October 2005 - State Firemen's & Fire Marshals'

TEXASFIREMENTHE MAGAZINE FOR TEXAS FIREFIGHTERSVOLUME 40 ISSUE 4 OCTOBER 2005In Memory ofThomas Harwell2006 SFFMA PresidentOCTOBER 2005 TEXAS FIREMEN

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Texas Firemen...The Magazine for Texas Firefighters OCTOBER 2005FEATURES6 Thomas Harwell...A Life Well LivedBy Helen L. Johnson9 The Firemen’s Monument10 Fire Fighter’s Pension CommissionBy Lisa Ivie Miller15 SFFMA Membership Advantages & Application17 SFFMA Executive Board18 Salute to Past Presidents of SFFMA19 SFFMA District Map & OfficersThomas Harwell1937-200521 SFFMA Certification Board & Zone Map23 Industrial Emergency Services Board25 2005-2006 SFFMA Committees35 Other Fire Service Boards38 Texas Commission on Fire Protection Update39 WPI UpdateBy Lisa Peterson41 Texas Forest ServiceBy Casey Flinn34 ESTI/TEEXBy Les BunteDEPARTMENTS4 Letters to the Editor 38 Auxiliary5 Executive Director’s Corner 46 Calendar of Events12 Across the State 46 ClassifiedTexas Firemen, issued in the month of October, is the official publication of the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas. Any personinterested in the fire service may become an individual member of this Association by the payment of annual dues in the amount of $20 per year whichincludes individual membership and allows for eligibility of benefits, including a subscription to this magazine, which may be available to individualmembers. Editorial and advertising offices are at 4450 Frontier Trail, Austin, Texas 78756, telephone (512) 454-3473, FAX (512) 453-1876. Advertisingrates and requirements are available upon request. Texas Firemen assumes no responsibility for statements made by contributors. Advertising in TexasFiremen does not imply approval or endorsement by the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas. Writers, photographers and artists areencouraged to submit their work to Texas Firemen. A self-addressed, stamped envelope should accompany all submissions.OCTOBER 2005 TEXAS FIREMEN3

4Planning ConferenceJanuary 27-28, 2006Waco, TXSchedule of EventsFriday, January 27, 2006Hilton9 am – 1 pm Industrial Fire Board1 pm – 5 pm SFFMA Executive BoardSaturday, January 28, 2006Convention Center8:30 am – Noon Certification BoardFinanceConstitution & BylawsPumper RacesTFA Meeting10:30 am – Noon PosterExhibitsMemorialDriving Contest11 am T★Flag Meeting1 – 2 pm District Officers2 – 5 pm Planning ConferenceMeeting5 pm Site SelectionALL MEETINGS ADJOURNEDON SATURDAYNO MEETINGS ARE SCHEDULEDFOR SUNDAYTEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005Lettersto the EditorThe Gulf Coast District would like to express out gratitudeto the Executive Board for hosting the recent District Officer’sSymposium. The facilitator as well as the facilities createdan atmosphere that allowed all of the District Officers tocontribute to the success of this symposium. There wereseveral ideas presented that can help all of the districts operatemore efficiently.Sincerely,Chuck Richardson PresidentGulf Coast Fireman’s AssociationWe received your heartwarming letter and the check todayin the mail. We are still having trouble comprehending theloss of John. We were overwhelmed with the outpouring oflove and support from so many. We didn’t realize just howmany lives that John touched.He loved the fire department and truly enjoyed his timebeing involved with ESD #4. And yes, we agree that ChiefSmith is as good as it comes.The firefighting community really is a family in its ownrite. We want to thank the SFFMA for the benefits given tothe firefighter families. We are grateful that John was involvedin such a caring organization.The Freemyer FamilyOver the years, firefighters have been called on to doextraordinary things and have never failed once to answerthe call of duty. Very few people can be considered trueheroes. In the eyes of someone living with musculardystrophy, firefighters have been doing heroic things foryears. Thanks to each of you for your generous support andtireless efforts in making a tremendous difference in the livesof Texas children and adults diagnosed with a neuromusculardisease. We are all part of one MDA family and we are all inthis fight together.On behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and thefamilies that are served in the Red River District, we wouldlike to extend a heartfelt thank you to the State Firemen’sand Fire Marshal’s Association for your donation of $5,031.61!It was a great pleasure to meet all of you and to have theSFFMA convention in Wichita Falls.Your donation will help MDA provide scientific researchseeking treatments and cures for Duchenne MuscularDystrophy in memory of Sean McKinnis.You are truly our heroes!Warmest Regards,Heather Newsom, District DirectorRed River MDAI wanted to thank the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’Association of Texas for the hospitality that was shown toour families and staff during this year’s convention. As youcan imagine, this has been a difficult year for the MDA family,of which the SFFMA is an important part. The McKinnisfamily truly felt at home and the warm reception meant a lotcontinued on page 45

2005-2006Executive BoardIn Memory ofPRESIDENTThomas Harwell1 ST VICE PRESIDENTKyle StephensPO Box 331 • Decatur, TX 76234940/627-2401(H)940/627-4530(C)940/627-7240(F)kestephens@wccs.net2nd VICE PRESIDENTDonnie Pickard307 E University St • Ovilla, TX 75154972/617-2498 (H) 972/617-7375(W)972/617-5793 (F) 972/679-5743(C)dpickard@ovillafire.org3rd VICE PRESIDENTShawn Snider2804 Chateau St • Edinburg, TX 78539956/380-1357(H) 956/383-5661(W)956/383-7111(F) 956/605-0760(C)ssnider@ci.edinburg.tx.us4th VICE PRESIDENTKent Watts, Jr303 E Bowie Luling, TX 78648830/875-9239 (H) 512/385-2130 (W)lwattsk@hotmail.comSECRETARYRichard Van WinklePO Box 296 • Alvarado, TX 76009817/790-3859(H) 817/790-8884 (W)817/783-6505 (F) 817/538-2313(C)chief7900@yahoo.comASSISTANT SECRETARYR.R. “Bob” Doolittle1428 Foreman St • La Marque, TX 77568409/938-7357(H)409/935-9191(F)409/770-7578(C)Rrd608@sbcglobal.netCHAPLAINBen KennedyPO Box 11859 • College Station, TX 77842979/862-7420(W) 979/458-0649(F)979/229-1263(C)ben.kennedy@teexmail.tamu.eduPAST PRESIDENTR. D. “Bo” WelbornPO Box 130 • Silsbee, TX 77656409/386-2919(H) 409/790-3291(C)BnSWelborn@aol.comBOARD PARLIMENTARIANF. Jim WhiteOverton FD304 E. Mundy St • Overton, TX 75684903/834-3457(H) 903/834-3625 (F)whitejf@westruck.esc7.netMASCOTColton HughesPleasant Grove FDPO Box 1101 • Nash, TX 75569It is always a pleasure to put togetherthe October Texas Firemen Magazine. Weknow that this is the issue that you useand rely on for information throughoutthe year. A special thank you to all whoprovided articles for the issue and to theadvertisers who continually supportthis magazine.One of the highlights of the monthof August was the District Officer’sSymposium held at the Inn at Baron’sCreek in Fredricksburg, Texas. Fifteenof the 16 Districts sent representativesto this important and worthwhileweekend symposium. All members ofthe Executive Board were in attendanceas well as two representatives from thePast Presidents. The purpose of thismeeting was to fulfill a goal that theExecutive Board established in its5-Year Plan back in the fall of 2003. Thatgoal included addressing the issuesof attendance, membership andrecruitment at the district level. We fullyexpect to see some innovative actionstaken at the district level as a result ofthis exciting weekend. A very specialthank you to Deputy Director ChrisBarron for all the work he did to put thismeeting together.During my 34 years in the fire service,I’ve always been thankful for the senseof family that exists in the fire serviceand especially within the SFFMA. Thosefeelings came full circle for me inAugust when my mother passed awayafter 15 years of suffering withThe Executive Director’s CornerHelen L. Johnson, EFOExecutive DirectorAlzheimers. Words are inadequate forme to express to you the love that yousurrounded me and my family withduring this difficult time. For those ofyou who came to the Family Visitiation,the Funeral Service, sent flowers,provided food, sent memorials andcards, made telephone calls, and simplysurrounded me, my son Ronnie and mydaughter Rhonda, with your love, wecan never adequately express ourappreciation and heartfelt thanks toyou. Specials words of thanks to myStaff for supporting me through thedifficult days and to the multitudes ofyou from around the country whoresponded with such love and support.You have truly been my angels throughthis difficult time. I had the blessing ofbeing with my mother around the clockthe five days preceeding her death andto hold her hand as she passed on to herreward. I will always treasure that timethat God gave me.The SFFMA and the GalvestonCounty Firefighters Association willhost the National Volunteer FireCouncil Fall Meeting at the San Luis inGalveston, October 19-23, 2005. PatrickHlavaty is the SFFMA Texas Directorand Dallas Renfrew serves as ourAlternate Director. The SFFMA ExecutiveBoard will also hold its Fall BoardMeeting in Galveston during thistime.I wish you a pleasant Fall...myfavorite time of the year! You will bereceiving your 2006 Dues Notices in thenear future and we thank you formaking those payments in a timelymanner.Thank you again for your dedicationto this organization. I encourage you tocontinue that work.Stay Safe.Helen L. JohnsonState Firemen’s &Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas4450 Frontier TrailAustin, TX 78745www.sffma.org 512/454-3473OCTOBER 2005 TEXAS FIREMEN5

In Memory of. . .Thomas Harwell…A Life Well LivedIt wasn’t supposed to be this way. The Octobermagazine article for President Harwell was suppose to befun and exciting for the writer and for Thomas, a way tohonor the President of the SFFMA during his presidentialyear. Instead, we’re remembering his life...a life that endedbefore we were ready...but, certainly honoring a Life WellLived.Thomas Harwell was extremely excited on June 15, 2005when he accepted the Presidential badge and gavel andbecame President of the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’Association of Texas. He was so looking forward to hispresidential year and had already coined the phrase“Waco, Here We Come”, as he thought about hisconvention in Waco in June, 2006.The fire service had been a part of Thomas’s life forthirty-three years. He actually joined the Cameron FireDepartment because he wanted to help his community and6 TEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005By Helen L. JohnsonThomas at the 129th Annual SFFMATraining Conference & Convention,Wichita Falls, June 14, 2005.serve the people of his town. Little did he know that hewould fall in love with the fire department and the fireservice. As he looked back over his initial interest inbecoming a firemen, he would thank his long time friendLeslie “Papa” Bruedigan, who built that interest in Thomas.Not only were they together in the fire service, they werebest friends, doing everything together, including theirdeer hunting trips.Thomas had been a member of the SFFMA for 28 yearswhen he decided to run for fourth vice president. Hespoke with some of the past presidents, expressing hisinterest to be on the State Board so that he could help thefire service in the state. He won that run for the Board atthe McAllen convention in 2001.As Thomas rose through the chairs, he not only wasactive at the State level, but had the opportunity to attendthe Congressional Fire Service Institute Annual Meeting in

June and ThomasWashington D.C. in April, 2005. He thoroughly enjoyedhis trip to Washington with other SFFMA leaders and wasthrilled to walk the Halls of Congress meeting nationalleaders and attending workshops and the CFSI Dinner.When President Harwell beganestablishing his goals for his presidentialyear, high on his list was to pay off theloan on the new Frontier Trail officebuilding, a goal that will probably bereached during his presidential year. Itwas also very important to Thomas toenhance attendance and programs at theDistrict Meeting level and this goal wascertainly addressed at the DistrictOfficers Symposium held in Fredericksburg, August 12-14.He was passionate about training for SFFMA members andto continue to increase participation in the Association.Thomas was a man of few words, but a man that youlistened to when he spoke. His words of wisdom for thefire service would be “be safe, be well trained, have funwhen you can, and enjoy the friendships you make alongthe way”. He certainly lived those words and made alasting impact on all the ‘friends he made along the way’.If you asked Thomas what it was in his life that he tookthe most pride in, it would have certainly been his family.He was married to Billie June for forty-four years beforeher death in 2003. They had four children, Janet Hearleand husband Mike; Jeff; William and wife Cindy; andDavid and wife Tricia. They had five grandchildren, Eric,Tyler, Justin, A.J. and Julia. Conversations with Thomaswould always, at some point, turn to his family. They weretruly the joy of his life.His life was well rounded and included a balance offamily, the insurance business, community service throughthe fire department, hunting and fishing with his friends,and that much cherished elk hunting trip to Colorado withhis brother.This is still Thomas Harwell’s year. The Executive Boardvoted unanimously to leave the seat of the 2006 Presidentof the SFFMA were it rightfully belongs, with the personelected to that position,Thomas Harwell. Hewas a good man andwe honor his life andhis memory. And yes,Thomas, “Waco, HereWe Come”…it will beyour ConventionJune 10-14, 2006 inWaco, Texas. We willcelebrate your life. Helen L. Johnson isExecutive Director of theSFFMA and a freelancewriter.OCTOBER 2005 Above: The Harwell Grandchildren- Eric, Tyler, Justin,A.J. & Julia.Left: June (center) with“Papa Bruedigan (right).Below: Thomas fishing withgrandchildren Julia & A.J.TEXAS FIREMEN7

History1876 Dedication of the MonumentTheFiremen’s MonumentAustin: During the construction of the present Capitol, onMarch 28, 1883, Governor John Ireland approved an actpassed by the legislature “to permit the State Firemen’sAssociation to erect a monument within the Capitol grounds.”The law required the monument to cost at least $5,000 and“that the names of only those firemen who have lost theirlives in discharge of their duty as firemen shall have theirnames engraved on said monument.”The Firemen’s Association did not erect the monument atthe time, probably because of the construction of the Capitol,and in February 1895 the legislature amended the 1883 act toprovide for the selection of a site for the monument. Jaeggli& Martin of Brenham contracted to build the monument andFrank Teich of San Antonio became the subcontractor for theproject. Teich cut the gray granite from quarry near Llano inLlano County, and polished the huge granite blocks in hisworkshop in San Antonio. By May 1896, work had begun toerect the monument on the Capitol grounds. By late June,the monument was nearly completed, and the Firemen’sAssociation was planning a dedication ceremony. Aftercompletion of the monument on June 30, it was “veiled” insheeting and unveiled on the afternoon of July 7, 1896during a statewide meeting of the Firemen’s Associationin Austin.In place of the bronze statue of a fireman holding a babyon the monument today, the Firemen’s Monument originallyhad a tall obelisk (an upright four-sided usuallymonolithic pillar that gradually tapers as it raises andterminates in a pyramid) topped by a granite statue of afiremen holding a large fire hose. The obelisk and originalgranite statue were replaced by the bronze statue. Themonument was rededicated in May 1905 at another statewidemeeting of the Firemen’s Association in Austin. On the baseof the sculpture is stamped “MFD by W.H. Mullins, Salem,The Firemen’s Monument as it stands todayOhio, J. Segesman, Sculptor.” According to newspaperarticles from the Austin Daily Statesman, dated July 7, 1896,“the firemen will with much pomp and glory unveil themonument in the Capitol ground which has been constructedunder the personal supervision of the firemen’s committee.These ceremonies will be most imposing in everyparticular, and a chorus of 600 voices accompanied by a brassband and under the leadership of Professor Besserer willrender some appropriate music. 106 fire companies werepresent.” In another article dated July 8, 1896: “The firemen’smonument, which was unveiled and presented to thefiremen yesterday, in conception, material and design iscertainly an admirable work of art. It is of gray granite, 50feet 2 inches in height, and stands on a pedestal composed offour bases, the first base being 12 feet square, the second 9feet square, the third 7x6, and fourth base 6x6, the four basescontinued on next pageOCTOBER 2005 TEXAS FIREMEN 9

