Firefighter TEXAS
October 2019
VOLUME 54
The Magazine for Emergency Professionals
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SFFMA UPDATES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3
3,5
5 4
18
22
4
PRESIDENT’S FORUM
8
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
11
7 MEDICARE CONCERNS THIS OPEN ENROLLMENT
12
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
17
CERTIFICATION UPDATE
18
ENCOUNTERING ALZHEIMER’S OR OTHER DEMENTIAS ON A CALL
21
2019 CONFERENCE SPONSORS
28
COMMITTEE LISTING
44
TEXAS FIREMEN’S AUXILIARY
25 © 2019 State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas Texas Firefighter is published once a year in the fall. Any person interested in the emergency services may become an individual member of this association by the payment of annual dues in the amount of $50 per year (January - December) which includes individual membership and allows for eligibility of benefits, including a subscription to this magazine. Advertising rates are available upon request or may be found online at www.sffma.org. SFFMA and the Texas Firefighter assume no responsibility for statements made by contributors. Advertising in Texas Firefighter does not imply approval or endorsement by the SFFMA.
2 O C T O B E R 2019 / T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S CORNER
44
PUBLISHER State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas EDITOR Julie Beauchamp GRAPHIC DESIGN Gabi Glass
SFFMA UPDATES
IT’S TIME TO MOVE ON After 15 years of service to our association, I have announced my retirement from SFFMA effective September 30, 2019. Since January of 2004, my time with SFFMA has been rewarding and I have valued my tenure, the challenges we have conquered, and the time spent providing enhanced membership programs. Serving dual roles as both executive director and acting fire chief has been very beneficial to the association because I’ve naturally been aware of the current issues, concerns, requirements, and terminology used in the fire service industry. It’s allowed me to help advise members and departments on a level that I may not have otherwise been able to do. I have appreciated the SFFMA Executive Boards — both past and present — and my ESD board for providing the support over the years that allowed me to represent the association, while also performing my job as chief to the best of my ability. At SFFMA we have undergone some huge projects including streamlining our budget, reducing expenses, increasing income and re-investing in the association. Together we have been through numerous challenging
legislative sessions in which our certification system, our association membership, and our certification program were tested. There have been many memories of going to the Capitol on a regular basis to meet with legislators to testify on behalf of the association. The building of our new state office headquarters was a great project to oversee from merely a concept, to a physical building being put in place. I never thought a project such as that would have been completed so quickly!
I enjoyed reaching accomplishments such as getting a $60,000 a year property tax exemption, DHS grants for the recruitment of firefighters, serving as the representative for SFFMA on many state and federal committees, and sideline projects such as the Hurricane Harvey Relief Program or the Wildfire Relief Fund. I really enjoyed the wildfire relief fund and Hurricane Harvey relief program as I could see
the difference almost immediately to our members and firefighters. Serving as the executive director has been rewarding and challenging at the same time. Often times it requires juggling several projects or programs at once. Our association has done the best we can to provide services, programs and staff support to our 19,000 individual members with limited financial resources and time. I believe the SFFMA will continue to prosper and support the fire service in several different ways. Director Rutland will serve the association well as the new executive director. I have known Director Rutland for years and I feel he will work well with the board and membership to help with what is next for the association and its membership. I look forward to what is in store in the future and will continue to help the fire service of Texas and beyond with the development of my business focusing on departments going through major organizational changes and who are having a hard time meeting the demands of the community with increased responses and a lower number of emergency responders. I appreciate the support from those who have supported me over the years and I wish the association and its future the best. I will see many of you in the future at various conferences and events.
Chris Barron Outgoing SFFMA Executive Director
Wildfire Relief Fund (2011) SFFMA Conference, Lubbock (2014)
Legislative Day at the Texas State Capitol (2011) Hurricane Harvey Relief Program (2017)
Amarillo (2007)
Austin (2010)
T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R / O C T O B E R 2019
3
SFFMA UPDATES
2019-2020 EXECUTIVE BOARD PRESIDENT Tim Smith
PO Box 98044 Lubbock, TX 79499-8044 W: 806.797.0412 C: 806.786.0166 Email: tsmith@sffma.org
1st VICE PRESIDENT Richard Van Winkle PO Box 296 Alvarado, TX 76009-0296 W: 817.790.8884 C: 817.538.2313 Email: rvanwinkle@sffma.org
2nd VICE PRESIDENT Chuck Richardson
3523 County Road 245 Brazoria, TX 77422-7276 W: 979.319.1963 C: 979.319.1963 Email: crichardson@sffma.org
3rd VICE PRESIDENT Donny Boggs
1664 FM 935 Lott TX 76656-3891 W: 979.458.6800 C: 979.220.0141 Email: dboggs@sffma.org
4th VICE PRESIDENT Curtis Brown
110 Denrock Ave Dalhart TX 79022-2622 W: 806. 244.5454 C: 806. 717.8161 Email: cbrown@sffma.org
SECRETARY Brent Allen
PO Box 227 Ballinger, TX 76821 W: 325.365.5137 C: 325.718.9644 Email: ballen@sffma.org
ASSISTANT F. Jim White SECRETARY 304 E Mundy St
Overton, TX 75684-1734 H: 903.834.3457 Email: jwhite@sffma.org
PRESIDENT’S FORUM Hello fellow firefighters! What a blessing it is to be a part of the very best fire service group in the nation. And to be living in the great state of Texas makes it all that much better! I want to take a moment to thank each one of you for instilling the trust in me to be the 144th President of the SFFMA. Words cannot express the pride and honor I have in serving the firefighters of Texas. In addition to being a part of this big family, the opportunity to meet and represent each of you is a tremendous honor and I vow to continue to carry forth the mission of the SFFMA to Promote, Unify, Represent and Educate the fire service of Texas. After wrapping up the 143rd Convention in Longview, we started off the year very strong, and with some great projects in the works to continue our growth and representation of all first response personnel. While those projects are working in the background, we were
taken back a step or two when Executive Director Chris Barron announced his intent to retire effective September 30, 2019. Director Barron has served the association since January 2004 and will be leaving the association to pursue a lifelong dream of owning his own business. He will be starting a consulting business to assist fire departments across the country and will be focusing on the VFD to ESD/Combination transitions, fire department assessments and funding challenges. Director Barron has played a key part in developing and overseeing the building of our new offices, numerous Department of Homeland Security grants and helping reduce expenses and increase income to the association. While we are saddened at the thought of Chris leaving our group, we wish him only the best of luck. We also know Chris will not be a stranger as he will be “just across the parking lot” at his fire station, and never more than a phone call away. I want to take a moment and personally thank director Chris Barron for his dedication and commitment to the SFFMA and to the fire service of Texas. Chris has long been the face of the fire service in Texas and he will be sorely missed. continued on page 6
CHAPLAIN Ben Kennedy
4210 Camber Ct College Station, TX 77845 W: 979.229.1263 Email: bkennedy@sffma.org
PAST PRESIDENT
Mike Richardson
608 County Road 4460 Decatur, TX 76234-8138 W: 940.627.3199 C: 940.255.5034 Email: mrichardson@sffma.org
EXECUTIVE Tim Rutland DIRECTOR PO Box 1709
Manchaca, TX 78652 W: 512.454.3473 F: 512.453.1876 Email: trutland@sffma.org
MASCOT
Landon Flisowski 3771 Wieghat Ln Brenham TX, 77833-8649
BOARD Rayford W. Gibson APPOINTED PO Box 774 Tatum, TX 75691-0774 PARLIAMENTARIAN W: 979.229.8134 H: 903.947.2831 Email: rgibson@sffma.org
EXECUTIVE BOARD 2019 - 2020 Front row from L to R: Tim Smith, Richard Van Winkle, Chuck Richardson, Donny Boggs., Curtis Brown and Mike Richardson. Back row from L to R: Chris Barron, F. Jim White, Ben Kennedy, Brent Allen, Rayford Gibson and Landon Flisowski.
4 O C T O B E R 2019 / T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R
SFFMA UPDATES
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S CORNER Warm greetings to the SFFMA family! As I begin the next chapter in my fire service tenure, I have to say I am more excited than ever that it is with the SFFMA. I look forward to sharing in the vision … your vision ... for this great organization, and for all the opportunities I know will come. I’m anxious to begin working with the staff, executive board, committees, members, and fire service associates as we tackle the challenges, support each other in this incredibly important work, and chart our course into the future. However, I will confess that I am apprehensive about succeeding Brother Chris Barron in the role of Executive Director. I know I have some big shoes to fill. I have watched Chris accomplish so much during his years with the association, and it is immeasurably better as a result of those accomplishments. I am also blessed to count Chris as a good friend, and I will continue to rely upon his friendship, experience, and wisdom going forward. We wish him the very best, and I hope you will take a moment to express a word of thanks to him for his service. Please let me know if you need anything, have a good idea to share, or just want to visit. You know where to find me. The SFFMA staff continues to stand ready to support you in your mission.
Stay safe, Tim Rutland Executive Director
SFFMA STAFF TIM RUTLAND Executive Director W: 512.454.3473 ext. 101 Email: trutland@sffma.org KEVIN CREAMER Certification Administrator/ Industrial Coordinator W: 512.454.3473 ext. 103 Email: kcreamer@sffma.org LUIS MARTINEZ Membership Coordinator/ SFFMA International W: 512.454.3473 ext. 104 Email:lmartinez@sffma.org JULIE BEAUCHAMP Sales Department Manager W: 512.454.3473 ext. 105 Email: jbeauchamp@sffma.org JON BARRON Facilitator / Special Projects W: 512.454.3473 ext. 109 Email: jbarron@sffma.org
HEATHER LUNDY Administrative Assistant/ Certification Assistant W: 512.454.3473 ext. 112 Email: hlundy@sffma.org
T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R / O C T O B E R 2019
5
SFFMA UPDATES
PRESIDENT’S FORUM continue Immediately upon receiving notice regarding director Barron’s retirement, I put together a search committee and began the process to hire a new executive director. The position was posted on the SFFMA website and the committee reviewed the applicants; after interviews, they made an offer to Director Tim Rutland of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and he accepted the offer. Director Rutland served as TCFP Executive Director since 2013. Prior to working for the commission, he was the training captain and emergency operation center supervisor for Corpus Christi Fire Department. Director Rutland started with SFFMA on September 23, working alongside outgoing director Barron for a time to get familiar with our operations. Please help me welcome Tim Rutland to our SFFMA family. As we completed the hiring process, we are just now seeing what shakes out from the 86th Legislative Session. As we look back on the very productive session for the SFFMA, we had 5 priority items set forth by the executive board, T-Flag and suggestions from our membership: · Fix loophole in worker’s compensation death benefits for surviving spouse that remarries · Support moving TDEM · Inspections · Job protection during declared emergencies · Increased appropriations for 2604 Grant In the 85th Legislative Session, a bill was passed that provided for death benefits to surviving spouses when the death occurred on a disaster deployment or during disaster training. The bill failed to address the continuation of benefits when a surviving spouse remarries. We were able to get legislation passed to fix the loophole, and as of September 1, 2019, a surviving spouse who remarries will continue to receive benefits. SFFMA supported the efforts to move TDEM to A&M. Working with the legislature and Chief Kidd, the legislation passed. SFFMA sought to address the issue of the lack of inspections, especially in rural areas. The Fire Safety Inspector Bill eventually passed as part of another piece of legislation. The bill as passed would allow for SFFMA to certify inspectors that can perform inspections
in areas where there is no fire department with more than 5 full-time firefighters. While we initially pushed for a broader bill, the proposed legislation hit several roadblocks. The change this session is a big step forward to helping make sure that inspections are being done. A top priority was the Jobs Protection Bill. The bill sought to ensure that volunteer first responders would not risk losing their job because they were responding to a declared disaster. A lot of work went into the legislation, and it passed both the House and Senate; however, after the session was over the Governor used his veto power to veto the legislation. While we strongly disagree with the rationale given, we will continue to work with the Governor and our champions in the legislature to address this issue. Much effort was made to not only hold onto the allocations made to 2604 grants, but also to try and get an increase in the funding. With many big-ticket items such as Harvey, school finance, and property tax reform, the legislature did not add any additional funding; however, we did advocate for legislation that sets aside a portion of the 2604 money for things that arise during a declared disaster. The set aside portion is limited to 10% of the total grant fund, and any portion of the 10% that is not used is rolled back into the main grant program. This will hopefully go a long way to addressing the needs of departments that are the result of responding to declared disasters. SFFMA also advocated for legislation that passed relating to the definition of volunteer fire department for purposes of motor fuel tax exemptions. The law expands who can take advantage of the tax exemption, and now departments made up of at least 50% volunteers qualify to take advantage of the tax exemption. As you can see, your SFFMA representatives were very busy during the session. I want to take this opportunity to thank President Mike Richardson, Director Chris Barron, J. Pete Laney, Bill Gardner and all those that came to the Capitol or made those phone calls or sent those emails when it matters most. This was a challenging year, but due to the dedication of these individuals, we came away from the session in really good shape. And the work continues. We are planning some events to thank the legislators who stood their ground and represented the fire service of Texas.
6 O C T O B E R 2019 / T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R
Legislative activities are just a part of action of the SFFMA. The recruitment and retention grant, written and secured by director Barron, is in full swing. A total of $1.4 million dollars was awarded to SFFMA for recruitment and retention materials, workshops, billboards and television and radio spots. The executive board hired Greg Reddin as the grant manager. Greg has been burning up the road in his RV traveling this great state holding recruitment and retention workshops. These events are a great help to the fire departments out there. Please reach out to Greg or the Austin office to find a workshop in your area or to help get a workshop scheduled. In addition to the workshops, Greg and director Barron have worked closely with DHS to amend the grant to allow for $40,000 of the grant dollars to help pay for individual membership dues in our association. If you know of a department needing some financial assistance with individual dues, please contact the Austin office. The ad hoc SFFMA Steering Committee has been working very hard on ideas to update our business model and improve ways to interact with our membership. The committee, by looking at suggestions from the membership and from postconference surveys, has met and is preparing a document to help update the association, configure the annual training conference to continue to provide the very best training opportunities while providing time for required business, improved vendor interaction and at the same time, providing a voice for each and every dues paying member of the association. This is a tremendous undertaking. It is no secret volunteerism is on the decline. I refuse to say it is dying. I refuse to say this is as good as it is ever going to be. I won’t accept that this is the way it is. And I hope you join me in not accepting these results. We have the ability to impact the situation. We need to re-examine the way we do business. Our business model has not changed since our inception. While we honor tradition and do not want to forget tradition, we cannot let tradition impede progress. We must be open-minded when we begin studying how we do business, whether we are talking about our district involvement or the annual training conference or voting. Our current model is antiquated, and we need to change it…and fast. Rest assured, there
SFFMA UPDATES/ARTICLE
Last Chance for SFFMA Members to Enter for a $7,500 Garage Makeover from California Casualty Time is running out for the chance to win the garage of your dreams. The deadline to enter California Casualty’s Work Hard/Play Hard $7,500 Garage Makeover Sweepstakes is October 31. Texas first responders can enter at www.contest4heroes.com. A winner will be announced in November.
will be plenty of other problems like this in the future. This is as good a time as any to get ahead of them. Now when we speak of changing models, we are not talking about changing our core values. Those remain steady and solid. One of the greatest responsibilities the board has is to communicate with unwavering clarity, the values on which the organization has been built. You have my word, as well as that of my fellow board members, the values of this organization will remain intact as we venture through change. As I close this article, I want to take a moment to thank a few people. First and foremost, my wife, Billie. I simply could not and would not want to do this without her by my side the entire time. Billie has been there through thick and thin and is truly by biggest supporter. Next, my family: Chris, Emily and my mom, Sue Smith. I would also like to mention West Carlisle Fire/EMS. I have had the honor of working with this group of fire service professionals for over 30 years. They are my second family and I am very grateful to play a small part in that organization. I am also very grateful to the Panhandle District for their support. I also need to thank Chief Mike Richardson. During this time on the executive board, Mike and I have become very good friends. Mike is a great mentor and I respect his wisdom and judgement. I also want to thank each and every member of this organization. I am proud to stand beside you as we continue to improve the fire service of Texas. I am very confident, as a group, we can continue to reach the goals we have set.
California Casualty has been a partner with SFFMA since 2010, offering auto and home insurance with outstanding benefits to members. We know about the grueling work involved and the dangers you face protecting people and property in your communities. California Casualty appreciates what you do – that’s why we created this contest. The winner will be handed a $7,500 check to create the garage of their dreams. Have you always wanted more storage for tools, a shiny new floor, more cabinets or a beverage and snack area to go with a big screen TV? Whether it’s a gym, workshop, or refuge from the stresses of the day, California Casualty will give you the resources to help you create the ultimate garage. It’s our thanks for the hard work first responders do, often putting their lives in danger, to keep our communities safer. “We are grateful for the tough job first responders do every day for all of us,” said California Casualty Sr. Vice President Mike McCormick. “We wanted to show our appreciation and provide a useful way to say thanks.” The Work Hard/Play Hard $7,500 Garage Makeover drawing is open to peace officers, EMTs and firefighters – American heroes who work hard and risk their lives. Hurry, the final day to enter is October 31, 2019, at www.contest4heroes.com. Texas first responders can learn more about California Casualty and how it appreciates all they do at https://mycalcas.com/auto-home-insurance/firefighters/. This article furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to firefighters since 1974 and to SFFMA members since 2010. Get a quote at 1.800.800.9410 or www.calcas.com/SFFMA.
