERINE Phone: 817.265.3421 Temple, TX 76501-7652 601 Martin Duke Rd 2220 Pine Thicket Lane Email: [email protected] Phone: 254.774.5905 Van Alstyne, TX 75495-2824 Bedford, TX 76021-2542 Email: [email protected] Phone: 713.962.9708 Phone: 972.505.4507 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 16 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N S U S T A I N I N G M E M B E R S

LION Powell & Leon LLP Stovetop Firestop Thank you to our 2014 HORN, JENNIFER CLARK, ANDREW OSBORNE, JOANNA 7200 Poe Ave Ste 400 115 Wild Basin Rd Ste 106 200 Greenleaf Street conference sponsors. Dayton, OH 45414-2547 West Lake Hills, TX 78746-3305 Fort Worth, TX 76107 Phone: 972.772.8796 Phone: 512.494.1177 Phone: 817.872.1500 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: PLATINUM SPONSORS [email protected] M Premier Nationwide Lending ALDRETE, JORGE Summit Truck Group MedeStat, Inc. 3933 Steck Ave Ste B 106 (Roberts Truck Center) VICKERS, BRIAN Austin, TX 78759 STACY, TY PO Box 1133 Phone: 512.699.5267 1623 Aspen Ave NW Cypress, TX 77410-1133 Email: [email protected] Albuquerque, NM 87104 Phone:855.345.6333 Phone: 505.998.7831 Email: [email protected] Email: Provident Insurance [email protected] D'IPPOLITO, DAREN Medic-CE.com 272 Alpha Dr Sutphen EZZEDDINE, RICHARD Pittsburgh, PA 15238-2934 SHUMAKER, DEAN PO Box 540141 Phone: 800.447.0360 4090 Peabody Ct Houston, TX 77254-0141 Email: Addison, TX 75001-3503 GOLD SPONSORS Phone: 877.458.9498 [email protected] Phone: 800.848.5860 Email:[email protected] Email: [email protected] Public Safety Training and Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Inc. Consulting LLC MINTON, JIM VADEN, VIRGIL T 10940 W Sam Houston Pkwy N 27113 Monarch Wood Dr Ste 325 Kingwood, TX 77339-5004 Target Solutions Houston, TX 77064-5769 Phone: 713.885.8366 FINLEY, JASON Phone: 281.517.0911 10805 Rancho Bernardo Rd Ste 200 Email: [email protected] San Diego, CA 92127-5703 Email: [email protected] Phone: 858.229.2881 Email: [email protected] Micro-Blaze® Microbial Products S (Verde Environmental, Inc.) Safety and Fire Education Training Task Force Tips Texas TM SCOGIN, JENNIFER TITTEL, DEACON TAYLOR, SHERRY Fire Facilities Fund 9223 Eastex Fwy 400 Riverside St 3701 Innovation Way Houston, TX 77093-7001 Highlands, TX 77562-2509 Valparaiso, IN 46383-8395 Phone: 713.691.6468 Phone: 281.932.0891 Phone: 219.462.6161 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Sealegs of Texas Morton Buildings, Inc. TECGEN JOHNSTON, KURT HOPKINS, MIKE SILVER SPONSORS PO Box 1 BIGGERSTAFF, LAURA 8840 FM 2920 Rd Brenham, TX 77834-0001 3441 Palham Rd Ste 101 Spring, TX 77379-2201 Phone: 979.836.2022 Greenville, SC 29615-4184 Phone: 281.374.0490 Email: [email protected] Phone:864.918.5021 Email: Email: [email protected] [email protected] Sharp Testing Services, Inc. SHARP, STEPHEN TetraKO MES - Municipal Emergency 9506 Miller Rd WAHL, RANDY Services Magnolia, TX 77354-3434 120 Bridgepoint Way ALLEN, BRENT Phone: 281.356.1235 South Saint Paul, MN 55075-2499 16511 Hedgecroft Dr Ste 200 Email: [email protected] Phone: 952.567.3314 Houston, TX 77060-3622 Email: [email protected] Phone: 800.784.0404 Shell Pipeline Company LP Email: [email protected] BARKER, PHILLIP Texas Bravest Fire/EMS Academy 404 Jefferson SHAW, BRADLEY Pasadena, TX 77506-3145 PO Box 2080 BRASS SPONSORS Muscular Dystrophy Association Phone: 713.423.3382 Gainesville, TX 76241-2080 BAKER, ED Email: [email protected] Phone: 940.718.0586 12655 North Central Expressway Email: [email protected] Ste 235 Siddons-Martin Emergency Dallas, TX 75243-1707 Group Phone: 972.669.3892 GIVLER, KIRK Texas Emergency Academy Email: [email protected] JEFFCOAT, JEFFERY 14233 Interdrive W 5093 Roberts Dr Houston, TX 77032-3323 The Colony, TX 75056 N Phone: 800.784.6806 Phone: 214.226.2077 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] National Fire Safety Council Spartan Chassis, Inc. COOK, LINDA HUSSEY, ANDREA Texas Farm Bureau Casualty PO Box 378 1541 Reynolds Rd Insurance Company Michigan Center, MI 49254-0378 Charlotte, MI 48813-2040 7420 Fish Pond Rd Phone: 517.764.2811 Phone: 517.543.6400 Waco, TX 76710-1010 Email: [email protected] Email: Phone: 800.772.6535 [email protected] Neel Fire Protection Apparatus Texas Pyrotechnics Association COPPER SPONSORS LEDNICKY, CLAY State Association of Fire & JOHNSON, JAN 1118 Interstate 35 N Emergency Districts 1101 114th St Waco, TX 76705-2834 AVERY, CLIFF Lubbock, TX 79423-7237 Phone: 800.433.3402 PO Box 676 Phone: 806.786.0784 Email: [email protected] Pflugerville, TX 78691-0676 Email: Phone: 512.251.8101 [email protected] Email: [email protected] P Texas Fire Facilities Fund Steele Fire Apparatus (Government Capital Corp.) Vic Einspahr Philadephia Insurance Companies STEELE, BILL REESE, SHEILA GOFF, LANCE 806 N 1st St E 345 Miron Dr 3939 Belt Line Rd Ste 650 Haskell, TX 79521-6238 Southlake, TX 76092-7826 Addison, TX 75001-5842 Phone: 940.864.2208 Phone: 800.883.1199 Phone: 469.221.7932 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] T E X A S F I R E M E N / O C T O B E R 2014 17 S U S T A I N I N G M E M B E R S / S F F M A U P D A T E S

Tom’s Pins, Inc. Vickers Consulting Wild Well Control, Inc. T GUYTON, TOM Services, Inc. (HSE Services Group) 17619 Mill Springs Dr. VICKERS, BRIAN DAVIS, CASEY Spring, TX 77379 The Carlton Law Firm, PLLC PO Box 1455 2202 Oil Center Ct Phone: 713.320.7467 Cypress, TX 77410-1455 Houston, TX 77073-3333 CARLTON, JOHN Email: [email protected] 2705 Bee Cave Rd Ste 200 Phone: 866.5.GRANTS Phone: 281.784.4700 Austin, TX 78746 - 5843 Email: brianv Email: [email protected] Phone: 512.614.0901 TrainingDivision.com @vickersconsultingservices.com Email: [email protected] MOFFITT, JULIA 10300 FM 1902 Wildfire Truck & Equipment Crowley, TX 76036-5606 The Danielle Dawn Smalley Sales Phone: 817.297.4450 EVANS, DAVID Foundation Email: [email protected] W MARTIN, SHEILA 5313 Big Six St 999 W US Highway 175 Alvarado, TX 76009-5181 Crandall, TX 75114-2003 Phone: 888.452.2701 Tyler Junior College Weatherford College - Phone: 972.472.6500 EASTMAN, JERRY Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fire Academy PO Box 9020 MALLEY, STEPHEN Tyler, TX 75711-9020 Williams Fire & Hazard Phone: 903.510.3205 225 College Park Dr The Gary Tilton Firefighter Weatherford, TX 76086-6265 Control, Inc. Training Fund Email: [email protected] ISAACKS, RICK TILTON, JOANN Phone: 817.598.6429 Email: [email protected] 1289 County Rd 307 PO Box 241 McDade, TX 78650-5020 Katy, TX 77492-0241 V Phone: 409.745.3232 Phone: 281.391.2787 Westex Welding Co./ Email: [email protected] VFIS of Texas / Westex Custom Fire TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool Regnier & Associates Apparatus Wilson Fire Rescue CHAFIN, TAMARA BRADBURRY, CURTIS PO Box 149194 MARZEAN, BARBARA WILSON, KIRBY Austin, TX 78714-9194 3420 Executive Center Dr Ste 301 210 Cottonwood Rd 218 Deborah Dr Ste 2 Phone: 512.491.2300 Austin, TX 78731-1626 West, TX 76691-1801 New Braunfels, TX 78130-3053 Email: [email protected] Phone: 512.448.9928 Phone: 254.826.5343 Phone: 830.625.2343 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

BLAKE LOCKNANE 2012 SFFMA Mascot CONGRATULATIONS! Many of you know that Blake Locknane (2012 SFFMA mascot) had an accident in June while assisting with pumper race truck transportation to the convention in Lubbock. SFFMA is happy to report an update from his parents: Blake was able to start school on time in August. At the last doctor's appointment, he was very impressed with how fast Blake was recovering and was doing in general. He told him that he could start putting 100% weight on his left leg and he could do away with his crutches. He continues to go to physical therapy three time a week, and that Pictured from left to right: Ben Kennedy, James Carr, David Wade, and Barbara Marzean should be concluded in three weeks. Since he is no longer having to use crutches, he has now been able SPONSORED BY: to obtain his driver's license. We are now finally seeing the light at the 2014 Firefighter of the Year end of the tunnel from this tragic accident. DAVID WADE Deer Park VFD We can't thank our SFFMA fire family enough for everything each and every one of you has done to make 2014 EMS Responder of the Year this tragic accident and recovery easier for our JAMES CARR family. Decatur FD Texas TM Fire Facilities Fund 18 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N S F F M A U P D A T E S Capitol MONUMENT Expansion Project THANK YOU TO EVERYONE ALL 2013 AND 2014 DONORS Les Bunte; Lillian FD; Louise & Kent LISTED ON THIS PAGE FOR Watts; Luling VFD; Macey Perry, Bastrop HELPING US REACH OUR Aaron Lopez; Alex Coyne; Allen FD; Madison Looney; Mallory & Nathan Blakemore; Allen Russell; Alvin VFD Farrar; Manvel VFD; Marc Harris; Maria GOAL OF $150,000 Ladies Auxiliary; Alvin VFD Ladies Moseley; Mark Bulla; Mark Wobus; Marty IN 150 DAYS! Pumper Team; Anderson/Cargile Vaughan; Marvin DeVore; Mary Vonne Families; Anonymous Donors; April Brame - In Memory of Jack King; Melissa WE DID IT!! Hudson; Becky Willard; Beeville Knights Robinson; Melissa Henderson; Melody of Columbus Council 9268; Bellville VFD; Ruddell; Melvin Hitchcock; Mercedes Unfortunately an updated bid from Ben Kennedy; Bethel Cayuga VFD; Bill B. VFD; Michael Smith; Michele Rabel; the State Preservation Board came Zilar; Billy Joe & Christi Marie Williams; Mike Richter; Mike Sipes; Mike Wisby; in and we have to raise additional Billy Powers; Bluff Dale VFD; Bob & funds to complete the entire Milano FD; Mistie & Steven Koinm; expansion of the monument at the Marcie Doolittle; Boling FD; Bonham Morris, Jerri, Murray & Blake Locknane; capitol grounds. VFD; Bootleg VFD; Brent Allen; Brian Mr. & Mrs. Fred Hart, Jr.; Mr. & Mrs. Beck; Caddo Mills FD; Candace Busch; Ray Horky; Mulberry Canyon VFD; IF YOU WAITED TO SEND YOUR Canyon FD; Carlton & Diane Clark; Nancy Clinton; Natalia VFD; Nathan CONTRIBUTION, NOW IS THE Carol Wagner; Chad Cryer; Charles Mendenhall; Neal Morton; Needville FD; PERFECT TIME TO MAKE A Gee; Chase Westerman; Chelsea Perry, Needville VFD Ladies Auxiliary; New DIFFERENCE. ALL DONATIONS Bastrop FD; Chris Bruce; Chuck & Lucia ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. Deal Fire/EMS; Oplin FD; Otis Amey; Garris; City of Plains VFD; Clay & Mel Past Presidents; Patricia & Richard Baker; DONATIONS OVER $5,000 Deatherage; Clemente & Elena Sanchez; Paul Hannemann; Paul Loeffler; Penny Comanche VFD; Cory Bradley; Curtis Smith; Permian Basin District; Perryton Powell; Dallas Wiard; Danna M. Markides; VFD; Phil & Rocio Thomas; Phyllis Darren Smith; David Rosier; David Looney; Pleasanton FD; Ponder VFD Varner; David W. Maltzan; Dawson FD; in memory of Donald “Pinky” Deussen; Deborah Hinckley; Decatur FD; Deloss Ponderosa FD; Prairie Hill-Rocky Hill Edwards - Landon & Luke Ammons; VFD; Quitman FD; R. C. Flores, McAllen Dennis Wright; Derrick Curtis; Diana FD; Randy & Teri Parkison; Red Springs Cardona; Diana Howse; Dixie & Earl VFD; Refugio FD; Rick Goodney; Whitmore; Donald J. Smith; Dorothy L. Robert Kleen - In Honor of Sergeants- Ryden; Dublin FD; Eastside VFD; Eddy at-Arms; Ron Moellenberg; Rosemount Harris; Edna & Shawn Snider; Edward & Analytical Employees - Steve Donovan, Mary Armstrong; El Campo VFD Ladies Rod Holbrook, Mao Van Le, Stephanie WEST VFD UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD Auxiliary; Emily Gardner; Emmett Tullia; FOUNDATION Gonzales, Linda Fields, Sonia Martinez, Enrico Barone; F. Jim White; Fire Inc; Fire Mike Smith, Joe Aaron, Genevieve Do, DONATIONS OVER $1,000 Rescue; Flatonia Fire and Rescue; Frankie Edwin Markham, Dallas Wiard, Tranq Joe Salinas; Frankie Marcinkiewicz; C. Nguyen, Chuck Baron, Alicia Roberts, Abernathy FD; Alvin VFD; Ann Stulce Gabi & Michael Glass; Gary Williams; Shelley Moore; Ryan Hudson - Cold - In Memory of Bob Stulce; Bacliff FD; GBW Associates LLC in collaboration Water Challenge; Scott Kerwood; Sean Baird VFD; Bastrop County Firefighters with Bastrop County FFA; Genevieve Association; Brazoria County FF Thomas, Leander FD; Shamrock VFD; Do; Gerald Roberson; Golf Committee; Shari & Bill Schiffman; Shelley R. Moore; Association; Brazos County Pct# 4 VFD; Gulf Coast Ladies Auxiliary; H. Don Brenham FD; Caldwell County Fire Chiefs Sheryl & Wayne Huebner; Shirley Popp, Association; Chris Barron; Christine McFarland; Hal & Donna Chudalla Wayne E. Popp Family; Sir/Madam who Rogalski; David Wade; Decatur FD; Edwin Family; Hill Country FF Association; donated In Memory of Clyde Vandygriff; "Rusty" Kattner & Nita Kattner; Emily Honri Dicks, Leander FD; Hood Co. Sta. South Ector County VFD; St. James Barron; Ernest O. Reesing; Fort Stockton 70 VFD; J.A. Barron; Jaden Roy; James FD, Inc. Engine 3; Stephen Dossett; VFD; Galveston County Fire Fighters Carr and Decatur FD; James Hudson; Susan Miller; TEEX/VFIS; Terrell VFD, Association; Gilmer VFD; Henderson James Lee Terry; James Longmier; James Inc.; Texas Broiler Council; Texas Egg County Fire Chief’s Association; IIAT/ Terry; James Wistinghausen - Bacliff VFD; Council; Texas Fire Marshals' Association; Trusted Choice Foundation; Jeannie Jason & Clayton Scheel; Jason Johnson; Texas Poultry Federation; Texas Poultry Green; Kyle & Debbie Stephens; Ladies Jeffrey & Darlene Towers - Whitney FD; Improvement Association; Texas Turkey Auxiliary-Brenham FD; Leander FD; Liz Jennifer Bradley; Jennifer Selby Doyle; Cargile - SAFE-D; Manchaca VFD; Mike & Federation; Texmark Chemicals; TFA Past Jerry & Jolynda Loeb; Jerry & Pat Rust; Presidents; TFA Presidents; The Nassau Debbie Richardson - In Memory of Chief Jerry Williams; Jesse & Betty Creamer; Ted Richardson; Mike Rogers; Northeast Bay VFD; Theresa Lewis Hutchison; Tim Texas Firemen’s Association; Pasadena FD; Jessica Hafner; Joel Sumrall - Santa Fe & Leslie Rutland; Todd Colvin; Tom Red River District - 10; Rio Grande Valley Fire/Rescue; John & Nancy Burgoyne; Vanwyngarden; Trent Pokorny; Trenton Firefighter’s and Fire Marshals’ Association; John Donaho; John W. Bales; Joseph Anderson, Santa Fe Fire/Rescue; Vic Santa Fe Fire/Rescue; Sinton VFD; Stephen A. Aaron; Joshua Sisk; Judy Seymore; Einspahr; Washington, TX VFD; Wayland Donnelly; Tatum VFD; Texas A&M Forest Julia D. Beauchamp; Karen Bettis; Kevin & Diane Price; Wheelock VFD; William R. Service; Texas Firemen's Auxiliary; The Creamer; Kim Tanner; Kurt Ecker; Lauren Coffman; William Schettino; Wise County Foundation for Dreamers; Thorndale VFD, Hamilton; Leander FD; FFA; Yuliya Marcer Inc.; VFIS of Texas- Regnier & Associates; West Carlisle VFD; West I-10 VFD T E X A S F I R E M E N / O C T O B E R 2014 19 SFFMA