Fire FightersPension CommissionStaffE.O.Thompson Bldg.920 Colorado St.Austin, TX 78701(Mailing Address: PO Box 12577,Austin, TX 78711)Phone: 512/936-3372TX Only: 800/919-3372CommissionerLisa Ivie Miller(512) 936-3470 FAX: (512) 936-3480Mobile: 512/698-4593lisa.iviemiller@ffpc.state.tx.usExecutive AssistantBelinda Ramsey(512) 936-3473 FAX: (512) 936-3480belinda.ramsey@ffpc.state.tx.usDirector of PolicyKevin Deiters(512) 936-3472 FAX: (512) 936-3480kevin.deiters@ffpc.state.tx.usSystems AnalystGeorge McCullough(512) 936-3474 FAX: (512) 475-2430Mobile: 636-0266george.mccullough@ffpc.state.tx.usProgram AdministratorElaine Rummel(512) 936-3471 FAX: (512) 936-3480elaine.rummel@ffpc.state.tx.usProgram AdministratorLinda Hajovsky(512) 936-3410 FAX: (512) 475-2430linda.hajovsky@ffpc.state.tx.usBenefits SpecialistAnthony Alexander(512) 936-3478 FAX: (512) 475-2430anthony.alexander@ffpc.state.tx.usBenefits SpecialistJoey Evans(512) 936-3464 FAX: (512) 475-2430joey.evans@ffpc.state.tx.usContract AccountantJudy Johnson(512) 936-3479 FAX: (512) 936-3480judy.johnson@ffpc.state.tx.usBenefits Specialist(512) 936-3477 FAX: (512) 475-2430ffpc.state.tx.usUpdateThe Fire Fighter’s Pension CommissionCommissionerwithin 30 years;Lisa Ivie Miller • a lump-sum payment for certainannuities if it would be more costefficientSince assuming this position inFebruary 2004, the Fire Fighter’sPension Commission has seen a lot ofchange. My staff, Boards of Trusteesand I have tried to provide as many ofyou information about the changes atthe Commission as possible, but Iknow there are still many of you whohave not heard from us. So, with thisarticle I would like to highlight theaccomplishments we have made in thisagency to make it much more efficientand effective for the firefighters we serveand for the taxpayers of this state.In the recent legislative session, weworked with Senator Ken Armbristerand Representative Craig Eiland andthe Leadership to pass Senate Bill 522that completely overhauled the Texasor if it were necessary tomaintain actuarial soundness;• an administrative fee to be chargedto governing bodies for administeringbenefits to persons who weretransferred from another pensionsystem; and• changes to meet Internal RevenueService requirements.Other provisions of the bill would:• provide a five-year period afterthe date of an election to participatefor a department to revoke participation.No revocation could occurfor a department joining afterSeptember 1, 2005;• broaden the definition of “qualifiedservice” to include other kinds oftraining besides drills;Emergency Services Personnel • prevent two administrativeRetirement Fund, now known as theTexas Emergency Services RetirementSystem (TESRS). This new law allowsthe Board of Trustees to address the plandesigns changes needed to reduce theunfunded actuarial liabilities of thefund. Currently in rulemaking, theseplan design changes will create a morestabilized funding and benefit schemefor participating members today and inthe future.The bill provisions would allow theState Board of Trustees to, by rule,establish the following:• periods for full and partial vestingof benefits;• a minimum contribution level;• a multiplier or formula to be usedin computing benefits;• the method for providing an increasein benefits for service in excessof the vesting period;• an increase in local contributions forthe purpose of funding the plan’sunfunded actuarial accrued liabilityhearings on the same issue and toprevent appeal of a board decisionto a district court; and• continue the requirement for thestate obligation, by statute, of upto one-third of the aggregatedepartmental contributions if theplan becomes actuarially unsound.Another challenge this agency facedwas the funding of the administrativefunctions of the agency. Workingwith Senate Finance and HouseAppropriations Committees, we wereable to stabilize the fragile pension fundby no longer taking administrative costsout of the pension fund. Reducing thesecosts coming from the fund willdecrease the long-term actuarialfunding needs that ultimately comefrom the state at a much higher cost andproves the Legislatures’ support of thisagency specifically dedicated to theretirement benefits of firefighters andtheir beneficiaries statewide .continued on page 45OCTOBER 2005 TEXAS FIREMEN 11

across the stateATTENTIONCERTIFICATION COORDINATORS!!2005 Progress Reports are due by January 31, 2006Please note that the SFFMA Onlinesystem allows departments to track hoursand submit reports electronically. If usingthis system just a signed cover sheet needsto be mailed to our office. All previousand current training is to be entered by thedepartment. For instructions on the useof the Online system download the Users’Guide from the Login page.Should your department not wishto use the Online system, any softwareapplication or spreadsheet providing therequired information progress reports willbe accepted. Be sure to include the signedcover sheet with it.If a firefighter achieves hours for theirnext level of certification after the reportis submitted, then mark an individualreport “UPDATED” and submit it with theapplication.Instructions for filing 2005 ProgressReports not submitted online:• Complete an individual report for eachperson in the department that isparticipating in the SFFMA CertificationProgram, who were paid members ofSFFMA in 2005.Current Year Hours – all hours earnedin 2005 for this reportAll Previous Years Hours – all hoursearned prior to 2005All Years Hours – Current Year Hoursadded to All Previous Years HoursHours Needed for Level – All YearsHours subtracted from Required Hours• Be sure to enter all hours at each level ineach section. As of June 2004, theCertification Board has made it apolicy that all hours, even those forcertifications already held, must besubmitted. Any sections with the “TotalTraining Hours” field left blank will beassumed to be incomplete. Incompleteforms will be returned to be completed infull. A zero in the “Total Training Hours”field is sufficient to show no training wasdone for that level.• Alphabetize the individual reports.• Social Security numbers and birthdatesare required by the Certification Boardfor all individuals being submitted. Thisinformation is used for informationpurposes only and helps to ensure thatoverpayment of dues is caught andcorrected.• Complete one cover sheet for the entirereport and attach to the individual reports.Reports are due by January 31 st eachyear. Submit $25.00 late fee for reportssubmitted after that date.Fire Marshal’s Conference to be held in AustinThe State Fire Marshal’s Office andthe Texas Fire Marshals’ Associationwill host the 7th Annual Fire Marshal’sConference in Austin, October 24-28.This year’s conference will featureCounty & Municipal Fire MarshalForums, the International BuildingCode, Plan Review, Legislative Update,Successes in Fire Prevention Programs,and much more. We encourage you toregister for this conference as soon aspossible. The complete registrationpacket is located at http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/general/pdf/ Waco, TXfmconference.pdf12 TEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005You may obtain further informationby calling Scott Smith at the State FireMarshal’s Office at (512) 305-7902 ore-mail scott.smith@tdi.state.tx.us.130th Annual SFFMATraining Conference& ConventionJune 10-14, 2006TEXFIRS UpdateThe State Fire Marshal’s Office is inthe process of closing its TEXFIRSstate master file for all fire and nonfireincidents responded to by firedepartments in 2004. All 2004 datashould be submitted as soon as possible.Participating in TEXFIRS meets therequirements for both state and nationalNFIRS reporting.As a reminder, fire departmentsshould make every effort to activelyparticipate in monthly reporting.Departments continue to receivefunding assistance through the UnitedStates Fire Administration and the TexasCommission on Fire Protection forpurchasing fire equipment, apparatus,and fire prevention material. One of thestipulations of this grant awards isthat fire departments routinely andconsistently submit their incidents to thestate.• Data should be routinely submittedon a monthly basis.• Submittals should be consistent.Departments must report activityfor each month. In order to receivecredit for participation, a “no activity”report must be submitted whena department has no calls during amonth.• Departments must verify by phone(512) 305-7950 or (800)578-4677 orby email TEXFIRS@tdi.state.tx.usthat their information is beingreceived successfully by the StateFire Marshal’s Office.For more information onincident reporting please visit ourwebsite www.tdi.state.tx.us/fire, orcontact our TEXFIRS section atTEXFIRS@tdi.state.tx.us, (512)305-7950or 1(800)578-4677.With Deepest SympathySanta Fe Firefighter Mike Earley andhis family in the death of his five yearold son, Aaron, who was killed in avehicle/bicycle accident on September9, 2005.Helen Johnson, Executive Directorand family on the passing of her motherHattie Benner, August 8, 2005.

across the stateTFA ScholarshipGuidelines1. Request for application and essaytopic shall be by written request to theTFA Scholarship Chairman postmarkedafter November 1 and by January 31.Essay topic will be released to the applicantsafter January 1.2. Applicants must be the son ordaughter of an active, retired or deceasedmember of TFA of SFFMA.3. Applicants must be a graduatinghigh school senior or a current college/vo-tech student to apply.Mail written request to: Sara Weiss,TFA Scholarship Chairman 1100 OldNavasota Rd, Brenham, TX 77833.Fiero NamedNacogdoches ChiefDavid Fiero has been namedFire Chief of the Nacogdoches FireDepartment. Chief Fiero is a retiredbattalion chief from the City of AustinFire Department and is a member ofTexas Task Force 1, a nationallyrecognized urban search and rescueteam. He has been deployed with thetask force to New Orleans and willassume his duties in NacogdochesOctober 1, 2005. Cy-Fair VFD Honor GuardThe Cy-Fair VFD has organized anHonor Guard in their department. Forthose considering forming your ownHonor Guard, you can contact Lt. JoAnnLinnenkugel or Captain Henry Rubio at281/932-7199 or 281/802-8862.The Cy-Fair Honor Guard is availablefor funerals, Open House events andvarious other events. They formed in2003 and have 15 Guardsmen and twoHandlers.Jandt Retires from TCFPJohn Jandt retired as certificationofficer at the fire commission effectiveAugust 31. John has been a member ofthe staff of the fire commission fornearly 13 years. John intends to continuepracticing law and remain active as amember of the Seguin Volunteer FireDepartment and the State Firemen’s andFire Marshals’ Association. The agencyhosted a retirement party for John onAugust 30.NVFC Names HlavatyFirefighter of the YearThe National Volunteer Fire Councilhas announced it’s Firefighter of theYear Award recipient and it is ourvery own PATRICK HLAVATY! Thisprestigious award is given each yearby the NVFC from nominationsreceived from their member states andassociations. We are very proud to havean SFFMA member receive this award.The Award will be presented toPatrick on October 22, at the NVFCBanquet at the San Luis in Galveston, atthe close of their Annual Meeting. TheSFFMA Executive Board will be there toshare in the excitement with Patrick andHelen.We are very proud of our NVFCDelegate, Patrick Hlavaty.Texas A&M Municipal Fire SchoolAbove: Representative Jim Keffer is pictured at Texas A&MMunicipal Fire School with his constituents fromPossum Kingdom Lake East Fire Department. Left to right:David Basley, Diana Ranft, State Representative Jim Keffer,Kristi Spaeth and Kevin SpaethL-R: Trent Thomas, Legislative Aide to Rep. Jim Keffer; BoWelborn, SFFMA Past President; Kyle Stephens, SFFMAInterim President; Helen Johnson, SFFMA ExecutiveDirector; Richard VanWinkle, SFFMA Secretary andRepresentative Jim Keffer.OCTOBER 2005 TEXAS FIREMEN13