Thank you,
Tim Smith SFFMA President 2020 T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R / O C T O B E R 2019
7
SFFMA UPDATES
SESSION WRAP UP by JPete Laney
As the dust has settled from the 86th Legislative Session, we look back on a productive session for the State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association. Prior to session, SFFMA set forth the following 5 priority items: • Fix loophole in worker’s compensation death benefits for surviving spouse that remarries • Support moving TDEM • Inspections • Job protection during declared emergencies • Increased appropriations for 2604 Grants In the 85th Legislative Session, a bill was passed that provided for death benefits to surviving spouses when the death occurred on a disaster deployment or during disaster training. The bill failed to address the continuation of benefits when a surviving spouse remarries. We were able to get legislation passed to fix the loophole, and as of September 1, 2019 a surviving spouse who remarries will continue to receive benefits. SFFMA supported the efforts to move TDEM to A&M. Working with the legislature and Chief Kidd, the legislation passed. SFFMA sought to address the issue of the lack of inspections, especially in rural areas. Fire Safety Inspector Bill eventually passed as part of another piece of legislation. The bill as passed would allow for SFFMA to certify inspectors that can perform inspections in areas where there is no fire department with fewer than 5 full-time firefighters. While we initially pushed for a broader bill, the proposed legislation hit several roadblocks. The change this session is a big step forward to helping make sure that inspections are being done. A top priority was the Jobs Protection Bill. The bill sought to ensure that volunteer first responders would not risk losing their job because they were
responding to a declared disaster. A lot of work went into the legislation, and it passed both the House and Senate; however, after the session was over the Governor used his veto power to veto the legislation. While we strongly disagree with the rationale given, we will continue to work with the Governor and our champions in the legislature to address this issue.
terrorism. Governor Abbott said, “Our top priority is to keep Texans safe in their communities. Part of that mission is to combat domestic terrorism and root out the extremist ideologies that fuel hatred and violence in our state. This task force brings together leaders with the expertise Texas needs to develop effective strategies and combat domestic terrorism.”
Much effort was made to not only hold onto the allocations made to 2604 grants, but we also need to try and get an increase in the funding. With many big-ticket items, such as Harvey, school finance, and property tax reform, the legislature did not add any additional funding; however, we did advocate for legislation that sets aside a portion of the 2604 money for things that arise during a declared disaster. The set aside portion is limited to 10% of the total grant fund, and any portion of the 10% that is not used is rolled back into the main grant program. This will hopefully go a long way to addressing the needs of departments that are the result of responding to declared disasters.
Specific objectives of the task force include:
SFFMA also advocated for legislation that passed relating to the definition of volunteer fire department for purposes of motor fuel tax exemptions. The law expands who can take advantage of the tax exemption, and now departments made up of at least 50% volunteers qualify to take advantage of the tax exemption. Domestic Terrorism Task Force - Texas Safety Commission On August 14, Governor Abbott formed a Domestic Terrorism Task Force in the wake of the El Paso shooting (will also include discussion on the Odessa shooting that took place on Aug. 31) to combat acts of hate and extremism in Texas. The group will analyze and provide advice on strategies to maximize law enforcement’s ability to protect against acts of domestic
8 O C T O B E R 2019 / T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R
· Analyzing current and emerging threats in Texas, and developing strategies that government entities can take to prevent and respond to such threats; · Studying ways to increase interagency cooperation and collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies; · Developing model tools, policies, and protocols to assist in fighting domestic terrorism; and · Providing advice and recommendations regarding state homeland security strategic planning, and relevant legislative recommendations to the governor and the legislature. The task force held its first roundtable meeting hosted by Governor Abbott on August 22 in Austin. On August 29, Governor Greg Abbott hosted the second meeting in El Paso to generate ideas to help the community heal, combat the rise of extremist groups and hateful ideologies, keep guns out of the hands of deranged individuals, and combat domestic terrorism in Texas. 2020 Elections 16 of the Senate’s 31 members are up for re-election in 2020, none of whom have announced a retirement. 5 incumbent House members have announced retirements: · · · · ·
Jessica Farrar (D-Houston) Eric Johnson (D-Dallas) Jonathan Stickland (R-Bedford) John Wray (R-Waxahachie) John Zerwas (R-Fulshear)
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SFFMA UPDATES/ARTICLE
Special Elections for House seats on November 5th HD 28 - John Zerwas (R-Fulshear) resigned effective September 30, 2019 HD 100 - Eric Johnson (D-Dallas) resigned on June 8, 2019 to become Mayor of Dallas HD 148 - Jessica Farrar (D-Houston) resigned effective September 30, 2019 The filing deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2019. The early voting period will be from Monday, October 21 - Friday November 1, 2019. Interim On behalf of SFFMA, I will be working on implementation of the new laws where they will require agency action. I will also continue to advocate for the priorities of SFFMA as we head into the next legislative session. As many of you have heard me say before, it is important for you to continue to reach out and develop relationships with your local legislators, as each of you are their constituents. If you are having a local event, invite them. If you need help reaching them, please let me know. Thank You Thank you for the opportunity to work with SFFMA. I want to say a special thankyou to Chief Michael Richardson and Chris Barron. Without their countless hours walking the halls of the Capitol, none of the successes would have been possible. Thank you to the board members and T*FLAG Committee members for their help and dedication to the important legislative priorities. Finally, thank you to each and every member of SFFMA that answered the call to reach out to your local legislator during the session. You certainly made a difference.
7 MEDICARE CONCERNS THIS OPEN ENROLLMENT Whether we like it or not, things change. Each year during the Annual Enrollment Period, it is recommended that you review your plan because one small change can mean a very large difference in out-of-pocket costs. Here are some things to keep in mind: • Network changes. Does your plan use a network? Double check to make sure your doctor choices are current for next year. • Formulary changes. This is the big one folks. Please check your current medications and compare them with your plan’s formulary for next year. • Premium changes. Does your plan have a premium? What will be the cost difference for next year? • Benefit changes. Does your plan have benefits like dental, vision, or overthe-counter help? Are they going away or changing? • Carrier changes. Is your plan leaving your service area? Are there new plans available in your area that you’re not aware of? • Agency changes. Who is your insurance agent? Do you have one? Have they left the business or stopped checking on you? Are they providing the level of service you deserve? • You can change. How was your experience with your insurance company this year? Would you like to change plans? Now is the time! Having a good independent agent with a variety of Medicare Insurance Options is critical. That’s why SFFMA and VFISTX have partnered with us to provide our Medicare For Heroes program. Please visit our new website at www.medicareforheroes.com. Here you can shop for plans using our self-enrollment tool, schedule an appointment with one of our friendly staff or get in contact with us. We are here to answer your questions and help elevate your confidence for 2020!
If you have any questions regarding any legislation, please do not hesitate to give me a call. 512-473-0404. I look forward to working with all of you in the interim and as we head into next session.
10 O C T O B E R 2019 / T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R
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R eg ion 5 Henry Perry 512-848-7319 henry.perry@teex.tamu.edu
R eg ion 2 Name Mobile Email
Tony Lenard 830-370-9636 tony.lenard@teex.tamu.edu Dallas Renfrew 979-324-6089 dallas.renfrew@teex.tamu.edu
Michael Cole 979-739-4780 michael.cole@teex.tamu.edu
Name Mobile Email
Tommy (TJ) Jacobs 254-289-2232 tommy.jacobs@teex.tamu.edu
R eg ion 8 Darren Smith 210-269-9437 darren.smith@teex.tamu.edu
EMERGENCY SERVICES TRAINING INSTITUTE
PO Box 40006 | College Station, TX 77842-4006 | E20.200289.09
Name Mobile Email R eg ion 7
R eg ion 4 Name Mobile Email
Ben Kennedy 979-229-1263 ben.kennedy@teex.tamu.edu
R eg ion 6
R eg ion 3 Name Mobile Email
Name Mobile Email
979-845-7641
Name Mobile Email
Newton
Tyler
Polk
Fort Bend
Wharton
DeWitt Karnes
Walker
Sabine
Angelina
Montgomery
Lee
Hays
Kendall
Houston
Madison
Brazos
Williamson
Travis
Shelby San Augustine
Trinity
Burleson Gillespie
Panola
Nacogdoches
Leon Robertson
Kimble
Terrell
Presidio
Anderson Freestone
Falls
Harrison
Rusk
Cherokee
Limestone
Milam
Burnet
6 Gregg
Henderson
Bell
Menard
Crockett Sutton
Coryell Lampasas
San Saba
Cass Marion
Upshur
Van Zandt
Navarro
McLennan
Mills Concho
Wood
Smith
Bosque Hamilton
Titus Camp
Rains
Ellis
Somervell
Erath
Comanche
Brown
Coleman
Bowie
Hopkins
Hunt
Rockwall
Dallas
Hill
El Paso
Red River
Fannin Delta
Jack
Young
Lamar
Montague
Archer
Morris
Castro
Armstrong
Your TEEX Regional Manager can Deliver! Clay
• Receive professional training delivered to your location • Courses meet or exceed the requirements of the NFPA, SFFMA, and/or TCFP • NFA field and direct delivery courses are also offered • Types of courses include:
• Many courses are delivered at no cost to personnel within Texas
Hansford
Moore
Parmer
Program Overview
Emergency Vehicle Driving and Safety Wildland Firefighting Incident Command Courses Health & Safety Officer Courses National Fire Academy Courses
Sherman
Franklin
TEEX Extension Program
Dallam
Hartley
Ken King 903-818-1823 ken.king@teex.tamu.edu
Harvie Cheshire, Training Director
harvie.cheshire@teex.tamu.edu | 979-862-7440
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Membership in SFFMA Includes - ***New in 2019! $10,000 AD&D, $20,000 LODD benefit and $5,000 Severe Burn Ben- efit INCLUDED with Individual Membership - State legislative representation - One printed and one digital publication: Texas Firefighter and InfoFire Magazines - E-InfoFire Newsletter, special notices (online) - Record retention, proof of SFFMA certification and training (if applicable) - Retail and discounted services (see below)
SFFMA BENEFITS Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) AFBA honors the mission set forth by its founders—to promote the welfare of its members and their families. AFBA is honored to provide SFFMA membership a sponsored NO COST, $5,000 benefit as a thank-you for your community service. They have been tasked out of D.C. to contact every Emergency Provider (ESP) in the state to brief their personnel. More information can be found at http://www.afbatx. org/sffma-afbatx
Air Evac Lifeteam — AirMedCare Network is the largest air ambulance membership network in the business of saving lives, and giving our members peace of mind during a medical emergency for over 30 years. We now have over 3 million members with 320 bases in 38 states. Being a member you pay nothing if you are flown, and membership covers entire household. Thank you for supporting and keeping our aircraft in your communities. www.AirMedCareNetwork.com/msm/rhondadean
The BAKFlip® Tonnea Cover/truck bed cover is the newest generation of hard, folding, multipanel tonneau cover! Enjoy all the security of a locking hard tonneau cover and have instant access to your entire truck bed! SFFMA members receive $75 off of your purchase. Limited to one per customer. Code: Firefighter75
California Casualty— Find the best value in auto insurance with California Casualty. Call now for a free, no-obligation rate quote! Special firefighter program available! Contact: Brandon Watson Phone: 866.477.7423 Email: bwatson@calcas.com www.calcas.com
Embassy Suites San Marcos—As a member of State Firefighters and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas, you can now enjoy a 15% Discount anytime you choose to stay at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in San Marcos. (for business or leisure travel, discount not available for groups/ conventions) To make reservations: www.sanmarcos.embassysuites.com Corporate Account number: 0002971799 or call 512.392.6450 and request "Member Travel Special"
Homes for Heroes/SFFMA Partnership & Home Benefit Program—This partnership is a statewide initiative between Homes for Heroes and SFFMA (State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association). The partnership provides to SFFMA members the Homes for Heroes “Hero Rewards” savings program for buying or selling a home. All SFFMA members in need of buying and/or selling a home need to enroll at www.homesforheroes.com/txsffma. Ensure the Homes for Heroes provider is aware you are part of SFFMA. For SFFMA Members Buying a Home: — Substantial savings on closing costs and receive money given to them after closing = $700 per $100,000 value of the home they are purchasing For SFFMA Members Selling a Home: — Substantial savings on closing costs and receive a rebate at closing = $700 per $100,000 value of the home ELIGIBLE USERS of the “Hero Rewards” Home Benefit Program: — All active members of SFFMA — All family members, friends or associates of SFFMA members who are: Police/Fire, Military/Veteran, Nurse/Teacher services (active or retired) ENROLLING in the “Hero Rewards” Home Benefit Program: — All eligible users in need of buying or selling a home through this program need to enroll at www. homesforheroes.com/txsffma — Scroll down to “Enroll now for your Hero Rewards” to begin the process — If members have a particular Homes for Heroes provider they want to use, they can choose them from the drop-down menus during registration. — Members will be contacted within 24-48 hours by a Homes for Heroes provider — Only authorized Homes for Heroes provider affiliates can be used Contact: Steve Blackwell Phone: 866-443-7637
12 O C T O B E R 2019 / T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R
LaQuinta Inn & Suites—SFFMA members can get up to 25% off their nightly rate by providing unique promo code when presenting their SFFMA ID card at check-in. Offer varies based on location, participation and availability. Code: SFFMA10 www.lq.com
LegalShield—Low-priced legal advice and protection! LegalShield gives you the power to talk to an attorney about any personal legal issue. Whether it’s big, small or somewhere in between, your LegalShield provider law firm will be there to offer advice or assistance on a variety of issues. This is a monthly membership, $18.95/month for SFFMA members (and it covers your whole family). Legal Shield now offers additional member benefits and discounts. www.legalshield.com/info/sffmatx Lighthouse Uniform Company-Bereavement Uniform Program—Departments and individuals donate surplus Class A uniforms to Lighthouse Uniform Company, and they refurbish them to offer at NO COST to families and departments that want to honor their fallen in a traditional way. Contact: Steve Cohen Phone: 800.426.5225
National Volunteer Fire Council—Become a member of NVFC to take advantage of an increased AD&D and LODD benefit, member access to NVFC website and resources, and discounts. Join NVFC for $18 a year/per member, includes $10,000 AD&D and LODD benefits. Email: membership@sffma.org PBR Ammo is offering SFFMA members a 10% discount on all their ammunition. Members should email membership@ sffma.org to receive the discount code.
PHARMSAV—by GoodRx - PHARMSAV has partnered with GoodRX to gather prices, coupons & savings tips for prescriptions at virtually every U.S. pharmacy. How it works: Use a desktop computer, mobile device or our mobile app. for researching prescription prices, coupons and locations. Just visit the website, enter the name of your prescription and your location to view current prices, discounts, and coupons from local and mail-order pharmacies. Fill your prescription and save! www.pharmsav.com/sffma
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Schlitterbahn Waterparks and Resorts—For yearround fun at Schlitterbahn Waterparks and Resorts, use the link below to access our Partner Discounts (Available for all locations). Discounts are available for admission, season passes, accommodations and more. Partner Link: www.schlitterbahn.com/partnerdiscounts Code: TXFIRE
Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio)—SFFMA members never have to pay retail again for admission to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. SFFMA general admission is $45.99 for members. http://tinyurl.com/ SixFlagsSFFMA
Stream Energy/PowerUp! Program—Lower your energy costs by switching your provider to Stream Energy and you may receive discounts on your monthly bill! Contact: Ajax Daugherty Phone: 214.766.7056 Email: Ajax@ajaxpower.com
TacticalGear.com—Since 2004, TacticalGear.com has been outfitting the professionals who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving. With apparel, equipment and footwear from industry giants like 5.11, Condor, Oakley and Under Armour, TacticalGear.com is a one-stop shop for all tactical requirements. Members receive an exclusive 15% off discount to TacticalGear.com. Contact membership@sffma.org to receive the discount code or call (636) 680-8051 Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM CT. Visit website: https://tacticalgear.com/
VFIS of Texas (WinStar Insurance Group)— SFFMA’s longstanding partner and benefit provider. Any fire department insurance need can be fulfilled with VFIS’s extensive coverage packages that include accident & sickness insurance, liability, property, etc. www.vfistx.com
Money Back Guarantee Competitive Bid Processes - Let us do the work for you! Unmatched Value - Outstanding contracts with reputable vendors.
NEW BENEFITS SFFMA has partnered with WinStar Insurance Group/VFIS of Texas to offer SFFMA members a Group Cancer/Critical Illness policy that provides 24 hour, on duty and off duty coverage. Highlights include: 1. Coverage is Guaranteed Issue - No Health Questions 2. No Pre-Existing Exclusions 3. $10,000 Lump Sum Pay-Out 4. 24-hour Coverage 5. Covered Conditions: a. Cancer b. Heart Attack c. Stroke d. Coma e. Paralysis f. Loss of Hearing, Sight, or Speech g. Occupational Hepatitis h. Occupational HIV i. Bone Marrow Transplant j. Newborn Babies to Covered Member - 21 childhood diseases Who is eligible? Issue age 18 - 79, birth to age 26 for children Monthly rate - Employee/Member is $14.20 (dependent children are included in this rate) 2020 MEDICARE & MARKETPLACE EXCHANGE OPEN ENROLLMENT: It’s about you! Your Health. Your Choice. Your Time. SFFMA members can now secure health insurance with Major Medical (Under 65) and Medicare (Over 65). Get familiar with the website and plans available before open enrollment starts. Contact: Tom Newby, Employee Benefits Sales Executive Phone: 512. 628.5189 Email: tnewby@winstarins.com
AT&T—SFFMA members now receive 24% off monthly service charges for qualified plans.as a member of the Savvik Buying Group.