Your SFFMA Member Benefits Include:

• Dental & Vision Plans for you & your family! • First Diagnosis Heart Attack & First Diagnosis Cancer Plans • Final Expense Whole Life Policies • Long Term Care • And many merchant discounts!

Review your member benefits today at: Benefits made available by www.myAMBAbenefits.info/sffma 800.258.7041 th VICE vote TIM SMITH 4 PRESIDENT

WEST CARLISLE - FFII/Paramedic - Instructor I - Fire Chief/ EMS Director LUBBOCK COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION - President PANHANDLE DISTRICT - Past President SFFMA - Health and Safety Committee - Member - Texas EMS Board, Chairman

Follow Tim Smith, Dedicated20 O C T O B E Rto 2014 the / T E X A S F I R E M E N Fourth VP fire service for 24 years. T E X A S F I R E M E N / O C T O B E R 2014 21 A R T I C L E S

The King Fire THE CALL TO SERVE ANSWERED, On Sept. 16 a TFS crew was deployed to help suppress the King Fire near Pollock TIME AND TIME AGAIN Pines, California. As the fire intensified, By Jessica Jackson, Texas A&M Forest Service The French and Beaver Fires TFS assistance was requested, and we re- communications specialist On July 30 a request for additional sponded by sending six personnel to help resources came through TICC for the manage the incident. French Fire in the Sierra National Forest “I wanted to learn how large-scale inci- outside of Oakhurst, California. Eight dents were ran out west,” stated Nicole TFS personnel stepped up to assist other Lang, fire coordinator. “This was my first agencies. The nearly 14,000-acre fire was and I learned what needed to be done already 70 percent contained when as- within a fire squad and how to look out for For nearly 100 years Texas A&M Forest sistance was requested, but crews were still the people around me.” Service (TFS) has answered the call needed to help mop up the area and check Having TFS personnel on these fires to help conserve, protect and lead. for hazards. Throughout Texas the agency is known greatly increases their experience and as a steward of this land ... but there is knowledge to continue to improve upon another side to the agency. A side that how incidents are managed in the future. is seen in the event of an emergency. “Working closely with other agencies, Oftentimes this extends beyond the you can learn a lot about their protocols state’s boundaries. When the call is put which, in turn, helps us when we run into out for our men and women to serve similar instances in our own area,” Lang alongside other agencies, we answer said. that call—every time. Upon their release, the 97,000-acre fire Members of the Alamo Interagency Crew #2 pose in front of a was nearly 85 percent contained. Deploying to the Front Lines cabin from the 1890s that was involved in the French Fire. A service agency with a bias for action According to Bryan Collins, task force Pecos Flood is how TFS is often described by cur- coordinator and crew boss, due to the fire Heavy rains associated with Hurricane rent director, Tom Boggus. When it being in a remote location with no road Odile caused extensive flooding through- comes to eagerness and dedication to access, additional resources were needed. out West Texas. With floodwaters rising help those in need, this is one state- as a result of debris collecting and causing ment that rings true for TFS crews. “[The French Fire] was a very well-coordi- the water to back up, a request for ad- nated event,” Staff Forester and firefighter When other states or agencies need ditional resources was put out on Sunday, Jason Furmaniak said. Working with such Sept. 21. TFS deployed eight personnel to to request assistance, the order goes agencies as U.S. Fish and Wildlife and through the Texas Interagency Coor- support the Pecos River Flood, making up USDA Forest Service, it allowed each team an incident management team. dination Center (TICC). TFS looks to bring unique perspectives and experi- at the needs from the request and ences to help most efficiently suppress the According to Jeff Meiner, assistant chief determines how best to fill the request. fi re .” fire regional coordinator, the IMT helped TICC checks the list of available quali- Beyond the crew’s dedication to help, it organize and track resources related to fied personnel, notifying them of the also showed the incident, and assisted emergency deployment opportunity. Interested perseverance, managers in planning, coordinating and personnel then must seek approval resiliency and developing the incident action plan on a from their chain of command. Once professionalism. daily basis. this is done, TICC fills the request and Almost immedi- “The incident went very smoothly,” starts to make arrangements for travel. ately after being Meiner said. “We helped bring calmness Because TFS is part of a nationwide released from and reassurance to the public.” system that gives qualified individuals the French Fire, These deployments not only allow TFS to a chance to be a part of diverse teams the crew rode 12 bring in its expertise, but also offer valu- to help mitigate incidents, this offers a hours to make it able training experience. to the Beaver Fire prime opportunity for personnel to get “Most of us just went through a training of experience in different areas. in the Klamath Alamo 2 crews assist with helicopter National Forest loads of hose off the French Fire. a new program called I-Suite. This deploy- For that reason TFS firefighter Jona- outside of Klamath River, California. ment allowed us to fine-tune our skills thon Keller volunteered to go on recent and better track resources,” Steven Carter, deployments. “On this assignment, we ran night opera- regional fire coordinator said. “We were tions,” Keller said. “While it was exciting able to save time developing the IAP, “I’m usually a ‘dozer operator and I’ve to be near the fireline to help put out spot never had the opportunity to be on a fires and do back-burns, it was also much hand crew,” Keller said. “I wanted to be more hazardous than the French Fire.” involved and help others while learning a new skill.” The back-to-back fires did little to slow down the crew’s drive to be successful. Knowledge and experience, together with the determination to complete “Upon our release, both fires were in really every mission successfully, makes TFS good condition,” Collins said. “The French a vital part of interagency operations. Fire was 95 percent contained and Beaver was approximately 75 percent contained.” Recent Deployments Crew members agreed that the most Since this July, TFS has responded to memorable parts of their assignment were 18 out-of-state incidents. These deploy- working with other agencies, helping to The Pecos River above the Red Bluff Reservoir. Wet areas show how much higher the water had been in the hours prior. It is still flowing a lot of water and has ments often involve supporting efforts protect the beautiful countryside, and washed out this oil field road. The black poly line you see on the left across the road and on the right in the river bed is an oil field line that used to stretch across the to either suppress wildfires or help realizing how well they worked together river and as you can see it was separated from the force of the water. Road damage manage an incident. is visible at the current water’s edge on both the left and right sides. for a common goal. Continued on page 30 22 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N Online SFFMA Store COME VISIT OUR NEW SFFMA ONLINE STORE! THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN GREATLY ENHANCED MAKING THE STORE EASIER TO NAVIGATE WITH NEW PRODUCT SEARCH AND SORTING FEATURES. Don’t forget to sign in with your department username and password for tax-exempt orders. Check it out today at www.sffma.org!

SFFMA is a leader in sales of firefighter training libraries across the state of Texas. Call today to let us design a custom package that’s perfect for your department. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE AVAILABLE RURAL VFD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM GRANTS FOR TRAINING LIBRARIES.

Mention this ad and get FREE SHIPPING on your next order for training materials! MINIMUM PURCHASE OF $100. Offer limited to the first 25 customers. Expires December 31, 2014. Must CALL or EMAIL your order to Sales (800.580.7336 ext. 105 or [email protected]) to take advantage of this offer.

For more information call 800.580.7336, email [email protected] or place your order online at www.sffma.org. A R T I C L E S

TEXAS FIRE FACILITIES PROGRAM FORUM

TEXAS FIRE FACILITIES PROGRAM CELEBRATES EIGHT YEAR ANNIVERSARY

In 2006, the SFFMA created the Texas Fire Facilities Program (the “Program”) which is administered by Government Capital Corporation. It was created specifically to address the challenge members were facing when seeking new financing. Prior to creating the Program, many emergency services departments needed new facilities or needed to expand or renovate existing structures, but had not been able to do so due to financing obstacles. In some cases, members had also arranged financings at higher costs as a result of not taking advantage of the specific IRS tax code section specifically designed to reduce the cost of borrowing to VFD’s. Even today, most traditional financing sources don’t offer the flexibility and customized financing solutions many in the industry need. The SFFMA’s Program continues to provide fire departments with the professional industry-focused expertise and very competitive cost structures they expect. The SFFMA and its members also win when they participate in this financing program since the Program makes a donation to the SFFMA Fire Programs Institute/J. C. Swadley, Jr. Fund for each qualified transaction.

FIRE STATION FINANCING KEY CONSIDERATIONS

The lending market continues to offer the lowest interest rates available in years. Over the past year, many SFFMA members have refinanced their debt obligations saving thousands of dollars in interest cost. If you own a facility previously financed as a commercial transaction with an interest rate greater than 4%, you may want to consider the possibility of refinancing your loans at today’s historically low TAX-EXEMPT interest rates. Additionally there are other benefits of working with an experienced and knowledgeable finance specialist including:

• Avoiding costly interim constructions loans • Avoiding the need for personal guarantees • Creative flexible terms to meet your budget needs

Considering the complexities of the current lending environment, it is vitally important you partner with a lending source experienced and knowledgeable of the unique financial requirements and TAX-EXEMPT borrowing authorities applicable to the Texas fire service community. Just as an architect can save your department from making costly construction mistakes, experienced financial representatives can recommend financing structures to meet your department’s needs and budget.

The SFFMA Fire Facilities Program is endorsed by the SFFMA for the specific purpose of helping its members understand and navigate the unique requirements and borrowing authorities applicable to the Texas fire service community.

If you have not yet contacted the Texas Fire Facilities Program, today’s interest rate environment may be just the reason to do so. Although interest rates are at historically low levels as mentioned previously, many economists are predicting meaningful interest rate increases as soon as the first quarter of 2015.

Contributed by the Texas Fire Facilities Program Team

24 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N EXCLUSIVE FINANCING PROGRAM FOR Fire Facilities Program SFFMA MEMBERS

Needham Fire & Rescue Bexar-Bulverde VFD

Argyle VFD Westfield Road VFD

State Firemen’s & Fire Marshals’ Association

Financing Services: Financing available for:  Debt structuring & analysis  Land acquisition  Fleet management strategies  Equipment & bunker gear  Combined interim & permanent  Stations & Facilities  Low, tax-exempt rates  Apparatus of all kinds  Benefits all SFFMA members  Refinancing existing debt

PUT OUR EXPERTISE TO WORK FOR YOU

Call (866) 582-FIRE (3473) www.govcap.com [email protected]

Government Capital Corporation (“GCC”) is providing the information contained herein for informational purposes only. In providing this information, GCC: (i) is acting for its own financial and other interests that may differ from yours; (ii) is not acting as your municipal advisor or financial advisor and has no fiduciary duty to you in connection with these materials; and (iii) is not recommending any action with respect to the information contained in this document. P H O T O C O N T E S T W I N N E R S

PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

BEST IN SHOW

Thomas McDonald Friendswood VFD

Two a.m. garage fire in Friendswood; garage is detached with one vehicle inside

FIRE-RELATED ACTS

1st Place - Thomas McDonald 2nd Place - Kevin O’Connor 3rd Place - Thomas McDonald Friendswood VFD Center VFD Friendswood VFD LIFESAVING ACTS

1st Place - Lauralee Veitch 2nd Place - Thomas McDonald 3rd Place - Thomas McDonald Community VFD Friendswood VFD Friendswood VFD EDUCATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY

1st Place - Marie Williams 2nd Place - Thomas McDonald 3rd Place - Kristine Schaffner Brazos County Pct. #4 VFD Friendswood VFD Alvin FD 26 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N C O N F E R E N C E P H O T O S

CONFERENCE PHOTOS

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO: Lubbock Fire Department Visit Lubbock Panhandle District Tim Smith Jim Hanson — Photography TEEX Staff — Training and AV equipment SFFMA Executive Board & Staff Sergeant-at-Arms More conference photos can be found on our website at www.sffma.org. All Committee Members & Attendees

T E X A S F I R E M E N / O C T O B E R 2014 27 S F F M A I N T E R N A T I O N A L

SUCCESSFUL WORKSHOP ON “UNIFIED COMMAND During the workshop, Moscoso talked about different aspects related to set- APPROACH IN CASE OF INDUSTRIAL EMERGENCIES” ting up a unity of command approach and to identifying the necessary tools The training course Unified Command “I’m very satisfied with the training and for coordination in case of an industrial for Industrial Emergencies was organized with the clarity with which the trainer emergency. The course was devised to in the auditorium at the Cultural Cen- explained the concepts. The experience train participants to operate efficiently and tre in Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina. shared with Ian has allowed us to learn effectively for incident or event manage- The training was delivered by renowned and understand concepts we were not fully ment within the Incident Command international consultant and professional aware of. And the interaction with the System (ICS). It also focused on how to firefighter Ian Moscoso. trainer and the exchange of ideas with the manage and administer both human and More than 190 people attended the group about the different topics has also technical resources. Using audiovisual event, representing different educational been extremely valuable.” aids, case studies of actual emergencies and events were discussed, and different institutions, public agencies, businesses, Gastón Malbos, manager of institutional scenarios were analyzed, such as industrial and various uniformed groups such as relations at PAE, fires, mass casualty incidents, firefighters, frontier police (“gendar- talked about the meria”), the armed forces, the coast guard, unlawful attacks, sabotage and high turnout and major spills. and civil defense personnel. The activity pointed out that, was declared of municipal interest and “We are very Through these initiatives, PAE was jointly organized by Pan American pleased with the reinforces its commitment Energy (PAE) and the municipality of results obtained to the communities where it Comodoro Rivadavia through the office and the number operates by offering proposals of the province secretary and within the of participants. that encourage learning and framework of the relations with the com- The initiative development. munity initiative being carried out by PAE put forth by PAE and the municipality of Ian Moscoso is a federal trainer in Incident Com- in the region. mand Systems (FEMA/NIMS), consultant to the Comodoro Rivadavia is a clear example of United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), After taking part in the workshop, Sofia the positive results that can be obtained and also the Fiel, one of the candidates of the Rada Til- when public and private institutions coor- chairman of the International Committee of the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association of ly Volunteer Fire Department, remarked, dinate their efforts.” Texas. Source - https://www.pan-energy.com

28 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N MAJORITY OF TEXANS HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THEIR ENERGY PROVIDER

Get in touch with our energy representatives Ajax Daugherty and your home Ron Klink. They are working for you to save POWER UP! money with the Stream Energy with POWER UP! Program. Remember that our representatives believe * in helping SFFMA members, so take some FREE time to find out more about how you can benefit electricity from these exclusive services from our providers.