across the stateIn MemorialJack Wilson, 81, (retired chief) NewBraunfels Fire Department, passed awaySunday, September 11, 2005. Afterserving in the military, Wilson workedat Tinker AFB as a firefighter and retiredas the asst. fire chief in 1972 after 30 yearsof service. Jack and his wife, Virginia,moved to New Braunfels in 1973 andJack retired as the Fire Chief in 1987 fromthe New Braunfels Fire Dept.He is survived by his wife, twochildren and five grandsons.Funeral services were held September15 at the New Braunfels PresbyterianChurch, with interment at Fort SamHouston National Cemetery. Ernest Emerson, former State FireMarshal of Texas, passed awaySeptember 10, 2005. Much of his careerwas spent with the Dallas Fire Department,serving as a firefighter, a fireinspector, chief of the arson squad andeventually to rising to the Chief FireMarshal for the City of Dallas. He servedmany years as President of the DallasFirefighters’ Association, and climbedto state–level positions includingPresident of the Texas State Firefighters’Association.Emerson moved to Austin when bebecame the State Fire Marshal, duringwhich time, he was the first directorof the Texas Commission on FireProtection.In 2001, Ernest became one of the firstrecipients of the prestigious “StoneCutters Award” for his lifetime ofdedication to the betterment of the fireservice. The State of Texas named theErnest A. Emerson Fire Protection ResourceLibrary in Mr. Emerson’s honor.He is survived by his wife, twochildren and a granddaughter.Funeral services were held at LaurelLand Funeral Home, Dallas, with burialat the Laurel Land Cemetery. Thefuneral was observed with both fullfirefighter honors and U.S. military rites. Danny Hutchinson, long timemember of the Kickapoo VFD passedaway August 22, 2005. Services wereheld August 27 at the First BaptistChurch in Holliday.14TEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005Nightclub Fire SafetyIn the summer of 2004, the State FireMarshal’s Office (SFMO) conducted afire safety evaluation of 189 nightclubs,bars and dance halls in various areas ofthe state. The SFMO conducted thisanalysis to determine if fire safetyviolations existed in Texas bars similarto those contributing to the February2003 multiple fatality fire that occurredat the Station Club in West Warwick,Rhode Island. An alarming 96 percentof these facilities had means of egressviolations.There are over 20,000 facilitiesthroughout Texas similar to thoseinspected in this project. Local officialsshould work to ensure that similarconditions do not exist in theircommunities. Uncorrected, thesecritical means-of-egress violations posea potential threat to public safety.To lessen the likelihood of a similarfire tragedy in Texas, the State FireMarshal recommends that fire officials:· Focus their efforts on inspections ofbars, nightclubs and dance halls andfollow up to ensure that all fire safetyviolations, especially egress problems,are corrected;· Develop a long-range plan forimproving nightclub fire safety thatincludes, at a minimum:~ Implementing effective staff/security fire safety training andfirefighter pre-planning forsuppression activities;~ Ensuring proper functioning ofkitchen hood protection systems,sprinkler systems, and alarmsystems;~ Establishing and enforcingoccupant load, appropriate interiorfinishes, proper maintenance ofelectrical extension cords andadequate emergency lighting, and;~ Ensuring the appropriate use ofpyrotechnics and open flames(candles, etc.)The State Fire Marshal’s Office isworking with the Texas AlcoholBeverage Commission to heightenawareness in the club and bar establishmentsof fire safety issues. This programwill train the ABC agents on firesafety awareness and the owners andcontinued on page 45Eighth Annual CapitalArea Interagency WildfireAcademyThe 8 th Annual Capital Area InteragencyWildfire Academy will be heldOctober 14-28 at Camp Swift in Bastrop,Texas. The academy will feature 44classes that cover a variety of topicsfrom basic wildland firefightingthrough advanced wildland fire tactics.Additionally, Urban Wildland Interfaceand NIMS ICS classes have been addedto this year’s academy. Other coursesinclude wildland fire cause anddetermination, medical unit leader,EVOC and aviation classes. Theseclasses run from 1 to 5 days and manyhave been scheduled so individuals cantake advantage of weekend classes. Fora complete listing of all classes andschedules please refer to the academywebsite at www.tamu.edu/ticc.The academy is run under the ICSsystem; students will go through thecheck-in process, attend briefings,participate in classroom and fieldactivities and complete their trainingthrough demob.The 11,000 acre Camp Swift facilityoffers the opportunity to conductclassroom and field activities on site.This unique partnership with the TexasArmy National Guard also allows theacademy to provide lodging at noadditional costs to students.Tuition for the academy is $50 perday which includes; all coursematerials, two meals and lodging.In addition to the courses listed,students may sign up to fill traineepositions on the Incident ManagementTeam. These trainees will functionwithin the command staff, general staff,and various unit leader positions.Interested persons are encouraged toreview the schedule and register forclasses. Training tuition grants areavailable for qualifying departmentsthrough the House Bill 2604 Program.If you have specific questionsregarding the academy you can contactthe academy registrar at (936) 875-4786or your Texas Forest Service RegionalFire Coordinator.

State Firemen’s & Fire Marshals’Association of TexasThe State’s Ninth Largest Trade AssociationMEMBERSHIP BENEFITS!!!Reasons to be a SFFMA Member:Membership with 20,000 other Texas FirefightersSponsorship of Texas Fire Training School at Texas A&M UniversityMembership on Texas A&M Fire Advisory BoardCertification Program for VolunteersThe Texas Firemen MagazineInfoFire PublicationDiscounts on IFSTA, Delmar, and Jones & Bartlett Training MaterialsAnnual Training Conference/ConventionLegislative Voice at the State and Federal LevelApproval Entity for Volunteer Automobile License PlatesNominating Authority for Governor’s Appointments to Pension CommissionNominating Authority for Nominations to Fire Service Boards & CommissionsState Firemen’s Monument at State CapitolWeb Site Access - http://www.sffma.orgSFFMA Online Certification Reporting - http://www.sffma.orgInformation Clearing CenterIndustrial Fire Services SupportLiaison with other Fire Service OrganizationsCredit Card Discount Program - MBNA Credit Card with 8.9% rate (Call 800/437-0180)Hotel Discounts (Call 800/2582847, ID # 00800469)Prepaid Legal Services$2,000 Accidental Death Benefit - American Income LifeGMAC Mortgage Benefits (Call 512/343-4464)Long Distance Benefits (Call 800/212-3473)Association Member Beneifts Advisors: http://www.amba.info/benefits1.htmlNewman Health Insurance Services: www.libbynewman.com, or call 866/226-8860SFFMA • 4450 Frontier Trail • Austin, Texas 78745 • 512/454-3473 • Fax 512/453-1876Website address: http://www.sffma.orgOCTOBER 2005 TEXAS FIREMEN15

INDIVIDUALSFFMA Membership ApplicationJanuary to December 2006FIRE DEPARTMENTNameHome AddressCity, State, ZipCountyDOBHome PhoneE-mailSocial Security NoFire DepartmentOccupation/Work Phone NoMale [ ] Female [ ]DepartmentAddressCity, State, ZipCountyTelephone NoFax NoE-mail AddressPopulation ServedFire ChiefFire MarshalIndividual Membership$ 20.00ASSOCIATION / ORGANIZATIONOrganizationCertification CoordDepartment MembershipCheck No$AddressCity, State, ZipCountyTelephone No.Fax No.E-mailContactOrganization MembershipCheck No.$100.00SFFMADepartment Dues By Population$ 75.00 0 - 1,750$115.00 1,751 - 5,000$135.00 5,001 - 10,000$155.00 10,001 - 20,000$175.00 20,001 - 30,000$200.00 30,001 - 40,000$225.00 40,001 - +Mail membership application and comments to:State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association, 4450 Frontier Trail, Austin, TX 78745Phone: 512/454-3473 Fax: 512/453-1876 Email Address: rwicker@sffma.org“Contributions or gifts to State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas are not tax deductible as charitable contributionsfor Federal income tax purposes. However, they may be tax deductible under other provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.”16TEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005

2005-2006 SFFMA Executive BoardThe Board of the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texasdedicates itself to the membership of the Association.They represent firefighters from across the State of Texas. We salute them for theirdedication, their professionalism, their passion for the fire service and theirdesire to lead this great Association.We thank you and support you!Front row l-r: Donnie Pickard, 2nd Vice President; Kyle Stephens, 1st Vice President; Thomas Harwell,President; Shawn Snider, 3rd Vice President; Kent Watts, Jr., 4th Vice President.Back row l-r: Colton Hughes, Mascot; Ben Kennedy, Chaplain; R.R. ‘Bob’ Doolittle, Assistant Secretary;Richard Van Winkle, Secretary; R.D. ‘Bo’ Welborn, Past President.Also featured: Helen Johnson, Executive Director; Chris Barron, Deputy Director.“Promote, Unify, Represent and Educatethe Fire Service of Texas.”~ SFFMA Mission StatementOCTOBER 2005 TEXAS FIREMEN17

A Salute to the Past Presidents of the SFFMAC. H. Boring, Jr. Past President 19612600 Pualani Way # 2301 H: (808) 924-5370Honolulu, HI 96815 chboring@earthlink.comBilly R. Haynes Past President 1973PO Box 840 H: (936) 327-8463Livingston, TX 77351Mike Perez Past President 19751818 Rosario St H: (956) 722-1820Laredo, TX 78043Bob O’Burke Past President 1977206 McMurry Ave H: (972) 298-3291Duncanville, TX 75116Jack King Past President 1981661B FM 2550 H: (936) 295-3967Huntsville, TX 77320 ajackking@aol.comMarvin R. Setzer Past President 1983Brazoria FD H: (979) 798-2727PO Box 382 W: (979) 798-2277Brazoria. TX 77422 chief405@computron.netRay L. Williamson Past President 1984320 E Milam St H: (979) 532-0186Wharton. TX 77488Bob J. Looney Past President 1986220 Juniper St H: (817) 473-1182Mansfield. TX 76063 plooney@yahoo.comThomas B. Bledsoe Past President 1987Gilmer FD H: (903) 790-50442596 Bob O Link RdGilmer, TX 75645Ernest O. Reesing, Jr. Past President 1988Alpine FD H: (432) 837-297410 Sunny Glen #11 D: (432) 837-2366Alpine, TX 79830 reesing@speedexpress.netGerald Allen Matheaus Past President 1989Needville FD H: (281) 342-1711PO Box 374 W: (281) 344-1811Needville, TX 77461 fire2@ev1.netBilly Ray Mize Past President 1991Burkburnett FD H (940) 569-1841808 Easy St W: (940) 723-8225Burkburnett. TX 76354 brmize@ww911.comJ. E. Eckert, III Past President 1992PO Box 352 H: (806) 983-5040Floydada, TX 79235 jee_eee@swbell.netDonald Joe Hoffman Past President 1993PO Box 1747 H: (979) 836-9473Brenham, TX 77834 W : (979) 836-6795don.hoffman@sbcglobal.netDonald Arthur Eernisse Past President 1994719 S Hill St H: (281) 467-8981Alvin, TX 77511shugntz@swbell.netDeloss Edwards Past President 19954733 Catclaw Dr H: (325) 695-5133Abilene, TX 79606 deloss36@hotmail.comWendell J. Davis Past President 19961801 Okelley Rd H: (512) 446-3040Rockdale, TX 76567 jimdavis82@yahoo.comPatrick Hlavaty Past President 1997El Campo FD H: (979) 543-94832012 Wilson Rd W: (979) 543-6441El Campo, TX 77437 pathelen@wcnet.netTerry K. Mayfield Past President 1999Seguin FD H: (830) 303-347318162 S State Hi-Way 123 D: (830) 401-2310Seguin, TX 78155tntmayfield@axs4u.netDallas Renfrew Past President 2000TEEX-Fire Protection Trg Div C: (979) 324-6089606 Welsh Ave W: (979) 458-4603College Station, TX 77840Dallas.Renfrew@teexmail.tamu.eduMichael Wayne Looney Past President 2001Mansfield FD H: (817) 473-42941110 Danbury Dr W: (817) 238-5905Mansfield, TX 76063 D: (817) 473-1104hiwaytoons@hotmail.comRichard M. Harmon Past President 2002Cameron Gardens FD H: (940) 689-00154805 Pawnee Pathway W: (940) 696-3270Wichita Falls, TX 76310 C: (940) 867-7837rhchief@wf.netCarl T. Anderson Past President 2003Santa Fe Fire & Rescue H: (409) 925-543412150 14th St D/W: (409) 925-7331Santa Fe, TX 77510 FDCHIEF700@houston.rr.comDavid Louis Luedeke Past President 2004Needville FD H: (979) 793-68218124 Banker St W: (281) 343-0071Needville, TX 77461 D: (979) 793-4262chief700@evl.net18TEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005

District OfficersCentral Texas District 1Ronnie SextonPresidentThorndale FD H: (254) 578-1604PO Box 736 D: (512) 898-2523Thorndale, TX 76577John Joseph MendozaSecretaryCameron FD H: (254) 697-8398611 E 5th St D: (254) 697-4702Cameron, TX 76520Guadalupe District 2Edwin M. BakerPresidentStockdale FD H: (830) 391-1713602 S 7th St W: (830) 996-1383Stockdale, TX 78160 D: (830) 996-1383wcert@felpsis.netRodney L. MichalkeSecretarySchulenburg FD H: (979) 743-4428891 North St D: (409) 743-3583Schulenburg, TX 78956rodneymichalke@schulenburg.txed.comTri Rivers District 3David R. BialasPresidentRosenberg FD H: (281) 239-37543108 Mockingbird Ln F: (832) 595-3601Rosenberg, TX 77471 davidb@ci.rosenberg.tx.usMichelle CornellSecretaryPecan Grove FD D: (281) 341-66771940 Melody LnRichmond, TX 77469South Central District 4Juan J. AdamePresidentCorpus Christi FD H: (512) 845-60564517 Larkspur Ln W/D: (361) 880-3932Corpus Christi, TX 78416Robert J. ThomasSecretaryIngleside VFD H: (361) 523-94473190 Rebecca St D: (361) 776-7422Ingleside, TX 78362rjthomas@sbcog98.orgRio Grande Valley District 5Gwenyth M. WillichPresidentLa Villa VFD H: (956) 262-1443PO Box 681 W: (956) 262-6820Elsa, TX 78543 D: (956) 262-5250Maricruz TovarSecretaryEdinburg FD W: (956) 383-5661212 W McIntyre StEdinburg, TX 78541Gulf Coast District 6Charles N. RichardsonPresidentWild Peach FD H: (979) 798-56694498 Country Road 347 W: (979) 491-2034Brazoria, TX 77422 D: (979) 798-2351Michael Allen RichterSecretaryNeedville FD H: (979) 793-6928PO Box 607 W: (409) 793-7050Needville, TX 77461 D: (979) 793-4262OCTOBER 2005 continued on next pageTEXAS FIREMEN 19