Grainger—You can now buy all of your gear and work clothing items at national contract prices. This program has already been competitively bid and awarded to services, but is also available to all fire personnel in Texas. Entertainment Made Easy Our entertainment discount program for Savvik members provides exclusive discounts, special offers and access to preferred seating and tickets to top attractions, theme parks, shows, sporting events, concerts, movies and much more. This unique benefit is offered exclusively to our members and their families. Exclusive Entertainment Discounts: • Save up to 40% on top theme parks nationwide! • Save up to 40% on movie tickets nationwide • Save up to 40% on top Las Vegas & New York Broadway show tickets Benefits Include: Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, Orlando & Tampa Attractions, Cirque du Soleil, California theme parks & attractions, National theme parks & attractions, Las Vegas shows & attractions, New York City Broadway shows & attractions Take advantage of this program today! Sign up at savvik.entertainmenthub.com
SAVVIK BENEFITS TargetSolutions is the ultimate online training management system for fire departments. Delivers training hours that meet SFFMA and TCFP requirements, as well as EMS continuing education that meets Texas Department of State Health Services. Track all training hours and compliance tasks. SFFMA members are eligible for a 20 percent discount! Contact: Robbi King Phone: 713.701.9298, Email:robbi.king@targetsolutions.com, http://learn.targetsolutions.com/SFFMA
New to Savvik? Our immense buying power has its perks. We can provide a wide array of products at competitive prices through volume pricing discounts. Enroll early, and you can enjoy other benefits of membership which include:
Since 1997, our non-profit company has been saving money for our members through our world-class cooperative buying power in the public safety sector. Our effectiveness increases with commitment from our vendor partners to provide Savvik members with quality products and services at the industry’s best prices.
Hotel Engine—Access Savvik’s exclusive hotel booking platform that connects you to deeply discounted hotel rates – saving you an average of 26% below publicly available rates at more than 150,000 hotels across the globe, along with providing intuitive search & filter tools and 24/7 U.S. based customer support offering unrivaled service to meet all of your lodging needs. Visit www.hotelengine.com/join/sffma
T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R / O C T O B E R 2019
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MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS/SUSTAINING MEMBERS
SAVVIK BENEFITS CONTINUED:
Staples—Business Advantage— It takes more than pens and paper clips to help a Savvik Buying Group member run their workspace. That’s why Staples Business Advantage offers a tailored selection of products Savvik members can rely on.
SUSTAINING MEMBERS—Below is an alphabetical listing of current SFFMA Sustaining Members. Sustaining Membership is available to any company interested in exhibiting at the SFFMA Annual Conference & Convention. Please keep these companies in mind when purchasing new apparatus, equipment and services.
A
Coffee, snacks and breakroom items to keep you going; technology and communication products; safety supplies and cleaning products; forms and business cards; furniture and assembly; Savvik Member Benefits Fixed pricing on over 2,000 items (updated bi-annually); free shipping on orders over $25; 1% volume incentive on annual member spending > $10,000; access to buy online pick up in store; discounts on copy & print orders placed on StaplesAdvantage.com or purchased using a registered card. For more information, visit www.savvik.org
Advanced Rescue Systems WILLIAMS, BRYAN 3459 FM 36 S Caddo Mills TX 75135-6773 Phone: 903.527.3841 Email: advancedrescue@hotmail.com AG-Meier, Inc. LEBEDA, DENNIS 920 E 6th Ave Belton, TX 76513-2712 Phone: 979.451.3855 Email: dennis@ami-fire.com Allied Breathing Air, LLC CONGER, JOE 4518 Texana Baytown, TX 77523-0781 Phone: 713.828.5911 Email: joe.conger@alliedba.com
B BLAST MASK, LLC DICKSTEIN, JUSTIN 5817 Constellation Cir Rockwall, TX 75032 Email: justin@blastmask.com
OTHER SAVVIK VENDORS
Buckstop Truckware Inc. HARTFIELD, SHAWN 2734 SW High Desert Dr. Ste 105 Prineville, OR 97754-9412 Phone: 503.554.0001 Email: shawn@buckstop.biz, sladams1988@yahoo.com
C
California Casualty ALMEIDA, LISA PO Box M San Mateo, CA 94402-0080 Phone: 310.833.3278 Email: bwatson@calcas.com Casco Industries MURRAY, RAYMOND 607 W 62nd St Shreveport, LA 71106-2913 Phone: 800.551.8787 Email: raymond@cascoindustries.com
D
Daco Fire Equipment Co DOBMEIER, GARRETT PO Box 5006 Lubbock, TX 79408-5006 Phone: 806.763.0808 Email: garrett@dacofire.com Deep South Fire Trucks, Inc. TAYLOR, RONNIE 2140 Stillwater Beaumont, TX 77705 Phone: 601.722.4166 Email:cronnietaylor@gmail.com
For complete list visit www.savvik.com
Del Mar College Regional Fire Academy THIEME, WALTER 101 Baldwin Blvd Corpus Christi, TX 78404-3805 Phone: 361.698.1724 Email: wthieme@delmar.edu
14 O C T O B E R 2019 / T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R
Delta Industrial Service and Supply METZGER, DENNIS 3159 Summit Drive Port Neches, TX 77651 Phone: 409.724.1055 Email: dennis@deltaiss.com
E Emergency Scene Services KNAPP, PAUL 15010 Lakeview Jersey Village,TX 77040 Phone: 713.703.8665 Email: ess.sales.service@gmail.com Emergency Solutions TATE, KEITH PO Box 1238 Whitehouse, TX 75791 Phone: 833.393.5764 Email: keith.tate@emergency.solutions Enertech BRITTEN, BRAD 2223 Southwest Blvd Wichita, KS 67213 Phone: 817.653.5228 Email: bradb@enertech.com Enforcer Educational Services ALLEN, KASEY 424 State Highway 75 Fairfield,TX 75840-6336 Phone: 833.4ENFORCER Email: kasey.allen@enforcerfirstresponse.com
F Fire in Texas GOTHARD, RONNIE 1334 Sharon Ln Sulphur Springs, TX 75482-5509 Phone: 903.438.0300 Email: dedee@fireintexas.com Fire Protection Publication Library (IFSTA) KINDRED, AUDREY 930 N. Willis Stillwater, OK, 74078-0001 Phone: 405.744.8204 Email: audrey@osufpp.org FireEMS Academy NGUYEN, MARY 1451 W Cypress Creek Rd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309-1961 Phone: 415.735.2980 Email: mary.nguyen@praetoriandigital.com First-In Public Safety Solutions HANCOCK, SAMMY Phone: 855.347.7846 Email: sammyh@first-inpss.com FirstNet Built With AT&T SMITH, BRANT 208 S. Akard St Dallas, TX 75202 Email: info@firstnet.gov
G General Truck Body Manufacturing MAIKRANZ, CHRIS 6901 Avenue V Houston TX 77011 Phone: 713.692.5177 Email: chris.maikranz@generalbody.com Global Rescue & Safety, LLC HARTFORD, DANNY 2654 Center St Deer Park, TX 77536-4906 Phone: 281.479.1112 Email: dhartford@txrescueteam.com, dcombs@txrescueteam.com
SUSTAINING MEMBERS Government Capital Corporation WHITINGTON, DREW 345 Miron Dr Southlake, TX 76092-7826 Phone: 800.883.1199 Email: drew.whitington@govcap.com
H Hoyt Breathing Air Products HOYT, PETE PO Box 653 Quinlan, TX 75474-0011 Phone: 903.447.3385 Email: lhoyt4033@aol.com
I IamResponding.com SEIDBERG, DANIEL PO Box 93 Syracuse, NY 13214-0093 Phone: 315.701.1372 ext. 23 Email: dseidberg@emergencysmc.com Insurance Services Office, Inc./ VERISK BRADLEY, PHILLIP 8911 N Capital of Texas Hwy Ste 2110 Austin, TX 78759-7200 Phone: 512.440.9920 Email: pbradley@iso.com, hgibson@iso.com
J Jacobs-Weber, Inc. HULL, PATRICK PO Box 67 Yoakum, TX 77995-0067 Phone: 361.293.3557 Email: phull@jacobs-weber.com John Wright Associates, Inc. WRIGHT, JOHN 1111 W Abram St. Arlington, TX 76013-7324 Phone: 817.459.2001 Email: jill@johnwrightassoc.com Jones and Bartlett Learning (PSG Learning Group) GINGRICH, NORA 5 Wall St Fl. 3 Burlington, MA 01803-4700 Phone: 978.579.8154 Email: nora@g2marketingandevents.com
K Kilgore College Fire Academy FENNELL, MIKE 1100 Broadway Blvd Kilgore, TX 75662-3294 Phone: 903.983.8662 Email: mfennell@kilgore.edu Kimco Services, Inc. KIMMEL, ROY 103 Oyster Creek Dr # 3 Lake Jackson, TX 77566-4157 Phone: 979.297.9246 Email: kimco@kimco-services.net
L Legal Shield (The Wilson Group) WILSON, MANLEY 782 Haven Point Loop New Braunfels, TX 78132 Phone: 830.358.1256 Email: manleywilson@att.net LION FRAPWELL, CHRISTINE 7200 Poe Ave Ste 400 Dayton, OH 45414-2798 Email: cfrapwell@lionprotects.com, mmishler@lionprotects.com
Lone Star Emergency Vehicles GOULD, KEITH 4553 Aldine Bender Houston, TX 77032 Phone: 888.791.7827 Email: leithg@lonestareg.com
Stovetop Firestop (Williams Pyro, Inc. ) SHACKELFORD, CARTER 200 Greenleaf Street Fort Worth, TX 76107-1471 Phone: 817.870.8044 Email: cshackelford@stfs.com
M
T
Mayday ERI STREET, STEVE 9309 Meyrick Park Trl Austin, TX 78717 Phone: 512.636.3259 Email: steve@maydayeri.com
Texas Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company ELLIS, KARL 7420 Fish Pond Rd Waco, TX 76710-1010 Phone: 800.772.6535
Medic-CE SMITH, JUDSON 2901 N. Ashton Blvd Lehi, UT 84043-5495 Phone: 720.454.3367 Email: judson.smith@medic-ce.com
Texas Public Service Training Academy TEAGUE, NICHOLAS 435A Porter Rd. Bastrop, TX 78602 Email: pstatx@gmail.com
Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Inc. MINTON, JIM 17350 SH249 Ste 240 Houston, TX 77064 Phone: 281.517.0911 Email: jminton@mfas.com Muscular Dystrophy Association PRINE, BECKY 9430 Research Blvd., Bldg 2 #300 Phone: 512.691.0065 Email: bprine@mdausa.org
TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool CHAFIN, TAMARA PO Box 149194 Austin, TX 78714-9194 Phone: 512.491.2371 Email: tchafin@tmlirp.org
N NEEL Fire Protection Apparatus LEDNICKY, CLAY 1118 Interstate 35 N Waco, TX 76705-2834 Phone: 254.799.9176 Email: neel@texnet.net
TrainingDivision.com MOFFITT, JULIA 10300 FM 1902 Crowley, TX 76036-5606 Phone: 817.297.4450 Email: julia@trainingdivision.com
P
V
Paradigm Liaison Services FRIESEN, TIM 222 S Ridge Rd Wichita, KS 67209 Phone: 361.554.9225 Email: timf@pdigm.com
VALOR Seating DAL FERRO, STEPHANIE 150 Gordon Dr Exton, PA 19341 Phone: 610.994.5419 Email: derdman@usscgroup.com
R Risk Services-Leavitt Insurance Agencies CORLEY, PHILIP 2190 North Loop W Ste 309 Houston, TX 77018-8006 Phone: 713.581.2103 Email: philip-corley@leavitt.com
S
Safety and Education Training ELKINS, DEREK 702 Neap Ct. Crosby, TX 77532 Phone: 281.808.0656 Email: derekelkins@safe-t4u.com Siddons-Martin Emergency Group GIVLER, KIRK 14233 Interdrive W Houston, TX 77032-3323 Phone: 800.784.6806 Email: kgivler@siddons-martin.com Southwest Ambulance Sales, LLC ALLPORT, CHRIS PO Box 917 Kennedale, TX 76060 Phone: 817.476.7734 Email: chris@swambulancesales.com State Association of Fire & Emergency Districts AVERY, CLIFF PO Box 676 Pflugerville, TX 78691-0676 Phone: 512.251.8101 Email: safed@texas.net
The Carlton Law Firm, PLLC CARLTON, JOHN 4301 Westbank Dr., Suite B-130 Austin, TX 78746 Phone: 512.614.0901 Email: john@carltonlawaustin.com
VFIS of Texas (WinStar Insurance Group LLC) MARZEAN, BARBARA 3420 Executive Center Dr Ste 301 Austin, TX 78731-1626 Phone: 512.448.9928 Email: bmarzean@vfistx.com
W Weatherford College - Regional Fire Academy BLAIR, TOM 225 College Park Dr Weatherford, TX 76086-6265 Phone: 817.598.6429 Email: tblair@wc.edu Westex Welding Co./ Westex Custom Fire Apparatus BRADBURRY, CURTIS 210 Cottonwood Rd West, TX 76691-1801 Phone: 254.826.5343 Email: cbradburry@westexfire.com Wildfire Truck & Equipment Sales EVANS, David 5313 Big Six St Alvarado, TX 76009-5181 Phone: 888.452.2701 Email: rene@wildfiretruck.com
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PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS
2019 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS
BEST IN SHOW—Xavier Garcia, Pleasanton VFD FIRE—RELATED ACTS
1st Place Thomas McDonald—Friendswood VFD
2nd Place Xavier Garcia—Pleasanton VFD
EDUCATION & PUBLIC SAFETY
1st Place Eloy Salazar—Pharr FD
16 O C T O B E R 2019/ T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R
2nd Place Clemencia Pittman—Alvin VFD
ARTICLES
CERTIFICATION UPDATE by Kevin Creamer, SFFMA
Progress Report for 2019 The Certification Board removed submission of an annual progress report as a condition of departmental participation. In place of the annual progress report, the board does require each department to begin entering training into the Growth Zone database for easier tracking and transfer. Certification Status Codes Not Completed: Initial setting used for Courage to be Safe and Traffic Incident Management as a starting point. Upon completion of the required coursework, coordinator may change the status to “Active” and enter the completion date. In Progress: Initial setting for all NFPA standard certifications. This indicates that the individual has not yet met the training requirements and application not yet submitted to the Austin office for processing. Applied: Application has arrived in the Austin Office and the Start Date updated to the received date. Admin Review: Requires action by the department’s certification coordinator. If the start date is January 1, completion is at 100% and there is a completion date entered, then the Coordinator should submit an application to the Austin office. If the start date reflects the received date and the completion date is blank, the Austin staff e-mailed the coordinator with necessary steps to take (e.g., membership dues or fees due for payment, missing documentation, etc.). Pending: Written or Skill exam has not been successfully completed. Austin staff adds these line items upon receipt of the applications to indicate eligibility (additional information below). Active: All qualifications met. Courage to be Safe and Traffic Incident Management to indicate course completion. NFPA standard certifications applied for and fully reviewed by Austin office. Only
Austin staff are to update the NFPA standard certifications to the Active status. Through the consistent use of the codes listed above, the department chief or coordinator can quickly determine which individuals need to complete prerequisite coursework, sit for examination, or need Coordinator review. 01/01/1900 Certification data transferred from the old database into Growth Zone did not have a default start date. To clearly mark these records as older data and not touched by Austin staff, we used the January 1, 1900 date as a starting point as it well predates any actual dates. Standard Prerequisites As of January 1, 2015 anyone participating in certification must complete Courage to be Safe training prior to applying for any certification. As of January 1, 2019, anyone applying for Firefighter I (or any certificates that have Firefighter I as a prerequisite) must complete Traffic Incident Management training. Rescue Prerequisites 1006: Rescue Apprentice is a prerequisite to all other rescue certifications. Certifications issued under the pre-2016 standard appear on individual records toward the bottom of the Certification section. An example is Archive: Vehicle Ex Tech 2. To transition these to the current standard, the department would just need to submit a current 1006: Rescue Apprentice application along with fee and documentation of training (separate documentation or completion of all objectives in Growth Zone) for processing. Upon issuance of the 1006: Rescue Apprentice certification, Austin staff will update the archived rescue certifications to the new standard with only the Rescue Apprentice fee needing payment.
Growth Zone Tips Adding an individual to the roster There are two ways to add an individual to your department’s roster, and one is much easier than the other. Here are step-bystep instructions on the easy method: 1) From the area at the left, type the first part of your department name into the field. 2) Select the link to your department. 3) Go to the tab at the top and use the button. Using this button will avoid the issue of adding an individual to the database and having them not actually appear on your department’s roster. 4) Add their first name, last name, and e-mail address before hitting the button. Growth Zone requires e-mail addresses to set up login credentials in place of the old SFFMA ID number. 5) Select their name from the roster 6) Go to the tab at top to enter the remaining personal information. 7) Enter the last 4 digits of their SSN, along with their DOB and then hit the button. Enrolling in Certifications You should enroll any new individuals just starting on firefighter training into:
Be sure to use the “Training Completion” items as shown in place of 1001: Firefighter I and 1001: Firefighter II. Austin staff will automatically add the non“training completion” two upon issuance of the full certifications.