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Ajax Daugherty Ron Klink Trusted and reliable energy provider generating over Your Texas energy representative Your Texas energy representative $6 billion in revenue in 9 years Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] *For more information about this offer, please email [email protected].

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Special Discount for Fire Fighters at La Quinta Hotels Nationwide! Discount can be used for business or personal travel. Call 1-866-468-3946 and request the “ State Firemen’s & Fire Marshals’ Association Rate”. Book online at LQ.com, Booking Code: SFFMA10 Contact: Katherine Allen, Global Sales Manager 972-505-4507

©2013 La Quinta Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. LA QUINTA and the Sunburst Q are registered trademarks of La Quinta Worldwide, LLC in the US and certain other countries. A R T I C L E S

THE CALL TO SERVE ANSWERED, TIME AND TIME AGAIN CONTINUED from page 22 it made managing the incident much more efficient.” Interagency operations give TFS personnel the opportunity build professional relationships and meet new comrades whose paths they will surely cross again. TFS worked alongside the Texas Depart- ment of Public Safety, Texas Department of Emergency Management, Texas Com- mission on Environmental Quality, Texas Army National Guard Aviation, Texas Task Force 1, National Weather Service, Texas Department of Transportation, and Union Pacific, among many others. “These kinds of incidents allow TFS to build critical relationships with local, state and federal agencies, reaffirming we can work together and be successful,” Steve Pollock, chief regional fire coordinator said. “It’s an honor to work with a great group of professionals who are dedicated to doing a job, even under the worst conditions.” Striving to serve No matter how small or insignificant a job may seem, it is often those that are the most critical. This is one of the many lessons learned from recent deployments. Everyone has a job and everyone plays a vital part in completing the mission. With interagency operations we are truly stronger together than we are alone.

Smokey Bear celebrated his 70th birthday this year all across Texas. His career began in 1944 as a cartoon character. In 1950, a real bear cub was rescued on a fire in New Mexico, nursed back to health, flown to live out his life in the National Zoo in Washington DC as one of the most recognizable bear in history.

HELP US DEVELOP A FUTURE VISION ARE YOU: Active in the SFFMA and passionate about our mission? Active in the fire service and recognized as a current or future leader? Less than 45 years old? Aerial view of the bridge on Business 20, east of Pecos Debris blocked up the river and diverted the waters toward the city of Pecos; A debris dam can be seen south of the bridge. If interested in serving on a new committee,SFFMA please email [email protected] no later than December 1, 2014. vision

30 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N North Central EMS Cooperative + = $aving$

NCEMSC Vendors The North Central EMS Cooperative (NCEMSC) is affiliated with the State Firemen’s & Fire Marshals’ Association (SFFMA)… therefore, if your service is part of SFFMA, you are part of us! SFFMA members automatically become members of the NCEMSC. SFFMA elects to pay your service’s annual NCEMSC membership dues ($75 value)! Your involvement is important. We share revenue! A percentage of your purchases are returned to SFFMA, which helps SFFMA recoup the annual NCEMSC membership dues and support other projects.

The NCEMSC is a group of more than 4,000 EMS organizations that have joined together to take advantage of volume pricing discounts on a wide array of EMS products and services. As an SFFMA member, you will have the opportunity to share in these discounts.

Phone: 888.603.4426 Email: [email protected] www.ncemsc.org

THE POWER OF Thank you for all your help and support in raising funds to finance MDA research. Contact us directly with any questions.

AUSTIN 512.691.0065 BEAUMONT 409.838.4545 DALLAS 972.480.0011 EL PASO 915.584.6355 For latest promotions or to find FORT WORTH 817.338.1024 out more information HOUSTON 713.522.8561 contact [email protected] HOUSTON South 361.985.1758 MIDLAND 432.570.4970 SAN ANTONIO 210.650.3181 WICHITA FALLS 940.696.5581

C O M M I T T E E L I S T I N G S

2014/2015 SFFMA COMMITTEE LISTINGS for the latest and most updated committee rosters visit www.sffma.org

Doug Baker Assistant Secretary/Zone 18 West I-10 FD Phone: 713.396.8707 TEXAS A&M ADVISORY BOARD PO Box 400 Fax: 281.675.3610 Patrick Hlavaty Member (until 2015) Barker, TX 77413-0400 Email: [email protected] SFFMA Past President (1997) Phone: 979.543.0341 PO Box 1395 Email: [email protected] Brian Scheffer Zone 1 El Campo, TX 77437-1395 Brenham FD Phone: 979.337.7300 101 N Chappell Hill St Fax: 979.337.7311 Keith Russell Member (until 2016) Brenham, TX 77833-3323 Email: [email protected] Eastman Chemical Co Phone: 903.237.6689 Edwin Baker Zone 2 PO Box 7444 Fax: 903.237.6678 Stockdale FD Phone: 830.996.1383 Longview, TX 75607-7444 Email: [email protected] 602 S 7th St Fax: 830.996.1366 Stockdale, TX 78160-6031 Email: [email protected] John Kiracofe Member (until 2017) Jollyville FD Phone: 512.258.1038 Ubaldo Perez Zone 5

10901 El Salido Pkwy Fax: 512.258.1837 Edinburg FD Phone: 956.383.7691 Austin, TX 78750-1413 Email: [email protected] 2609 San Alejandro St Fax: 956.289.1853 Edinburg, TX 78539-6971 Email: [email protected] Mike Montgomery Member (until 2018) Will Rains Zone 7 Harris County Fire Marshal's Office Phone: 281.436.8000 Hardin County ESD #2/Lumber- 2318 Atascocita Rd Fax: 281.436.8025 Phone: 409.291.9249 ton Fire & EMS Fax: 409.751.6237 Humble, TX 77396-3503 Email: [email protected] PO Box 8005 Email: [email protected] Lumberton, TX 77657-0005 Cody Crawford Zone 8 CERTIFICATION BOARD Henderson FD Phone: 903.657.6551 PO Box 1064 Fax: 903.657.5329 Henderson, TX 75653-1064 Email: [email protected] Mick Moffitt Zone 9 Joshua FD Phone: 817.881.2840 10300 FM 1902 Fax: 817.297.0232 Crowley, TX 76036-5606 Email: [email protected] Nate Mara Zone 10 Decatur FD Phone: 940.627.3199 1705 S State St Email: [email protected]; Decatur, TX 76234-2745 [email protected]

Clay Deatherage Zone 11 Shackelford County Rural VFD Phone: 325.338.2507 264 Ward St Fax: 325.762.2242 Moran, TX 76464-2422 Email: [email protected] Certification Zones Morris Locknane Zone 12 West Carlisle FD Phone: 806.252.2840 PO Box 98044 Fax: 806.797.0514 Gary Williams Chairman/ Zone 6 Lubbock, TX 79499-8044 Email: [email protected] Pasadena FD Phone: 713.248.3688 Brent Allen Zone 14 4302 Blind River Dr Email: [email protected] Ballinger FD Phone: 325.365.5137 Pasadena, TX 77504-3118 PO Box 227 Fax: 325.365.5612 Frankie Marcinkiewicz Vice Chairman/ Zone 3 Ballinger, TX 76821-0227 Email: [email protected] Cat Spring VFD Phone: 979.530.8992 Scott Garris Zone 15 11438 Newberg Rd Email: [email protected] Pleasanton FD Phone: 830.570.0166 Cat Spring, TX 78933-5183 114 W Adams St Email: [email protected] Pleasanton, TX 78064-3502 R.J. Thomas Secretary/ Zone 4 Ingleside VFD Phone: 361.776.7422 John Burgoyne Zone 16 3190 Rebecca St Fax: 361.775.1186 Greenwood Rural VFD Phone: 817.341.3473 Ingleside, TX 78362-4649 Email: [email protected] 307 Llano Rd Fax: 817.594.3473 Weatherford, TX 76088-8413 Email: [email protected]

32 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N Texas EMS Conference Fort Worth Convention Center November 23-26, 2014 Register early Exhibit Hall Hours and save! Sunday 2–7 pm For details, go to Monday 11 am–6 pm Tuesday 8–11:30 am www.texasemsconference.com Education Lectures: one-hour sessions on a wide variety of EMS subjects Workshops: hands-on sessions offering in-depth specialty topics Preconference classes: 4- to 24-hour courses offered Friday through Sunday Lunches and Snacks—Included! Buffet lunch on Monday; Awards Luncheon on Tuesday; coffee and afternoon snacks available Monday through Wednesday Bring a Friend Exhibit Hall passes can be purchased for non-attendees—$6 online and $10 at the door Special conference rates available at several downtown hotels.

n San Marcos, Location!ew TX

Hear Speakers on Leadership • Management • Safety • Budgeting & more! Building Leaders… January 12–14 Audience: Fire & Emergency Responders Topics: Leadership, Management, Safety, and Budgeting cosT: $150 for out-of-state attendees No admission fee for Texas resident Firefighters 2015 RegisTeR: Online at teex.org/leadership Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center — San Marcos, TX

REgiSTRaTion opEn!

C15.7836.09

C15.7839.09 AD-LDS 2015 [SFFMA] 8.25x5.375.indd 1 9/16/14 1:16 PM C O M M I T T E E L I S T I N G S

CERTIFICATION BOARD CONTINUED Shawn Snider Member Edinburg FD Phone: 956.383.7691 Paul Loeffler Zone 17 2804 Chateau St Fax: 956.383.7111 Fort Davis FD Phone: 432.426.3900 Edinburg, TX 78539-7057 Email: [email protected] PO Box 1407 Fax: 432.837.3395 Alpine, TX 79831-1407 Email: [email protected] Bill Gardner Executive Board Liaison Leander FD Phone: 512.528.2848 Curtis Brown Zone 19 PO Box 319 Email: [email protected] Dalhart FD Phone: 806.244.5454 Leander, TX 78646-0319 110 Denrock Ave Fax: 806.249.0277 Dalhart, TX 79022-2622 Email: [email protected] Chris Barron Executive Director SFFMA Phone: 512.454.3473 Cary Roccaforte TEEX Representative PO Box 1709 Fax: 512.453.1876 TEEX-ESTI Phone: 979.862.1335 Manchaca, TX 78652-1709 Email: [email protected] PO Box 40006 Fax: 979.845.0506 College Station, TX 77842-4006 Email: [email protected] CONFERENCE TRAINING & SPEAKER

Mark Wobus Texas A&M Forest Service COMMITTEE Texas A&M Forest Service Representative Cary Roccaforte Chairman PO Box 252 Phone: 979.968.5556 TEEX-ESTI Phone: 979.776.6430 La Grange, TX 78945-0252 Email: [email protected] 2121 Nuches Ln Fax: 979.776.0408

Chuck Richardson Industrial Board Liaison Bryan, TX 77803-1986 Email: [email protected] Phillip 66 Company Phone: 979.491.2034 PO Box 66 Fax: 979.491.2241 Brian Scheffer Co-Chairman/Central TX District Sweeny, TX 77480-0066 Email: [email protected] Brenham FD Phone: 979.337.7300 101 N Chappell Hill St Fax: 979.337.7311 Henry Perry Executive Board Liaison Brenham, TX 77833-3323 Email: [email protected] Bastrop FD Phone:512.321.5550 PO Box 88 Fax: 512.321.1315 Mike Montgomery Co-Chairman/Gulf Coast District Bastrop, TX 78602-0088 Email: [email protected] Harris County Fire Marshal's Office Phone: 281.436.8000 2318 Atascocita Rd Fax: 281.436.8025 Kevin Creamer Staff Liaison Humble, TX 77396-3503 Email: [email protected] Staff Liaison Phone: 512.454.3473 PO Box 1709 Fax: 512.453.1876 Gerald Weniger Guadalupe District Manchaca, TX 78652-1709 Email: [email protected] Seguin FD Phone: 830.401.2310 Mallory Farrar Staff Liaison Assistant PO Box 215 Fax: 830.401.2772 Staff Liaison Assistant Phone: 512.454.3473 Seguin, TX 78156-0215 Email: [email protected] PO Box 1709 Fax: 512.453.1876 Manchaca, TX 78652-1709 Email: [email protected] Danny Hurt Northeast Texas District Pleasant Grove FD Phone: 903.838.7123 COMBINATION DEPARTMENT COMMITTEE 4786 FM 3129 S Email: [email protected] Bloomburg, TX 75556-4020 Richard Van Winkle Member Alvarado FD Phone: 817.790.8884 Chuck Richardson Industrial Board Liaison PO Box 296 Fax: 817.783.6505 Phillip 66 Company Phone: 979.491.2034 Alvarado, TX 76009-0296 Email: [email protected] PO Box 66 Fax: 979.491.2241 Sweeny, TX 77480-0066 Email: [email protected] Tim Gothard Member Anna FD Phone: 972.924.2143 Mark Wobus Texas A&M Forest Service PO Box 519 Fax: 972.924.2772 Texas A&M Forest Service Representative Anna, TX 75409-0519 Email: [email protected] PO Box 252 Phone: 979.968.5556 La Grange, TX 78945-0252 Email: [email protected] Michael Richardson Member Decatur FD Phone: 940.627.3199 Roy Mercer Gulf Coast District 608 County Road 4460 Fax: 940.627.6014 Village of Pleak FD Phone: 832.473.5414 Decatur, TX 76234-8138 Email: [email protected] 2118 Enchanted Oaks Ln Fax: 281.239.8725 Rosenberg, TX 77471-7105 Email: [email protected] Brandi Plunkett Member TEEX-ESTI Phone: 979.458.6800 David Wade Past President Liaison PO Box 40006 Fax: 979.847.9304 Deer Park VFD Phone: 281.478.7281 College Station, TX 77842-4006 Email: [email protected] 3018 Eileen St Fax: 281.478.7289 Deer Park, TX 77536-5022 Email: [email protected] 34 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N C O M M I T T E E L I S T I N G S