District Officers (continued)East Texas District 7Joe MenardPresidentBuna FD D: (409) 994-2178PO Box 301Buna, TX 77612Dennis M. GiffordSecretaryLumberton FD H: (409) 755-3379115 Candlewick Dr D/W: (409) 755-6031Lumberton, TX 77657 dennismgifford@aol.comNortheast Texas District 8Thomas B. BledsoePresidentGilmer FD H: (903) 790-50442596 Bob O Link RdGilmer, TX 75645F. Jim White SecretaryOverton FD H: (903) 834-3457304 E Mundy St F: (903) 834-3625Overton, TX 75684 whitejf@westrusk.esc7.netNorth Texas District 9Timothy Lee GothardPresidentCanton FD H: (903) 567-62656002 Forest Lane D: (903) 567-6477Canton, TX 75103Tgothard@vzinet.comKaren PickardSecretaryOvilla FD H: (972) 617-2498307 E University St W: (972) 205-2723Ovilla, TX 75154 D: (972) 617-7375kpickard@aol.comWest Texas District 10Carl Patrick HarrelsonPresidentArcher City FD H: (940) 574-2481PO Box 1363 D: (940) 574-4545Archer City, TX 76351 silverbulletkid@aol.comScott L. WhiteSecretaryBurkburnett FD D: (940) 569-3553612 S Oklahoma Cut OffBurkburnett, TX 76354Mid-West Texas District 11Jeff GrayPresidentMerkel FD W: (915) 928-48691412 Sunset St D: (915) 928-4725Merkel, TX 79536Steve E. CochranSecretaryMerkel FD H: (325) 928-5304100 Kent St W: (325) 575-2002Merkel, TX 79536 D: (915) 928-4725stevec@taylortel.netPanhandle District 12Joseph O. ParkerPresidentMuleshoe FD H: (806) 272-3135RR 3 Box 148Muleshoe, TX 79347Rickey Lynn HughesSecretaryFloydada FD H: (806) 983-3752202 S 1st St D: (806) 983-2834Floydada, TX 79235tickhughes@yahoo.comPermian Basin District 13Tommy D. SullivanPresidentHoward County VFD H: (432) 393-5853114 Brooks Rd D: (432) 268-1165Big Spring, TX 79720Keith MenschSecretaryDenver City FD H: (806) 592-2791PO Box 115 D: (806) 592-5426Denver City, TX 79323Hill Country District 14Grant TeplicekPresidentRowena VFD H: (325) 236-81071587 State Highway 70 S W: (325) 776-2284 x 111Sweetwater, TX 79556 D: (915) 442-2129laurie_teplicek@sbc.netKenneth John KvapilSecretaryBallinger FD H: (915) 365-594311 Bella Vista W: (915) 365-2231Ballinger, TX 76821 D: (325) 365-5137kjk@wcc.netWintergardenDistrict 15Charles E. GarrisPresidentPleasanton FD H: (830) 569-4119312 Tagert St W: (830) 769-2029Pleasanton, TX 78064emc-fm@karnesec.netJerry L. RustSecretaryVal Verde County Rural VFD H: (830) 774-331828 E Skyview Dr D: (830) 774-7640Del Rio, TX 78840North Central Texas District 16Ronald David KolberPresidentCentral Community FD H: (817) 341-0535111 Roble Ct W: (817) 763-4454Weatherford, TX 76088 RLC-Kolber@mindspring.comRosemary MoningerSecretaryGranbury FD H: (817) 573-39669023 Woodlawn Dr W: (817) 573-2645Granbury, TX 76049 D: (817) 579-1111mhm@kha.com20TEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005

Certification BoardRobert F. Weiss, Chairman Zone 1Brenham FD W: (979) 836-16881508 W Main St F: (979) 836-2641Brenham, TX 77833 rfw100@sbcglobal.netF. Jim White, Vice Chairman Zone 8Overton FD H: (903) 834-3457304 E Mundy St F: (903) 834-3625Overton, TX 75684 whitejf@westrusk.esc7.netBarry L. Fuhrken, Secretary Zone 4Bishop FD W: (361) 584-6828400 East 2nd St F: (361) 584-6168Bishop, TX 78343 bfuhrken@stx.rr.comRichard Douglas Baker, Asst Sec Zone 18West I-10 FD H: (281) 345-19124414 Bunting Meadow DrKaty, TX 77449 bakerzone18@houston.rr.comDonald L. Pullin Zone 2Refugio FD H: (361) 526-2119PO Box 398 D/W: (361) 526-2114Refugio, TX 78377 F: (361) 526-2222donpullin@worldnet.att.netDavid R. Bialas Zone 3Rosenberg FD H: (281) 239-37543108 Mockingbird Ln F: (832) 595-3601Rosenberg, TX 77471 davidb@ci.rosenberg.tx.usShawn M. Snider Zone 5Edinburg FD H: (956) 380-13572804 Chateau St W: (956) 383-5661Edinburg, TX 78539 F: (956) 383-7111ssnider@ci.edinburg.tx.usGary D. Williams Zone 6Pasadena FD H: (281) 487-84834302 Blind River Dr C: (713) 248-3688Pasadena, TX 77504 gary3473@msn.comJohn Paul Feeley Zone 7Ivanhoe FD W: (409) 283-5411125 Queen Circle F: (409) 283-3312Woodville, TX 75979 johnpaul@samlink.comDonnie G. Pickard Zone 9/Executive Board LiaisonOvilla FD H: (972) 617-2498307 E University St D/W: (972) 617-7375Ovilla, TX 75154 F: (972) 617-5793dpickard@ovillafire.orgRichard Harmon Zone 10/Past Presdient LiaisonCameron Gardens FD H: (940) 689-00154805 Pawnee Pathway W: (940) 696-3270Wichita Falls, TX 76310 C: (940) 867-7837rhchief@wf.net Fax: (940) 689-0006Steve E. Cochran Zone 11Merkel FD H: (325) 928-5304100 Kent St W: (325) 575-2002Merkel, TX 79536 Fax: (325) 928-3171stevec@taylortel.netKenneth J. Daughtry Zone 12Wheeler FD H: (806) 826-3274PO Box 393 W: (806) 826-3777Wheeler, TX 79096 kjd44@hotmail.comJerry Don Mutschler Zone 13Seminole FD H: (915) 758-9100PO Box 666 C: (806) 893-1535Seminole, TX 79360 jmutschler1x@nalco.comKelly Dean Miller Zone 14Menard FD H: (325) 396-4494PO Box 793 W: (325) 446-2543Menard, TX 76859 kdm109@airmail.netJamie Johnson Zone 15Castroville FD H: (830) 741-71771903 Avenue J W: (830) 426-4737Hondo, TX 78861 F: (830) 426-3165Jamie@medinaec.comPhillip H. Arther Zone 16Eastland FD H: (254) 629-1441517 Crestwood Dr W: (254) 629-2827Eastland, TX 76448 C: (254) 631-1071pharther@txol.net F: (254) 629-2000Paul V. Loeffler Zone 17Alpine FD H: (915) 837-2635PO Box 1407 W: (915) 837-3457Alpine, TX 79831 F: (915) 837-3395loeffler@brooksdata.netDean Turney Zone 19Hereford FD H: (806) 364-0842215 N Miles W: (806) 363-7114Hereford, TX 79045 hfd@go-herd.comKevin CreamerStaff LiaisonSFFMA W: (800) 580-73364450 Frontier Trl F: (512) 453-1876Austin, TX 78745 kcreamer@sffma.orgKatie KunkelStaff LiaisonSFFMA W: (800) 580-73364450 Frontier Trl F: (512) 453-1876Austin, TX 78745 kkunkel@sffma.orgOCTOBER 2005 TEXAS FIREMEN21

Co-located withINDUSTRIAL FIRE & SECURITYCONFERENCE AND EXHIBITIONNovember 9 - 10, 2005 • Moody Gardens Convention Center • Galveston, Texas• Your one-stop shop to reach key personnel from the Industrial Fire, Security andEmergency Response markets• Network with hundreds of key decision makers in theindustrial market• Focused tracks on Industrial Emergency Response, Security, Prevention andHands on Excursions• Sessions Include:– Your Firefighting Game Plan– Security’s Role During Emergency Situations– Life Must Go On – Post Incident Plant Continuation– What to Expect From Your Training Exercise– Terrorist Attacks vs. Emergencies• REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.IFSEVENT.COMSponsoring OrganizationAssociation SponsorTEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005Please visit www.ifsevent.com for more detailsFor information on exhibiting:Julien Dupont: (direct) 214-358-5359 (main) 832-242-1969For information on sponsorship:Christy Williams: 832-242-1969 ext.306

Texas Industrial Emergency Services BoardRick Deel, ChairmanSLOT-03Lubrizol Corp-Deer Park W: (832) 260-7852PO Box 158 F: (832) 260-7354Deer Park, TX 77536 rwde@lubrizol.comJames PursellSLOT-12Valero Energy Corp W: (210) 345-3054PO Box 696000 F: (210) 370-4716San Antonio, TX 78269Terry E. Boyett, Vice ChairmanSLOT-02Chevron Phillips Chemical Co W: (281) 421-62329500 East Fwy F: (281) 421-6444Baytown, TX 77521 BOYETTE@CPCHEM.COMGeorge Melder, SecretarySLOT-08FMC Corporation-Bayport Plant W: (281) 421-871012000 Bay Area Blvd F: (281) 474-8736Pasadena, TX 77507 george_melder@fmc.comJ. W. Gantenbein SLOT-01Shell Deer Park Refining Co W: (713) 246-7944PO Box 100 F: (713) 246-6876Deer Park, TX 77536 jay.gantenbein@shell.comKeith RussellSLOT-04Eastman Chemical Co W: (903) 237-6689PO Box 7444 F: (903) 237-6678Longview, TX 75607krussell@eastman.comDon DavisSLOT-05Dow Chemical Co - Houston W: (713) 246-0245PO Box 685 F: (713) 246-0594La Porte, TX 77572dhdavis@dow.comBill GibsonSLOT-06Enterprise Products Operating LP W: (281) 385-4282PO Box 573 F: (281) 385-4511Mont Belvieu, TX 77580 hgibson@eprod.comPat PeavlerSLOT-07Conoco Phillips Sweeney Refinery W: (979) 491-2294PO Box 866 F: (979) 491-2241Sweeny, TX 77480 pat.w.peavler@conocophillips.comMike HaasSLOT-09Texas Petrochemicals LP W: (713) 475-77208600 Park Place Blvd F: (713) 740-3040Houston, ‘I’X 77017 mhaas@txpetrochem.comGeoffrey N. AtwoodSLOT-10Refinery Terminal Fire Co W: (361) 885-7107PO Box 4162 F: (361) 884-6476Corpus Christi, TX 78469 gatwood@rtfc.orgRodney KovalcikSLOT-11Exxon Mobil Co W: (281) 834-40065000 Bayway Dr F: (281) 834-4024Baytown, TX 77520rodney.r.kovalick@exxonmobil.comDavid CaveSLOT-13CITGO Refining & Chem Co W: (361) 844-52411801 Nueces Bay Blvd F: (361) 844-5113Corpus Christi, TX 78407 dcave@citgo.comBrian SossamanSLOT-14Lyondell/Equistar W: (281) 452-87958280 Sheldon Rd F: (281) 457-8098Channelview, TX 77530Brian.Sossaman@Lyondell.comVACANTVACANTSLOT-15SLOT-16Dave SnellSLOT-17TXU, Energy Plaza W: (214) 812-47341601 Bryan St Fl 37090 F: (214) 812-3159Dallas, TX 75201wsnelll@txu.comVACANTVACANTVACANTSLOT-18SLOT-I9SLOT-20Kyle E StephensExecutive Board LiaisonDecatur FD H: (940) 627-2401PO Box 331 C: (940) 627-4530Decatur, TX 76234 F: (940) 627-7240kestephens@wccs.netCarl T. AndersonPast President LiaisonSanta Fe Fire & Rescue H: (409) 925-543412150 14th St D/W: (409) 925-7331Santa Fe, TX 77510 F: (409) 925-7330FDCHIEF700@houston.rr.comDallas RenfrewPast President LiaisonTEEX-Fire Protection Trg Div C: (979) 324-6089606 Welsh Ave W: (979) 458-4603College Station, TX 77840Dallas.Renfrew@teexmail.tamu.eduHelen L. JohnsonExecutive DirectorSFFMA H: (512) 288-55314450 Frontier Trl W: (512) 454-3473Austin, TX 78745 F: (512) 453-1876hjohnson@sffma.orgChris BarronStaff LiaisonSFFMA W: (512) 454-34734450 Frontier Trl F: (512) 453-1876Austin, TX 78745cbarron@sffma.orgOCTOBER 2005 TEXAS FIREMEN23

TEEX Trains Texas’sEmergency ServicesTEEX is the official state training agency for Texas’s fire services; every year we trainemergency services personnel from every county in Texas. Some of our trainingincludes:Texas Fire Officer ProgramOur newest training program is available to all Texas fire service personnel tuitionfree.Training includes Fire Officer I and II certification, or Fire Officer III and IV certification,and culminates with incident command training using the PhoenixCommand Training Center.Texas Department of Transportation EMS Grant ProgramsTEEX and TxDOT offer grant-funded training to EMS agencies throughout rural andfrontier Texas. Educational programs designed to improve the effectiveness andefficiency of jurisdictional response to highway based incidents are the focus of thisprogram.EMS Leadership AcademyTEEX offers, at no direct charge, a three-tiered EMS training program that addressesbasic supervisory skills, EMS system management, and executive leadership.Extension/Area/Weekend SchoolsTexas appropriations allow TEEX to provide more than 90,000 hours of training eachyear at no charge to fire departments or individual students. Other Area Schools areconducted in conjunction with local fire departments, while the Weekend SchoolProgram allows departments to conduct selected types and levels of training atBrayton Fire Training Field.Call or visit us online for moreinformation about these programsand other TEEX training solutions.Each year theTexas EngineeringExtension Servicetrains more than50,000 firstresponders frommunicipal,industrial, federal,and internationalbackgrounds toensure safe,effective, andefficientoperations.Call or visit usonline to find outhow we can meetyour exact trainingneeds.http://www.teex.com/esti/979.845.7641866.878.8900http://www.teex.com/esti/979.845.7641866.878.8900The Texas Engineering Extension Service is aMember of The Texas A&M University System24TEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005