T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R / O C T O B E R 2019
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ARTICLES
ENCOUNTERING ALZHEIMER’S OR OTHER DEMENTIAS ON A CALL Scott Finley, Alzheimer’s Association
As a firefighter, you’re called upon 24/7 for situations ranging from an overheated backyard grill to a big box fire to a trench incident to a traffic accident and more. Your tools include not only hoses and nozzles, but also turnout gear, Halligan tool, pikes, SCBA, sheets of plywood (trench incidents) and in some cases, even dog-and cat-sized oxygen masks for the family pet. But what’s on your truck for responding to an individual living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? If you haven’t yet encountered this on the fireground or in other calls, you probably will, and sooner rather than later. Did you know that approximately 390,000 Texans are living with Alzheimer’s? That Texas ranks 4th in the nation in the number of Alzheimer’s cases and 2nd in Alzheimer’s deaths? That Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the nation, and someone develops the disease every 65 seconds? You wouldn’t begin to fight a fire without at least having a good idea of what you’re facing. The same holds true for encountering someone living with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It is not a normal part of aging. As people age, it's normal to have occasional memory problems, such as forgetting the name of a person you've recently met. However, Alzheimer's is more than occasional memory loss. It's a disease that causes brain cells to malfunction and ultimately die. When this happens, an individual may forget the name of a longtime friend or what roads to take to return to a home they've lived in for decades. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time. Although symptoms can vary widely, the first problem many people notice is forgetfulness severe enough to affect their ability to function at home or at work, or to enjoy lifelong hobbies. The disease may cause a person to become confused, lost in familiar places, misplace
things or have trouble with language. Here are three realities about Alzheimer’s disease: 1. Alzheimer's disease has no survivors. It destroys brain cells and causes memory changes, erratic behaviors and loss of body functions. It slowly and painfully takes away a person's identity, ability to connect with others, think, eat, talk, walk and find his or her way home. 2. Alzheimer's can strike people in their 30s, 40s and even 50s. This is called younger-onset Alzheimer's. It is estimated that there are more than 5 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. This includes 5.2 million people age 65 and older and 200,000 people younger than age 65 with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. 3. At this time, there is no treatment to cure, delay or stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. FDA-approved drugs temporarily slow worsening of symptoms for about 6 to 12 months, on average, for about half of the individuals who take them. People with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can unknowingly put themselves and others in dangerous situations.
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Understanding the disease is key to ensuring you make the right response. George Randy Corbin is a lifelong firefighter who retired as chief of the Wylie, Texas fire department several years ago. In his long career, Corbin served in all roles, from volunteer up to chief in both Wylie and Lewisville, Texas. He also responded with Texas Task Force 1 to the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attacks. Corbin has a personal connection with Alzheimer’s – his father-in- law was living with Alzheimer’s. “Within the first year of my becoming the fire chief, my father-in-law's Alzheimer's disease had progressed so that we took him and my mother-in-law into our home to help care for him. We had purchased a larger home to accommodate the eventuality, but it became reality a lot sooner than any of us had anticipated.” Corbin says that while he did not encounter any dementia incidents while a first responder on a medic unit, his firsthand observations of his father-in-law come from the perspective of a multidecade member of the first response community. “Responses should be handled with empathy for the family,” says Corbin. “Their loved ones did not choose to
ARTICLES slowly lose touch with reality, nor did the family choose it for them. What they are experiencing has been termed the “long goodbye” where the loved one is actually not present in mind anymore, though their physical body is still here. Real heartbreak comes in the form of a loved one looking right into the eyes of a loving spouse, in our case one of over 50 years, and asking ‘Where is my wife?’ This is the atmosphere you are entering as a first responder in many cases.” First responders should remember to be gentle, but not to let their guard down. Corbin relates a story about his father-inlaw. “My most painful encounter with my affected father-in-law is similar. My BSRN wife called me to come quickly because things had gotten out of hand at our house. I hustled home to find my wife and her parents in our front yard, and a serious discussion underway. My fatherin-law was seeing a young girl being abducted by evil men right there in the street in front of our house . . . all a cruel imagination created by the disease in his mind. As I approached (in uniform), he tore away from my wife and her mother, and bolted for the street as a vehicle was approaching. At this point, I had to act quickly for his physical safety, so I lunged for him and grabbed him by the arm, physically restraining him as he struggled to get free to help the girl in his vision. He looked directly at me and said, ‘Are you not going to help me help her?’, and later asked me, ‘What kind of man would not only stand by and not help a little girl, but would keep me from helping her?’" Fortunately, you already have the most important tools available for recognizing and successfully helping someone with dementia: your eyes and your calming voice. When you’re on a call, take a moment to look for these clues that someone may need extra help: • Blank or confused facial expression. • Inappropriate attire. • Unbalanced or shuffling gait. • Person not aware of unsafe actions or situations. • Age. (Remember that while dementia is more likely with advanced age, it can also affect those under age 65) A fire is terrifying enough for your average civilian. For someone with dementia, it can be completely incomprehensible. Hopefully there is a caregiver close by. If not, use the TALK tactics: • Take it slow. Someone living with Alzheimer’s moves at their pace, not yours. • Ask simple questions. • Limit reality checks. Try not to argue; to someone living with Alzheimer’s, their perception is their reality. • Keep eye contact.
Remember, a person with dementia may be easily agitated or afraid. Gently tell him or her you are there to help. For the EMT, encountering situations of abuse and neglect of a dementia patient can be complicated and require careful response. • Obviously, if the person is injured, transport to a hospital immediately. • If the person is not injured but in immediate danger, move him or her to a safe location (preferably a hospital if in compliance with agency policy). • If the person is not in immediate danger, and if a responsible adult is on site, offer referral to available resources. • Always involve Adult Protective Services. Remember, you can ALWAYS call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 for immediate instruction and help. Chief Corbin has some final advice: “My counsel to anyone approaching someone with this disease in an advanced stage is to remember that you must protect the person, and remember that you have other family members that you can probably help more than the person living with the disease that you were called to assist. Know of support in your area for families going through the emotional, mental, and intense physical demands placed on the lives of family members watching their loved ones going through this terrible disease. Compassion to the patient no matter how unreasonable they are will mean a lot to the people watching you who loved the person that used to be in the shell they are now dealing with.” One last thing, with hurricane season upon us – and in Texas we can get severe weather almost any time – there are a few things to remember when providing disaster response while you move a person with dementia from danger and help keep him or her calm in evacuation situations: • Avoid physical force or restraint. • Be creative rather than rely on reality. • Provide one-on-one instruction. • Provide step-by-step instructions using simple language. • Try to relocate the person to a quiet place. • Use distraction by giving the person a simple task. • Ensure the person is watched at all times to prevent wandering. Nationally, the Alzheimer’s Association’s® Approaching Alzheimer’s: First Responder Training is a free online course to prepare you to respond to common calls involving a person with dementia. Learn more at alz.org/firstresponders. You can complete all topics to earn a certificate or simply review those most relevant to your role.
In the State of Texas, The Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) Aging Services Coordination (ASC) office has coordinated efforts with other HHS offices and agencies that serve seniors, identifying subject matter experts (SME) to create an online training for first responders featuring a variety of issues relevant to older adults. The Alzheimer's Association, Dallas & Northeast Texas Chapter supported this project by providing the modules on Dementia and Alzheimer's and Communication with Adults with Dementia. The training will reside on the HHS website and will feature a variety of learning elements (e.g., video, interviews, testing.) The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) also plans to make the training available on their website as an elective CEU. It’s a priority of the Alzheimer's Association to work with the state government and first responder agencies to ensure that our law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs are properly equipped to respond to the unique needs of persons with Alzheimer's and dementia. Some available resources for your department are: Alzheimer’s Association • 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900 • Website: alz.org • Safety Center: alz.org/safety Nationwide, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. Possibly you know one of them or know a caregiver; maybe you’re a caregiver yourself. Take the time to take some time on your next call. Because you never know. Special thanks to Chief George Randy Corbin for sharing his experiences for this article. Scott Finley is Media Relations Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association® in Texas. He can be reached at scfinley@alz.org
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s®. For more information, visit alz.org or call the 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900.
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CONFERENCE PHOTOS
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CONFERENCE PHOTOS
SPECIAL THANKS TO :
Northeast Texas District, Longview FD, Casey Richardson - Photography, TEEX Staff - Training and AV Equipment, SFFMA Executive Board and Staff, SFFMA Past Presidents, Sergeant-at-Arms Committee, Committee Members & Attendees
T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R / O C T O B E R 2019
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ARTICLES
DEFINED
CONTRIBUTION
I
By: Tom Newby WinStar Insurance Group
The common denominator is presenting the benefit as a set dollar amount.
In the 1980’s, the Defined Contribution 401(k) first appeared. Since that time, we have seen it evolve to other retirement programs such as Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP), 403(b) and 457’s. In today’s ever-changing Employee Benefits World, the Defined Contribution has become an increasingly popular way for employers to provide a range of benefits to a group of employees that are very diverse in their needs and wants. Defined Contribution Employee Benefit Programs can take on many forms, but the common denominator in all programs is that the employer chooses fixed dollar amounts that they want to contribute on behalf of the employee. In a Defined Contribution Employee Benefit Program, the employer takes themselves out of the role of deciding which single plan will have the greatest appeal to their employees. With traditional employer-
provided health care, you are building your benefit around certain plans; with a Defined Contribution approach, you’re building it around a set dollar amount. Basically, an employer will select up to 6 medical plans, a couple dental, vision, life and additional insurance options. The employer will also choose a fixed dollar amount for each of the following election categories: Employee Only, Employee & Spouse, Employee & Child(ren) and Employee & Family. The employee will then make their selection of insurance plans from those offered. They will then subtract the premium amount the employer contributes from the total premium of the plans they have elected. The balance of premium is then deducted from their payroll on a preor post-tax basis, depending on the type of insurance using a Section 125/Cafeteria Plan.
Why is the Defined Contribution Employee Benefits Program gaining in popularity? Each employer will have their own reasons for choosing this method, but the list below shows the most common reasons:
1
Employers can more easily budget when they have a fixed cost versus a variable cost that is determined only after a person enrolls.
2
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Employers are removed from making decisions for their employees about what plan design is best.
3
Employees become engaged in the decision-making process. They and their families are able to select plans that fit their individual needs and budgets.
ARTICLES
RURAL VFD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HB 2604) . . . .
Launched in 2002 by House Bill 2604 Provides funding to rural VFDs for the acquisition of firefighting vehicles, fire/rescue equipment, protective clothing, computer systems, dry hydrants, and firefighter training Currently funded at $17.3 million per year During FY 2019, 2,470 requests were funded, including: o 14 large brush trucks o 15 small brush trucks o 21 tenders o 1 emergency tender o 4 large chassis o 9 small chassis o 116 fire/rescue equipment o 4 dry hydrants o 71 slip on units o 1,868 training tuitions (6,035 students) o 95 training aids
DOD FIREFIGHTER PROPERTY PROGRAM . . . .
Launched in 2010 Provides excess Department of Defense military property to emergency service providers Ownership of the equipment is passed from the federal government to the fire department. During FY 2019, 61 vehicles were awarded.
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ARTICLES
TEEX EXTENSION PROGRAM PROVIDES DIVERSE, LIFE-SAVING COURSE CHOICES by Casey Richardson, TEEX Marketing Manager/Public Information Officer
In today’s world where recruitment and retention has become the focus of many fire departments, training becomes that much more important. New members, keeping up certifications, growing communities and new response areas all contribute to the need to keep up with training needs. When it comes to training, fire departments in the great state of Texas have several options. One of those is the TEEX Extension Training Program. Delivered at no cost to fire personnel in Texas, Fire Extension programs bring the highest quality training directly to departments and agencies across Texas. This diverse training combines classroom knowledge with hands-on training that satisfies both certification and continuing education requirements. Standard-based training such as Pro Board and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) is available, as well as National Fire Academy (NFA) and State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals’ Association (SFFMA) training courses. “Not only does the TEEX-ESTI Extension Program provide quality training for certification at the department level, but also provides large scale training on an Area School/Association basis and provides Technical Assistance in many aspects and levels for the Fire Service,” said Harvie Cheshire, Training Director for the TEEX Extension Program. “From setting up your training programs, to recruitment and retention, to grant writing assistance, to funding of various programs, TEEXESTI Extension stands ready to help departments in their mission to save lives and protect property,” he added. In 2019, TEEX helped facilitate 85 area schools, which are training classes offered to fire departments all over the state. And of the 65 courses offered through Extension, two are among those that provide training that meet the needs of those departments who might respond to an industrial emergency: Industrial Emergencies for Municipal-Based Responders or IMBER, and Fertilizer-Grade Ammonium Nitrate (FGAN) Hazards. These two courses were developed after the West explosion in 2013 that took the lives of 15 people and injured more than 160. But according to Cheshire, the number of departments taking advantage of these two courses has dwindled. “These courses were created after an event that took first responder lives,” said Cheshire. “Even if you’ve hosted them before, host again. There are always those who will be learning some of the information for the first time.” Another course that could prove to be life saving for departments is the Emergency Services UTV/ATV Safety course. Henry Perry, TEEX Region 1 Training Manager, recently taught the course in Randall County. “Department training for the use of UTV/ATV units is essential for the safe operation of the unit and the safe return of all operators at the end of the day or shift. This class is required by state law for all operators that use this type of equipment on public right-ofway,” added Perry. “This type of training, although necessary, is also a very fun class for the participants, and making a class fun, helps retain the future of the fire service.”
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WHAT BRINGS US TOGETHER AS A COMPANY, SETS US APART AS AN INSURANCE PROVIDER. To our 500,000+ member families, THANK YOU. Thank you for rating us “Highest Customer Satisfaction among Auto Insurers in Texas.” This is the sixth consecutive year the Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies have received an award from J.D. Power for auto insurance customer satisfaction. Call today for a FREE 360 Review® and see how we have life covered.
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Texas Farm Bureau Insurance received the highest numerical score in the Texas region in the J.D. Power 2012-2017 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. 2017 study based on 45,624 total responses from 10 insurance providers in the Texas region measuring experiences and perceptions of customers, surveyed February - April 2017. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. © 2017 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies.