CONFERENCE TRAINING & SPEAKER Van Fowler North Texas District Telico VFD Phone: 972.878.2083 COMMITTEE CONTINUED 700 Lone Oak Rd Fax: 972.878.2083 Bill Gardner Executive Board Liaison Ennis, TX 75119-0356 Email: [email protected] Leander FD Phone: 512.528.2848 Rodney Ryalls Red River District PO Box 319 Email: [email protected] Burkburnett FD Phone: 940.569.3553 Leander, TX 78646-0319 2050 Holman Rd. Fax: 940.569.4192 Burkburnett, TX 76354-5400 Email: [email protected] Gabi Glass Staff Liaison Staff Liaison Phone: 512.454.3473 Richard Harmon Past President Liaison PO Box 1709 Fax: 512.453.1876 Cameron Gardens FD Phone: 940.767.7557 Manchaca, TX 78652-1709 Email: [email protected] 1841 FM 171 Email: [email protected] Wichita Falls, TX 76305-6909 CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS COMMITTEE David Luedeke Past President Liaison Dennis Gifford Chairman/East Texas District SFFMA Past President (2004) Phone: 979.559.0026 Labelle-Fanette FD Phone: 409.794.1441 Needville FD Fax: 979.793.7255 115 Candlewick Dr Fax: 409.284.2527 PO Box 132 Email: [email protected] Lumberton, TX 77657-7291 Email: [email protected] Needville, TX 77461-0132 Paul Hamilton Executive Board Liaison Cary Roccaforte Central Texas District Potter County Fire/Rescue Phone: 806.383.3373 TEEX-ESTI phone: 979.776.6430 PO Box 364 Fax: 806.381.0225 2121 Nuches Ln fax: 979.776.0408 Bushland, TX 79012-0364 Email: [email protected] Bryan, TX 77803-1986 Email: [email protected] Gabi Glass Staff Liaison Louise Watts Guadalupe District Staff Liaison Phone: 512.454.3473 Southeast Caldwell County VFD Phone: 830.875.9239 PO Box 1709 Fax: 512.453.1876 303 E Bowie St Fax: 830.875.9239 Manchaca, TX 78652-1709 Email: [email protected] Luling, TX 78648-2905 Email: [email protected] CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE Danny Cox South Central District Rockport FD Phone: 361.729.5392 Danny Hurt Chairman PO Box 627 Fax: 361.729.1268 Pleasant Grove FD Phone: 903.838.7123 Fulton, TX 78358-0627 Email: [email protected] 4786 FM 3129 S Email: [email protected] Bloomburg, TX 75556-4020 Ruben Balboa Rio Grande Valley District Harlingen FD Phone: 956.216.5700 Teri Parkison Central Texas District 22099 Amistad Rd Fax: 956.430.6672 Latium Wesley Greenvine FD Phone: 979.836.6946 Harlingen, TX 78550-1953 Email: [email protected] 7550 FM 2502 Email: [email protected] Brenham, TX 77833-7616 Frankie Salinas Rio Grande Valley District Edinburg FD Phone: 956.383.7691 Brian Deason Guadalupe District 821 Park Cir Fax: 956.383.7111 Stockdale FD Phone: 830.996.1383 Edinburg, TX 78539-7306 Email: [email protected] 9505 State Highway 123 N Fax: 830.996.1366 Stockdale, TX 78160-6221 Email: [email protected] Maricruz Tovar Rio Grande Valley District Gillian Cox South Central Texas Edinburg FD Phone: 956.383.5661 Rockport FD Phone: 361.729.5392 212 W McIntyre St Email: [email protected] PO Box 2061 Fax: 361.729.1268 Edinburg, TX 78541-3340 Fulton, TX 78358-2061 Email: [email protected] William Crawford Gulf Coast District Buck Stevens Gulf Coast District Sheldon Community F&R Phone: 281.458.1431 PO Box 462 Phone: 281.489.8898 PO Box 1877 Fax: 281.458.7394 Pearland, TX 77588-0462 Fax: 281.489.7268 Channelview, TX 77530-1877 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Donald Shoemaker Gulf Coast District William Gerber Gulf Coast District Lake Jackson FD Phone: 979.238.5771 Alvin FD Phone: 281.331.7688 54 Juniper Ct Fax: 979.285.0368 PO Box 2202 Fax: 281.331.9713 Lake Jackson, TX 77566-5002 Email: [email protected] Alvin, TX 77512-2202 Email: [email protected] Patrick Dooley Northeast Texas District William Crawford Gulf Coast District Henderson FD Phone: 903.657.6551 Sheldon Community F&R Phone: 281.458.1431 1604 Slaydon St Fax: 903.657.5329 PO Box 1877 Fax: 281.458.7394 Henderson, TX 75654-4246 Email: [email protected] Channelview, TX 77530-1877 Email: [email protected] T E X A S F I R E M E N / O C T O B E R 2014 35 C O M M I T T E E L I S T I N G S

CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE CONTINUED

Dennis Gifford East Texas District Joe Ondrasek Executive Board Liaison Labelle-Fannett FD Phone: 409.794.1441 Brazos County Pct #4 FD Phone: 979.775.0194 115 Candlewick Dr Email: [email protected] 5572 Caroline Dr Fax: 979.775.0123 Lumberton, TX Bryan, TX 77807-7806 Email: [email protected]

Thom Jones East Texas District Bob Looney Past President Liaison Madisonville VFD Phone: 936.348.3317 SFFMA Past President (1986) Phone: 817.473.1182 921 E Main St Fax: 936.349.0149 220 Juniper St Email: [email protected] Madisonville, TX 77864-2113 Email: [email protected] Mansfield, TX 76063-1815 Mark Hanson Red River District Gabi Glass Staff Liaison Bellevue FD Phone: 940.928.2125 Staff Liaison Phone: 512.454.3473 520 King St Fax: 940.928.2109 PO Box 1709 Fax: 512.453.1876 Bellevue, TX 76228-1630 Email: [email protected] Manchaca, TX 78652-1709 Email: [email protected]

36 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N C O M M I T T E E L I S T I N G S

DISTRICT OFFICERS 7 - EAST TEXAS DISTRICT Francis Garza President 1 - CENTRAL TEXAS DISTRICT Bridge City F/R/ OCESD#2 Phone: 409.735.2419 4504 Scales Ln Fax: 409.697.3060 Teri Parkison President Orange, TX 77630-1400 Email: [email protected] Latium Wesley Greenvine FD Phone: 979.836.6946 7550 FM 2502 Email: [email protected] Dennis Gifford Secretary Brenham, TX 77833-7616 Labelle-FannettFD Phone: 409.755.6031 115 Candlewick Dr Fax: 409.751.6237 Timothy Mantey Secretary Lumberton, TX 77657-7291 Email: [email protected] Rocky Creek FD Phone: 979.203.1974 1702 Morgan St Fax: 979.530.0176 8 - NORTHEAST TEXAS DISTRICT Brenham, TX 77833 Email: [email protected] Patrick Dooley President 2 - GUADALUPE DISTRICT Henderson FD Phone: 903.657.6551 1604 Slaydon St Fax: 903.657.5329 Jason Scheel President Henderson, TX 75654-4246 Email: [email protected] La Vernia FD Phone: 830.391.4654 12235 US Highway 87 W Fax: 830.779.1729 F. Jim White Secretary La Vernia, TX 78121-5862 Email: [email protected] Overton FD Phone: 903.834.3457 304 E Mundy St Fax: 903.834.3625 Kent Watts Secretary Overton, TX 75684-1734 Email: [email protected] Southeast Caldwell County VFD Phone: 830.875.9239 303 E Bowie St Fax: 830.875.9239 9 - NORTH TEXAS DISTRICT Luling, TX 78648-2905 Email: [email protected] Christine Rogalski President 3 - TRI RIVERS / 6 - GULF COAST DISTRICTS Ennis FD Phone: 972.875.3473 1007 N McKinney St Fax: 972.875.4615 William Crawford President Ennis, TX 75119-2418 Email: [email protected] Sheldon Community F&R Phone: 281.458.1431 PO Box 1877 Fax: 281.458.7394 Melissa Robinson Secretary Channelview, TX 77530-1877 Email: [email protected] Chatfield VFD Phone: 903.345.9450 106 Gorman St Fax: 903.345.9167 Michelle Cornell Secretary Corsicana, TX 75110-1883 Email: [email protected] Tri-Rivers FFMA Phone: 281.468.3150 1940 Melody Ln Fax: 832.223.0167 10 - RED RIVER DISTRICT Richmond, TX 77406-2412 Email: [email protected] Marvin Geis President 4 - SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT Windthorst FD Phone: 940.423.6711 PO Box 57 Fax: 940.423.6711 Gonzalo Benavides President Windthorst, TX 76389-0057 Email: mjgeis@comcellnet Falfurrias FD Phone: 361.325.2422 Jack Roberts Secretary 300 N Miller Blvd Fax: 361.325.1762 Archer City FD Phone: 940.574.4545 Falfurrias, TX 78355-3536 Email: gonzalo.benavides@ PO Box 367 Fax: 940.574.4547 brooks-county.com Archer City, TX 76351-0367 Email: [email protected] Elena Sanchez Secretary Sinton FD Phone: 361.364.2381 11 - MID-WEST DISTRICT PO Box 652 Fax: 361.364.3781 Jason Anderson President Sinton, TX 78387-0652 Email: esanchez1019@ sbcglobal.net Hamby VFD, Inc. Phone: 325.548.2408 5 - RIO GRANDE VALLEY DISTRICT 39 Woodcock Cir Fax: 325.548.2439 Abilene, TX 79605-4420 Email: [email protected] Alfredo Garza, Jr. President Kristopher Hester Secretary Roma FD Phone: 956.849.2231 Merkel FD Phone: 325.928.4725 PO Box 947 Fax: 956.849.3313 1408 N 4th Fax: 325.846.4139 Roma, TX 78584-0947 Email: [email protected] Merkel, TX 79536-3205 Email: [email protected] Maricruz Tovar Secretary 12 - PANHANDLE DISTRICT Edinburg FD Phone: 956.383.5661 212 W McIntyre St Email: [email protected] Billy Bonner, Jr. President Edinburg, TX 78541-3340 Shamrock FD Phone: 806.256.3542 PO Box 631 6 - GULF COAST DISTRICT see Tri-Rivers District for information Shamrock, TX 79079-2032

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DISTRICT OFFICERS CONTINUED Ronnie Sexton Central Texas District Thorndale FD Phone: 512.431.1024 12 - PANHANDLE DISTRICT 3705 del Norte Blvd Email: [email protected] Dennis Rice Secretary Temple, TX 76502-1616 Canyon FD Phone: 806.655.5010 Alvin Fail Central Texas District PO Box 627 Fax: 806.655.5029 Cameron FD Phone: 254.697.4702 Canyon, TX 79015-0627 Email: [email protected] 2804 W 4th St Fax: 254.697.3040 13 - PERMIAN BASIN DISTRICT Cameron, TX 76520-3049 Daniel Eaton President Brian Deason Guadalupe District Marathon VFD Phone: 432.364.2277 Stockdale FD Phone: 830.996.1383 PO Box 289 Email: [email protected] 9505 State Highway 123 N Fax: 830.996.1366 Marathon, TX 79842-0289 Stockdale, TX 78160-6221 Email: [email protected] Keith Mensch Secretary Daniel Cabrera South Central District Denver City FD Phone: 806.592.5426 Falfurrias FD Phone: 361.325.2422 PO Box 115 Fax: 806.592.9436 PO Box 302 Fax: 361.325.1762 Denver City, TX 79323-0115 Email: [email protected] Falfurrias, TX 78355-0302 Email: [email protected]

14 - HILL COUNTRY DISTRICT Robert Doolittle, Sr. Gulf Coast District Mark Hasty President Bayou Vista FD Phone: 409.356.3382 Grape Creek FD Phone: 325658.3770 1428 Foreman St Fax: 409.935.1205 10493 Raccoon Rd Fax: 325.465.5023 La Marque, TX 77568-5420 Email: [email protected] San Angelo, TX 76901-6834 Email: [email protected] Dennis Gage Northeast Texas District Brent Allen Secretary Kilgore FD Phone: 903.983.3147 Ballinger FD Phone: 325.365.5137 PO Box 379 Fax: 903.988.4132 PO Box 227 Fax: 325.365.5612 Gladewater, TX 75647-0379 Email: dennis. [email protected] Ballinger, TX 76821-0227 Email: [email protected] John Robinson North Texas District 15 - WINTERGARDEN DISTRICT Retreat VFD Phone: 903.654.3986 621 N Spikes Rd Fax: 972.923.0039 Daryl Kallio President Email: [email protected] Dilley VFD Phone: 830.965.1969 Corsicana, TX 75110-8586 PO Box 151 Fax: 830.965.1920 Dilley, TX 78017-0151 EMS COMMITTEE

Jerry Rust Secretary Timothy Smith Chairman/Panhandle District Val Verde County Rural VFD Phone: 830.774.7640 West Carlisle FD Phone: 806.797.0412 PO Box 421314 Fax: 830.774.7686 PO Box 98044 Fax: 806.797.0514 Del Rio, TX 78842-1314 Email: [email protected] Lubbock, TX 79499-8044 Email: [email protected]

DRIVING CONTEST COMMITTEE Jason Loyd Central Texas District Brazos County Pct #3 VFD Phone: 979.776.6430 Michael Richter Chairman/Gulf Coast District 1217 Harrisonburg Ln Fax: 979.776.0408 Needville FD Phone: 979.793.4262 College Station, TX 77845-4049 Email:[email protected] PO Box 374 Fax: 979.793.7255 Needville, TX 77461-0374 Email: [email protected] Timothy Mantey Central Texas District Rocky Creek FD Phone: 979.203.1974 William Schiffman Vice Chairman/Gulf Coast 1702 Morgan St Fax: 979.530.0176 Needville FD Phone: 979.793.4262 Brenham, TX 77833 Email: [email protected] 1006 Bittersweet Dr Fax: 979.793.7255 Richmond, TX 77406-6552 Email: [email protected] Daniel Williams Central Texas District Aaron Rubach Central Texas District Brazos County Pct. # 4 Phone: 979.775.0194 Latium Wesley Greenvine FD Phone: 979.836.6946 5601 Caroline Dr Fax: 979.775.0123 9560 FM 389 Email: [email protected] Bryan, TX 77807-7809 Email: [email protected] Brenham, TX 77833-7680 Gerald Weniger Guadalupe District Chris Yianitsas Central Texas District Seguin FD Phone: 830.401.2310 Latium Wesley Greenvine FD Phone: 979.836.6946 PO Box 215 Fax: 830.401.2772 PO Box 331 Email: [email protected] Seguin, TX 78156-0215 Email: [email protected] Industry, TX 78944-0331

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EMS COMMITTEE CONTINUED Matt Glaves Gulf Coast District Alvin FD Phone: 281.331.7688 Clemente Sanchez South Central District 2197 County Road 155 Fax: 281.331.9713 Sinton FD Phone: 361.364.2381 Alvin, TX 77511-1533 Email: [email protected] PO Box 652 Fax: 361.364.3781 Sinton, TX 78387-0652 Email: [email protected] Joel Sumrall Gulf Coast District Santa Fe Fire & Rescue Phone: 409.925.7331 Karen Pickard North Texas District 16207 Bluebird St Fax: 409.925.7330 Ovilla FD Phone: 972.617.7375 Santa Fe, TX 77517-2142 Email: [email protected] 307 E University St Fax: 972.617.5793 Thom Jones East Texas District Ovilla, TX 75154-3401 Email: [email protected] Madisonville VFD Phone: 936.348.3317 Kade Long Red River District 921 E Main St Fax: 936.349.0149 Vernon Fire/EMS Phone: 940.553.1782 Madisonville, TX 77864-2113 Email: [email protected] 2915 Martindale Dr. Fax: 940.552.2293 Jerry Taylor Northeast Texas District Vernon, TX 76384 Email: [email protected] Gilmer FD Phone: 903.843.3225 885 Azalea Rd Fax: 903.843.3251 William Tidwell Panhandle District Gilmer, TX 75645-7469 Email: [email protected] Crosbyton FD Phone: 806.675.2301 PO Box 242 Fax: 806.675.7012 Wayland Price North Texas District Crosbyton, TX 79322-0242 Email: [email protected] Whitney FD Phone: 254.694.2444 403 N King St Fax: 254.694.5332 Michael Schuler Hill Country District Itasca, TX 76055-2225 Email: [email protected] Menard FD Phone: 325.396.2333 402 Tipton St Email: [email protected] Shawn Snider Past President Liaison Menard, TX 76859 SFFMA Past President (2009) Phone: 956.383.7691 Edinburg FD Fax: 956.289.1853 Chuck Richardson Industrial Board Liaison PO Box 1079 Email: [email protected] Phillips 66 Company Phone: 979.491.2034 Edinburg, TX 78540-1079 PO Box 66 Fax: 979.491.2241 Sweeny, TX 77480-0066 Email: [email protected] Terry Mayfield Past President Liaison SFFMA Past President (1999) Phone: 830.401.2310 Bill Gardner Executive Board Liaison Seguin FD Fax: 830.401.2772 Leander FD Phone: 512.528.2848 18156 S State Highway 123 Email: [email protected] PO Box 319 Email: [email protected] Seguin, TX 78155-0845 Leander, TX 78646-0319 Thomas Bledsoe Past President Liaison SFFMA Past President (1987) Phone: 903.843.3225 EXHIBITS COMMITTEE Gilmer FD Fax: 903.843.3251 Mark Lancaster Chairman/ Gulf Coast 2596 Bob O Link Rd. Email: [email protected] Santa Fe Fire & Rescue Phone: (409) 925-7331 Gilmer, TX 75645-7340 12510 E Bar Dr Fax: (409) 925-7330 Gabi Glass Staff Liaison Santa Fe, TX 77510-8601 Email: [email protected] SFFMA Phone: 512.454.3473 Raymond Murray Co-Chairman PO Box 1709 Fax: 512.453.1876 Casco Industries Phone: 800.551.8787 Manchaca, TX 78652-1709 Email: [email protected] 607 W 62nd St Fax: 419.735.4259 Shreveport, LA 71106-2913 Email: [email protected] FIREFIGHTER/ EMS RESPONDER OF THE YEAR COMMITTEE Quint Mantey Central Texas District Rocky Creek FD Phone: 979.2031974 Ben Kennedy Co-Chairman 9771 Longpoint Rd Fax: 979.530.0176 TEEX-ESTI Phone: 979.458.4603 Burton, TX 77835-5637 Email: [email protected] 4210 Camber Ct Fax: 979.847.9304 College Station, TX 77845 Email: [email protected] Teri Parkison Central Texas District Barbara Marzean Co-Chairwoman Latium Wesley Greenvine VFD Phone: 979.836.6946 VFIS of Texas Phone: 512.448.9928 7550 FM 2502 Email: [email protected] 3420 Executive Center Dr Ste 301 Fax: 512.448.9929 Brenham, TX 77833-7616 Austin, TX 78731-1626 Email: [email protected]