2005-2006 SFFMA CommitteesConstitution & By-LawsDavid J. Harwell, ChairmanCentral TexasCameron FD H: (254) 697-81611005 W 22nd St W: (254) 697-2252Cameron, TX 76520 dharwells@yahoo.comDennis M. Gifford, SecretaryEast TexasLumberton FD H: (409) 755-3379115 Candlewick Dr D/W: (409) 755-6031Lumberton, TX 77657 dennismgifford@aol.comDavid P. AllenNorth TexasCedar Hill FD H: (972) 937-63811264 Broadhead Rd D: (972) 291-1011Waxahachie, TX 75165 david.allen@cedarhilltx.comGary W. CollierPermian BasinCrane FD H: (915) 558-72712301 Brook Dr D: (915) 558-2361Crane, TX 79731John Joe JandtGuadalupeSeguin FD H: (830) 379-54851726 W Court W: (512) 918-7195Seguin, TX 78156Bryan A. RickertNortheastCarthage FD H: (903) 693-4855142 County Road 2791 W: (903) 693-0119Carthage. TX 75633Donald W. ShoemakerGulf CoastLake Jackson FD H: (979) 233-335054 Juniper Ct W: (979) 297-1101Lake Jackson. TX 77566 D: (979) 415-2700Robert Lewis SkinnerWest TexasIowa Park FD H: (940) 592-95631005 S Jackson Ave D: (940) 592-9709Iowa Park, TX 76367 lskinnerpk2@sbcglobal.comDennis M. Gifford, ChairmanEast TexasLumberton FD H: (409) 755-3379115 Candlewick Dr D/W: (409) 755-6031Lumberton, TX 77657 dennismgifford@aol.comWilliam J. GerberGulf CoastAlvin FD H: (281) 388-0424PO Box 2202 W: (281) 388-4225Alvin, TX 77512 bgerber@evl.netDonald E. GreenNorth TexasJohnson County ESD Fire Training Facility206 Post Oak Rd H: (817) 517-1959Cleburne, TX 76031 W: (817) 556-2212district@johnsoncountyfire.orgJuan A. TorresSouth CentralKingsville FD H: (361) 592-7841PO Box 5004 D: (361) 592-6445Kingsville, TX 78364Ronald Dean TurneyPanhandleHereford FD H: (806) 364-0842215 N Miles W: (806) 363-7114Hereford, TX 79045 hfd@go-herd.comRobert R. Doolittle, Sr. Executive Board LiaisonLa Marque FD H: (409) 938-73571428 Foreman St C: (409) 770-7578La Marque, TX 77568 Rrd608@sbcglobal.netJames Richard Van Winkle Executive Board LiaisonAlvarado FD H: (817) 790-3859PO Box 296 W: (817) 790-8884Alvarado, TX 76009 C: (817) 538-2313chief7900@yahoo.comRichard M. HarmonPast President LiaisonCameron Gardens FD H: (940) 689-00154805 Pawnee Pathway W: (940) 696-3270Wichita Falls, TX 76310 C: (940) 867-7837rhchief@wf.netMarvin R. SetzerPast President LiaisonBrazoria FD H: (979) 798-2727PO Box 382 W: (979) 798-2277Brazoria. TX 77422 chief405@computron.netCredentialsWilliam H. HarrisCentral TexasCameron FD H: (254) 697-46041603 Sunset Cir D: (254) 697-4702Cameron, TX 76520Thomas JonesEast TexasMadisonville VFD W: (936) 348-9297921 E MainMadisonville, TX 77864Joseph O. ParkerPanhandleMuleshoe FD H: (806) 272-3135RR 3 Box 148Muleshoe, TX 79347continued on next pageOCTOBER 2005 TEXAS FIREMEN 25

Finance (continued)Wayne E. PoppGuadalupeLouise FD W: (979) 543-4441PO Box 191 D: (979) 648-2638Louise, TX 77455 trophies@ykc.comDelbert R. RussellMid-West TexasMerkel FD W: (915) 928-4869PO Box 625 D: (915) 928-4725Merkel, TX 79536Jerry L. RustWintergardenVal Verde County Rural VFD H: (830) 774-331828 E Skyview Dr D: (830) 774-7640Del Rio, TX 78840Charles Buck StevensGulf CoastPearland FD H: (281) 485-2026PO Box 462 W: (281) 997-9777Pearland, TX 77588 D: (2810 652-1925bstevens@ci.pearland.tx.usRobert J. ThomasSouth CentralIngleside VFD H: (361) 523-94473190 Rebecca St D: (361) 776-7422Ingleside, TX 78362 rjthomas@sbcog98.orgEarl WhitmoreCentral TexasRockdale FD H: (512) 446-29831211 Zana Ln W: (512) 446-6577Rockdale. TX 76567Firefighter of the YearRobert R. Doolittle, Sr., Co-Chairman Executive BoardLa Marque FD H: (409) 938-73571428 Foreman St C: (409) 770-7578La Marque, TX 77568 Rrd608@sbcglobal.netBen P. Kennedy, Co-Chairman Executive BoardTAMU - College Station W: (979) 862-7420PO Box 11859 C: (979) 229-1263College Station, TX 77842ben.kennedy@teexmail.tamu.eduMatthew F. CornellGulf Coast DistrictPecan Grove FD H: (281) 342-55831940 Melody Ln W: (281) 232-6871Richmond, TX 77469 D: (281) 341-6677cornemat@co.fort-bend.tx.usPatrick HlavatyGuadalupe DistrictEl Campo FD H: (979) 543-94832012 Wilson Rd W: (979) 543-6441El Campo, TX 77437 pathelen@wcnet.netHerbert C. WillichRio Grande ValleyLa Villa VFD H: (956) 262-1443PO Box 681 W: (956) 781-6000Elsa, TX 78543 D: (956) 262-5250Keith RussellIndustrial Board LiaisonEastman Chemical Co W: (903) 237-6689PO Box 744 F: (903) 237-6678Longview, TX 75607 krussell@eastman.comKent O. Watts, Jr.Executive Board LiaisonLuling FD H: (830) 875-9239303 E Bowie St W: (512) 385-2130Luling, TX 78648 lwattsk@hotmail.comR. D. Welborn Executive Board LiaisonSilsbee FD H: (409) 386-2919PO Box 130 C: (409) 790-3291Silsbee, TX 77656 BnSWelborn@aol.comCarl T. Anderson Past President LiaisonSanta Fe Fire & Rescue H: (409) 925-543412150 14th St D/W: (409) 925-7331Santa Fe, TX 77510 FDCHIEF700@houston.rr.comMichael Wayne LooneyPast President LiaisonMansfield FD H: (817) 473-42941110 Danbury Dr W: (817) 238-5905Mansfield, TX 76063 D: (817) 473-1104hiwaytoons@hotmail.comDonald L. PullinGuadalupe DistrictRefugio FD H: (361) 526-2119PO Box 398 D/W: (361) 526-2114Refugio, TX 78377 donpullin@worldnet.att.netKip WorkmanGuadalupe DistrictLa Vernia FD H: (830) 779-4321PO Box 4 D: (830) 779-2438La Vernia, TX 78121Barbara MarzeanVFIS/Regnier & AssociatesVFIS W: (512) 448-99283420 Executive Center Dr F: (512) 448-9929Ste 301Austin, TX 7873128TEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005

Golf Tournament30Danny C. Cox, Jr.South CentralIngleside VFD H: (361) 729-24111834 Elizabeth St W: (361) 729-5392Ingleside, TX 78362 D: (361) 776-7422Lloyd R. KlattGuadalupeEl Campo FD H: (409) 543-6717RR1 Box 132A D: (979) 543-3335El Campo, TX 77437Roy C. MercerTri-Rivers2118 Enchanted Oaks Ln H: (281) 341-5023Rosenberg, TX 77471 roycmercer@msn.comWilliam Tyler MorrisNorth CentralRio Vista FD H: (817) 373-29293732 County Rd 1104B W: (972) 660-2851Rio Vista, TX 76093 D: (817) 373-2691Gregory C. NienstedtCentral TexasBrenham FD H: (979) 830-1986601 Farmers Rd W: (979) 863-5600Brenham, TX 77833 D: (979) 337-7300Randall Glen ParkisonCentral TexasLatium Wesley Greenvine FD H: (979) 451-08217550 FM 2502 D: (979) 836-6946Brenham, TX 77833✓RichardDouglasBakerforSFFMA4th VicePresident• 23 Years of Experience in The Fire Services• Over I0 yrs with West 1-10 Fire Department• SFFMA Certification Board Member Since 1992• Assistant Secretary SFFMA Certification• Board Instructor HCFFA- A&M Field Day• Conducts Certification Workshops throughoutthe Gulf Coast Region 2 - 3 times a year• SFFMA Accreditation Testing 2 - 3 times a year• Attended SFFMA Conventions Since 1992• Level 2 Instructor Since 1990• Accredited Advanced Firefighter• Judge for the Ladies Pumper RacesTEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005Kendra PoppGuadalupeLouise FD D: (979) 648-2638PO Box 191trophies@ykc.comLouise, TX 77455Wayne E. PoppGuadalupeLouise FD W: (979) 543-4441PO Box 191 D: (979) 648-2638Louise, TX 77455 trophies@ykc.comBrian Q. SchefferCentral TexasBrenham FD H: (979) 836-98551304 Prairie Lea St D: (979) 337-7300Brenham, TX 77833 scheffer@comwerxJohn D. SchulzeCentral TexasBrenham FD H: (979) 836-1785101 Salem Rd W: (979) 836-2022Brenham, TX 77833 D: (979) 337-7300Sean D. WenglarGuadalupeLouise FD H: (979) 648-2656PO Box 426 D: (979) 648-2836Louise, TX 77455sean@texanarice.comBecky WilcoxTri-RiversEast Bernard FD H: (409) 335-6503PO Box 907East Bernard, TX 77435William F WilcoxTri-RiversEast Bernard FD H: (409) 335-6503PO Box 907East Bernard, TX 77435Thomas B. BledsoePast President LiaisonGilmer FD H: (903) 790-50442596 Bob O Link RdGilmer, TX 75645Wendell J. DavisPast President Liaison1801 Okelley Rd H: (512) 446-3040Rockdale, TX 76567 jimdavis82@yahoo.comDeloss EdwardsPast President Liaison4733 Catclaw Dr H: (325) 695-5133Abilene, TX 79606 deloss36@hotmail.comGerald Allen MatheausPast President LiaisonNeedville FD H: (281) 342-1711PO Box 374 W: (281) 344-1811Needville, TX 77461 fire2@ev1.net

Ben P. Kennedy, Co-ChairmanExecutive BoardTAMU - College Station W: (979) 862-7420PO Box 11859 C: (979) 229-1263College Station, TX 77842ben.kennedy@teexmail.tamu.eduKent O. Watts, Jr., Co-Chairman Executive BoardLuling FD H: (830) 875-9239303 E Bowie St W: (512) 385-2130Luling, TX 78648 lwattsk@hotmail.comLouise WattsTexas Firemen’s AuxiliaryLuling FD H: (830)875-9239303 E Bowie St lwattsk@hotmail.comLuling, TX 78648Dixie WhitmoreTexas Firemen’s AuxiliaryRockdale FD H: (512) 446-29831211 Lana Ln msmusic7l@hotmail.comRockdale, TX 76567MemorialDebbie StephensWest TexasDecatur FD H: (940) 627-2401PO Box 331Decatur, FX 76234Patrick HlavatyPast President LiaisonEl Campo FD H: (979) 543-94832012 Wilson Rd W: (979) 543-6441El Campo, TX 77437 pathelen@wcnet.netErnest O. Reesing, Jr.Past President LiaisonAlpine FD H: (432) 837-297410 Sunny Glen #11 D: (432) 837-2366Alpine, TX 79830 reesing@speedexpress.netNational Volunteer Fire CouncilPatrick HlavatyState DirectorEl Campo FD H: (979) 543-94832012 Wilson Rd W: (979) 543-6441El Campo, TX 77437 pathelen@wcnet.netJohn Stephen Donnelly, Overall Chairman Gulf CoastPearland FD H: (281) 489-39183913 Cedarwood Dr jsd3913@yahoo.comPearland, TX 77584C. Duane Henry, 6-Man Chairman Gulf CoastConroe FD H: (936) 396-9151PO Box 433 D: (409) 760-4688Normangee, TX 77871 duane777@usa.netHenry Lee Horelica, 3-Man Chairman Central TexasCameron FD H: (254) 697-40131505 N Travis Ave D: (254) 697-4702Cameron, TX 76520Gary D. Williams, 3-6 Ladies Chairman Gulf CoastPasadena FD H: (281) 487-84834302 Blind River Dr C: (713) 248-3688Pasadena, TX 77504 gary3473@msn.comMichelle HubnikTFA LiaisonCameron FD H: (254) 697-61341582 CR 214 W: (254) 778-4727Cameron, TX 76520 mhubnik@baltinc.comDallas RenfrewAlternate State DirectorTEEX-Fire Protection Trg Div C: (979) 324-6089606 Welsh Ave W: (979) 458-4603College Station, TX 77840Dallas.Renfrew@teexmail.tamu.eduPumper RacingShawn M. SniderExecutive Board LiaisonEdinburg FD H: (956) 380-13572804 Chateau St W: (956) 383-5661Edinburg, TX 78539 ssnider@ci.edinburg.tx.usC. H. Boring, Jr. Past President Liaison2600 Pualani Way #2301 H: (808) 924-5370Honolulu, HI 96815 chboring@earthlink.comDavid Louis LuedekePast President LiaisonNeedville FD H: (979) 793-68218124 Banker St W: (281) 343-0071Needville, TX 77461 D: (979) 793-4262chief700@evl.netGerald Allen MatheausPast President LiaisonNeedville FD H: (281) 342-1711PO Box 374 W: (281) 344-1811Needville, TX 77461 fire2@ev1.netOCTOBER 2005 TEXAS FIREMEN31

Sergeant-at-ArmsRobert Eugene Kleen, ChairmanCentral TexasGeorgetown FD H: (512) 863-5620311 E 5th St W: (512) 943-5130 x 7333Georgetown, TX 78626 D: (512) 930-3606rekles@earthlink.netJames A. Lammons, Co-Chairman Permian BasinSeminole FD H: (915) 758-3349PO Box 14 D: (915) 758-8818Seminole, TX 79360Wiley G. BakerPermian BasinBrownfield FD H: (806) 637-8702702 E Lake St W: (806) 637-8913Brownfield, TX 79316 D: (806) 637-6633William A. CargileGulf CoastSanta Fe Fire & Rescue H: (409) 925-20834712 Scott St W: (281) 331-3522Santa Fe, TX 77517 D: (409) 925-7331Michael Craig ChampionNorth TexasMansfield FD H: (817) 473-8224507 S Willow St W: (817) 481-1212Mansfield, TX 76063 D: (817) 473-1104Paying Too Much ForHealth Insurance?We’re here to help you findcoverage you can afford!NewmanHealth Insurance866-226-8860We offer:Major Medical Health Ins. (Individual & Group),Dental, Vision, Life, Short & Long Term Disability,Supplemental, Medicare Supp., OccupationalAccident, Health Savings Accounts.Matthew F. CornellGulf CoastPecan Grove FD H: (281) 342-55831940 Melody Ln W: (281) 232-6871Richmond, TX 77469 D: (281) 341-6677cornemat@co.fort-bend.tx.usRoy L CrouchCentral TexasHearne FD H: (409) 279-3316507 Barton St D/F: (979) 279-5411Hearne, TX 77859Roger L. MannRio Grande ValleySan Juan FD H: (956) 787-5079PO Box 267 D: (956) 702-6400San Juan, TX 78589Thomas SanchezSouth CentralOdem FD H: (361) 364-4553PO Box 273 D: (361) 368-2831Sinton, TX 78387Paul D. ShannonTri-RiversWharton FD H: (979) 532-83031206 Crestmont St D: (979) 532-4811 x 601Wharton, TX 77488Lonnie Ray SheltonGulf CoastNeedville FD H: (979) 793-3848PO Box 437 W: (281) 343-2135Needville, TX 77461 D: (979) 793-4262Derek ThayerWest TexasCameron Gardens FD H: (940) 767-17233351 River Rd D: (940) 723-1749Wichita Falls, TX 76304 Thayerddt@aol.comElton E. ThornellGulf CoastPearland FD H: (281) 485-68375706 W Broadway # 7 W: (713) 362-8609Pearland. TX 77581 D: (281) 625-1952Roy G. TreadwayNortheastPleasant Grove FD H: (903) 832-6751PO Box 1101 W: (903) 223-9550Nash, TX 75569 D: (903) 838-7123roytreadway@msn.comDonald WileyPanhandleFloydada FD H: (806) 983-2704PO Box 73 D: (806) 983-2834Floydada, TX 79235Richard M. HarmonPast President LiaisonCameron Gardens FD H: (940) 689-00154805 Pawnee Pathway W: (940) 696-3270Wichita Falls, TX 76310 C: (940) 867-7837rhchief@wf.net32TEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005