COMMITTEE LISTINGS
2019/2020 SFFMA COMMITTEE LISTINGS for the latest and most updated committee rosters email membership@sffma.org
TEXAS A&M ADVISORY BOARD Mike Montgomery 11319 Crayford Ct Houston, TX 77065-4173
Member Phone: 281.894.4536 Email: msm.llc@att.net
Bill Gardner 307 Brentwood Dr Leander, TX 78641
Member Phone: 512.845.9689 Email: wtg1696@gmail.com
John Kiracofe Jollyville FD 10901 El Salido Pkwy Austin, TX 78750-1413
Member Phone: 512.258.1038 Fax: 512.258.1837 Email: jkiracofe@jvfd.org
Stephen Pepper 19707 Caroling Oaks Ct Humble, TX 77346-1256
Industrial Board Liaison Phone: 832.703.7603 Email: stephen.r.pepper@p66.com
CERTIFICATION BOARD
Certification Zones
Brian Scheffer Brenham FD 101 N Chappell Hill St Brenham, TX 77833-3323
Chairman/Zone 1 Phone: 979.337.1212 Fax: 979.337.7311 Email: bscheffer@sffma.org
Andy Dexter Northwest FD 6510 Moccasin Bend Dr Spring, TX 77379-4882
Co-Chairman/Zone 18 Phone: 281.782.5231 Fax: 281.583.1084 Email: adexter.sffma@gmail.com
R.J. Thomas Ingleside VFD 3190 Rebecca St Ingleside, TX 78362-4649
Secretary/Zone 4 Phone: 361.523.9447 Fax: 361.775.1186 Email: rjthomas@sffma.org
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Nate Mara Decatur FD 1705 S State St Decatur, TX 76234-2745
Zone 10/ Assistant Secretary Phone: 940.389.4148 Email: nmara@sffma.org
Edwin Baker Stockdale FD 602 S 7th St Stockdale, TX 78160-6031
Zone 2 Phone: 830.996.1383 Fax: 830.996.1366 Email: ebaker@sffma.org
Frank Marcinkiewicz Cat Spring VFD 11438 Newberg Rd Cat Spring, TX 78933-5183
Zone 3 Phone: 979.530.8992 Email: frankm@sffma.org
Ubaldo Perez Edinburg FD 2609 San Alejandro St Edinburg, TX 78539-6971
Zone 5 Phone: 956.381.4552 Fax: 956.289.1853 Email: uperez@sffma.org
Kendall Hunting Alvin FD 1738 Glenview Dr Alvin, TX 77511-4329
Zone 6 Phone: 713.301.9059 Fax: 281.331.9713 Email: khunting@sffma.org
Willo Sylestine Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation FD 993 Johnson Branch Rd Livingston, TX 77351-5037
Zone 7 Phone: 936.563.1100 Fax: 936.563.1349 Email: sylestine.willo@actribe.org
Patrick Dooley Henderson FD 401 W. Main St Henderson, TX 75652-3018
Zone 8 Phone: 903.658.2906 Fax: 903.657.5329 Email: pdooley@sffma.org
Brad Hargrove Alvarado FD 104 W College St Alvarado, TX 76009-4319
Zone 9 Phone: 817.790.8884 Fax: 817.783.6505 Email: bhargrove@sffma.org
Clay Deatherage Albany VFD 3709 US Highway 180 E Anson, TX 79501-2807 Billy Tidwell Ralls FD PO Box 242 Crosbyton, TX 79322-0242
Zone 11 Phone: 325.668.0808 Fax: 325.823.3338 Email: clayd@sffma.org Zone 12 Phone: 806.777.5393 Fax: 806.253.0027 Email: wtidwell@sffma.org
Jeromy Dawson Lamesa FD PO Box 631 Brownfield, TX 79316-0631 Brent Allen Ballinger FD PO Box 227 Ballinger, TX 76821-0227
Zone 13 Phone: 806.470.0746 Email: 530jdawson1@gmail.com
VACANT
Zone 15
Josh Constancio Rising Star FD 518 FM 2731 Rising Star, TX 76471
Zone 16 Phone: 254.433.2757 Fax: 254.643.1212 Email: jconstancio@amatechtel.com
Zone 14 Phone: 325.365.5137 Email: ballen@sffma.org
COMMITTEE LISTINGS VACANT
Zone 17
George Samples Potter County Fire/Rescue 8901 Melfrank Dr Amarillo, TX 79124-5726
Zone 19 Phone: 806.242.4300 Fax: 806.381.0225 Email: frgcs@co.potter.tx.us
Cary Roccaforte TEEX-ESTI 2121 Nuches Ln College Station, TX 77803-1986
TEEX Representative Phone: 979.703.4838 Fax: 979.845.0506 Email: cary.roccaforte@teex.tamu.edu
Donny Boggs 1664 FM 935 Lott, TX 76656-3891
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 979.458.6800 Fax: 979.847.9304 Email:dboggs@sffma.org
Curtis Brown Dalhart FD 110 Denrock Ave Dalhart, TX 79022-2622
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 806.244.5454 Fax: 806.249.0277 Email: cbrown@sffma.org
Kevin Creamer Staff Liaison PO Box 1709 Manchaca, TX 78652-1709
Staff Liaison Phone: 512.454.3473 ext. 103 Fax: 512.453.1876 Email: kcreamer@sffma.org
COMBINATION DEPARTMENT COMMITTEE
Ubaldo Perez Edinburg FD 2609 San Alejandro St Edinburg, TX 78539-6971
Rio Grande Valley District Phone: 956.383.7691 Fax: 956.289.1853 Email: bperez@cityofedinburg.com
Roy Mercer 2118 Enchanted Oaks Ln Rosenberg, TX 77471-7105
Gulf Coast District Phone: 832.473.5414 Fax: 281.239.8725 Email: rmercer@vfistx.com
Danny Hurt Overton FD 4786 FM 3129 S Bloomburg, TX 75556-4020
Northeast District Phone: 870.571.9279 Email: dannyhurt@netzero.com
Chuck Richardson Wild Peach FD 3523 County Road 245 Brazoria, TX 77422-7276
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 979.319.1963 Email: chuck1620@yahoo.com
Donny Boggs 1664 FM 935 Lott, TX 76656-3891
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 979.458.6800 Fax: 979.847.9304 Email:dboggs@sffma.org
Bill Gardner 307 Brentwood Dr Leander, TX 78641
Past President Liaison Phone: 512.845.9689 Email: wtf1696@gmail.com Past President Liaison Phone: 281.479.7941 Fax: 281.478.7289 Email: david.wade@oem.hctx.net
Richard Van Winkle Alvarado FD PO Box 296 Alvarado, TX 76009-0296
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 817.790.3859 Fax: 817.783.6505 Email: vanwinkler@cityofalvarado.org
David Wade Deer Park VFD 3018 Eileen St Deer Park, TX 77536-5022
Michael Richardson Decatur FD 1705 S State St Decatur, TX 76234-2745
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 940.393.0230 Fax: 940.627.6014 Email: mrichardson@sffma.org
CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS COMMITTEE
Richard Lake, Jr. Potter County Fire/Rescue 2301 E Willow Creek Dr Amarillo, TX 79108-3803
Panhandle District Phone: 242.4300 Fax: 806.381.0225 Email: tichardlake@co.potter.tx.us
Timothy Rutland SFFMA PO Box 1709 Manchaca, TX 78652-1709
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 512.454.3473 Fax: 512.453.1876 Email: trutland@sffma.org
CONFERENCE TRAINING & SPEAKER COMMITTEE Cary Roccaforte TEEX-ESTI PO Box 40006 College Station, TX 77842-4006
Chairman Phone: 979.218.0747 Email: cary.roccaforte@teex.tamu.edu
Mike Montgomery 11319 Crayford Ct Houston, TX 77065-4173
Co-Chairman/Gulf Coast District Phone: 281.960.5004 Email: msm.llc@att.net
Edwin Baker Stockdale FD 602 S 7th St Stockdale, TX 78160-6031
Guadalupe Texas District Phone: 830.996.1383 Fax: 830.996.1366 Email: ebaker@sffma.org
Ben Kennedy 4210 Camber Ct College Station, TX 77845-4882
Central Texas District Phone: 979.458.6800 Fax: 979.847.9304 Email: ben.kennedy@teex.tamu.edu
J Paul Bruhn La Grange FD 612 34th Street Hondo, TX 78861-3536
Guadalupe District Phone: 979.968.5805 Fax: 979.968.5743 Email: jpaulbruhn@gmail.com
Adrian Ramirez Mathis FD 411 E San Patricio Ave Mathis, TX 78368-2351
South Central District Phone: 361.533.7022 Email: aramirez@cityofmathis.com
Eloy Salazar Pharr FD 4103 Primavera St Edinburg, TX 78542-7854
Rio Grande Valley District Phone: 956.383.7691 Fax: 956.383.7111 Email: eloy.salazar@fd.pharr-tx.gov
James Farrell McAllen FD 4525 N 1st Ln McAllen, TX 78504-2415
Rio Grande Valley District Phone: 281.334.7695 Email: jfarrell@mcallen.net
William Crawford Huffman FD PO Box 1208 Huffman, TX 77336-1208
Gulf Coast District Phone: 281.324.4646 Fax: 281.324.3881
Email: william.crawford@huffmanfire.org
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COMMITTEE LISTINGS
CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS COMMITTEE CONTINUED
Donald Shoemaker Lake Jackson FD 54 Juniper Ct Lake Jackson, TX 77566-5002
Gulf Coast District Phone: 979.239.8219 Email: fire15s@aol.com
Van Fowler Telico VFD 700 Lone Oak Rd Ennis, TX 75119-0356
North Texas District Phone: 972.878.2083 Email: 1969fowler@gmail.com
Rodney Ryalls Burkburnett FD 2050 Holman Rd Burkburnett, TX 76354-5400
Red River District Phone: 940.569.2683 Fax: 940.569.4192 Email: rod.ryalls@gmail.com
Tim Smith West Carlisle FD 10216 County Road Lubbock, TX 79407-6218
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 806.797.0412 Fax: 806.797.0514 Email: wcfd9751@hotmail.com
Donny Boggs 1664 FM 935 Lott, TX 76656-3891
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 979.458.6800 Fax: 979.847.9304 Email:dboggs@sffma.org
Rayford Gibson Tatum FD PO Box 774 Tatum, TX 75691
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 903. 947.2217 Email: rgibson@sffma.org
David Luedeke Needville FD PO Box 132 Needville, TX 77461-0132
Past President Liaison Phone: 979.793.6821 Fax: 979.793.7255 Email: chief700@consolidated.net
Rusty Kattner 680 Fountain View Ln League City, TX 77573-1971
Past President Liaison Phone: 281.554.8468 Fax: 713.468.5249 Email: firerusty@aol.com
Harvie Cheshire Executive Board Liaison 1100 Merry Oaks Dr Phone: 979.694.1759 College Station, TX 77840-2607 Fax: 979.458.0649 Email: harvie.cheshire@teex.tamu.edu
CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE Danny Hurt Overton FD 4786 FM 3129 S Bloomburg, TX 75556-4020
Chairman Phone: 870.571.9279 Email: dannyhurt@netzero.com
Scott Charbula Louise FD PO Box 249 Louise, TX 77455-0249
Guadalupe District Phone: 979.248.2659 Fax: 979.543.9762 Email: skbula@ykc.com
Veronica Norotsky 2987 Todd Cir Ingleside, TX 78362-4027
South Central District Phone: 361.776.7422 Fax: 361.775.1186 Email: vnorotsky@yahoo.com
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William Crawford Huffman FD PO Box 1208 Huffman, TX 77336-1208
Gulf Coast District Phone: 281.324.4646 Fax: 281.324.3881 Email: william.crawford@huffmanfire.org
Buck Stevens PO Box 462 Pearland, TX 77588-0462
Gulf Coast District Phone: 281.997.9777 Fax: 281.412.7034 Email: buckstevens@gmail.com
Andy Van Dine Alvin FD 1283 Pinto Pass Alvin, TX 77511-4845
Gulf Coast District Phone: 832.372.4484 Fax: 281.331.9713 Email: txfire195@hotmail.com
Thom Jones Madisonville VFD 921 E Main St Madisonville, TX 77864-2113
East Texas District Phone: 936.241.6213 Fax: 936.348.6614 Email: thom.jones@sbcglobal.net
Jeffrey Ballew 1609 Limestone Trl Fort Worth, TX 76134-2842
North Texas District Phone: 817.293.4317 Fax: 817.293.0045 Email: firechief@evgov.org
Ryan Fetzer Wichita Falls West FD 4720 Trinidad Dr Wichita Falls, TX 76310-3038
Red River District Phone: 940.692.1981 Fax: 940.692.7981 Email:ff_ryan@yahoo.com
Brent Allen Ballinger FD PO Box 227 Ballinger, TX 76821-0227
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 325.365.5137 Email: ballen@sffma.org
Bob Looney 220 Juniper St Mansfield, TX 76063-1815
Past President Liaison Phone: 817.473.1182 Email: palintex@yahoo.com
DISTRICT OFFICERS 1 - CENTRAL TEXAS DISTRICT Billy Jo Jasinski Burton VFD PO Box 548 Burton, TX 77835-0548
President Phone: 979.289.3473 Fax: 979.289.0039 Email: firefighter9902@gmail.com
Brian Scheffer Brenham FD 101 N Chappell Hill St Brenham, TX 77833-3323
Secretary/Treasurer Phone: 979.337.1212 Fax: 979.337.7311 Email: bscheffer@cityofbrenham.org
2 - GUADALUPE DISTRICT Tammy Worthington 156 Oak View Dr La Vernia, TX 78121-4546
President Phone: 830.779.2438 Email: t.worthington_lvvfd@yahoo.com
Kent Watts 13516 Copper Canyon Dr Haslet, TX 76052
Secretary Phone: 830.446.1585 Email: kentwatts51@yahoo.com
COMMITTEE LISTINGS
3 - TRI-RIVERS/6 - GULF COAST DISTRICTS
4 - SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT
Jim Cargile Santa Fe Fire/Rescue 4223 Avenue J Santa Fe, Texas 77510-8698
President Phone: 409.925.7331 Fax: 409.925.7330 Email: jcargile@cityofalvin.com
Matt Valdez San Diego VFD 207 S Ventura St San Diego, TX 78384-1949
President Phone: 361.389.9338 Email: mvaldez1812@yahoo.com
Anthony Cargile Santa Fe Fire/Rescue 4712 Scott St Santa Fe, TX 77517-3314
Secretary Phone: 409.978.2554 Fax: 409.925.7330 Email:dagosf71@gmail.com
Adrian Ramirez Mathis FD 411 E San Patricio Ave Mathis, TX 78368-2351
Secretary/Treasurer Phone: 361.533.7022 Email: aramirez@cityofmathis.com
T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R / O C T O B E R 2019
31
COMMITTEE LISTINGS
DISTRICT OFFICERS CONTINUED 5 - RIO GRANDE VALLEY DISTRICT Eloy Salazar Pharr FD 4103 Primavera St Edinburg, TX 78542-7854
President Phone: 956.383.7691 Fax: 956.383.7111 Email: eloy.salazar@fd.pharr-tx.gov
6 - GULF COAST DISTRICT
see Tri-Rivers District for information
7 - EAST TEXAS DISTRICT Thom Jones Madisonville FD 921 E Main St Madisonville TX 77864-2113
President Phone: 936. 241.6213 Fax: 936. 348.6614 Email: thom.jones@sbcglobal.net
Billy Gillam Douglass VFD 836 Ridge View Dr, Apt 108 Nacogdoches, TX 75961-4637
Secretary Phone: 936.556.1833 Email: fireinstructor34@outlook.com
8 - NORTHEAST TEXAS DISTRICT Chris Osborn West Harrison FD
F. Jim White Overton FD 304 E Mundy St Overton, TX 75684-1734
President Phone: 903.758.4400 Fax: 903.758.4402 Email: cmosborn924@gmail.com Secretary Phone: 903.834.3457 Fax: 903.834.3625 Email: jwhite@sffma.org
9 - NORTH TEXAS DISTRICT Neil Sims Ellis County ESD#1/Maypearl FD 7535 FM 66 Maypearl, TX 76064-1859
President Phone: 972.775.3788 Email: csims99024@yahoo.com
Melissa Robinson Corsicana Emergency Corps 106 Gorman St Corsicana, TX 75110-1883
Secretary/Treasurer Phone: 903.654.9622 Email: melizard_stick@hotmail.com
10 - RED RIVER DISTRICT Jeremy Jennings Jacksboro FD 203 S 7th Street Jacksboro, TX 76458-2103
President Phone: 940.567.2131 Fax: 940.567.3875 Email: jjennings@cityofjacksboro.com
James Carr Decatur FD 401 S Miller St Decatur, TX 76237-1933
Secretary Phone: 940.627.7057 Email: carr2699@gmail.com
11 - MID-WEST DISTRICT Randy Teague Lake Coleman VFD 227 Lakeview Dr Coleman, TX 76834-8505
President Phone: 325.382.4898 Fax: 325.382.4444 Email: rtigg@yahoo.com
32 O C T O B E R 2019 / T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R
Kristopher Hester Merkel FD 1408 N 4th Merkel, TX 79536-3205
Secretary Phone: 325.928.4725 Fax: 325.846.4139 Email: hester_kris@yahoo.com
12 - PANHANDLE DISTRICT Craig Jusiak Potter County Fire/Rescue 2301 E Willow Creek Dr Amarillo, TX 79108-3808
President Phone: 806.518.8428 Fax: 806.381.0225 Email: frcej@co.potter.tx.us
Chelsey Sheppard Ralls FD 800 Avenue I Ralls, TX 79357-3500
Secretary Phone: 806.777.5393 Fax: 806.253.0027 Email: cdillashaw32@gmail.com
13 - PERMIAN BASIN DISTRICT Wayne Johnson Brownfield FD 612 East Story Brownfield TX 79316
President Phone: 806.637.2212 Fax: (806) 637-0112 Email: garwayne.johnson@gmail.com
Keith Mensch Denver City FD PO Box 115 Denver City, TX 79323-0115
Secretary Phone: 806.592.5426 Fax: 806.592.9436 Email: kmmensch@valornet.com
14 - HILL COUNTRY DISTRICT Curley Wagoner Menard FD PO Box 414 Menard, TX 76859-0414
President Phone: 325.396.2333 Email: curley.wagoner@weatherford. com
Brent Allen Ballinger FD PO Box 227 Ballinger, TX 76821-0227
Secretary Phone: 325.365.5137 Fax: 325.365.5612 Email: ballen@sffma.org
15 - WINTERGARDEN DISTRICT JD Earls Moore VFD 3320 W FM 462 Moore TX 78057-3523
President Phone: 210.316.6083 Email: searls28@yahoo.com
Jerry Rust Val Verde County Rural VFD 115 E Skyview Del Rio, TX 78840
Secretary Phone: 830.774.7640 Fax: 830.774.7686 Email: jerry_rust@yahoo.com
16 - NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT No information
President
Chris Brooks Erath County VFR 860 N Clinton St Stephenville, TX 76401-3005