Tito Rodriguez Gulf Coast District Clemente Sanchez South Central District Clute FD Phone: 979.265.4742 Sinton FD Phone: 361.364.2381 735 Arbor St Fax: 979.265.4742 PO Box 652 Fax: 361.364.3781 Clute, TX 77531-3717 Email: [email protected] Sinton, TX 78387-0652 Email: [email protected]

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FIREFIGHTER/ EMS RESPONDER OF THE Jim Philp East Texas District Hardin County ESD #2/ Phone: 409.755.6031 YEAR COMMITTEE CONTINUED Lumberton Fire & EMS Email: [email protected] David Wade Gulf Coast District 7866 Walnut Dr Deer Park VFD Phone: 281.478.7281 Lumberton, TX 77657-8995 3018 Eileen St Fax: 281.478.7289 Melissa Robinson North Texas District Deer Park, TX 77536-5022 Email: [email protected] Chatfield VFD Phone: 903.875.8455 106 Gorman St Fax: 972.923.0039 Dennis Gage Northeast Texas District Corsicana, TX 75110-1883 Email: [email protected] Kilgore FD Phone: 903.983.3147 PO Box 379 Fax: 903.988.4132 Kent Smead Red River District Gladewater, TX 75647-0379 Email: [email protected] Vernon Fire/EMS Phone: 940.553.1782 2738 Oaklawn Dr Fax: 940.552.2293 Edward Konick North Texas District Vernon, TX 76384-6417 Email: [email protected] Alvarado FD Phone: 817.790.8884 104 W College St Fax: 817.783.6505 Steve Cochran Mid-West Texas District Alvarado, TX 76009-4319 Email: [email protected] Midwest District Phone: 325.267.0713 Karen Pickard North Texas District 821 Yucca Fax: 325.846.4139 Ovilla FD Phone: 972.617.7375 Merkel, TX 79536-7010 Email: [email protected] 307 E University St Fax: 972.617.5793 James Harp Panhandle District Ovilla, TX 75154-3401 Email: [email protected] Canyon FD Phone: 806.655.5010 James Carr Red River District 17 Edgewood Ln Fax: 806.655.5029 Decatur FD Phone: 940.627.3199 Canyon, TX 79015-2111 Email: [email protected] 401 S Miller St Fax: 940.627.7057 Brent Allen Hill Country District Decatur, TX 76234-1933 Email: [email protected] Ballinger FD Phone: 325.365.5137 FINANCE COMMITTEE PO Box 227 Fax: 325.365.5612 Ballinger, TX 76821-0227 Email: [email protected] Allen Scopel Chairman/Tri-Rivers District Rosenberg FD Phone: 281.238.9603 Jerry Rust Wintergarden District 3814 Marilyn St Fax: 281.238.9603 Val Verde County Rural VFD Phone: 830.774.7640 Rosenberg, TX 77471-5349 Email: [email protected] PO Box 421314 Fax: 830.774.7686 Del Rio, TX 78842-1314 Email: [email protected] Patrick Hlavaty Vice Chairman/ SFFMA Past President (1997) Past President Liaison Rusty Kattner Executive Board Liaison El Campo FD Phone: 979.543.0341 Santa Fe Fire/Rescue Phone: 832.221.9533 PO Box 1395 Email: [email protected] 680 Fountain View Ln Fax: 713.468.5249 El Campo, TX 77437-1395 League City, TX 77573-1971 Email: [email protected]

Rayford Gibson Secretary/Northeast Texas District Shawn Snider Past President Liaison Tatum FD Phone: 903.947.2217 SFFMA Past President (2009) Phone: 956.383.7691 175 Stonewall St Fax: 903.947.2217 Edinburg FD Fax: 956.289.1853 Tatum, TX 75691 Email: [email protected] PO Box 1079 Email: [email protected] Edinburg, TX 78540-1079 Kent Watts Guadalupe District SFFMA Past President (2010) Phone: 830.875.9239 Michael Looney Past President Liaison Southeast Caldwell County VFD Fax: 830.875.9239 SFFMA Past President (2001) Phone: 817.473.4294 303 E Bowie St Email: [email protected] 1110 Danbury Dr Fax: 956.289.1853 Luling, TX 78648-2905 Mansfield, TX 76063-6612 Email: [email protected] Dayna “Bert” Hill South Central District Rex Klesel Past President Liaison Mathis FD Phone: 361.815.9672 SFFMA Past President (2012) Phone: 281.331.7688 202 Lake Shore Dr Email: [email protected] Alvin FD Fax: 281.331.9713 Mathis, TX 78368-3412 3537 County Road 326 Email: [email protected] Herbert Willich Rio Grande Valley District Alvin, TX 77511-1564 PO Box 681 Phone: 956.457.0924 Kyle Stephens Past President Liaison Elsa, TX 78543-0681 Email: [email protected] SFFMA Past President (2007) Phone: 940.627.3199 Tommy Anderson Gulf Coast District Decatur FD Fax: 940.627.7240 SFFMA Past President (2003) Phone: 409.925.7331 PO Box 331 Email: [email protected] Santa Fe Fire/Rescue Fax: 409.925.7330 Decatur, TX 76234-0331 12150 14th St Email: [email protected] Chris Barron Executive Director Santa Fe, TX 77510-2140 SFFMA Phone: 512.454.3473 PO Box 1709 Fax: 512.453.1876 40 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N Manchaca, TX 78652-1709 Email: [email protected] Call Our Confidential Fire/EMS Helpline at: TM 1-888-731-FIRE (3473)

IF YOU SEE NO WAY OUT THEN JUST REACH OUT MAKE THE CALL TO MAKE THINGS BETTER Talk to someone you love. Talk to a friend or colleague. Or, talk to counselors trained and experienced in the firefighter and EMT culture by calling the national Fire/EMS Helpline: 1-888-731-FIRE (3473).

Find resources to Share the Load at www.nvfc.org/help. PERSISTENT SADNESS • SUICIDAL THOUGHTS • SUBSTANCE ABUSE • WORK/LIFE STRESSES

The Fire/EMS Helpline is in partnership with American Addiction Centers. I Have questions about the Share the Load™ program? Dial 202-887-5700.

Untitled-1 1 9/4/14 1:42 PM A R T I C L E S

A main component understand and successfully implement of the program key NFPA safety standards. The Be at Your B.E.S.T. is the Fire/EMS guide provides clarification, identifies With New Resources Helpline, a free 24/7 manageable steps, and highlights helpline at 1-888- available resources to assist departments for Health and Safety 731-FIRE (3473) in reaching their safety goals. that first responders and their families can call anytime for Two editions of the guide are now With a diverse geography, a population available; one covering 1500: Standard of over 26 million people, and a vast assistance with a variety of behavioral on Fire Department Occupational Safety array of potential types of emergencies, health issues. Other resources include and Health Program, 1720: Standard for Texas presents unique challenges to a newsletter with articles containing the Organization and Deployment of the men and women who protect tips and tools for addressing behavioral Fire Suppression Operations Emergency its communities. It is critical that health issues in the fire service, outreach Medical Operations and Special firefighters and EMS personnel in Texas and awareness materials departments Operations to the Public by Volunteer have the tools and resources they need can use to let members know help is Fire Departments, and 1851: Standard to effectively and safely do their jobs. available, suicide prevention guides on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of The National Volunteer Fire Council and training, and an online resource Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire (NVFC) has many resources that can center providing additional avenues for Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, help. assistance. and the other covering 1407: Standard for Fire Service Rapid Intervention The NVFC created the Volunteer FAMILY GUIDE Crews and 1021: Standard for Fire Firefighter Health and Safety Priorities Family support is critical to the Officer Professional Qualifications. to provide departments and personnel wellbeing of first responders and too with a series of B.E.S.T. practices they often family relationships become CODES GUIDE should follow to bring health and safety strained or disintegrate under the The NVFC partnered with the to the forefront and make sure everyone pressures of the volunteer fire service International Code Council to create a goes home. These B.E.S.T. practices are life. The NVFC has developed a guide to help departments understand divided into four categories: Behavior, resource to help families face the unique and utilize key components of the Equipment, Standards and Codes, and challenges that come with having a International Fire Code (IFC). The Training. View the B.E.S.T. practices at volunteer first responder in the family. guide reviews the code-setting process www.nvfc.org/health_safety. What to Expect: A Guide for Family and highlights important topics from Members of Volunteer Firefighters is the IFC—including fire hydrant Many new resources and tools are designed to help spouses, children, location, proper water main size, proper now available to help departments parents, siblings, and significant others access for fire apparatus and fire lanes, implement the B.E.S.T. practices and navigate the volunteer fire service life, commercial building pre-incident address critical health and safety needs. keep family relationships strong, and planning, and vacant buildings. It also Find all of the following resources and become a part of the fire department contains practical checklists to help fire many others on the NVFC website at family. departments take action to ensure safety in the build environment. www.nvfc.org. EMERGENCY VEHICLE SAFE Also remember that Texas firefighters OPERATIONS VIRTUAL CLASSROOM The NVFC’s online learning center can join the NVFC for the special low The NVFC has released the second rate of $15 through the State Firemen’s features low-cost courses on a variety edition of Emergency Vehicle Safe of topics, designed and delivered by fire and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas. Operations for Volunteer and Small That is half-off the regular individual service members and industry leaders. Combination Emergency Service The courses are on-demand and self- member rate and you still receive all of Organizations. With vehicle accidents a paced, and include downloadable course the great benefits of NVFC membership. leading cause of firefighter fatalities each materials and certificates of completion. year, this educational program helps Topics range from health and safety to SHARE THE LOAD departments develop and implement leadership to recruitment and retention, Due to the nature of the job, firefighters vehicle safety policies and procedures to and more. and EMTs are at increased risk for prevent line-of-duty deaths and injuries. behavioral health concerns such WILDLAND FIRE ASSESSMENT as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and PPE VIDEOS PROGRAM TRAINING addiction. The NVFC launched the The NVFC is releasing a series of In partnership with the U.S. Forest Share the Load™ program to provide videos this fall focusing on proper use Service, the NVFC has launched a four- emotional support to firefighters, and maintenance of PPE. Topics will module course and companion toolkit EMTs and their families. Through this cover overhaul, cleaning, replacement, and resources as part of the Wildland behavioral health campaign, the NVFC standards, finding funding, and new Fire Assessment Program. The program is working to break the stigma around technologies. teaches volunteer firefighters and behavioral health issues, open up the nonoperational support teams how to dialogue in departments, and provide STANDARDS GUIDE conduct assessments for homes located resources departments and emergency The NVFC partnered with the National in the wildland-urban interface so they personnel can use to prevent tragedies Fire Protection Association (NFPA) can help make their communities more such as suicide. to create a guide to help departments fire-adapted.

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FIRE MARSHAL COMMITTEE GOLF TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE Gerald Burnett Central Texas District Barbara Marzean Liaison Brazos County Pct #3 VFD Phone: 979.776.6430 VFIS of Texas Phone: 512.448.9928 PO Box 1665 Fax: 979.776.0408 3420 Executive Center Dr Ste 301 Fax: 512.448.9929 Bryan, TX 77806-1665 Email: [email protected] Austin, TX 78731-1626 Email: [email protected]

Paul Lesak Guadalupe District Brian Scheffer Co-Chairman/Central Texas Ganado FD Phone: 361.771.2691 Brenham FD Phone: 979.337.7300 PO Box 322 Email: [email protected] 5315 FM 1457 Fax: 979.337.7311 Ganado, TX 77962-0322 Round Top, TX 78954-5017 Email: [email protected] Mike Montgomery Gulf Coast District Harris County Fire Marshal's Office Phone: 281.436.8000 Roy Mercer Co-Chairman/Tri-Rivers District 2318 Atascocita Rd Fax: 281.436.8025 Village of Pleak FD Phone: 281.342.3692 Humble, TX 77396-3503 Email: [email protected] 2118 Enchanted Oaks Ln Fax: 281.239.8725 Rosenberg, TX 77471-7105 Email: [email protected] George Tullgren Gulf Coast District Deer Park VFD Phone: 281.478.7281 Lang Flisowski Central Texas District 602 Kingston Ct Fax: 281.478.7289 Brenham FD Phone: 979.337.7300 Deer Park, TX 77536-6126 Email: [email protected] 3771 Wieghat Ln Fax: 979.337.7311 Brenham, TX 77833-8649 Email: [email protected] Jim Philp East Texas District Hardin County ESD #2/ Phone: 409.284.6212 Brian Janes Central Texas District Lumberton Fire & EMS Fax: 409.751.6237 Latium Wesley Greenvine FD Phone: 979.836.6946 7866 Walnut Dr Email: [email protected] 9804 N FM 2502 Email: [email protected] Lumberton, TX 77657-8995 Brenham, TX 77833-1595

Steven Deffibaugh North Texas District Gregory Nienstedt Central Texas District Princeton FD Phone: 972.736.6668 Brenham FD Phone: 979.337.7300 121 W Willow Ln Email: [email protected] 601 Farmers Rd Fax: 979.337.7311 Princeton, TX 75407-6700 Brenham, TX 77833-1695 Email: [email protected] Jackson Bennett Red River District Randy Parkison Central Texas District Decatur FD Phone: 940.627.1187 Latium Wesley Greenvine FD Phone: 979.836.6946 PO Box 275 Fax: 940.627.8809 7550 FM 2502 Email: [email protected] Decatur, TX 76234-0275 Email:[email protected] Brenham, TX 77833-7616 Michael Kennon Panhandle District West Carlisle FD Phone: 806.797.0412 John Schulze Central Texas District PO Box 98044 Fax: 806.797.0514 Brenham FD Phone: 979.337.7300 Lubbock, TX 79499-8044 Email: [email protected] 708 E Sixth St Fax: 979.337.7311 Brenham, TX 77833-4665 Email: [email protected] Harvie Cheshire Executive Board Liaison TEEX-ESTI Phone: 979.862.7440 Chris Moore Northeast Texas District 1100 Merry Oaks Dr Fax: 979.458.0649 Coffee City FD Phone: 903.876.4836 College Station, TX 77840-2607 Email: [email protected] 21153 Sherry Ln Email: coffeecityfirechief@ Chandler, TX 75758-8135 embarqmail.com FIRE MUSEUM BOARD William Norris, II Red River District Charles Gee East Texas District Friberg-Cooper VFD Phone: 940.447.1664 905 Richardson Dr Phone: 409.384.5282 1406 Red Fox Ln Email: [email protected] Jasper, TX 75951-2809 Email: [email protected] Burkburnett, TX 76354-2830