Site SelectionHelen L. Johnson, Co-Chairman Executive DirectorSFFMA H: (512) 288-55314450 Frontier Trl W: (512) 454-3473Austin, TX 78745 F: (512) 453-1876hjohnson@sffma.orgJames Richard Van Winkle, Co-Chairman Executive BoardAlvarado FD H: (817) 790-3859PO Box 296 W: (817) 790-8884Alvarado, TX 76009 C: (817) 538-2313chief7900@yahoo.comJohn D. SchulzeCentral TexasBrenham FD H: (979) 836-1785101 Salem Rd W: (979) 836-2022Brenham, TX 77833 D: (979) 337-7300Patrick HlavatyPast PresidentEl Campo FD H: (979) 543-94832012 Wilson Rd W: (979) 543-6441El Campo, TX 77437 pathelen@wcnet.netDonald Joe HoffmanPast PresidentPO Box 1747 H: (979) 836-9473Brenham, TX 77834 W : (979) 836-6795don.hoffman@sbcglobal.netShawn M. SniderExecutive Board LiaisonEdinburg FD H: (956) 380-13572804 Chateau St W: (956) 383-5661Edinburg, TX 78539 ssnider@ci.edinburg.tx.usSylvia Marshall-PolozeckStaff LiaisonSFFMA W: (512) 454-3473 x 3034450 Frontier Trl F: (512) 453-1876Austin, TX 78745 spolozeck@sffma.orgT✯FLAGEugene Steven Perdue, Chairman North CentralMineral Wells FD H/D: (940) 325-29082215 NW 1st Ave W: (940) 682-8456Mineral Wells, TX 76067 sperdue@mesh.netSteve E. CochranMid-WestMerkel FD H: (325) 928-5304100 Kent St W: (325) 575-2002Merkel, TX 79536 D: (915) 928-4725stevec@taylortel.netKyle A. DonaldsonHill CountrySonora FD H: (325) 387-3313125 E Castle Hill Rd W: (325) 387-3521Sonora, TX 76950 D: (325) 387-2428Barry L. FuhrkenSouth CentralBishop FD W: (361) 584-6828400 East 2nd St F: (361) 584-6168Bishop, TX 78343 bfuhrken@stx.rr.comDennis M. GiffordEast TexasLumberton FD H: (409) 755-3379115 Candlewick Dr D/W: (409) 755-6031Lumberton, TX 77657 dennismgifford@aol.comDan L. KeyGulf CoastFriendswood FD H: (281) 996-86552204 Pine Dr W: (281) 482-0317Friendswood, TX 77546 D: (281) 996-3360dannylkey@yahoo.comJohn Mark KuhnPermian BasinGrandfalls FD H: (915) 547-2338PO Box 413 D: (915) 547-2331Grandfalls, TX 79742H. Don McFarland GuadalupeMcQueeney FD H: (830) 557-5690PO Box 1246 W: (830) 557-5547Seguin, TX 78156 D: (210) 662-9882fire@co.guaddupe.tx.usMicheal L. MeltonNortheastGilmer FD H: (903) 797-2430214 Long St D: (903) 843-3225Gilmer, TX 75645 fireman13melton@aol.comJohn Joseph MendozaCentral TexasCameron FD H: (254) 697-8398611 E 5th St D: (254) 697-4702Cameron, TX 76520Billy Ray MizeWest TexasBurkburnett FD H (940) 569-1841808 Easy St W: (940) 723-8225Burkburnett. TX 76354 brmize@ww911.comKaren PickardNorth TexasOvilla FD H: (972) 617-2498307 E University St W: (972) 205-2723Ovilla, TX 75154 D: (972) 617-7375kpickard@aol.comRicardo SaldanaRio Grande ValleyMission FD D: (956) 580-87051004 Holly Field StMission, TX 78572 MISSIONFIREDEPT@JUNO.COMcontinued on next pageOCTOBER 2005 TEXAS FIREMEN33

T✯FLAG (continued)Anthony ScopelGulf CoastWestlake FD - Katy H: (281) 342-58932935 Auburn Falls Ln W: (281) 684-4941Houston, TX 77084 D: (409) 258-3313ajscopel@fbtc.netJay C. Spain, Jr.PanhandleHereford FD H: (806) 364-4650239 Aspen St D: (806) 363-7114Hereford, TX 79045Jeffery D. ThomsonGulf CoastAlvin FD H: (281) 585-83142305 CR 284 D: (281) 331-7688Alvin, TX 77511 avfd224@sbcglobal.netDave SnellIndust RepTXU, Energy Plaza W: (214) 812-47341601 Bryan St Fl 37090 F: (214) 812-3159Dallas, TX 75201 wsnelll@txu.comRobert FloydLegislative ConsultantHance, Scarborough, Wright W: (512) 479-8888111 Congress Ave Ste 500 F: (512) 482-6891Austin, TX 78701Kyle E. StephensExecutive BoardDecatur FD H: (940) 627-2401PO Box 331 C: (940) 627-4530Decatur, TX 76234 kestephens@wccs.netDonnie C. PickardExecutive BoardOvilla FD H: (972) 617-2498307 E University St D/W: (972) 617-7375Ovilla, TX 75154 dpickard@ovillafire.orgShawn M. SniderExecutive BoardEdinburg FD H: (956) 380-13572804 Chateau St W: (956) 383-5661Edinburg, TX 78539 ssnider@ci.edinburg.tx.usKent O. Watts, Jr.Executive BoardLuling FD H: (830) 875-9239303 E Bowie St W: (512) 385-2130Luling, TX 78648 lwattsk@hotmail.comJames Richard Van WinkleExecutive BoardAlvarado FD H: (817) 790-3859PO Box 296 W: (817) 790-8884Alvarado, TX 76009 C: (817) 538-2313chief7900@yahoo.comRobert R. Doolittle, Sr.Executive BoardLa Marque FD H: (409) 938-73571428 Foreman St C: (409) 770-7578La Marque, TX 77568 Rrd608@sbcglobal.netBen P. KennedyExecutive BoardTAMU - College Station W: (979) 862-7420PO Box 11859 C: (979) 229-1263College Station, TX 77842ben.kennedy@teexmail.tamu.eduR. D. Welborn Executive BoardSilsbee FD H: (409) 386-2919PO Box 130 C: (409) 790-3291Silsbee, TX 77656 BnSWelborn@aol.comHelen L. JohnsonExecutive DirectorSFFMA H: (512) 288-55314450 Frontier Trl W: (512) 454-3473Austin, TX 78745 F: (512) 453-1876hjohnson@sffma.orgCarl T. AndersonPast President LiaisonSanta Fe Fire & Rescue H: (409) 925-543412150 14th St D/W: (409) 925-7331Santa Fe, TX 77510 FDCHIEF700@houston.rr.comDavid Louis LuedekePast President LiaisonNeedville FD H: (979) 793-68218124 Banker St W: (281) 343-0071Needville, TX 77461 D: (979) 793-4262chief700@evl.netChris BarronStaff LiaisonSFFMA W: (512) 454-34734450 Frontier Trl F: (512) 453-1876Austin, TX 78745 cbarron@sffma.orgPast President Jack King presents a $5000 checkto Allison Golias, President of the Fire Museum ofTexas. This donation is from the SFFMA PastPresidents and is to be used in the creation of aTruck Show of the Fire Service of Texas.For additional information, contact Susan Lanningat the Museum.34TEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005

Other Fire Service BoardsTexas A&M Advisory BoardRobert SmithChairmanTEEX/TAMU3001 Tarrow, Rm 204 W: (979) 458-6800College Station, TX 77840lanny.smith@teex.mail.tamu.eduRusty KattnerMemberSanta Fe FD H: (281) 554-8468680 Fountainview LnLeague City, TX 77573Bob J. LooneyMember220 Juniper St H: (817) 473-1182Mansfield. TX 76063 plooney@yahoo.comDonald L. PullinMemberRefugio FD H: (361) 526-2119PO Box 398 D/W: (361) 526-2114Refugio, TX 78377 donpullin@worldnet.att.netBrian SossamanMemberLyondell/Equistar W: (281) 452-87958280 Sheldon Rd F: (281) 457-8098Channelview, TX 77530Brian.Sossaman@Lyondell.comcontinued on next pageTHE WACO CONVENTION &VISITORS BUREAU IS PLEASEDTO HOST THE 130THANNUAL SFFMATRAININGCONFERENCE &CONVENTION.JUNE 10-14, 2006Waco has many great sites and attractionsincluding the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum,the Dr Pepper Museum,Texas Sports Hall of Fame,416-acre Cameron Park, the Historic SuspensionBridge and much more. We hope you’ll take thetime to see the wonderful sites of Waco. Pleasestop by our Tourist Information Center in Ft. FisherPark, visit www.wacocvb.com, or call800-WACO-FUN for information on all the excitingthings to see and do while you’re in town.OCTOBER 2005 TEXAS FIREMEN35

Other Fire Service Boards (continued)Texas Fire MuseumCharles Eugene GeeEast TexasJasper FD H: (409) 384-5282905 Richardson W: (409) 384-0016Jasper, TX 75951 D: (409) 383-6168queenmother911@sbcglobal.netDennis M. GiffordEast TexasLumberton FD H: (409) 755-3379115 Candlewick Dr D/W: (409) 755-6031Lumberton, TX 77657 dennismgifford@aol.comCecily VarnerEast TexasMauriceville FD H: (409) 745-5517PO Box 1376 D: (409) 745-1636Mauriceville, TX 77626 cvwildfire@eonet.netRobert R. Doolittle, Sr. Executive Board LiaisonLa Marque FD H: (409) 938-73571428 Foreman St C: (409) 770-7578La Marque, TX 77568 Rrd608@sbcglobal.netR. D. Welborn Executive Board LiaisonSilsbee FD H: (409) 386-2919PO Box 130 C: (409) 790-3291Silsbee, TX 77656 BnSWelborn@aol.comJack KingPast President Liaison661B FM 2550 H: (936) 295-3967Huntsville, TX 77320 ajackking@aol.comTexas Emergency Services PersonnelRetirement (TESRA) Board of TrusteesFrank TorresChairman1876 S 7th St H: (956) 689-6411(PO Box 744) W: (956) 689-5456Raymondville, TX 78580 F: (956) 689-6341C: (956) 642-7557P: (956) 444-1014willems@granderiver.netAllen J. ScopelVice-Chairman3814 Marilyn H: (281) 342-5893Rosenberg, TX 77471 W: (281) 238-9603P: (281) 632-6287C: (281) 827-1385ajscopel@consolidated.netPaul V. LoefflerSecretaryPO Box 1407 H: (432) 837-2635Alpine, TX 79831 W: (432) 837-3457F: (432) 837-3395C: (432) 386-3101loeffler@brooksdata.netRex W. KleselTrustee3537 CR 326 H: (281) 331-9465Alvin, TX 77511 W: (281) 331-7688F: (281) 331-9713C: (281) 387-9967rexklesel@yahoo.comKyle A. DonaldsonTrustee125 E Castle Hills Rd H/F: (325) 387-3313Sonora, TX 76950 C: (325) 226-3908kajed62@verizon.netGracie G. FloresTrustee425 Ashland Dr H: (361) 994-0754Corpus Christi, TX 78412 W: (361) 882-1486F: (361) 882-1488ggflores@grandecom.netMax PattersonTrustee4225 Interwood N Pkwy H: (281) 370-0370Houston, TX 77032 W: (281) 372-5186F: (281) 372-5204C: (281) 636-2693mpatterson9@houston.rr.comRobert WeissTrustee1508 West Main St W: (979) 836-1688Brenham, TX 77833 F: (979) 836-2641P: (866) 435-2682M: (979) 251-1355rfw100@sbcglobal.netOscar ChoateTrustee4411 Sartain H: (940) 325-7717Mineral Wells, TX 76067 W: (940) 325-3244F: (940) 325-9573C: (940) 682-1654ochoate@cox.netCommittees (* Chairman)Actuary ~ Allen Scopel*, Frank TorresEvaluation ~ Robert Weiss*, Kyle Donaldson, Oscar ChoateInvestment ~ Paul Loeffler*, Gracie Flores, Max PattersonLegislative ~ Max Patterson*, Allen Scopel, Kyle Donaldson36TEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005

Texas Commission on Fire ProtectionBoard RepresentativesKelley Martin Stalder, Presiding Officer CommissionerParker FD W: (972) 424-60217273 Moss Ridge Rd D: (972) 442-6811Allen, TX 75002 kstalderritcfp.state.tx.usWalter David AbernathyCommissionerPittsburg FD H: (903) 856-0589PO Box 992 W: (903) 856-7181Pittsburg, TX 75686 TFSRFCDA@aol.comMarvin G. DawsonCommissionerBrownfield FD H: (806) 637-69751405 E Tate St W: (806) 637-4848Brownfield, TX 79316 D: (806) 637-6633Funds Allocation Advisory Committee RepsDeloss EdwardsPresiding Officer4733 Catclaw Dr H: (325) 695-5133Abilene, TX 79606 deloss36@hotmail.comAlfred E. GerikWest FD H: (254) 826-5106600 N Marable St W: (254) 826-5452West. TX 76691MemberCarl T. AndersonMemberSanta Fe Fire & Rescue H: (409) 925-543412150 14th St D/W: (409) 925-7331Santa Fe, TX 77510 FDCHIEF700@houston.rr.comOrlando GarciaMemberRio Grande Valley FFMA H: (956) 583-84701816 E 24th St W: (956) 318-2656Mission, TX 78574 hcmarshal@yahoo.comFirefighter Advisory Committee RepCurriculum & Testing Committee RepBruce UreAssistant Presiding OfficerHeath FD W: (281) 316-3730PO Box 57098 D: (972) 771-6228Webster, TX 77598SFFMA Staff SFFMA Staff SFFMA StaffHelen L. JohnsonExecutive Director512/454-3473 ext 302 hjohnson@sffma.orgH: 512/-288-5531 C: 512/680-6823Chris BarronDeputy Director512/454-3473 ext 304 cbarron@sffma.orgSylvia Marshall-Polozeck Editor/Meeting Planner512/454-3473 ext 303 spolozeck@sffma.orgKevin Creamer Certification Administrator512/454-3473 ext 309 kcreamer@sffma.orgKatie KunkelCertification Assistant512/454-3473 ext 307 kkunkel@sffma.orgRuth WickerMembership Coordinator/Sales512/454-3473 ext 305 rwicker@sffma.orgJessica WiskoAdminstrative Aide512/454-3473 ext 300 jwisko@sffma.orgState Firemen’s & Fire Marshals’ Association4450 Frontier TrailAustin, TX 78745512/454-3473 F: 512/453-1876 www.sffma.orgOCTOBER 2005 TEXAS FIREMEN37