Secretary Phone: 254.965.3388 Fax: 254.965.4339 Email: erathfire800@co.erath.tx.us
COMMITTEE LISTINGS
DRIVING CONTEST COMMITTEE
James Carr Decatur FD 401 S Miller St Decatur, TX 76234-1933
Red River District Phone: 940.627.7057 Email: carr2699@gmail.com
Billie Smith West Carlisle FD 1021 County Road 6740 Lubbock, TX 79407-6218
Panhandle District Phone: 806.797.0412 Fax: 806.797.0514 Email: billiesmithemtp126@ gmail.com
Michael Richter Needville FD PO Box 374 Needville, TX 77461-0374
Chairman/Gulf Coast District Phone: 979.793.4262 Fax: 979.793.7255 Email: richms@consolidated.net
Scott Charbula Louise FD PO Box 249 Louise, TX 77455-0249
Guadalupe District Phone: 979.637.0414 Fax: 979.543.9762 Email: skbula@ykc.com
George Castillo 526 E Crockett St Alamo, TX 78516-5505
Rio Grande Valley District Phone: 956.681.2500 Fax: 956.682.0377 Email: castillomcfd@yahoo.com
Timothy Smith West Carlisle FD 1021 County Road 6740 Lubbock, TX 79407-6218
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 806.7970412 Fax: 806.797.0514 Email: wcfd9751@hotmail.com
Jonathan Burns Santa Fe Fire/Rescue 4410 A Bar Drive Santa Fe, TX 77510-9098
Gulf Coast/Tri-Rivers Districts Phone: 409.925.7331 Fax: 409. 925.7330 Email: jburns203@yahoo.com
Bill Gardner 307 Brentwood Dr Leander, TX 78641
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 512.845.9689 Email: wtg1696@gmail.com
Dennis Gage Overton FD 123 Blaine Trl Longview, TX 75604-9295
Northeast Texas District Phone: 903.987.3908 Email: gagefireandsafety@gmail.com
F. Jim White Overton VFD 304 E Mundy St Overton, TX 75684-1734
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 903.834.3457 Email: jwhite@sffma.org
David Luedeke Needville FD PO Box 132 Needville, TX 77461-0132
Past President Liaison Phone: 979.793.6821 Fax: 979.793.7255 Email: chief700@consolidated.net
EMS COMMITTEE Andy Dexter Northwest VFD 6510 Moccasin Bend Dr Spring, TX 77379-4882
Chairman/Gulf Coast District Phone: 281.782.5231 Fax: 281.376.4432 Email: adexter.sffma@gmail.com
Gerald Weniger McQueeney FD PO Box 215 Seguin, TX 78156-0215
Guadalupe District Phone: 830.560.2707 Fax:830.560.2707 Email: gweniger@satx.rr.com
Clemente Sanchez Sinton FD PO Box 652 Sinton, TX 78387-0652
South Central District Phone: 361.364.4498 Fax: 361.364.3781 Email: csanchez1123@sbcglobal.net
Chris Osborn West Harrison FD
Northeast Texas District Phone: 903.758.4400 Fax: 903.758.4402 Email: cmosborn924@gmail.com
Karen Pickard Wilmer FD 307 E University St Ovilla, TX 75154-3401
North Texas District Phone: 972.441.3222 ext. 237 Fax: 972.441.3061 Email: karen.pickard@utsouth western.edu
EXHIBITS COMMITTEE Mark Lancaster Santa Fe Fire & Rescue 12510 E Bar Dr Santa Fe, TX 77510-8601
Chairman/Gulf Coast Phone: 409.925.1906 Fax: 409.925.7330 Email: marklancaster@verizon.net
Raymond Murray Casco Industries 607 W 62nd St Shreveport, LA 71106-2913
Co-Chairman Phone: 800.551.8787 Fax: 419.735.4259 Email: raymond@cascoindustries.com
Clemente Sanchez Sinton FD PO Box 652 Sinton, TX 78387-0652
South Central Distict Phone: 361.364.4498 Fax: 361.364.3781 Email: csanchez1123@sbcglobal.net
Matt Glaves Alvin FD 2197 County Road 155 Alvin, TX 77511-1533
Gulf Coast District Phone: 281.331.9213 Email: matt.glaves@bluebell.com
Joel Sumrall Santa Fe Fire & Rescue 16207 Bluebird St Santa Fe, TX 77517-2142
Gulf Coast District Phone: 409.925.7331 Fax: 409.925.7330 Email: jsumrall@santafefire.org
Tito Rodriguez Clute FD 735 Arbor St Clute, TX 77531-3717
Gulf Coast District Phone: 979.236.6704 Email: favff_tman@yahoo.com
Thom Jones Madisonville VFD 921 E Main St Madisonville, TX 77864-2113
East Texas District Phone: 936.241.6213 Fax: 936.348.6614 Email: thom.jones@sbcglobal.net
Jerry Taylor Gilmer FD 885 Azalea Rd Gilmer, TX 75645-7469
Northeast Texas District Phone: 903.843.3225 Fax: 903.843.3251 Email: jhtaylor25@etex.net
T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R / O C T O B E R 2019
33
COMMITTEE LISTINGS
EXHIBITS COMMITTEE CONTINUED
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Wayland Price Whitney FD 111 Dewayne Cir Whitney, TX 76692-2474
North Texas District Phone: 254.694.2444 Fax: 254.694.5332 Email: wjprice1800@hotmail.com
Patrick Hlavaty El Campo FD 310 East Calhoun St El Campo, TX 77437
Chairman Phone: 979.543.0341 Email: pat.helen@sbcglobal.net
Cory Brinkley Burkburnett FD 512 S Hilltop St Burkburnett, TX 76354-3048
Red River District Phone: 940.224.6242 Fax: 940.569.4192 Email: corybrinkley@ymail.com
Melissa Robinson Corsicana Emergency Corps 106 Gorman St Corsicana, TX 75110-1883
Co-Chair Person/North Texas District Phone: 903.654.9622 Email: melizard_stick@hotmail.com
Alexander Smith
Mid-West District Email: smithalexander550@ gmail.com
R.J. Thomas Ingleside VFD 3190 Rebecca St Ingleside, TX 78362-4649
South Central District Phone: 361.776.7422 Fax: 361.775.1186 Email: rj@cbcogem.org
Jeffrey Doran Ponderosa FD 17318 Sandy Cliffs Dr Houston, TX 77090-2061
Member Phone: 281.444.8465 Fax: 281.444.8052 Email: jdoran@siddons-martin.com
Pam Smith
South Central District Phone: Fax: Email:
Terry Mayfield 18156 S State Highway 123 Sequin, TX 78155-0845
Past President Liaison Phone: 830.401.2310 Fax: 830.401.2772 Email: tntmayfield@yahoo.com
Jose Salinas Penitas FD 1502 Sapphire St Penitas, TX 78576
Rio Grande Valley District Phone: 956.424.7213 Email: firechiefsalinas@gmail.com
Charles Gallatin
Event Planner Email: charles@expotexllc.com
Rusty Kattner Santa Fe Fire/Rescue 680 Fountain View Ln League City, TX 77573-1971
Gulf Coast District Phone: 281.554.8468 Fax: 713.468.5249 Email: firerusty@aol.com
Chuck Richardson Wild Peach FD 3523 County Road 245 Brazoria, TX 77422-7276
Gulf Coast District Phone: 979.319.1963 Email: chuck1620@yahoo.com
Allen Scopel Rosenberg FD 3814 Marilyn St Rosenberg, TX 77471-5349
Gulf Coast District Phone: 832.595.3600 Fax: 832.595.3601 Email: ajscopel@att.net
Stephen Ewing Joaquin FD 1800 FM 2787 Joaquin, TX 75954-5690
East Texas District Phone: 903.407.3030 Email: stephenpewing@gmail.com
Brent Allen Ballinger FD PO Box 227 Ballinger, TX 76821-0227
Hill Country District Phone: 325.365.5137 Email: ballen@sffma.org
Jerry Rust Val Verde County Rural VFD 115 E Skyview Del Rio, TX 78840
Wintergarden District Phone: 830.774.7640 Fax: 830.774.7686 Email: jerry_rust@yahoo.com
Curtis Brown Dalhart FD 110 Denrock Ave Dalhart, TX 79022-2622
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 806.244.5454 Fax: 806.249.0277 Email: dalhartfd@hotmail.com
Rayford Gibson Tatum FD PO Box 744 Tatum, TX 75691
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 903.947.2217 Email: rgibson@sffma.org
FIREFIGHTER/ EMS RESPONDER OF THE YEAR COMMITTEE Ben Kennedy TEEX-ESTI 4210 Camber Ct College Station, TX 77845-4882
Co-Chairman Phone: 979.774.0819 Fax: 979.847.9304 Email: ben.kennedy@teex.tamu.edu
Barbara Marzean VFIS of Texas 3420 Executive Center Dr Ste 301 Austin, TX 78731-1626
Co-Chairwoman Phone: 512.448.9928 Fax: 512.448.9929 Email: bmarzean@vfistx.com
Alonzo Morales, Jr. Goliad FD PO Box 413 Goliad, TX 77963-0413
Guadalupe District Phone: 361.645.3446 Email: chiefmorales301@att.net
Steven Loving Ingleside VFD 300 N Rachal St #1382 Sinton, TX 78387-2602
South Central District Phone: 361.776.7422 Fax: 361.775.1186 Email: sloving@inglesidetx.gov
Terry Hanks Friberg - Cooper VFD 7569 Burkburnett Rd Wichita Falls, TX 76305-6684
Red River District Phone: 940.855.8593 Email: twhanks65@gmail.com
Timothy Schafer Hartley VFD 11701 US Highway 87 Dalhart, TX 79022-7817
Panhandle District Phone: 806.365.4404 Email: tschafer327@gmail.com
Richard Alvarado Seminole FD 805 SW 9th Street Seminole, TX 79360-5209
Permian Basin District Phone: 432.758.8818 Email: ralvarado61@hotmail.com
34 O C T O B E R 2019 / T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R
Leadership 360 Daily leadership at work and home
2020 January 20–22 | San Marcos, TX AUDIENCE
Emergency Response Professionals Fire | Police | EMS | Nursing
COST
No fees for Texas Emergency Responders $150 for out-of-state attendees
REGISTER
Online before December 31
TEEX.org/LeadershipSymposium E20.200291.09
2020 Emergency Responder Health & Wellness Grant VFIS of Texas and Texas Mutual Insurance Company are once again pleased to sponsor a need-based Health & Wellness Grant program for fire departments and non-profit EMS organizations in Texas. Grants up to $5,000 will be awarded based on financial need and are intended to assist emergency service organizations in developing a health & wellness program to prevent emergency responder deaths and injuries and for cancer prevention. Departments will need to apply for the grant, expend the funds and then send in copies of receipts in order to receive the grant funds Grant application deadline is December 31, 2019. WHO IS ELIGIBLE: All-volunteer or mostly-volunteer fire departments and nonprofit EMS organizations that serve a population of 100,000 or less and are legally organized in Texas. WHAT IS ELIGIBLE: Cost for member physicals, exercise equipment, fitbits, nutritionist, rehab equipment, hoods with barrier protection, decon cloths/wipes, washable gloves, extractors/washing machines for turn-out gear or other health & wellness or cancer prevention items
2020 EMERGENCY RESPONDER SAFETY, TRAINING & WELLNESS GRANT APPLICATION PERIOD NOW OPEN! HOW IT WORKS: ​ epartments should apply for assistance (completed grant application, D supporting documentation, & W-9) by December 31, 2019. Applications will be reviewed and notice will be sent to those awarded a grant by January 31, 2020. Departments will be responsible for sending in paid receipts by May 1, 2020 in order to receive reimbursement.
Visit www.vfistx.com for more information
COMMITTEE LISTINGS
FINANCE COMMITTEE CONTINUED Rex Klesel Alvin FD 3537 County Road 326 Alvin, TX 77511-1564
Past President Liaison Phone: 281.331.9465 Fax: 281.331.9713 Email: rklesel@cityofalvin.com
Kyle Stephens Decatur FD PO Box 331 Decatur, TX 76234-0331
Past President Liaison Phone: 940.627.4530 Fax: 940.627.7240 Email: kstephens@sffma.org
Paul Hamilton Potter County Fire/Rescue PO Box 364 Bushland, TX 79012-0364
Past President Liaison Phone: 806.640.2195 Email: ppaulh2016@gmail.com
Tim Rutland SFFMA PO Box 1709 Manchaca, TX 78652-1709
Executive Director Phone: 512.454.3473 Fax: 512.453.1876 Email: trutland@sffma.org
FIRE MARSHAL COMMITTEE
GOLF TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE Lang Flisowski Brenham FD 3771 Wieghat Ln Brenham, TX 77833-8649
Co-Chairman/Central Texas District Phone: 979.337.7300 Fax: 979.337.7311 Email: lang.ahrens@yahoo.com
Brian Scheffer Brenham FD 101 N Chappell Hill St Brenham, TX 77833-3323
Central Texas District Phone: 979.337.7300 Fax: 979.337.7311 Email: bscheffer@cityofbrenham.org
Gregory Nienstedt Brenham FD 601 Farmers Rd Brenham, TX 77833-1695
Central Texas District Phone: 979.337.7300 Fax: 979.337.7311 Email: gnienstedt@cityofbrenham.org
John Schulze Brenham FD 2004 Timberline Ct Brenham, TX 77833-5179
Central Texas District Phone: 979.337.7300 Fax: 979.337.7311 Email: smokerjs@yahoo.com
Cody Neutzler Brenham FD 202 Meadow Ln Brenham, TX 77833-2923
Central Texas District Phone: 979.337.7300 Fax: 979.337.7311 Email: cneutzler@yahoo.com
Lynn Bizzell Fredericksburg FD 126 W Main St Fredericksburg, TX 78624- 3708
Central Texas District Phone: 979.229.9808 Fax: 830.990.1861 Email: lbizzell@fbgtx.org
Vic Einspahr Beeville FD PO Box 634 Beeville, TX 78104-0634
Guadalupe District Phone: 361.358.2346 Fax: 361.362.1637
Roy Mercer 2118 Enchanted Oaks Ln Rosenberg, TX 77471-7105
Gulf Coast District Phone: 832.473.5414 Fax: 281.239.8725 Email: rmercer@vfistx.com
Frankie J. Salinas Edinburg FD 821 Park Cir Edinburg, TX 78539-7306
Chairman/Rio Grande Valley District Phone: 956.383.7691 Fax: 956.383.7111 Email: fjsalinas@cityofedinburg.com
Michael Kennon West Carlisle FD 707 N County Road 1500 Lubbock, TX 79416-9421
Co-Chair/Panhandle District Phone: 806.797.8771 Fax: 806.743.1299 Email: mike.kennon@ttuhsc.edu
Gerald Burnett Brazos County Pct #3 VFD PO Box 1665 Bryan, TX 77806-1665
Central Texas District Phone: 979.776.6430 Fax: 979.776.0408 Email: gburnett@pct3vfd.com
Steven Loving Ingleside VFD 300 N Rachal St # 1382 Sinton, TX 78387-2602
South Central District Phone: 361.230.3634 Fax: 361.775.1186 Email: sloving@inglesidetx.gov
Mike Montgomery 11319 Crayfird Ct Houston, TX 77065-4173
Gulf Coast District Phone: 281.960.5004 Email: msm.llc@att.net
Chris Moore Coffee City FD 21153 Sherry Ln Chandler, TX 75758-8135
Northeast Texas District Phone: 903.258.9963 Email: thefirechief@outlook.com
Deroy Bennett Decatur FD 1705 South State Street Decatur, TX 76234-0275
Red River District Phone: 940.393.0230 Fax: 940.627.6014 Email: dbennett@decaturfd.com
William Norris, II Friberg-Cooper VFD 1406 Red Fox Ln Burkburnett, TX 76354-2830
Red River District Phone: 940.447.1664 Email: ffwill38@yahoo.com
Curtis Brown Dalhart FD 110 Denrock Ave Dalhart, TX 79022-2622
Red River District Phone: 806.244.5454 Fax: 806.249.0277 Email: dalhartfd@hotmail.com
Paul Hamilton Potter County Fire/Rescue PO Box 364 Bushland, TX 79012-0364
Past President Liaison Phone: 806.359.4960 Fax: 806.381.0225 Email: ppaulh2016@gmail.com
Harvie Cheshire TEEX-ESTI 1100 Merry Oaks Dr College Station, TX 77840-2607
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 979.862.7440 Fax: 979.458.0649 Email: harvie.cheshire@teex.tamu.edu
Past President Liaison Phone: 979.543.0341 Email: pat.helen@sbcglobal.net
Rusty Kattner Santa Fe Fire/Rescue 680 Fountain View Ln League City, TX 77573-1971
Past President Liaison Phone: 832.221.9533 Email: firerusty@aol.com
Patrick Hlavaty El Campo FD 310 E Calhoun St El Campo, TX 77437-4529
36 O C T O B E R 2019 / T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R
COMMITTEE LISTINGS
HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE David Wade Deer Park VFD 3018 Eileen St Deer Park, TX 77536-5022
Chairman/Gulf Coast District Phone: 281.479.7941 Fax: 281.478.7289 Email: david.wade@oem.hctx.net
Howard Meek TEEX-ESTI 4401 Hearst Ct College Station, TX 77845-2004
Central Texas District Phone: 281.487.8503 Fax: 979.847.9304 Email: howard.meek@teex.tamu.edu
Chris Kehl PO Box 469 Navasota, TX 77868-0469
Central Texas District Phone: 936.825.3755 Email: ckehl_pss@yahoo.com
Ward Roddam Rockdale FD 1604 Skyles Rd Rockdale, TX 76567-2075
Central Texas District Phone: 979.535.4593 Fax: 512.446.6258 Email: wroddam@ basslerenergyservices.com
Louise Watts 13516 Copper Canyon Dr Haslet, TX 76052
Guadalupe District Phone: 830.445.1055 Email: louisewatts50@hotmail.com
Timothy Bogisch McQueeney FD 133 Bobwhite Trl Seguin, TX 78155-9461
Guadalupe District Phone: 210.325.3906 Email: chief4401@yahoo.com
Roy Mercer 2118 Enchanted Oaks Ln Rosenberg, TX 77471-7105
Gulf Coast District Phone: 832.473.5414 Fax: 281.239.8725 Email: rmercer@vfistx.com
Dennis Gifford Kounze VFD 115 Candlewick Dr Lumberton, TX 77657-7291