Dennis Gifford East Texas District Paul Hamilton Panhandle District Labelle-Fannett FD Phone: 409.755.6031 Potter County Fire/Rescue Phone: 806.383.3373 115 Candlewick Dr Fax: 409.751.6237 PO Box 364 Fax: 806.381.0225 Lumberton, TX 77657-7291 Email: [email protected] Bushland, TX 79012-0364 Email: [email protected] Cecily Varner East Texas District Lynn Bizzell TEEX Representative Mauriceville FD Phone: 409.745.4638 TEEX-ESTI Phone: 979.845.2595 PO Box 1376 Fax: 409.745.5517 PO Box 40006 Fax: 979.847.9304 Mauriceville, TX 77626-1376 Email: [email protected] College Station, TX 77842-4006 Email: [email protected] David Wade Executive Board Liaison Deloss Edwards Past President Liaison Deer Park VFD Phone: 281.478.7281 SFFMA Past President (1995) Phone: 325.695.5133 3018 Eileen St Fax: 281.478.7289 4733 Catclaw Dr Email: [email protected] Deer Park, TX 77536-5022 Email: [email protected] Abilene, TX 79606-3217

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HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE Terry Boyett SLOT 02 Chevron Phillips Chemical Co Phone: 281.421.6232 David Wade Executive Board Liaison 9500 East Fwy Fax:281.421.6444 Deer Park VFD Phone: 281.478.7281 Baytown, TX 77521-8155 Email: [email protected] 3018 Eileen St Fax: 281.478.7289 Deer Park, TX 77536-5022 Email: [email protected] Todd Johnson SLOT 05 SWS Environmental Services Phone: 210.566.8366 Ronnie Sexton Central Texas District 414 FM 1103 Fax: 210.566.6247 TML Phone: 512.431.1024 Cibolo, TX 78108-3533 Email: todd.johnson@ 3705 del Norte Blvd Email: [email protected] swsenvironmental.com Temple, TX 76502-1616 VACANT SLOT 06 Louise Watts Guadalupe District Chuck Richardson SLOT 07 303 E. Bowie St Phone/Fax: 830.875.9239 Phillips 66 Company Phone: 979.491.2034 Luling, TX 78648-2905 Email: [email protected] PO Box 66 Fax: 979.491.2241 Sweeny, TX 77480-0066 Email: [email protected] Jason Scheel Guadalupe District La Vernia FD Phone: 830.391.4654 Paul Hannemann SLOT 09 12235 US Highway 87 W Fax: 830.779.1729 Fredericksburg FD Phone: 830.997.5603 La Vernia, TX Email: [email protected] 708 W Austin St Fax: 830.997.3918 Fredericksburg, TX 78624-2502 Email: [email protected] Roy Mercer Guadalupe District Village of Pleak FD Phone: 281.342.3692 VACANT SLOT 10 2118 Enchanted Oaks Ln Fax: 281.239.8725 Rodney Kovalcik SLOT 11 Rosenberg, TX 77471-7105 Email: [email protected] ExxonMobil Company Phone: 281.834.4006 5000 Bayway Dr Fax: 281.834.4024 Dennis Gifford East Texas District Baytown, TX 77520-2123 Email: [email protected] Labelle-Fannett FD Phone: 409.794.1441 115 Candlewick Dr Fax: 409.284.2527 James Pursell SLOT 12 Lumberton, TX 77657-7291 Email: [email protected] Valero Energy Corporation Phone: 210.345.3054 PO Box 696000 Fax: 210.370.4716 Tim Smith Panhandle District San Antonio, TX 78269-6000 Email: [email protected] West Carlisle FD Phone: 806.797.0412 PO Box 98044 Fax: 806.797.0514 David Cave SLOT 13 Lubbock, TX 79499-8044 Email: [email protected] CITGO Refining and Chem Co Phone: 361.844.5241 1801 Nueces Bay Blvd Fax: 361.844.5113 Henry Perry Executive Board Liaison Corpus Christi, TX 78407-2221 Email: [email protected] Bastrop FD Phone:512.321.5550 PO Box 88 Fax: 512.321.1315 Vacant SLOT 14 & 15 Bastrop, TX 78602-0088 Email: [email protected] Lee Kaderli SLOT 16 ExxonMobil Chemical Co - MBPP Phone: 281.834.9417 TEXAS INDUSTRIAL EMERGENCY PO Box 1653 Fax: 281.834.9674 SERVICES BOARD Mont Belvieu, TX 77580-1653 Email: [email protected] Vacant SLOT 17 Rick Deel Chairman/SLOT 03 Jeff Hoffstadt SLOT 18 Lubrizol Corporation - Deer Park Phone: 832.260.7852 Enterprise Products Phone: 210.528.3252 PO Box 158 Fax: 832.260.7852 Operating LP - Texas Region ERT Fax: 210.528.4232 Deer Park, TX 77536-0158 Email: [email protected] 10647 Gulfdale St Email: [email protected] Keith Russell Vice Chairman/SLOT 04 San Antonio, TX 78216-3604 Westlake Chemical Phone: 903.242.7657 Kent DeLaney SLOT 19 2290 Callahan Rd Email: [email protected] Dow Chemical Co - Deer Park Phone: 281.228.2973 Longview, TX 75602-7623 12719 4th 1/2 St Fax: 281.228.8398 Santa Fe, TX 77510-8031 Email: [email protected] Gerald Sherman Secretary/SLOT 08 Lyondell/Equistar Phone: 281.860.1363 Robert Moore SLOT 20/TEEX Representative 8280 Sheldon Rd Email: gerald.sherman@ TEEX-ESTI Phone: 979.862.4469 Channelview, TX 77530-2693 lyondellbassell.com PO Box 40006 Fax: 979.847.9304 College Station, TX 77845-4006 Email: [email protected] Brett Steed SLOT 01 Enterprise Products Phone: 281.424.6860 Henry Perry Executive Board Liaison Operating LP - EPCO Fax: 281.887.7085 Bastrop FD Phone: 512.321.5550 4227 Decker Dr Email: [email protected] PO Box 88 Fax: 512.303.4969 Baytown, TX 77520-1639 Bastrop, TX 78602-0088 Email: [email protected]

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TEXAS INDUSTRIAL EMERGENCY MEMORIAL COMMITTEE SERVICES BOARD CONTINUED Ben Kennedy Co-Chairman/Chaplain TEEX-ESTI Phone: 979.458.4603 David Wade Past President Liaison 4210 Camber Ct Fax: 979.847.9304 Deer Park VFD Phone: 281.478.7281 College Station, TX 77845 Email: [email protected] 3018 Eileen St Fax: 281.478.7289

Deer Park, TX 77536-5022 Email: [email protected] Michael Richardson Co-Chairman/4th VP Decatur FD Phone: 940.627.3199 Chris Barron Executive Director 608 County Road 4460 Fax: 940.627.6014 SFFMA Phone: 512.454.3473 Decatur, TX 76234-8138 Email: [email protected] PO Box 1709 Fax: 512.453.1876 Manchaca, TX 78652-1709 Email: [email protected] Jeri Hamilton Auxiliary President PO Box 364 Phone: 806.359.4960 Kevin Creamer Staff Liaison Bushland, TX 79012-0364 Email: [email protected] SFFMA Phone: 512.454.3473 PO Box 1709 Fax: 512.453.1876 Mary Jane Cargile Auxiliary Chaplain Manchaca, TX 78652-1709 Email: [email protected] Santa Fe Fire/Rescue Phone: 409.925.7331 4712 Scott St Fax: 409.925.7330

Santa Fe, TX 77517-3314 Email: [email protected] INTERNATIONAL MEMBER COMMITTEE Anthony Cargile Gulf Coast District Ian Moscoso Chairman/Gulf Coast District Santa Fe Fire/Rescue Phone: 409.978.2554 Cloverleaf VFD Phone: 713.453.1811 4712 Scott St Fax: 409.925.7330 333 Normandy St Apt. 805 Fax: 713.455.9976 Santa Fe, TX 77517-3314 Email: [email protected] Houston, TX 77015-3589 Email: [email protected] James Cargile Gulf Coast District Rolando Reyes Rio Grande Valley District Santa Fe Fire/Rescue Phone: 409.978.2554 Edinburg FD Phone: 956.383.7691 4223 Avenue J Fax: 409.925.7330 PO Box 1079 Fax: 956.289.1853 Santa Fe, TX 77510-8698 Email: [email protected] Edinburg, TX 78540-1079 Nita Kattner Gulf Coast District Juan Gloria Rio Grande Valley District 680 Fountain View Ln Phone: 281.554.8468 McAllen FD Phone: 956.292.2104 League City, TX 77573-1971 Email: [email protected] 3312 Aceves Email: [email protected] Debbie Richardson Red River District Edinburg, TX 78541-6284 608 County Rd 4460 Phone: 940.433.5757 Hector Rodriguez Rio Grande Valley District Decatur, TX 76234-8138 Raymondville FD Phone: 956.689.5456 Rusty Kattner Executive Board Liaison 660 E San Francisco Ave Fax: 956.689.2811 Santa Fe Fire/Rescue Phone: 832.221.9533 Raymondville, TX 78580-4125 680 Fountain View Ln Fax: 713.468.5249 League City, TX 77573-1971 Email: [email protected] RC Flores Rio Grande Valley District McAllen FD Phone: 956.972.7500 Ernest Reesing, Jr. Past President Liaison PO Box 220 Fax: 956.682.0377 SFFMA Past President (1988) Phone: 432.386.2299 McAllen, TX 78505-0220 Email: [email protected] Marathon VFD Email: [email protected] 20 Branch Rd Rosendo Garcia TEEX Representative Alpine, TX 79830-1015 TEEX-ESTI Phone: 979.458.6800 6215 Guyler St Fax: 979.847.9304 Patrick Hlavaty Past President Liaison Wallis, TX 77485-9495 Email: [email protected] SFFMA Past President (1997) Phone: 979.543.0341 El Campo FD Email: [email protected] Michael Richardson Executive Board Liaison PO Box 1395 Decatur FD Phone: 940.627.3199 El Campo, TX 77437-1395 608 County Road 4460 Fax: 940.627.6014 Decatur, TX 76234-8138 Email: [email protected] NATIONAL VOLUNTEER FIRE COUNCIL Shawn Snider Past President Liaison Chris Barron State Director SFFMA Past President (2009) Phone: 956.383.7691 SFFMA Phone: 512.454.3473 Edinburg FD Fax: 956.289.1853 PO Box 1709 Fax: 512.453.1876 PO Box 1079 Email: [email protected] Manchaca, TX 78652-1709 Email: [email protected] Edinburg, TX 78540-1079 Dallas Renfrew Alternate Director Diana Cardona Staff Liaison SFFMA Past President (2000) Phone: 979.458.6800 SFFMA Phone: 512.454.3473 PO Box 10571 Fax: 979.847.9304 PO Box 1709 Fax: 512.453.1876 College Station, TX 77842-0571 Email: [email protected] Manchaca, TX 78652-1709 Email: [email protected] T E X A S F I R E M E N / O C T O B E R 2014 45 C O M M I T T E E L I S T I N G S

PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE ASSOCIATION Richard Harmon Past President 2002 Cameron Gardens FD Phone: 940.767.7557 Billy Haynes Past President 1973 1841 FM 171 Email: [email protected] PO Box 840 Phone: 936.328.3121 Wichita Falls, TX 76305-6909 Livingston, TX 77351-0014 Tommy Anderson Past President 2003 Santa Fe Fire/Rescue Phone: 409.925.7331 Ray Williamson Past President 1984 12150 14th St Fax: 409.925.7330 320 E Milam St Phone: 979.532.2111 Santa Fe, TX 77510-2140 Email: [email protected] Wharton, TX 77488-5024 David Luedeke Past President 2004 Bob Looney Past President 1986 Needville FD Phone: 979.559.0026 220 Juniper St Phone: 817.473.1182 PO Box 132 Fax: 979.793.7255 Mansfield, TX 76063-1815 Email: [email protected] Needville, TX 77461-0132 Email: [email protected]

Thomas Bledsoe Past President 1987 Robert Welborn Past President 2005 Gilmer FD Phone: 903.843.3225 Silsbee FD Phone: 409.790.1178 2596 Bob O Link Rd Fax: 903.843.3251 505 Winters St Fax: 409.385.4761 Gilmer, TX 75645-7340 Email: [email protected] Silsbee, TX 77656-5033 Email: [email protected] Kyle Stephens Past President 2007 Ernest O. Reesing, Jr. Past President 1988 Decatur FD Phone:940.627.3199 Marathon VFD Phone: 432.386.2299 PO Box 331 Fax: 940.627.7240 20 Branch Rd Email: [email protected] Decatur, TX 76234-0331 Email: [email protected] Alpine, TX 79830-1015 Shawn Snider Past President 2009 Gerald Matheaus Past President 1989 Edinburg FD Phone: 956.383.7691 2226 Ripple Creek Phone: 281.232.6871 2804 Chateau St Fax: 956.383.7111 Rosenberg, TX 77471-5429 Fax: 281.232.3538 Edinburg, TX 78539-7057 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Kent Watts Past President 2010 Southeast Caldwell County VFD Phone: 830.875.9239 Billy Ray Mize Past President 1991 303 E Bowie St Fax: 830.875.9239 808 Easy St Phone: 940.322.5281 Luling, TX 78648-2905 Email: [email protected] Burkburnett, TX 76354-2617 Fax: 940.569.4192 Email: [email protected] Bryan Rickert Past President 2011 Carthage FD Phone: 903.693.4855 J. E. Eckert, III Past President 1992 142 County Road 2791 Email: [email protected] 1101 Lake Shore Dr Phone: 920.319.6116 Carthage, TX 75633-6150 Beaver Dam, WI 53916-1239 Email: [email protected] Rex Klesel Past President 2012 Donald Hoffman Past President 1993 Alvin FD Phone: 281.331.7688 PO Box 1769 Phone: 979.836.9473 3537 County Road 326 Fax: 281.331.9713 Brenham, TX 77834-1747 Fax: 979.830.7144 Alvin, TX 77511-1564 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] David Wade Past President 2013 Deloss Edwards Past President 1995 Deer Park VFD Phone: 281.478.7281 4733 Catclaw Dr Phone: 325.695.5133 3018 Eileen St Fax: 281.478.7289 Abilene, TX 79606-3217 Email: [email protected] Deer Park, TX 77536-5022 Email: [email protected]

Patrick Hlavaty Past President 1997 Bill Gardner Past President 2014 El Campo FD Phone: 979.543.0341 Leander FD Phone: 512.528.2848 PO Box 1395 Email: [email protected] PO Box 319 Email: [email protected] Leander, TX 78646-0319 El Campo, TX 77437-1395 Terry Mayfield Past President 1999 GARY TILTON MEMORIAL FIRE PREVENTION Seguin FD Phone: 830.401.2310 POSTER CONTEST COMMITTEE 18156 S State Highway 123 Fax: 830.401.2772 Seguin, TX 78155-0845 Email: [email protected] Nancy Hall Chairperson/Northeast Texas District Gilmer FD Phone: 903.843.3225 Dallas Renfrew Past President 2000 1003 Antelope Rd Fax: 903.843.3251 TEEX-ESTI Phone: 979.458.6800 Gilmer, TX 75644-5155 Email: [email protected] PO Box 10571 Fax: 979.847.9304 College Station, TX 77842-0571 Email: [email protected] Billy Jo Jasinski Central Texas District Burton VFD Phone: 979.289.3473 Michael Looney Past President 2001 PO Box 548 Fax: 979.289.0039 1110 Danbury Dr Phone: 817.399.4303 Burton, TX 77835-0548 Email: [email protected] Mansfield, TX 76063-6612 Email: [email protected]