TCFP UpdateThe Texas Commission on FireProtection is currently accredited by theInternational Fire Service AccreditationCongress (IFSAC) to issue 13 seals innine certified disciplines: Basic FireSuppression (Fire Fighter I [NFPA1001], Fire Fighter II [NFPA 1001],HazMat Awareness and HazMatOperations [NFPA 472]); AircraftRescue Fire Fighter (NFPA 1003); FireInspector (Inspector I, Inspector II, andPlans Examiner I [NFPA 1031]); FireInvestigator (NFPA 1033); Driver/Operator-Pumper (NFPA 1002); FireOfficer I and Fire Officer II (NFPA 1021);and HazMat Technician (NFPA 472). Inaddition, the commission is currentlyother items directly related to firesuppression. Additionally, the fundscan be used to pay for room and boardat Texas A&M’s annual fire schools.Texas fire departments can seek tuitionreimbursement from the Texas ForestService, and match those funds with acommission grant for room and boardto send their fire fighters to training.Applicants should note that thelegislature added two new requirementsfor funding applicants this year.Applicants must be participating in theTexas Fire Incident Reporting System(TEXFIRS) at the time of application,and they must also attest that they areparticipating in the National Incidentworking to achieve IFSAC accreditation Management System (NIMS).in Instructor levels I, II and III (NFPA1041) by March 6, 2006. The IFSAC sealprovides institutions and programswith assurance of the content and qualityof the testing program, and that theprogram has met the requirements ofthe applicable National Fire ProtectionAssociation (NFPA) standard.To apply for an IFSAC seal, anApplicants should check to make surethey are meeting these requirementswell before the application deadlines,which generally fall in the late winterand early summer. Specific deadlinesand requirements are available on thecommission’s website at http://www.tcfp.state.tx.us/funding/funding.asp.individual must pass the relevant Many volunteer departmentssections of the certification throughout the state have beenexamination, meet any other converting to combination departments.requirements of the standard, and paya $5 fee per seal. The commission’sForm TCFP-051, Application for IFSACSeal, which is available on thecommission’s website at http://www.tcfp.state.tx.us/standards/standards_manual/forms/TCFP-051.pdf, lists specific requirements foreach seal.The fee for initial certification in acommission discipline is $20 percertificate. The annual renewal fee forcommission certificates has increased to$25; one renewal fee covers all of anindividual’s certificates.The commission’s fire departmentThe commission’s regional complianceofficers can assist combinationdepartments in assuring that theirprograms meet commission standards.The regional offices are located in SouthTexas (San Antonio, 210/233-5456),East Texas (Lufkin, 936/632-8034),West Texas (Lubbock, 806/744-6037),and in the Metroplex (Fort Worth,817/321-8634 and Allen, 214/509-4474),or call or visit the commission headquartersfacility in Austin. Thecommission keeps a detailed list ofcontacts available on its website athttp://www.tcfp.state.tx.us/directory/contacts.asp.emergency program makesapproximately $1.2 million available tothe Texas fire service each year. Theprogram funds are intended primarilyfor critical fire suppression equipmentneeds, such as self-containedbreathing apparatus, personalprotective equipment (PPE), andpersonal alert safety systems (PASS).Grants and low-interest (2.5 percent)loans are available for construction,vehicle purchase and maintenance, and38 TEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005TEXASFIREMEN’SAUXILIARYHello everyone,I hope you had awonderful summer.Fall is here and theplanning is underwayfor the AnnualConvention in Waco.David and TrishaHarwell and I haveLouise Wattssomething specialplanned for the President’s Receptionthis year in memory of SSFMAPresident Thomas Harwell. We are alsogetting special help from Central,Guadalupe and South Central TexasDistricts.The TFA is also planning some greatthings for this year’s AnnualConvention. The Luncheon, PumperRaces, Workshops and Past Presidents,Mascots and Sweethearts Reunion areall in the planning stage. I think thisyear will be a great convention.The Convention in Waco is June 10-14, 2006. Make your plans now toattend.If you have some ideas you wouldlike to share with the TFA or if you haveany questions, please feel free tocontact me at 830-875-9239 orlwattsk@hotmail.com.2005 WINNERSA&M Golf Tournament1st Place: Hats & 60 qt. CoolersJustin Wilcox, East Bernard;RawleyFarrell, College Station; Key Bradley,College Station; Marcus Smallwood,College Station2nd Place: Hats & 50 qt. CoolersChad Tye,Grandview; Ci Ci Seagroves;Mike Seagroves; David Pruitt, Bedford3rd Place: Hats & 48 qt. CoolersPatrick Hlavaty, El Campo; Jimmy George,Jr., El Campo; Keith Klatt, El Campo;Amy Aschenbeck, BellvilleBringing up the Rear: 28 qt. CoolersArthur Araguz, Wharton; Jonathan Brown,College Station10th Place: HelmetsJuan Reyes, Hidalgo; Billy A. Power,Grapevine; Pete Hoyt, Quinlan; Shawn M.Snider, Edinburg.(Hats & Coolers donated by Dru-Chem, ElCampo. Helmets donated by Steve Barnett,Bullard)

Della Williams thinks it’s importantto give back to the firefighters who risktheir lives on a regular basis to protectnot only the people in theircommunities, but also answer callswherever and whenever they areneeded.The WPI Firefighter’s Fund, orWPIFF (www.wpifirefightersfund.org)was started in 1999 by Williams, CEOand President of Williams-Pyro, Inc., themaker of StoveTop FireStop®,America’s leading automatic stovetopfire extinguisher. A tragedy involvingthree firefighters who lost their liveswhile fighting a fire was the catalyst.The fallen firefighters’ families weredenied benefits, and their struggleinspired Williams. WPIFF was startedshortly after these events in order toserve the brave men and women of thefirefighting community.WPIFF is a registered 501(c) 3organization that gives grants tofamilies of fallen or injured firefighters.It supports firefighters in other ways,such as giving grants to volunteer firestations for much-needed equipmentand supporting Texas legislation tomake firefighter benefits automatic, likethey are for police officers.The WPI Firefighter’s Fund recentlygave the family of a Keller, Texasfirefighter and paramedic a $10,000grant. Firefighter Brandon Scott Phillipswas only 26 years old. He’d worked two8-hour shifts back to back, fighting twomajor fires. He died of a heart attackimmediately afterwards, whilechanging out of his bunker gear intoregular clothes. Firefighter Phillips leftbehind his wife, Denise, and threechildren; Parker, age 7; Kylie age 4, andLance, 8 months.In Support of Firefighters…Della Williamsby Lisa Peterson“This breaks my heart, “Williamssaid, “It’s because of families like thePhillips that I founded the WPIFirefighter’s Fund.”Recently, Williams has heard severalstories of injustices to firefighters, andit makes her all the more determined tohelp. As Hurricane Dennis hit Florida,many police evacuated the area alongwith the residents. It was the firefightersand FEMA who stayed to secure thecommunity. That reminded Williams ofwhen a tornado hit downtown FortWorth a few years ago. She saw policeofficers in their cars, but it was thefirefighters standing in the roaddirecting traffic.A couple of weeks ago, Williams wastalking to a firefighter from Georgia,who said she was eating dinner with apolice officer. When the bill came, onlythe firefighter’s meal was charged. Thepolice officer’s ticket was on the house.“I believe that police deserve specialrespect for risking their lives to keep ussafe,” said Williams, “but I believe thatfirefighters deserve the samecourtesies.”The need is great. The U.S. FireAdministration already reports 73firefighter fatalities in 2005.Linda Pottberg is a survivor Mom.Her son, Firefighter Bryan Pottberg,drowned while performing underwaterrescue training.Pottberg has written “Beyond theStars...We are not Alone,” a collectionof miracles and poems shared byfirefighter survivors and friends offallen firefighters. After reading thebook, Pottberg says she hopes othersurvivors find more peace andcontentment. For others, she hopes“there is a better understanding of whatsurvivors go through, and how ourcontinued love for God and family helpsus continue in our daily lives.” Allproceeds from the book go to theNational Fallen Firefighters Foundation(www.firehero.org). The form to orderthe book is under the “Store” section.So as we approach this fall season,fundraising and the need to supportOCTOBER 2005 WPI Updatefallen fighters is on many people’sminds.To raise money for the WPIFirefighter’s Fund, the organization ishosting the Stop, Drop and Roll ChiliCook-Off and Festival on Saturday,October 15. The event will be heldfrom 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the parkinglot of the Bass Pro Shops, 2501 Bass ProDrive, Grapevine, TX.Aside from plenty of food and drink,the event will feature local bands andperformers. Children will have theirown area featuring an obstacle course,toy walk, face painting, clowns andmany other fun activities. Adultattendees can enter a firefighter contestto test their agility while wearingfirefighter gear.All firemen in the Metroplex areinvited to compete for the title of “Hot,Hot Hero,” with a first place prize of aone week, 2 bedroom condo inHeavenly Valley in Tahoe, Nevada.Information and applications are atwww.williams-pyro.com/managefiles/cookoff.phpAttendees of all ages can enjoy thechili! Adults pay $5 to enter, andchildren 12 and under are free. Chilisampling cups will be included with theprice of admission. There will be officialchili contest judging for Chili Heads,sanctioned by the Chili AppreciationSociety International (CASI), and anamateur chili contest for those who arecompeting just for bragging rights!All proceeds go to the WPIFF tosupport firefighters.130th Annual SFFMATraining Conference& ConventionJune 10-14, 2006WacoTEXAS FIREMEN39

40 TEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005

Texas Forest ServiceTFS Fire ReportingSystem Catches Onby Casey Flinn, TFS CommunicationsSpecialistEach year thousands of wildland firesgo unreported at the state and nationallevel, resulting in lost funding andinaccurate risk assessment at all levels.These unreported fires are usuallyresponded to by local fire departmentsNow, a new web based reportingsystem developed by the Texas ForestService allows municipal and volunteerdepartments the ability to submit andretrieve fire response information,including fire location mapping,through the Internet. The system isavailable at no cost to Texas firedepartment’s, paid or volunteer.The system also benefits localdepartments by allowing them toinstantly search and retrieve responseinformation in a number of callcategories including structural, EMS,search and rescue, haz-mat, and vehicle.There is also an “other calls” category.“We designed this reporting systemto be as user friendly as possible,” saidDon Galloway, Texas Forest ServiceVFD Assistance Programs Coordinator.“We know that most VFDs respond tomore than just wildland fires, and wemade sure this system reflects that.”For national reporting purposes, TFScombines its cost of wildland fireresponse with the cost reported byVFDs. In order for the state to beeligible for FEMA assistance for costsinvolved with fighting wildland fires,the costs must reach $3.4 million, Texas’sthreshold set by FEMA. Once thatthreshold has been met, the state canapply for emergency declarations forindividual fires. Fire departmentsresponding to fires which are declaredas emergencies by FEMA are alsoeligible to apply for reimbursement.“If the state can get some of its costsback, it benefits not only our agency’sprograms, including VFD assistance,but the communities as well” saidGalloway.Harris County Fire Marshall MikeMontgomery says he will ask all of thecounty departments to begin using theTFS reporting system. Montgomerysays that it’s a universal way to makeChanges for Texas Forest Service VFDAssistance Programby Casey FlinnAfter three years in existence, theTexas Forest Service’s Rural VolunteerFire Department Assistance Programhas awarded more than $43 millionworth of trucks, equipment, andtraining to volunteer fire departmentsacross Texas. And with year fourbeginning September 1, some changesare being implemented to improve theprogram.One significant change involvesusing age of applications as a ratingfactor in awarding grants for watertankers, small brush trucks, large brushtrucks, small truck chassis, and largetruck chassis. Beginning one year afteran application for a truck or chassis isreceived by TFS, one-half point will beadded per month to the department’srating number. This addition of bonuspoints will gradually move olderapplications higher on the waiting list.The maximum number of bonus pointsan application can earn is 25, and arating of 100 will remain the highestpossible maximum rating.For example, if a department with arating of 70 submitted a grantapplication for a small brush truck inSeptember 2003, the rating wouldautomatically increase to 76 bysure the needed information gets whereit should go.“If anything, departments should useit to report wildland fire costs. That littlegrass fire is just one that could add upand help the state get reimbursed forcosts during a heavy fire season,” saidMontgomery.More than 300 departmentsstate-wide have already begun using thesystem, including the Bogata VolunteerFire Department in Red River County.President Jerry Hutson says having theability to record everything in one placehas been beneficial.“We print out summaries all the time,it’s very easy to use.” said Hutson, whobegan using the system in June. “In thepast, I would wait until the end of themonth to write everything down byhand. Now, I log on every 3 or 4 days,and I’m done.”September 2005.Other changes to the programinclude:• Increasing the maximum cost-shareamount for water tankers, smallbrush trucks, large brush trucks, andslip-on modules equipped with compressedair foam systems (CAFS) by$5,000• Increasing the wildland personalprotective clothing grant to 90% ofthe actual cost, with a maximumprice set by the Texas Forest ServiceFire Safe Program• SCBA’s will now be eligible forfunding under the “Rescue Equipment”category• Dorm and meal ticket fees at theTEEX Summer Fire School areeligible for grants under the “TrainingTuition” category• Electronic projectors are now eligiblefor cost-share funding in the “TrainingLibraries” categoryAll of the changes were approved bythe HB 2604 Advisory Committeewhose member’s include fire servicepersonnel and private citizens fromaround the state, as well as TexasForest Service employees.Departments wishing to use orevaluate the new system canrequest access from the VFD FireReporting homepage at http://tfsdem-iis.tamu.edu/FDReporting/vfd/default.asp.For more information on any of theTexas Forest Service volunteer firedepartment assistance programs, visithttp://texasforestservice.tamu.edu.OCTOBER 2005 TEXAS FIREMEN41