East Texas District Phone: 409.284.2527 Email: dennismgifford@aol.com
Donald Lindsey Terrell VFD 823 Griffith Ave Terrell, TX 75160-1546
North Texas District Phone: 972.551.2727 Email: userdon7686@cs.com
Danny Kistner McKinney FD 2200 Taylor Burk Dr McKinney, TX 75071-6651
North Texas District Phone: 972.547.7650 Fax: 972.542.8745 Email: dkistner@mckinneytexas.org
Mark Turvey Lubrizol Corporation - Bayport 2702 Calder Dr League City, TX 77573-6712
Industrial Board Liaison Phone: 281.846.8722 Email: mark.turvey@lubrizol.com
Tim Smith West Carlisle FD 10216 County Road 6740 Lubbock, TX 79407-6218
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 806.797.0412 Fax: 806.797.0514 Email: wc9751@hotmail.com
Henry Perry West Carlisle FD 8804 17th Street Lubbock, TX 79416
Past President Liaison Phone: 512.848.7319 Email: henry.perry@teex.tamu.edu
TEXAS INDUSTRIAL EMERGENCY SERVICES BOARD Keith Russell Westlake Chemical 2290 Callahan Rd Longview, TX 75602-7623
Chairman/SLOT 04 Phone: 903.242.7657 Email: krussell@westlake.com
Robert Moore TEEX-ESTI PO Box 40006 College Station, TX 77845-4006
Vice Chairman/SLOT 20 Phone: 979.862.4469 Fax: 979.847.9304 Email: robert.moore@teex.tamu.edu
Mark Turvey Lubrizol Corporation - Bayport 2702 Calder Dr League City, TX 77573-6712
Secretary/SLOT 16 Phone: 281.846.8722 Email: mark.turvey@lubrizol.com
Brett Steed Enterprise Products Operating LP - EPCO 4227 Decker Dr Baytown, TX 77520-1639
SLOT 01 Phone: 936.336.9047 Fax: 281.887.7085 Email: bsteed@eprod.com
John Hollaway Chevron Phillips 9500 I-10E Baytown, TX 77521
SLOT 02 Phone: 281.421.6232 Fax: 281.421.6181 Email: hollaja@cpchem.com
Ronnie Williams Dow - Seadrift Operations
SLOT 03 Email: williars@dow.com
Todd Johnson Wild Well Control, Inc. 2202 Oil Center Ct Houston, TX 77073-3333
SLOT 05 Phone: 281.784.4700 Fax: 281.844.3293 Email: toddjohnson@wildwell.com
David Atkinson, Jr. Eastman Chemical Co PO Box 7444 Longview, TX 75607-7444
SLOT 06 Phone: 903.720.7861 Email: datkinson@eastman.com
Brett Boren Phillips 66 PO Box 866 Sweeny, TX 77480-0866
SLOT 07 Phone: 979.491.2930 Fax: 979.491.2068 Email: ba.boren@p66.com
Paul Hanneman Fredericksburg FD 708 W Austin St Fredericksburg, TX 78624-2502
SLOT 09 Phone: 979.458.7344 Fax: 979.458.7347 Email: phannemann@tfs.tamu.edu
Stephen Pepper Phillips 66 19707 Caroling Oaks Ct Humble, TX 77346-1256
SLOT 10 Phone: 281.235.6176 Email: stephen.r.pepper@p66.com
Kevin Bryant ExxonMobil Baytown Complex 5000 Dayway Dr Baytown, TX 77520
SLOT 11 Phone: 281.834.4006 Email: kevin.p.bryant@exxonmobil.com
VACANT
SLOT 12
T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R / O C T O B E R 2019
37
COMMITTEE LISTINGS
TEXAS INDUSTRIAL EMERGENCY SERVICES BOARD - CONTINUED David Cave CITGO Refining and Chem Co 1801 Nueces Bay Blvd Corpus Christi, TX 78407-2221
SLOT 13 Phone: 361.844.5241 Fax: 361.844.5113 Email: dcave@citgo.com
Jeffrey Suggs Kuraray America, Inc. 11022 Collingwood Dr La Porte, TX 77571-4396
SLOT 14 Phone : 281.909.5822 Fax: 281.470.8523 Email: jeff.suggs@kuraray.com
Gordon Lohmeyer TEEX-ESTI PO Box 40006 College Station, TX 77842-4006
SLOT 15 Phone: 979.458.6800 Fax: 979.847.9304 Email: gordon.lohmeyer@teex.tamu.edu
VACANT
SLOT 17
Jeff Hoffstadt Enterprise Products Operating LP - Texas Region ERT 10647 Gulfdale St San Antonio, TX 78216-3604
SLOT 18 Phone: 210.528.3252 Fax: 210.528.4232 Email: jhoffstadt@epco.com
Chuck Richadson Wild Peach FD 3523 County Road 245 Brazoria, TX 77422-7276
EMS Liaison Phone: 979.319.1963 Email: chuck1620@yahoo.com
Donny Boggs 1664 FM 935 Lott, TX 76656-3891
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 979.458.6800 Fax: 979.847.9304 Email:dboggs@sffma.org
David Wade Deer Park VFD 3018 Eileen St Deer Park, TX 77536-5022
Past President Liaison Phone: 281.479.7941 Fax: 281.478.7289 Email: david.wade@oem.hctx.net
Tim Rutland SFFMA PO Box 1709 Manchaca, TX 78652-1709 Kevin Creamer SFFMA PO Box 1709 Manchaca, TX 78652-1709
German Lopez Fires Foundation 11881 Gulf Pointe Dr. Apt M32 Houston, TX 77089-2774
Gulf Coast District Phone: 754.214.6901 Email: germanlopez@firefoundation.org
Luis Mantilla Calle 7, Sector La L. Residencias Whitty Ciudad, Ojeda, Venezuela
Member Phone:+58 424.660.2180 Email: mantillacala@gmail.com
Franco Ciampiccolo Calle Piar., Edg Piar, No 6D Casco Central Cuidad Ojeda Zulia CP
Member Phone: +58 265.662.8124 Email: giamfran@hotmail.com
Javier Garcia Cenobio
Member Email: shecks_way@hotmail.com
Alberto Mendoza PO Box 17615 El Paso, TX 79917-7615
Member Phone: +52 165 62971807 Email: alberto_mendoza_rios@ hotmail.com
Michael Richardson Decatur FD 1705 S State St Decatur, TX 76234-2745
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 940.393.0230 Fax: 940.627.6014 Email: mrichardson@decaturfd.com
Luis Martinez SFFMA International Coordinator PO Box 1709 Manchaca, TX 78652-1709
Staff Liaison Phone: 512.454.3473 Fax: 512.453.1876 Email: lmartinez@sffma.org
MEMORIAL COMMITTEE Ben Kennedy TEEX-ESTI 4210 Camber Ct College Station, TX 77845-4882
Co-Chairman/Chaplain Phone: 979.458.6800 Fax: 979.847.9304 Email: ben.kennedy@teex.tamu.edu
Curtis Brown Dalhart FD 110 Denrock Ave Dalhart, TX 79022-2622
Co-Chairman/4th VP Phone: 806.244.5454 Fax: 806.249.0277 Email: dalhartfd@hotmail.com
Executive Director Phone: 512.454.3473 Fax: 512.453.1876 Email: trutland@sffma.org
Tim Smith West Carlisle FD 10216 County Road 6740 Lubbock, TX 79407-6218
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 806.797.0412 Fax: 806.797.0514 Email: wc9751@hotmail.com
Staff Liaison Phone: 512.454.3473 Fax: 512.453.1876 Email: kcreamer@sffma.org
Leslie Nixon 6817 6th Street Lubbock, TX 79416
TFA President Phone: 806.797.0412 Email: mommyblue23@yahoo.com
Brandy Tidwell PO Box 242 Crosbyton, TX 79322-0242
TFA President Phone: 806.675.1707 Email: tidwell.brandy@yahoo.com
Billie Smith West Carlisle FD 1021 County Road 6740 Lubbock, TX 79407
Auxiliary Liaison Phone: 806.789.8013 Fax: 806.797.0514 Email: billiesmithemtp126@ gmail.com
Mary Jane Cargile Santa Fe Fire/Rescue 4712 Scott St Santa Fe, TX 77517-3314
Auxiliary Chaplain Phone: 409.925.2083 Fax: 409.925.7330 Email: propho999@gmail.com
INTERNATIONAL MEMBER COMMITTEE Felix Carrillo Peña Urb. La Bonita Calle La Guairita Torre La Loma A Piso 2 Apto 2B Baruta, Miranda, Venezuela
Venezuela Phone: +58.412.2429628 Fax: +58.212.9454131 Email: fcarrillo@assahse.com
Carlos Acevedo Cházaro Ia.Cda. Miguel Angel de Quevedo #50, Col Coyoacan Del Coyoacan C.P. Mexico
Member Phone: +52.551.7936473 Fax: +52.555.6580498 Email: carlos.acevedo@ codigoseguridad.com
38 O C T O B E R 2019 / T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R
COMMITTEE LISTINGS Anthony Cargile Santa Fe Fire/Rescue 4712 Scott St Santa Fe, TX 77517-3314
Member Phone: 409.925.2083 Fax: 409.925.7330 Email: dagosf71@gmail.com
Jim Cargile Santa Fe Fire/Rescue 4223 Avenue J Santa Fe, TX 77510-8698
Member Phone: 409.502.1024 Fax: 409.925.7330 Email: jcargile@cityofalvin.com
Gerardo Gomez McAllen FD PO Box 871 Alamo, TX 78516-0871
Member Phone: 956.821.9897 Email: ltstrait@yahoo.com
Kris Hester Merkel FD 1408 N 4th St Merkel, TX 79536-3205
Member Phone: 325.864.3266 Fax: 325.846.4139 Email: hester_kris@yahoo.com
DeNisa Brown
Member Phone: 806.365.4404 Email: denisabrown710@hotmail.com
Hartley VFD 817 Trinidad St Dalhart, TX 79022-2151 Octi Hernandez Edinburg FD PO Box 1079 Edinburg, TX 78540-1079
Member Phone: 956.383.7691 Email: octane132@yahoo.com
Ernest O. Reesing, Jr. Marathon VFD 20 Branch Rd Alpine, TX 79830-1015
Past President Liaison Phone: 432.837.2974 Email: ernest.reesing@teex.tamu.edu
Patrick Hlavaty El Campo FD 310 East Calhoun Street El Campo, TX 77437-4529
Past President Liaison Phone: 979.543.0341 Email: pat.helen@sbcglobal.net
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER FIRE COUNCIL Tim Rutland SFFMA PO Box 1709 Manchaca, TX 78652-1709
State Director Phone: 512.454.3473 Fax: 512.453.1876 Email: trutland@sffma.org
Dallas Renfrew TEEX-ESTI 14717 McKenzie Ln Harlingen, TX 78552-6789
Alternate Director Phone: 979.324.6089 Email: dallas.renfrew@teex.tamu.edu
PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE ASSOCIATION Billy Haynes PO Box 840 Livingston, TX 77351-0014
Past President 1973 Phone: 936.328.3121 Email: billyray@livingston.net
Ray Williamson 320 E Milam St Wharton, TX 77488-5024
Past President 1984 Phone: 979.532.2111
Bob Looney 220 Juniper St Mansfield, TX 76063-1815
Past President 1986 Phone: 817.473.1182 Email: palintex@yahoo.com
Ernest O. Reesing, Jr. Marathon VFD 20 Branch Rd Alpine, TX 79830-1015
Past President 1988 Phone: 432.837.2974 Email: ernest.reesing@teex.tamu.edu
Gerald Matheaus Needville FD 2226 Ripple Creek Rosenberg, TX 77471-5429
Past President 1989 Phone: 281.344.7766 Fax: 281.793.7255 Email: fire_2@sbcglobal.net
Billy Ray Mize 808 Easy St Burkburnett, TX 76354-2617
Past President 1991 Phone: 940.322.5281 Email: bmize@nortexrpc.org
J. E. Eckert, III 1101 Lake Shore Dr. Beaver Dam, WI 53916-1239
Past President 1992 Phone: 920.319.6116 Email: dinks1675@att.net
Donald Hoffman PO Box 1769 Brenham, TX 77834-1769
Past President 1993 Phone: 979.836.9473 Email: don.hoffman@sbcglobal.net
Deloss Edwards 4733 Catclaw Dr Abilene, TX 79606-3217
Past President 1995 Phone: 325.695.5133 Email: delossedwards@gmail.com
Patrick Hlavaty El Campo FD 310 East Calhoun Street El Campo, TX 77437-4529
Past President 1997 Phone: 979.543.0341 Email: pat.helen@sbcglobal.net
Terry Mayfield Seguin FD 18156 S State Highway 123 Seguin, TX 78155-0845
Past President 1999 Phone: 830.303.3473 Email: tntmayfield@yahoo.com
Dallas Renfrew TEEX-ESTI 14717 McKenzie Ln Harlingen, TX 78552-6789
Past President 2000 Phone: 979.324.6089 Email: Dallas.Renfrew@teex.tamu.edu
Michael Looney 1110 Danbury Dr Mansfield, TX 76063-6612
Past President 2001 Phone: 817.473.4294 Email: hiwaytoons@hotmail.com
Tommy Anderson Santa Fe Fire/Rescue 12150 14th St Santa Fe, TX 77510-2140
Past President 2003 Phone: 409.925.5434 Email: fdchief700@comcast.net
David Luedeke Needville FD PO Box 132 Needville, TX 77461-0132
Past President 2004 Phone: 979.559.0026 Fax: 979.793.7255 Email: chief700@consolidated.net
Robert Welborn 505 Winters St Silsbee, TX 77656-5033
Past President 2005 Phone: 409.790.1178 Email: bnswelborn@aol.com
Kyle Stephens Decatur FD PO Box 331 Decatur, TX 76234-0331
Past President 2007 Phone: 940.627.4530 Email: kstephenstt79@yahoo.com
Shawn Snider Edinburg FD PO Box 1079 Edinburg, TX 78540-1079
Past President 2009 Phone: 956.383.7691 Fax: 956.383.7111 Email: ssnider@cityofedinburg.com
Kent Watts 13516 Copper Canyon Dr Haslet, TX 76052
Past President 2010 Phone: 830.446.1585 Email: kentwatts51@yahoo.com
T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R / O C T O B E R 2019
39
COMMITTEE LISTINGS
PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE ASSOCIATION CONTINUED
Anthony Moy Floresville FD 776 US Highway 181 S # B Floresville, TX 78114-5135
Guadalupe District Email: anthony.moy19@gmail. com
Elena Sanchez Sinton FD PO Box 652 Sinton, TX 78387-0652
South Central District Phone: 361.364.4498 Fax: 361.364.3781 Email: esanchez1019@sbcglobal.net
Donna Loving Ingleside VFD PO Box 61 Ingleside, TX 78362-0061
South Central District Phone: 361.776.7422 Fax: 361.775.1186 Email: dloving6233@gmail.com
Frankie Joe Salinas Edinburg FD 821 Park Cir Edinburg, TX 78539-7306
Rio Grande Valley District Phone: 956.383.7691 Fax: 956.383.7111 Email: fjsalinas@cityofedinburg.com
Dawn Rodriguez La Villa VFD PO Box 420 La Villa, TX 78562-0420
Rio Grande Valley District Phone: 956.262.5250 Fax: 956.262.2516 Email: lvfdbravo08@gmail.com
Ashlyn Anderson Santa Fe Fire/Rescue
Gulf Coast District Phone: 409.739.5343 Email: caanderson@comcast.net
George Tullgren 602 Kingston Ct Deer Park, TX 77536-6126
Gulf Coast District Phone: 281.478.7281 Fax: 281.478.7289 Email: gtullgren@yahoo.com
Rex Klesel Alvin FD 3537 County Road 326 Alvin, TX 77511-1564
Past President 2012 Phone: 281.331.9465 Email: rklesel@cityofalvin.com
David Wade Deer Park VFD 3018 Eileen St Deer Park, TX 77536-5022
Past President 2013 Phone:281.479.7941 Email: david.wade@oem.hctx.net
Bill Gardner 307 Brentwood Dr Leander, TX 78641
Past President 2014 Phone: 512.845.9689 Email: wtg1696@gmail.com
Rusty Kattner Santa Fe Fire/Rescue 680 Fountain View Ln League City, TX 77573-1971
Past President 2015 Phone: 281.554.8468 Email: firerusty@aol.com
Paul Hamilton Potter County Fire/Rescue PO Box 364 Bushland, TX 79012-0364
Past President 2016 Phone: 806.640.2195 Email: ppaulh2016@gmail.com
Henry Perry West Carlisle FD 8804 17th St Lubbock, TX 79416
Past President 2017 Phone: 512.848.7319 Email: henry.perry@teex.tamu.edu
Harvie Cheshire TEEX 1100 Merry Oaks Dr College Station, TX 77840-2607
Past President 2018 Phone: 979.862.7440 Fax: 979.458.0649 Email: harvie.cheshire@teex.tamu.edu
Frankie Smith Madisonville VFD 107 W Turner St Madisonville, TX 77864-3130
East Texas District Phone: 936.348.2748 Fax: 936.348.6614
Mike Richardson Decatur FD 1705 S State St Decatur, TX 76234-2745
Past President 2019 Phone: 940.393.0230 Fax: 940.627.6014 Email: mrichardson@decaturfd.com
Kenneth Isom Bardwell Area VFD 207 S Dallas St Apt 2 A Ennis, TX 75119-4774
North Texas District Phone: 972.825.7265 Email: isomk@airmail.net
Stephanie Humberd Burkbutnett FD 100 Tommy Thornton Way Burkburnett, TX 76354-2712
Red River District Phone: 940.569.3553 Fax: 940.569.4192 Email: shumberd.burkfire@gmail.com
Maray Cearley Sonora FD 808 E Poplar St Sonora, TX 76950-2656
Hill Country District Phone: 325.387.2306 Email: maraycearley@yahoo.com
Latresha Allen Ballinger FD 900 N 5th St Ballinger, TX 76821-4012
Hill Country District Phone: 325.977.8838 Email: lallen0570@gmail.com
Kristopher Hester Merkel FD 1408 N 4th Merkel, TX 79536-3295
Mid-West Texas District Phone: 325.864.3266 Fax: 325.846.4139 Email: hester_kris@yahoo.com
Terry Mayfield Seguin FD 18156 S State Highway 123 Seguin, TX 78155-0845
Past President Liaison Phone: 830.303.3473 Fax: 830.401.2772 Email: tntmayfield@yahoo.com
Billy Ray Mize Burkburnett FD 808 Easy St Burkburnett, TX 76354-2617
Past President Liaison Phone: 940.569.1841 Fax: 940.569.4192 Email: bmize@nortexrpc.org
GARY TILTON MEMORIAL FIRE PREVENTION POSTER CONTEST COMMITTEE Nancy Hall Gilmer FD 1003 Antelope Rd Gilmer, TX 75644-5155
Chairperson/ Northeast Texas District Phone: 903.762.2250 Fax: 903.843.3251 Email: fireball011465@yahoo.com
Billy Jo Jasinski Burton VFD PO Box 548 Burton, TX 77835-0548
Central Texas District Phone: 979.289.3473 Fax: 979.289.0039 Email: firefighter9902@gmail.com
Alonzo Morales Goliad FD PO Box 413 Goliad, TX 77963-0413
Guadalupe District Phone: 361.645.2666 Email: chiefmorales301@att.net
Isidore Moy Floresville FD 776 US Highway 181 S # B Floresville, TX 78114-5135
Guadalupe District Phone: 830.393.3105 Fax: 830.393.2056 Email: izzymoy1898@gmail.com