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GARY TILTON MEMORIAL FIRE PREVENTION PUMPER RACE COMMITTEE POSTER CONTEST COMMITTEE CONTINUED Stephen Donnelly Overall Chairman Isidore Moy Guadalupe District Pearland FD Phone: 713.569.6633 Floresville FD Phone: 830.393.3105 3913 Cedarwood Dr Fax: 281.489.3348 776 US Highway 181 S # B Fax: 830.393.2056 Pearland, TX 77584-9248 Email: [email protected] Floresville, TX 78114-5135 Henry Horelica 3-Man Chairman Elena Sanchez South Central District Cameron FD Phone: 254.697.4702 Sinton FD Phone: 361.364.2381 1505 N Travis Ave Fax: 254.697.3040 PO Box 652 Fax: 361.364.3781 Cameron, TX 76520-1647 Email: [email protected] Sinton, TX 78387-0652 Email: [email protected] Duane Henry 6-Man Chairman Frankie Salinas Rio Grande Valley District Conroe FD Phone: 936.396.9151 Edinburg FD Phone: 956.383.7691 821 Park Cir Fax: 956.383.7111 PO Box 433 Email: [email protected] Edinburg, TX 78539-7306 Email: [email protected] Normangee, TX 77871-0433 Richard Alvarez Rio Grande Valley District Gary Williams 3 and 6-Ladies Chairman Harlingen FD Phone: 956.216.5700 Pasadena FD Phone: 713.475.5554 3510 E Grimes St Fax: 956.430.6672 4302 Blind River Dr Fax: 713.473.0524 Harlingen, TX 78550-1756 Email: [email protected] Pasadena, TX 77504-3118 Email: [email protected]

Gerald Roberson Gulf Coast District Alvin Fail, IV Central Texas District Channelview FD Phone: 281.452.5782 Cameron FD Phone: 254.697.4702 415 E Milton Ave Fax: 281.452.2100 th Lafayette, LA 70508-7945 Email: [email protected] 2804 W 4 St Fax: 254.697.3040 Cameron, TX 76520-3049 George Tullgren Gulf Coast District Deer Park VFD Phone: 281.478.7281 Frank Rubio Central Texas District 602 Kingston Ct Fax: 281.478.7289 Rockdale FD Phone: 512.760.5112 Deer Park, TX 77536-6126 Email: [email protected] PO Box 820 Fax: 512.446.6258 Rockdale, TX 76567-0820 Email: [email protected] Frankie Smith East Texas District Madisonville VFD Phone: 936.348.3317 Vic Einspahr Guadalupe District 107 W Turner St Fax: 936.349.0149 Beeville FD Phone: 361.362.7609 Madisonville, TX 77864-3130 PO Box 634 Fax: 361.362.1637 Kenneth Isom North Texas District Beeville, TX 78104-0634 Email: [email protected] Ennis FD Phone: 972.875.3473 PO Box 220 Fax: 972.875.4615 Gerald Weniger Guadalupe District Ennis, TX 75120-0220 Email: [email protected] Seguin FD Phone: 830.401.2310 PO Box 215 Fax: 830.401.2772 Anthony Fox Red River District Seguin, TX 78156-0215 Email: [email protected] Petrolia FD Phone: 940.337.0313 PO Box 39 Fax: 940.524.3840 Frankie Marcinkiewicz Tri-Rivers District Petrolia, TX 76377-0039 Email: [email protected] Cat Spring VFD Phone: 979.530.8992 Maray Cearley Hill Country District 11438 Newberg Rd Email: [email protected] Sonora FD Phone: 325.387.2428 Cat Spring, TX 78933-5183 808 E Poplar St Email: [email protected] Sonora, TX 76950-2656 Daniel Cabrera South Central District Falfurrias FD Phone: 361.325.2422 Latresha Allen Hill Country District PO Box 302 Fax: 361.325.1762 th 900 N 5 St Phone: 325.977.2525 Falfurrias, TX 78355-0302 Email: [email protected] Ballinger, TX 76821 Email: [email protected] Juan Caceres Rio Grande Valley District Brandy Tidwell Ladies Auxiliary Liaison McAllen FD Phone: 956.972.7500 PO Box 242 Phone: 806.675.1707 5656 Old La Blanca Rd Fax: 956.682.0377 Email: [email protected] Crosbyton, TX 79422 Donna, TX 78537-5147 Terry Mayfield Past President Liaison RC Flores Rio Grande Valley District Seguin FD Phone: 830.401.2310 18156 S State Highway 123 Fax: 830.401.2772 McAllen FD Phone: 956.972.7500 PO Box 220 Fax: 956.682.0377 Seguin, TX 78155-0845 Email: [email protected] McAllen, TX 78505-0220 Email: [email protected] Billy Ray Mize Past President Liaison Glenn Johnson East Texas District Burkburnett FD Phone: 940.322.5281 808 Easy St Fax: 940.569.4192 Center FD Phone: 936.598.3288 PO Box 291 Email: [email protected] Burkburnett, TX 76354-2617 Email: [email protected] Center, TX 75935-0291 T E X A S F I R E M E N / O C T O B E R 2014 47 C O M M I T T E E L I S T I N G S

PUMPER RACE COMMITTEE CONTINUED Anthony Cargile Gulf Coast District Santa Fe Fire/Rescue Phone: 409.795.4224 Jeremy Jennings Red River District 4712 Scott St Email: [email protected] Jacksboro FD Phone: 940.567.2883 Santa Fe, TX 77517-3314 203 S 7th St Fax: 940.567.2324 Jacksboro, TX 76458-2103 Elton Thornell Gulf Coast District Brookside Village VFD Phone: 281.844.4772 Juan Hernandez Wintergarden District 5706 W Broadway Trlr 7 Email: [email protected] Uvalde VFD Phone: 830.278.3334 Pearland, TX 77581-7846 208 W Nueces St Fax: 830.278.2234 Uvalde, TX 78801-3614 Email: [email protected] Jim Cargile Gulf Coast District Jerri Locknane Ladies Auxiliary Liaison Santa Fe Fire/Rescue Phone: 409.502.1024 TFA Phone: 806.781.3706 4223 Avenue J Email: [email protected] 7902 4th St Email: [email protected] Santa Fe, TX 77510-8698 Lubbock, TX 79416-6302 Daniel Hernandez East Texas District Rusty Kattner Executive Board Liaison Hardin County ESD #2/ Phone: 409.755.6031 Santa Fe Fire/Rescue Phone: 832.221.9533 Lumberton Fire & EMS Fax: 409.751.6237 680 Fountain View Ln Fax: 713.468.5249 8558 Ash St Email: dhernandez@ League City, TX 77573-1971 Email: [email protected] Lumberton, TX 77657-8927 lumbertonfireems.org David Luedeke Past President Liaison David Andrusick Northeast Texas District Needville FD Phone: 979.559.0026 Center FD Phone: 936.332.6050 PO Box 132 Fax: 979.793.7255 220 James St Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Needville, TX 77461-0132 Center, TX 75935-3243 Gerald Matheaus Past President Liaison Terry Cox North Texas District Richmond FD Phone: 281.232.6871 500 McKown Dr Phone: 817.223.6538 2226 Ripple Creek Dr Fax: 281.232.3538 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Mansfield, TX 76063-2124 Rosenberg, TX 77471-5429

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS COMMITTEE Derek Thayer Red River District Cameron Gardens FD Phone: 940.867.7836 Robert Kleen Chairman/Central Texas District 3351 River Rd Emai: [email protected] Blanket VFD Phone: 512.415.7049 Wichita Falls, TX 76305-7267 7800 County Road 329 Email: [email protected] Blanket, TX 76432-6318 Donald “Cowboy” Wiley Panhandle District Floydada FD Phone: 806.983.4417 Matthew Cornell Co-Chairman/Tri-Rivers District PO Box 73 Pecan Grove FD Phone: 713.206.0497 Floydada, TX 79235-0073 1940 Melody Lane Email: [email protected] Richmond, TX 77406 Pat Olivas, Jr. Permian Basin District Jason Scheel Guadalupe District Fort Davis FD Phone: 432.249.1164 La Vernia FD Phone: 830.391.4654 PO Box 1084 Email: [email protected] PO Box 55 Email: [email protected] Fort Davis, TX 79734-1084 La Vernia, TX 78121 Rickey Cearley Hill Country District Tomas Sanchez South Central District Sonora FD Phone: 325.277.5744 Sinton FD Phone: 361.816.9852 808 E Poplar St Email: [email protected] 719 East Market Street Email: [email protected] Sonora, TX 76950-2656 Sinton, TX 78387 Paul Hamilton Executive Board Liaison Melissa Sanchez South Central District Potter County Fire/Rescue Phone: 806.383.3373 Sinton FD Phone: 361.816.9423 PO Box 364 Fax: 806.381.0225 719 East Market Street Email: [email protected] Bushland, TX 79012-0364 Email: [email protected] Sinton, TX 78387 Richard Harmon Past President Liaison Jerry Gomez Rio Grande Valley District Cameron Gardens FD Phone: 940.767.7557 Alamo FD Phone: 956.821.9897 1841 FM 171 Email: [email protected] PO Box 871 Email: [email protected] Wichita Falls, TX 76305-6909 Alamo, TX 78516-0871

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SITE SELECTION COMMITTEE Barry Fuhrken South Central District Bishop FD Phone: 361.584.6828 Rusty Kattner President 400 E 2nd St Fax: 361.584.6168 Santa Fe Fire/Rescue Phone: 832.221.9533 Bishop, TX 78343-2235 Email: [email protected] 680 Fountain View Ln Fax: 713.468.5249 League City, TX 77573-1971 Email: [email protected] R.J. Thomas South Central District Ingleside VFD Phone: 361.776.7422 Harvie Cheshire 3rd Vice President 3190 Rebecca St Fax: 361.775.1186 TEEX-ESTI Phone: 979.862.7440 Ingleside, TX 78362-4649 Email: [email protected] 1100 Merry Oaks Dr Fax: 979.458.0649 College Station, TX 77840-2607 Email: [email protected] Ricardo Saldaña Rio Grande Valley District Mission FD Phone: 956.580.8705 Shawn Snider Past President Liaison 2004 N Bryan Rd Fax: 956.580.8712 Edinburg FD Phone: 956.383.7691 Mission, TX 78572-3028 Email: [email protected] 2804 Chateau St Fax: 956.3837111 Edinburg, TX 78539-7057 Email: [email protected] Jeffery Thomson Gulf Coast District Alvin FD Phone: 281.331.7688 Kyle Stephens Past President Liaison 2305 County Road 284 Fax: 281.331.9713 Decatur FD Phone: 940.627.3199 Alvin, TX 77511-8385 Email: [email protected] PO Box 331 Fax: 940.627.6014 Decatur, TX 76234-0331 Email: [email protected] Kendall Hunting Gulf Coast District Alvin FD Phone: 281.331.7688 Chris Barron Executive Director 1738 Glenview Dr Fax: 281.331.9713 SFFMA Phone: 512.454.3473 Alvin, TX 77511-4329 Email: khunting@cityhall. PO Box 1709 Fax: 512.453.1876 cityofalvin.com Manchaca, TX 78652-1709 Email: [email protected] Jason January East Texas District Gabi Glass Staff Liaison Huntsville FD Phone: 936.291.3047 SFFMA Phone: 512.454.3473 PO Box 1 Fax: 936.291.3472 PO Box 1709 Fax: 512.453.1876 Huntsville, TX 77342-0001 Email: [email protected] Manchaca, TX 78652-1709 Email: [email protected] Barry Barnett Northeast Texas District Arp FD Phone: 903.859.5232 T*FLAG ADVISORY GROUP 17916 County Road 2142 Fax: 903.859.2207 Troup, TX 75789-3725 Email: [email protected] Bill Gardner Co-Chairman/Central Texas District Leander FD Phone: 512.528.2848 Christine Rogalski North Texas District PO Box 319 Email: [email protected] Ennis FD Phone: 972.875.3473 Leander, TX 78646-0319 1007 N McKinney St Fax: 972.875.4615 Ennis, TX 75119-2418 Email: [email protected] Dan Key Co-Chairman/Gulf Coast District Friendswood FD Phone: 281.996.3360 Michael Richardson Red River District 2204 Pine Dr Fax: 281.996.9237 Decatur FD Phone: 940.627.3199 Friendswood, TX 77546-5539 Email: [email protected] 608 County Road 4460 Fax: 940.627.6014 Decatur, TX 76234-8138 Email: [email protected] Ryan Hudson Central Texas District Leander FD Phone: 512.528.1664 Clay Deatherage Mid-West Texas District PO Box 319 Fax: 512.528.0726 Shackelford County Rural VFD Phone: 325.338.2507 Leander, TX 78646-0319 Email: [email protected] 3709 US Highway 180 E Fax: 325.762.2242 Anson, TX 79501-2807 Email: [email protected] Ronnie Sexton Central Texas District TML Phone: 512.431.1024 Richard Goodney Mid-West Texas District 3705 del Norte Blvd Email: [email protected] Colorado City FD Phone: 325.728.5252 Temple, TX 76502-1616 950 E 15th St Fax: 325.728.9415 Colorado City, TX 79512-4008 Email: [email protected] Don McFarland Guadalupe District Brent Allen Hill Country District McQueeney FD Phone: 830.822.1188 Ballinger FD Phone: 325.365.5137 PO Box 1246 Email: [email protected] PO Box 227 Fax: 325.365.5612 Seguin, TX 78156-1246 Ballinger, TX 76821-0227 Email: [email protected]

Edwin Baker Guadalupe District Charles Garris Wintergarden District Stockdale FD Phone: 830.996.1383 Pleasanton FD Phone: 830.569.2813 602 S 7th St. Fax: 830.996.1366 312 Tagert St Fax: 830.569.2813 Stockdale, TX 78160-6031 Email: [email protected] Pleasanton, TX 78064-3964 Email: [email protected]

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T*FLAG ADVISORY GROUP CONTINUED REQUEST YOUR ARSON HOTLINE Dave Snell Industrial Representative POSTERS NOW! Luminant - Corporate Office Phone: 214.875.8670 500 N Akard St Ste 10-115C Fax: 214.875.8636 The Insurance Council of Texas is trying to get every fire marshal Dallas, TX 75201-3302 Email: [email protected] in Texas to utilize the Arson Hotline posters which, placed at the scene of suspicious fires, ask for those who know anything Trey Blocker Legislative Consultant about the fire to call the toll-free Texas Arson Hotline. The hotline 508 W 14th St Phone: 512.289.4182 is maintained 24/7 and pertinent information from the calls is Austin, TX 78701-1724 Email: [email protected] passed on to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, which then forwards

Ted Regnier Member the information to the investigating officer. VFIS of Texas Phone: 512.448.9928 3420 Executive Center Dr Ste 301 Fax: 512.448.9929 All callers remain anonymous and calls that lead to an arrest or Austin, TX 78731-1626 Email: [email protected] indictment can be rewarded up to $1,000. The rewards come from A Texas Advisory Council on Arson (ATAC) which the Paul Hamilton Executive Board Liaison Insurance Council of Texas helps manage. Potter County Fire/Rescue Phone: 806.383.3373 PO Box 364 Fax: 806.381.0225 The Arson Hotline poster is in English, and when flipped over, Bushland, TX 79012-0364 Email: [email protected] is in Spanish. Through the help of the SFMO, we will forward to fire investigators who request them: Arson Hotline posters, Rusty Kattner Executive Board Liaison arson business cards (English and Spanish) and bumper stickers Santa Fe Fire/Rescue Phone: 832.221.9533 promoting the phone number, 1-877-4 FIRE 45. The Texas Arson 680 Fountain View Ln Fax: 713.468.5249 Hotline has resulted in several arrests and thousands of dollars in League City, TX 77573-1971 Email: [email protected] reward money have been handed out. Billy Ray Mize Past President Liaison Burkburnett FD Phone: 940.322.5281 808 Easy St Fax: 940.569.4192 Burkburnett, TX 76354-2617 Email: [email protected]

Shawn Snider Past President Liaison Edinburg FD Phone: 956.383.7691 PO Box 1079 Fax: 956.289.1853 Edinburg, TX 78540-1079 Email: [email protected] Chris Barron Executive Director SFFMA Phone: 512.454.3473 PO Box 1709 Fax: (512) 453-1876 Manchaca, TX 78652-1709 Email: [email protected]

TCFP BOARD REPRESENTATIVES

Gene Giles Commissioner The Texas Emergency Services Retirement Carthage FD Phone: 903.693.5282 System (TESRS) recently announced a pro- 808 Ray St Fax: 903.693.2474 gram to assist volunteer and combination Carthage, TX 75633-1310 Email: [email protected] departments in obtaining used surplus furniture and office equipment at no cost. John McMakin Commissioner The program is open to participation by LaRue - New York VFD Phone: 903.714.6728 both members and non-members of the 13156 County Road 4325 Fax: 903.675.4436 TESRS. For more information, contact TESRS at 844-TXHEROES or Larue, TX 75770-4123 Email: [email protected] [email protected].