I am dedicated to my family, community and the Carthage Fire Department.With your VOTE I will dedicate myself to serve as YOUR 4 th Vice President- State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association of TexasCareer: Carthage Fire MarshalSFFMA Constitution & Bylaws CommitteePresident East Texas Arson Investigators AssociationSFFMA Northeast District President (2002)Carthage Fireman of the year 1992SFFMA: Accredited Advanced Firefighter, Level IIInstructor, Certification CoordinatorTCFP: Arson Investigator, Structure Fire Fighter, FireInspector, Fire InstructorTCLEOSE: Advanced Peace OfficerTDH: Certified EMTUnited State Department of Justice (ATF):East Texas Arson and Explosives Task Force OfficerTexas A&M University, TEEX-ESTI: Instructor,FP VI – Phase I (since 2000)Northeast Texas Area Fire Protection School:Instructor (since 1996)Wood County Fire Fighter Training School:Instructor (1997-1999)Annual Henderson County Fall Fire School:Instructor (1997 + 1999)Supported by the North East Texas Firemen’s & Fire Marshals’ Association42 TEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005

Transforming the Past for Continued Greatness!by Les Bunte, Director ESTI/TEEX“Well Yeah!...way, way back inancient 1974!”, as my kids like to say, Iattended my very first annual TexasMunicipal Fire Training School. Manyof you, like my kids, will agree that wasa long time ago! But for some others,particularly the gray haired guestinstructors for the school who look likeme, that was not necessarily a long timeago either! I vividly recall all therobust excitement and energy displayedby the guest instructors back then whowere working for the first time underconcrete floored, pre-engineered,professionally built shelters rather thansome portable home-made, “dirtdobber” welded shelter made fromsurplus pipe and tin that was literallydragged over all-gravel roads from burnprop to prop! That is too, if your projectwas lucky enough to have one, and wasalso able to constantly guard it and keepit from the thievery of other jealousguest instructors!There was a tremendous air ofexcitement back in those days by theseinstructors as then Fire School ChiefHenry D. Smith was in the midst oftransforming the original 1961 BraytonFire Training Field (BFTF) with a majorcapital improvement program (CIP).This CIP converted his vision intoreality by making it the most ultramodern fire field in the world. Throughhis work, and a master plan layout stillused today, he modernized and addedmany permanent classroom/sheltersand burn props in the 1970’s. Then inthe late 1990’s, that vision was expandedupon further by Dr. Kem Bennett, whowas then the TEEX Director and nowVice-Chancellor for the TAMU System,as he introduced another major CIPinitiative. His development of DisasterCity greatly enhanced and expanded theBFTF from a primary focus of firetraining to also include practicaltraining for advanced rescue operations.We all owe a great debt of gratitude tothese two great leaders for providing uswith such a world-renowned facility,reputation, and sustained resources. Ihope you take the time someday soon,either verbally or in writing, tothank them.Their vision, commitment, professionalism,passion for this school toexcel, and what I have learned fromthem over the years, is the reason theyare my personal heroes and mentors.You can always be assured that I, as theChief of the Fire School along withcurrent TEEX Director Lanny Smith,will continue with their vision ofconstantly transforming your school,with quality facilities, curriculum, andsupport operations to always be theworld’s pinnacle fire training provider.As evidenced by current events, yourschool is now in the midst of anothermajor historical transformation with itslargest ever CIP initiative of over $18+million! This will provide for new burnprops, new large classroom facilities,and will ensure all of our operationsare environmentally sound andresponsible.These already approved improvementsinclude:• a recently completed new fireextinguisher refill facility costing$757,000;• a new 500 student multiple classroomfacility, named after ChiefHenry D. Smith, projected forconstruction start in October 2005and hopefully will be completed bythe 2006 annual school at a cost of$4.1 million;• a new multi-structural burnbuilding to be completed by the Fallof 2006 costing $1.3 million;• a completely new fire/waste watertreatment system at a cost of $8.6million to be completed by January2007;• a site wide soil remediation projectof concreting all burn prop areas andfield drainage systems along with afire-water pond sludge removalproject totaling over $4 million,which is also to be completed byJanuary 2007;• and provided there are fundsremaining, $600,000 is alsotentatively earmarked forcompletely retrofitting and addingto the “process unit” burn prop.OCTOBER 2005 ESTI/TEEXThis a tremendous financialcommitment by the leadership of theTEEX agency and their belief in theimportance of providing quality fire andrescue training services to all of youemergency service responders all acrossthis state. Our movement forward willnot end with just physical infrastructureimprovements. We intend to moverapidly over the next couple of yearswith major changes to our annual schoolcurriculums, courses, instructorcredentials, and overall operations.There is no doubt that these are someexciting times for your fire school thatis proudly sponsored by the SFFMA.Also, I want to personally thank youfor making this year’s annualmunicipal school the largest we havehad in the last 10 years and the secondlargest in history with 2,392 students.Please plan now to help me make ourchallenge goal, of the largest school everwith 2500+ students, become a realityin 2006! I greatly encourage you to be apersonal part of history and transformingyour school to an even greater levelthis next year!As we prepare for these improvementswith some very memorable BFTFicon buildings missing from thelandscape of this year’s school, alongwith those other mentionedimprovements coming online over thenext two years, I know I will witnessagain the robust excitement and energyof our current guest instructors andstudents that will be very similar to thattime “way, way back in ancient 1974”!But in all honesty, because of the loveand passion we all have for this school,I truly see that enthusiasm in theinstructor character and studentdemeanor each and every year. As I amprivileged to share the vision of thefuture with you as the chief of your fireschool, I also share that maybe 1974 wasnot that long ago after all!TEXAS FIREMEN43

You Now Have Access to Exceptional Benefits!Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA), has been endorsed by yourassociation to make the benefits listed below available to you. To learn moreabout any of these products, please visit www.amba.info, or call 800.258.7041.Representatives are also available to give a brief informational meeting.Endorsed Benefits* Long Term Care Insurance First Diagnosis Cancer Insurance First Diagnosis Heart Insurance Accident Expense Insurance Medicare Supplement Insurance Final Expense Whole Life Insurance Tax-Deferred Annuity Dental Insurance Hearing Benefits Vision Plan Medical Air Transportation Services (MASA) Computer Discount Program Wholesale Warehouse Membership Group Travel Program Government Employee Travel OpportunityResort Program Hotel Discount Program Car Rental Discounts*some benefits not available in all statesAMBA is a nationwide full-service agency focused on plan design, negotiations,and implementation of benefit programs for associations. We assist manyorganizations throughout the United States in obtaining quality products withflexible choices and options for members.www.amba.info 1.800.258.704144TEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005

LETTERS/continued from page 4to all of them. They were particularlymoved by Chaplain Ben Kennedy’scomments during the memorial service.He was amazing. Granted, it was riotthe same without Sean, but theknowledge that so many people cared,made it easier for them. It was good tosee them smile and even laugh, becausethey were with good friends. You andyour organization have had an impacton this family and the thousands ofTexas families served by MDA that willlast the rest of their lives. This feeling isshared by our staff and by me. TheSFFMA is made up by a group of caringand generous individuals.I also wanted to express mysympathy on the loss of your President,Thomas Harwell. As we discussed, it isdifficult to believe that we were havinga great time at our hospitality suite justthe month before and he was in greatspirits. He was truly a wonderful personand this will be a great loss to theSFFMA, the fire service in Texas andMDA. He will be missed. His family isin my thoughts and prayers.Finally, I wanted to thank you, Chris,Sylvia and all of your staff foreverything that you have done andcontinue to do for the fight againstmuscular dystrophy. Over the years,through good times and bad, we’vealways been able to count on theleadership of the SFFMA to help in ourefforts. It is a pleasure to work with eachof you and your great organization. Ilook forward to seeing you all againsoon.SincerelyEd BakerDivisional Field RepresentativeMuscular Dystrophy AssociationPENSION/continued from page 11Administratively, we have substantiallystreamlined our operations.The agency is now using a web-basedsystem for reporting of annual reports,benefit determinations and billings. Wehave moved to a system of quarterlybillings for cities participating in TESRSmaking it a simpler system for both theagency and the end user. We havecross-trained staff who are able to assistin both the statewide volunteer pensionfund program and each of the 123 TexasLocal Firefighter Retirement Actmunicipal programs.My staff and I have traveled the stateto make sure the membership of over26,000 firefighters and their beneficiariesare aware of changes in both agencyoperations and pension fund issues andhave put in many hours above andbeyond general government guidelinesat no additional cost to the state. Yourparticipation and receptiveness to oureducational forums and meetings hasbeen appreciated by all of us.We have come a long way sinceFebruary 2004, and this transformationwould not have been successful withoutthe help of our dedicated staff andthe support of the TESRS Board ofTrustees and the members of theTLFFRA boards’ of trustees. I wouldlike to personally thank each andevery one of the members of theState Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’Association for the diligent work eachof you put in to make these legislativeefforts a reality. I am trying to follow inthe footsteps of my mentor and friend,Helen Johnson, to make this agency,created by you, the fire service, greatonce again. Take care and be safe.A listing of the Texas StatewideEmergency Services Personnel RetirmentBoard of Trustees can be found on page 36.Deputy Director Chris Barron wasfeatured in the taping of a cooking showwith Chef Johnny Carino. Chief Barronand firefighter Carino, a firefighter withManchaca Fire/Rescue, filmed an episodefor Johnny Carino’s cooking show“Break Me Off a Piece of That” that willair this fall in various cities in Texas andthe U.S. The show featured Chef Carinoand Chief Barron making BBQ ribs andPotatoes O’Brien. While filming theshow, Chef and Chief talked about variousfire safety messages that viewerscan practice and implement in their ownhome. The shows are being shown onmany of the PBS stations across Texasand this episode will be shown in thefall.NIGHTCLUB/continued from page 14managers of establishments of managementresponsibilities.Improvements in Texas nightclub,bar and dance hall fire safety can bestbe achieved through a collaborative effortthat involves local and state publicsafety agencies, bar owners/managersand their patrons.130th Annual SFFMATraining Conference & ConventionJune 10 - 14, 2006OCTOBER 2005 TEXAS FIREMEN45

CALENDAR AR OF EVENTSCLASSIFIEDOCTOBEROct 1-2. West Texas District Area School.TEEX. Wichita Falls, TX. For more informationcontact Mike Davis at 940/761-7901.Oct 1-3. Northeast Texas Area Fire School.TEEX. Longview, TX. For more informationcontact Jim White at 903/834-3457.Oct 8-9. Galveston County Area Fire School.TEEX. League City, TX. For more informationcontact Tim Johnson at 281/389-5655.Oct 9. National Fallen Firefighters’ MemorialWeekend. Emmitsburg, MD. For moreinformation, go to www.firehero.comOct 13 – 14. Symposium on Scientific FireInvestigation, Spoliation and Subrogation.Sponsored by Cozen O’Connor and PremierClaims Investigations, Inc. Houston, TX. Formore information, contact Michael Chaney,PCI at 936/321-4849 or emailmchaney444@aol.comOct 14-28. 8th Annual Capital Area interagencyWildfire Academy. TFS. Camp Swift,Bastrop, TX. For more information call963/875-4786Oct 15. WPI Firefighter’s Fund ChiliCook-off and Festival! Bass Pro Shops,Grapevine, TX. For more information go towww.wpifirefighterfund.org or call1-817/872-1500x100Oct 15. Fire & Emergency Services Expo.Ingleside, TX. For more information contactSanna Herzer at 361/776.7422.Oct 15-16. North Central Texas Area FireSchool. TEEX. Mineral Wells, TX. For moreinformation contact Steve Perdue at 940/325-2908 or sperdue@mesh.netOct. 16-22. Southwestern Division of theInternational Association of Fire Chiefs.Lafayette , LA. For more informationcontact Chief Earl Foster at 940/761-7900or earl.foster@cwftx.netOct 19-22. National Volunteer Fire Council.Galveston, TX. For more information, go towww.nvfc.org.Oct 22-23. Henderson County Fall FireSchool. TEEX. Athens, TX For more informationcontact Trey Winn at 903/677-6638.Oct 22-23. 58th Semi-Annual WintergardenArea Training School. TEEX. Uvalde, TX.For more information contact Jerry Rust at830/774-3318.Oct. 24-25. 7th Annual Fire Marshal’s Conference.Austin,TX. For more informationcontact Scott Smith at 512/305-7902 orscott.smith@tdi.state.tx.usOct 28-30. 4th Annual Mile High Fire/RescueSchool. TEEX. Fort Davis, TX. For moreinformation contact Kelly Bryan at 432/426-3900 of fortdavisfd@netscape.netOct 28-30. Hill Country Fireman’s AssociationFire School. TEEX/TFS.Junction, TX.For more information contact Kelly Miller at325/446-2543 or kdm109@airmail.netNOVEMBERNov 5-6. Refugio Area School. TEEX.Refugio, TX. For more information contactDon Pullin at 631/526-2119DECEMBERDec 3-4. Jasper Area Fire School. TEEX.Jasper, TX. For more information contactDennis Gifford at 409/775-33792006JANUARY 27-28, 2006.Planning Conference. Waco, TX.For information call 512/454-3473.JUNE 10-14, 2006.130th AnnualSFFMA Training Conference& Convention, Waco, TX.For information call 512/454-3473.FOR SALE1975 Chevy C65 500 GPM PumperEquipped with: V8 Engine, 500 gal. Tank,two 4 ½” X 10" hard suction, HYD. Andspanner wrenches, lights and siren, newtires; 4 ½ “ strainer, (1) fire axe, 2 ½” X 1½ “ Y, hose clamp, two (2) Scott air packs,4 ½ “ double female, 150’ 1 ½ ‘ hose,approximately 500’ 2 ½ “ hose,miscellaneous adapters & connections,(1) 20# ABC Fire Extinguisher, (1) 15 CO2,(1) Exhaust fan, gas generator and cordreel, ladders, (1) 14’ Extension, (1) roof,(1) attic, (2) 2 ½ ‘ nozzles, (1) Pry bar, setof hose ramps, 1" red line & reel. Pike Pole.Truck is located at Woodlawn VFDAsking Price $10,000Truck is fully functional.Contact: Don Dowdell, Chief, PO Box 98Woodlawn, TX 75694.Or call 903/938-7903 or 903/930-591646TEXAS FIREMEN OCTOBER 2005

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