40 O C T O B E R 2019 / T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R
COMMITTEE LISTINGS
PUMPER RACE COMMITTEE
Patti Jones
Auxiliary Liaison Phone: 936.348.4493 Email: pattijones73@yahoo.com
David Luedeke Needville FD PO Box 132 Needville, TX 77461-0132
Past President Liaison Phone: 979.793.6821 Fax: 979.793.7255 Email: chief700@consolidated.net
Gerald Matheaus Needville FD 2226 Ripple Creek Dr Rosenberg, TX 77471-5429
Past President Liaison Phone: 979.793.4262 Fax: 979.793.7255 Email: fire_2@sbcglobal.net
Stephen Donnelly Pearland FD 3913 Cedarwood Dr Pearland, TX 77584-9248
Overall Chairman Phone: 713.569.6633 Fax: 281.489.3348 Email: jsd3913@yahoo.com
Henry Horelica Cameron FD 1505 N Travis Ave Cameron, TX 76520-1647
3-Man Chairman Phone: 254.697.4013 Fax: 254.697.3040 Email: henry_horelica@yahoo.com
Gary Williams Pasadena FD 4302 Blind River Dr Pasadena, TX 77504-3118
3 and 6-Ladies Chairman Phone: 713.248.3688 Email: gary3473@att.net
Alvin Fail, IV Cameron FD 2804 W 4th St Cameron, TX 76520-3049
Central Texas District Phone: 254.697.1003 Fax: 254.697.3040
Robert Kleen Blanket VFD 7800 County Road 329 Blanket, TX 76432-6318
Chairman/Central Texas District Phone: 512.415.7049
Gerald Weniger McQueeney FD PO Box 215 Seguin, TX 78156-0215
Guadalupe District Phone: 210.326.0529 Fax: 830.560 2707 Email: gweniger@satx.rr.com
Matthew Cornell Pecan Grove FD 727 Pitts Rd Richmond, TX 77406-2205
Co-Chairman/Tri-Rivers District Phone: 281.341.6677 Email: firepig4004@gmail.com
Larry Norotsky Ingleside VFD PO Box 61 Ingleside, TX 78362-0061
South Central District Phone: 361.776.7422 Fax: 361.775.1186 Email: lnorotsky@yahoo.com
Brian Chenault Burton VFD 7075 Rehburg Rd Burton, TX 77835-6003
Central Texas District Phone: 979.289.3473 Fax: 979.289.0039 Email: bchenault96@gmail.com
RC Flores McAllen FD PO Box 220 McAllen, TX 78505-0220
Rio Grande District Phone: 956.681.2500 Fax: 956.682.0377 Email: rcflores1@yahoo.com
Sara Harborth Kingsbury FD 1980 Prairie Lea Rd Kingsbury, TX 78638-2118
George Castillo 526 E Crockett St Alamo, TX 78516-5505
Rio Grande District Phone: 956.681.2500 Fax: 956.682.0377 Email: castillomcfd@yahoo.com
Guadalupe District Phone: 830.660.4523 Fax: 830.433.6085 Email: real_texas_redneck @yahoo.com
Brian Deason 9505 State Highway 123 N Stockdale, TX 78160-6221
Frank Marcinkiewicz Cat Spring VFD 11438 Newberg Rd Cat Spring, TX 78933-5183
Gulf Coast/Tri-Rivers Districts Phone: 979.530.8992 Email: frankmarcinkiewicz@yahoo. com
Guadalupe District Phone: 830.996.1383 Fax: 830.996.1366 Email: bdeason4200@yahoo.com
Gene Maples Alvin FD 3400 Stevenwood Ln Alvin, TX 77511-7023
Gulf Coast District Phone: 281.331.3973 Fax: 281.331.9713 Email: gpmap@swbell.net
Tomas Sanchez Sinton FD 719 East Market Street Sinton, TX 78387-2833
South Central District Phone: 361.816.9852 Fax: 361.364.3781 Email: tfirebone@yahoo.com
Jeffery Thomson Alvin FD 2305 County Road 284 Alvin, TX 77511-8385
Gulf Coast District Phone: 713.822.7074 Fax: 281.331.9713 Email: alvinvfd22@yahoo.com
Melissa Sanchez Sinton FD 719 East Market Street Sinton, TX 78387-2833
South Central District Phone: 361.816.9423 Fax: 361.364.3781 Email: aprilsun428@gmail.com
Jerry Gomez McAllen FD PO Box 871 Alamo, TX 78516-0871
Rio Grande Valley District Phone: 956.821.9897 Fax: 956.682.0377 Email: ltlstrait@yahoo.com
Glenn Johnson Center FD 488 FM 2694 Shelbyville, TX 75973
East Texas District Phone: 936.598.3622 Email: rgj410@yahoo.com
Anthony Cargile Santa Fe Fire/Rescue 4712 Scott St Santa Fe, TX 77517-3314
Gulf Coast District Phone: 409.925.2083 Fax: 409.925.7330 Email: dagosf71@gmail.com
Stephanie Humberd Burkburnett FD 100 Tommy Thornton Way Burkburnett, TX 76354-2712
Red River District Phone: 940.569.3553 Fax: 940.569.4192 Email: shumberd.burkfire@ gmail.com
Jim Cargile Santa Fe Fire/Rescue 4223 Avenue J Santa Fe, TX 77510-8698
Gulf Coast District Phone: 409.502.1024 Fax: 409.925.7330
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS COMMITTEE
Email: jcargile@cityofalvin.com
T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R / O C T O B E R 2019
41
COMMITTEE LISTINGS
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS COMMITTEE CONTINUED
Daniel Hernandez Hardin County ESD #2/ 8558 Ash St Lumberton, TX 77657-8927
East Texas District Phone: 409.781.2248 Email: pawpaw532@yahoo.com
Steve Heim Ore City FD PO Box 446 Ore City, TX 75683-446
North Texas District Phone: 903.968.2511 Email: orecityema@gmail.com
Brian Smith Burkburnett FD 506 W 1st Street Burkburnett, TX 76354-1802
North Texas District Phone: 940.569.3553 Fax: 940.569.4192 Email: briand_smith@yahoo.com
Donald “Cowboy” Wiley Floydada FD PO Box 73 Floydada, TX 79235-0073
Panhandle District Phone: 806.402.4001 Fax: 806.983.5542
Pat Olivas, Jr. Fort Davis FD PO Box 1084 Fort Davis, TX 79734-1084
Permian Basin District Phone: 432.426.3085 Email: elpatocook77@yahoo.com
Rickey Cearley Sonora FD 808 E Poplar St Sonora, TX 76950-2656
Hill Country District Phone: 325.387.2306 Email: rooter1957@yahoo.com
Peter Duran Sonora FD PO Box 801 Sonora, TX 76950-0801
Hill Country District Phone:: 325.387.2428 Email: 325peterduran4@gmail.com
SITE SELECTION COMMITTEE Tim Smith West Carlisle FD 10216 County Road 6740 Lubbock, TX 79407-6218
President Phone: 806.797.0412 Fax: 806.797.0514 Email: wcfd9751@hotmail.com
Donny Boggs 1664 FM 935 Lott, TX 76656-3891
3rd VP Phone: 979.458.6800 Email: donald.boggs@gmail.com
Kyle Stephens Decatur FD PO Box 331 Decatur, TX 76234-0331
Past President Liaison Phone: 940.627.4530 Fax: 940.627.7240 Email: kstephens@sffma.org
Tim Rutland SFFMA PO Box 1709 Manchaca, TX 78652-1709
Executive Director Phone: 512.454.3473 Fax: 512.453.1876 Email: trutland@sffma.org
Charles Gallatin
Event Planner Email: charles@expotexllc.com
42 O C T O B E R 2019 / T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R
STEERING COMMITTEE South Central District Phone: 361.364.3781
Andrew Sanchez Sinton FD 6260 County Road 92 Taft, TX 78390 RC Flores McAllen FD PO Box 220 McAllen, TX 78505-0220
Rio Grande Valley District Phone: 956.681.2500 Fax: 956.682.0377 Email: rcflores1@yahoo.com
Eloy Salazar Pharr FD 4103 Primavera St Edinburg, TX 78542-7854
Rio Grande Valley District Phone: 956.287.0971 Fax: 956.383.7111 Email: eloy.salazar@fd.pharr-tx.gov
James Farrell McAllen FD 4525 N 1st Ln McAllen, TX 78504-2415
Rio Grande Valley District Phone: 281.334.7695 Email: jfarrell@mcallen.net
Andy Dexter Northwest FD 6510 Moccasin Bend Dr Spring, TX 77379-4882
Gulf Coast District Phone: 281.782.5231 Fax: 281.583.1084 Email: adexter.sffma@gmail.com
Chris Anderson Santa Fe Fire/Rescue 4802 1/2 Main St Santa Fe, TX 77510-2128
Gulf Coast District Phone: 409.925.9911 Fax: 409.925.7330 Email: fdchiefsn@yahoo.com
Bradley Hargrove Alvarado FD 104 W College St Alvarado, TX 76009-4319
North Texas District Phone: 817.790.8884 Fax: 817.783.6505 Email: bhargrove77@gmail.com
Nate Mara Decatur FD 1705 S State St Decatur, TX 76234-2745
Red River District Phone: 940.389.4148 Email: nmara@decaturfd.com
Rodney Ryalls Burkburnett FD 100 Tommy Thornton Way Burkburnett, TX 76354-2712
Red River District Phone: 940.569.3553 Fax: 940.569.4192 Email: chief.burkfire@gmail.com
Billy Tidwell Ralls FD PO Box 242 Crosbytown, TX 79322-0242
Panhandle District Phone: 806.777.5393 Fax: 806.253.0027 Email: wr.tidwell@hotmail.com
Kristopher Hester Merkel FD 1408 N 4th Merkel, TX 79536-3205
Mid-West District Phone: 325.864.3266 Fax: 325.846.4139 Email: hester_kris@yahoo.com
Michael Richardson Decatur FD 1705 S State St Decatur, TX 76234-2745
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 940.393.0230 Fax: 940.627.6014 Email: mrichardson@decaturfd.com
Tim Smith West Carlisle FD 10216 County Road 6740 Lubbock, TX 79407-6218
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 806.797.0412 Fax: 806.797.0514 Email: wcfd9751@hotmail.com
Bill Gardner 307 Brentwood Dr Leander, TX 78641
Past President Liaison Phone: 512.845.9689 Email: wtg1696@gmail.com
COMMITTEE LISTINGS
T*FLAG ADVISORY GROUP
Tim Smith West Carlisle FD 10216 County Road 6740 Lubbock, TX 79407-6218
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 806.797.0412 Fax: 806.797.0514 Email: wcfd9751@hotmail.com
Mike Richardson Decatur FD 1705 S State St Decatur, TX 76234-2745
Past President Liaison Phone: 940.393.0230 Fax: 940.627.6014 Email: mrichardson@decaturfd.com
Bill Gardner 307 Brentwood Dr Leander, TX 78641
Chairman Phone: 512.845.9689 Email: wtgardner1696@gmail.com
Edwin Baker Stockdale FD 602 S 7th St Stockdale, TX 78160-6031
Guadalupe District Phone: 830.996.1383 Fax: 830.996.1366 Email: chiefsfd4100@gmail.com
Don McFarland 1471 Emily Ln Seguin, TX 78155-1982
Guadalupe District Phone: 830.401.1650 Email: don.mcfarland@gmail.com
Paul Hamilton Potter County Fire/Rescue PO Box 364 Bushland, TX 79012-0364
Past President Liaison Phone: 806.640.2195 Email: ppaulh2016@gmail.com
Steven Loving Ingleside VFD 300 N Rachal St #1382 Sinton, TX 78387-2602
South Central District Phone: 361.776.7422 Fax: 361.775.1186 Email: sloving@inglesidetx.gov
Tim Rutland SFFMA PO Box 1709 Manchaca, TX 78652-1709
Executive Director Phone: 512.454.3473 Fax: 512.453.1876 Email: trutland@sffma.org
Rusty Kattner Santa Fe Fire/Rescue 680 Fountain View Ln League City, TX 77573-1971
Gulf Coast District Phone: 281.554.8468 Fax: 713.468.5249 Email: firerusty@aol.com
J Pete Laney 1122 Colorado St, Suite 111 Austin, TX 78701
Legislative Representative Phone: 512.473.0404 Email: jpete@jpetelaneylaw.com
Jeffery Thomson Alvin FD 2305 County Road 284 Alvin, TX 77511-8385
Gulf Coast District Phone: 713.822.7074 Fax: 281.331.9713 Email: alvinvfd22@yahoo.com
TCFP BOARD REPRESENTATIVES
Keith Tate Flint-Gresham FD PO Box 3158 Flint, TX 75762-3158
Northeast Texas District Phone: 903.360.3982 Email: keith.tate@smithcountyfire.org
Christine Rogalski Bardwell Area FD 1007 N McKinney St Ennis, TX 75119-2418
North Texas District Phone: 972.875.4088 Fax: 972.566.7117 Email: cookiegirl62@hotmail.com
Clay Deatherage Albany FD 3709 US Highway 180 E Anson, TX 79501-2807
Mid-West Texas District Phone: 325.823.3614 Fax: 325.721.0917 Email: mo2se@att.net
Billy Tidwell Ralls FD PO Box 242 Crosbytown, TX 79322-0242
Panhandle District Phone: 806.777.5393 Fax: 806.253.0027 Email: wr.tidwell@hotmail.com
Charles Garris Pleasanton FD 312 Tagert St Pleasanton, TX 78064-3964
Wintergarden District Phone: 830.569.4119 Email: firedepartment@pleasantontx.gov
Brent Allen Ballinger FD PO Box 227 Ballinger, TX 76821-0227
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 325.365.5137 Email: ballen@sffma.org
Richard Van Winkle Alvarado FD PO Box 296 Alvarado, TX 76009-0296
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 817.790.3859 Fax: 817.783.6505 Email: vanwinkler@cityofalvarado.org
Chuck Richardson Wild Peach FD 3523 County Road 245 Brazoria, TX 77422-7276
Executive Board Liaison Phone: 979.319.1963 Email: chuck1620@yahoo.com
Robert Moore TEEX-ESTI PO Box 40006 College Station, TX 77845-4006
Presiding Officer Phone: 979.862.4469 Fax: 979.847.9304 Email: robert.moore@teex.tamu.edu
Tommy Anderson SFFMA Past President (2003) 12150 14th St Santa Fe, TX 77510-2140
Commissioner Phone: 409.925.7331 Fax: 409.925.7330 Email: fdchief700@comcast.net
Paul Hamilton Potter County Fire/Rescue PO Box 364 Bushland, TX 79012-0364
Commissioner Phone: 806.640.2195 Email: ppaulh2016@gmail.com
T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R / O C T O B E R 2019
43
T E X A S F I R E M E N’ S A U X I L I A R Y
2019 - 2020 TFA EXECUTIVE BOARD
PRESIDENT
Leslie Nixon Cell: 806.787.8570 Email: mommyblue23@yahoo.com 1ST VICE PRESIDENT Patti Jones
Cell: 936.348.4493 Email: pattijones73@yahoo.com Melissa Thomson Cell: 713.822.7754 Email: fcas98@yahoo.com 2ND VICE PRESIDENT
3RD VICE PRESIDENT Ashlyn Anderson
Cell: 409.739.5343 Email: 0612.monkey@gmail.com 4TH VICE PRESIDENT Alice Salinas
Cell: 956.393.0208 Email: clalice420@yahoo.com IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Brandy Tidwell Cell: 806.470.1216 Email: tidwell_brandy@yahoo.com SECRETARY Donna Svatek Cell: 281.239.9205 Email: ddsvatek@yahoo.com TREASURER Kendra Charbula Cell: 979.637.1560 Email: skbula@ykc.com PARLIAMENTARIAN Jerri Locknane Cell: 806.781.3706 Email: locknanej@yahoo.com
HISTORIAN Penny Horelica Cell: 254.652.3612 Email: howdymowdy991@yahoo.com CHAPLAIN Mary Jane Cargile Cell: 409.795.0811 Email: propho999@gmail.com SWEETHEART
Keegan Nixon
Howdy from Lubbock, home of the 2020 SFFMA Convention. President Tim Smith and I have been brainstorming about this convention for a few years. We hope you guys and gals are just as excited for this convention as we are. This year has been a great culmination of all of my years on the board. Also, it is extra special with having my daughter, Keegan Nixon, being my TFA Sweetheart. We have had fun together and I have enjoyed watching her grow. This TFA board is working extra hard to make the 2020 Convention in Lubbock a special week for you all. I want to thank West Carlisle Fire Dept for their support, and Tim and Billie Smith for being my travel buddies. We have gone many miles together and made lots of memories. I want to thank my family for all of their support and love through this journey. I want to especially thank my husband, Scott, for taking care of things at home when he was not able to travel with me. There were some things that would have been a train wreck if it weren’t for my mom helping out. I want to thank the board from the time I got on to now for all your help and encouragement. I have made lots of wonderful life-long friends. We look forward to having all of you make plans to attend this fun convention. I, personally, can't wait to see my old friends and make new friends. My four years of being a TFA board member have been some of the best times ever. I look forward to seeing you all soon. Leslie Nixon TFA President 2019-2020
See you in Lubbock January 24 - 25, 2020 Visit www.sffma.org for more information. 44 O C T O B E R 2019 / T E X A S F I R E F I G H T E R
I didn’t see a way out, but then I reached out. - Scott, Fire/EMS Helpline caller
Thanks to the support I received from the Fire/EMS Helpline, I got my life back on track and now feel like myself again. Being a firefighter takes an emotional toll on all of us. If you need help, please make the call.
TM
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 free, confidential, and available 24/7. Brought to you by firefighters for firefighters and EMTs, in partnership with American Addiction Centers.
IT’S TIME TO RECRUIT
VOLUNTEERFIREFIGHTER.ORG 855.VOL.FIRE THE SFFMA LOOKS FORWARD TO WORKING WITH ALL OF THE VOLUNTEER & COMBINATION DEPARTMENTS IN THE STATE OVER THE 4-YEAR GRANT PERIOD. THIS GRANT BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2019 AND ENDS ON NOVEMBER 17, 2022. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE CONTACT GRANT@SFFMA.ORG.