TCFP FIREFIGHTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE

Tommy Anderson Past President Liaison SFFMA Past President (2003) Phone: 409.925.7331 12150 14th St Fax: 409.925.7330 Santa Fe, TX 77510-2140 Email: [email protected] HAS YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGED AND YOU NO LONGER RECEIVE OUR EMAILS? EMAIL [email protected]

50 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N T E X A S F I R E M E N’ S A U X I L I A R Y

Greetings to all: 2014-2015 TFA EXECUTIVE BOARD

I am honored and pleased to assume the duties of PRESIDENT Jeri Hamilton president of the Texas Cell: 806.290.5845 Email:[email protected] Firemen’s Auxiliary. Email: [email protected] I want to thank the SFFMA, the TFA Board 1ST VICE PRESIDENT Jerri Locknane and the committees for the Cell: 806.781.3706 hard work you have done Email: [email protected] this past year. 2ND VICE PRESIDENT Billie Smith Cell: 806.789.8013 I especially want to thank Email: [email protected] my family for their love and support over the previous four years I have served on this board. 3RD VICE PRESIDENT Anggie Sumrall Cell: 409.739.0622 As I have discussed many times, I plan to focus on growing TFA by Email: [email protected] recruiting new members; improving communication through social media; and supporting Texas firefighters by promoting the interest and 4TH VICE PRESIDENT Brandy Tidwell welfare of the SFFMA. Home: 806.675.1707 Email: [email protected] These items will require change, and change is a crucial part of productivity and growth. In order for TFA to grow, we need to take into IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Pam Maples Cell: 713.594.2787 consideration that the face of the fire service is changing. More and Email: [email protected] more women are firefighters and therefore, not allowed to be members of our auxiliary. Auxiliaries are made up of both men and women whose SECRETARY Donna Svatek purpose is to provide supplementary or additional help and support to Cell: 281.239.9205 a group. In order for TFA to be able to support ALL Texas firefighters, Email: [email protected] perhaps we should look at changing the face of our auxiliary. Perhaps we allow members of support services to become members of our auxiliary. TREASURER Kendra Charbula These men and women are not firefighters, but want to lend support to Cell: 979.637.1560 Email: [email protected] their firefighters. Would allowing these support groups to be members of TFA require change? It most certainly would. My question is …. are PARLIAMENTARIAN Brooke Palermo you open and willing to change? Cell: 409.739.2276 TFA has moved forward with our presence on social media. We now Email: [email protected] have a Facebook page (Texas Firemens Auxiliary), a Twitter account HISTORIAN Penny Horelica (follow us at tfaaux), and are currently working on our own website. Cell: 254.652.3612 With these mediums in place, our goal is to be able to attract more Email: [email protected] members and to be able to communicate more efficiently with our current members. CHAPLAIN Mary Jane Cargile Cell: 409.795.0811 I would like all of our members to remember why TFA exists. We exist Email: [email protected] because of the SFFMA. Without them, we are nothing. As an auxiliary, we are here to support, SWEETHEART Megan Chance Home: 409.974.0184 assist and supplement the SFFMA. I think too often we get caught up in Email: [email protected] the details and tend to forget this. Plans are well underway for the 2015 SFFMA Conference and Convention to be held at beautiful Moody Gardens in Galveston. SFFMA President Kattner and I are working closely together to ensure this convention is fun and successful. The TFA luncheon is being planned as well and ALL women are invited to attend. Please watch for additional details as you won’t want to miss this time of fellowship. My motto and theme for this year is “Imagine the Possibilities.” Imagine where we are able to take this auxiliary if we are open to change. Imagine what it would be like if we focus on why we exist. And imagine what a difference we can make by offering our support to ALL Texas firefighters! Thank you again for the privilege to be able to serve a great organization. I look forward to seeing you all in sunny Galveston!

PICTURED L TO R: Megan Chance, Mary Jane Cargile, Penny Horelica, Brooke Palermo, Kendra Charbula, Jeri Hamilton (at the lectern), Donna Svatek, Pam Maples, Jeri Hamilton Brandy Tidwell, Anggie Sumrall, Jerri Locknane TFA President

T E X A S F I R E M E N / O C T O B E R 2014 51 A R T I C L E S

PROPER USE AND We encourage the implementation of What about the terrain? Geo mapping is preventable measures be done early, before very important, giving the preplanning of IMPLEMENTATION OF the deployment of an ATV/UTV. As a risk the terrain a higher priority. The ESO will ATV/UTVs management process, the utilization and be traversing in areas that are not common. Roy C. Mercer, director of training, research for the types of duties the vehicle is The development of preplans of recreational education and safety, to endure are a high priority when develop- locations are crucial; where people hike, ride VFIS of Texas / Regnier & Associates ing specifications for the purchase of ATVs/ mountain bikes, horses and dirt bikes, or The commonality between emergency UTVs. ESOs tend to gravitate toward the particpate in other entertaining activities. vehicles, all-terrain vehicles and utility purchase of utility vehicles because they of- When traveling off road, most recommend vehicles (ATVs/UTVs) is that they are all fers off and on-road terrain diversity during traveling on dirt and/or areas traveled by vehicles. Providing a fast, fun-to-ride, low- operations at a low cost. In addition, these other vehicles, including rutted or worn cost, easy-to-deploy, and navigable option, vehicles offer multiple passenger compart- terrain. If this cannot be accomplished, a partner should walk in front of the vehicle ATVs/UTVs are becoming more noticeable ments allowing two to four people to ride in them. UTVs also feature beds capable of car- and determine whether the vehicle can pro- in emergency service organizations (ESOs) ceed forward in the unknown area safely. Re- across our state. Each ESO should place a rying skid units, a gas-powered water pump, an attack line(s), and a tank of water—usu- member, we usually respond down roadways high level of seriousness toward the driver’s within our district. When we go off road in experience and training on this response ally 50-65 gallons of capacity (Figure 1) for fire suppression activities. Additionally, unknown terrain, we could accidently travel vehicle. Additionally, the ESO should equally in high water areas or fall from a shift of dirt recognize that conversion of an ATV/UTV removing the fire skid units allows diver- sity for converting the vehicle into an EMS or rock formation causing more injuries and to an emergency vehicle encompasses a even death. great deal of requirements. The ESO should vehicle, allowing for patient transport and medical supply to be place onboard (Figure consult the manufacturer before embarking 2). Our recommendation is to consult with a Annual training is necessary, and identify- on the conversion process of adding a tank professional manufacturer of these vehicles, ing the risks associated with ATVs/UTVs is or an EMS skid unit themselves. making sure that the load capacity is within no different from other emergency vehicles Utilization of ATVs/UTVs in our service has the vehicle limits. Personnel and all safety within our fleet. Traversing over differ- been around approximately 30 years now. As equipment should be included when deter- ent types of terrain, the correct operations ATV/UTV equipment has evolved, personal mining this capability. and maintenance procedures, personnel protection concerns among manufactur- performance measures, and the proper use ers has increased. Even with warning safety of PPE are very important subjects within labels and safety advertisements, personnel the educational process. At a minimum, are still rejecting these important messages each person should attend four hours of and are treating ATVs/UTVs as recreational classroom with another four hours of driving vehicles. Furthermore, ESOs are placing an obstacle course (off road preferred). The personnel in the driver’s seat for emer- Figure 1 classroom portion should cover the latest gency response while never considering accident trends, safety equipment, terrain the education process and/or maintenance identification and/or mapping, maintenance needs before deployment. Emergency service When consulting with the manufacturer, processes, operation, driver qualifications, organizations must perform an assessment the ESOs should be very specific about the and lastly, trailer operations, which are to identify proper personal protective equip- equipment carried on the AVTs/UTVs. Some equally important. Skill practice should con- ment (PPE) purchase needs and/or offer considerations are night and day operations, sist of a preventive maintenance checklist, the appropriate safety equipment for the spotlight bars placed on top, flashlights and a cone driving course, flat field and/or level response. The state of Texas requires helmets mounts, PPE, and extra fuel tanks for long- ground area, on road surface, then an off worn to meet the United States Department distance responses. If the ESO utilizes these road guided experience (Figure 3), with a of Transportation standards. Additionally, vehicles as an emergency transport vehicle, post-maintenance check and cleaning being gloves and goggles must be worn while all safety equipment should be onboard performed. transferring these vehicles across public ter- for the patient and family members. At a rain (Texas law, Section 663.034). minimum, two personnel should respond Emergency service personnel are using these with the vehicle at all times. Communica- ATVs/UTVs like the bicycle theory: Once tion equipment should also be available as you ride one once, you’re good to go for life. the vehicle travels to remote locations where This theory does not help reduce liability for signals may or may not be present. First aid the ESO. The ESO cannot assume anything; and/or survival kits need to be onboard as personnel must be aware of dangers when well as suntan lotion, flame blankets, extra driving, operating and/or riding in or on drinking water, fire extinguisher, responder these vehicles. Many causes of accidents medication and snacks based on the activity on ATVs/UTVs fall into two categories: 1) and terrain they will be traversing. Deter- Operator behavior, and 2) Equipment failure. mining the appropriate type of PPE based The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Com- on terrain operations is very important for mission (Sarah Garland, February 2013) re- the safety of personnel. For example, if your Figure 3 organization responds in a heavily wooded ported that from January 1982 to December Lastly, all ATVs/UTVs are important mem- 2011, 11,688 ATV/UTV deaths transpired or weeded area, you may consider heavier leg and arm protection be worn. Additionally, bers of our fleet. Personnel should be aware across the U.S., with 571 happening in Texas, a DOT-certified helmet with built-in face of the risks associated with the utilization of which is one of the highest death tolls of any shield or eye protection, as well as sunglasses these vehicles and response areas they will state. Sadly, these fatalities occurred across in bright areas, and gloves should be be traversing. All safety equipment worn and all age groups. Thirty-five percent of deaths considered. standard operating procedures developed occurred in those 16 years and younger, and enforced should be reviewed by all per- meaning that 65% of ATV/UTV fatalities sonnel. These vehicles are not for recreation. featured victims over the age of 16. These They are for performing an important task, numbers are shouting to the emergency or- and the ESO’s implementation of best prac- ganizations across the state, and we as ESOs tices before the deployment of these vehicles should take preventive proactive measures to is a proactive approach. Remember, the safe avoid becoming part of such tragic statistics. Figure 2 response begins before the response. 52 O C T O B E R 2014 / T E X A S F I R E M E N Need Training in Your Region?

Dallam Sherman Hansford Ochiltree Lipscomb Your TEEX Regional Hartley Moore Hutchinson Roberts Hemphill

Oldham Potter Carson Gray Wheeler Coordinator can Deliver!

Deaf Smith Randal Armstrong Collings- Donley worth TEEX.ORG/EXTENSION The TEEX Extension Parmer Castro Swisher Briscoe Hall Childress Hardeman

Hale Bailey Lamb 1Floyd Motley Cottle Wilbarger Foard Wichita

Program offers a Clay Lamar Red River Montague Cooke Grayson Fannin Cochran Hockley Lubbock Crosby Dickens King Knox Baylor Archer Bowie Delta

Titus Jack Wise Denton Collin Hopkins Cass rock- Morris Terry Franklin variety of classes Yoakum Lynn Garza Kent Stonewall Haskell morton Young Hunt Camp Rock- Rains Marion wall Wood Dallas Upshur Parker Gaines Dawson Borden Scurry Jones Shackelford Stephens Palo Pinto Tarrant Fisher 8 Kaufman Harrison Van Zandt Gregg Smith Hood Program Overview Johnson Ellis Rusk Eastland Andrews Martin Howard Mitchell Nolan Taylor Callahan Henderson Panola Erath Somer- vell Navarro Hill El Paso Cherokee Shelby Loving Winkler Anderson • Receive professional training Ector Midland Glasscock Sterling Coke Comanche Bosque Runnels Coleman Brown Freestone Hamilton 6Nacogdoches San Hudspeth McLennan Limestone Augustine Ward Culberson Mills Sabine Crane Houston delivered to your location Reagan Tom Green Coryell Angelina Upton Leon Reeves Irion Concho Falls McCulloch Lampasas Trinity San Saba 7 Jasper Newton Bell Robertson Madison Polk Tyler Menard • Courses meet or exceed the Schleicher Milam Walker Je Davis Pecos Burnet Mason Llano Brazos San Crockett Williamson Grimes Jacinto Burleson Sutton Kimble Hardin requirements of the NFPA, 2 Montgomery Gillespie Travis Lee Terrell Blanco Washington Liberty Orange Bastrop Jeerson Presidio Kerr Hays Fayette Austin SFFMA, and/or TCFP Edwards Kendall Waller Harris Chambers Brewster Val Verde Caldwell Real Comal Bandera Colorado Guadalupe Fort Bend Bexar Gonzales 5 Galveston • NFA field and direct delivery Lavaca Kinney Uvalde Wharton Medina Brazoria

Wilson DeWitt Jackson courses are also offered Matagorda 4 Karnes Maverick Zavala Frio Atascosa Victoria Goliad Calhoun • Go online to view the current Dimmit Bee McMullen Live Oak LaSalle Refugio calendar of courses at San Patricio Aransas Jim Webb Nueces Duval Wells www.teex.org/extension 3 Klegerg

Jim Hogg Zapata Brooks • Many courses are delivered at no Kenedy

Starr cost to personnel within Texas Willacy Hidalgo

Cameron Regional Coordinators for the State of Texas Region 1 Region 5 Name Mike Terry Name Ben Kennedy Mobile 512-566-6006 Mobile 979-229-1263 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Region 2 Region 6 Name David Rosier Name Alan Dillon Mobile 903-240-2219 Mobile 254-718-4776 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Region 3 Region 7 Name Rosendo Garcia Name Jeff Rhoads Mobile 979-324-5685 Mobile 254-541-8422 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Region 4 Region 8 Name Darren Smith Name Ken King Mobile 210-269-9437 Mobile 903-818-1823 Email [email protected] Email [email protected]

Dallas Renfrew, Training Director Scott Matthews, Enterprise Coordinator [email protected] | 979-458-4603 [email protected] | 979-204-2079 866-878-8900 C15.XXXX.09

AD-Regional Coord [SFFMA InfoFire] 8.25x10.75 C13.6662.02.indd 1 9/16/14 1:06 PM