Skip to content

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Sheri Hemrick

Photo by Sheri Hemrick

Welcome to the

State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts

SAFE-D is the only organization dedicated to helping the men and women of Texas Emergency Services Districts
provide fire protection and emergency medical services to more than 10 million Texans.

Sign Up for SAFE-D Legislative Updates

Sign up for SAFE-D legislative updates by filing out this quick form to join the email list.

Report: ESDs do more than municipalities for less taxpayer money

In a September 2022 report, noted economist Dr. Ray Perryman finds that ESDs provide emergency services for dramatically less than municipalities -- at one-third to one-half the costs.

Read the report here!

FAQs About ESDs

Learn more about ESDs - grassroots governments that provide fire protection or emergency medical services at a fraction of the costs of municipal fire departments.

Learn More

Want to know about ESDs?

If you have questions about Texas ESDs or would like some general information, let SAFE-D know!

Click here.

Want to advertise in the SAFE-D Pen?

The SAFE-D Pen is the official newsletter of the State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts and is mailed out to members.

Click here for more information.

SAFE-D Video: How to Create an ESD

More areas across Texas are considering creating an emergency services district to provide reliable funding for fire protection or emergency medical services.

SAFE-D has created a short, free video with steps required to create an ESD.

SAFE-D encourages residents who are considering an ESD to consult with an attorney experienced in local government matters to assist in the process.

We welcome your questions at admin@safe-d.org

File State-Required ESD Report

State law (Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 775.083) requires Emergency Services Districts to file a report with the Texas Division of Emergency Management by January 1 of each year.

Through an agreement with TDEM, you can file your ESD's January 1, 2024 report through SAFE-D.

USE THIS LINK TO FILE YOUR ESD's 2024 REPORT or cut and paste this into your browser: www.safe-d.org/esdreports24.

For the most recent 2024 reports, use this link to download an Excel file.

To see a list of ESDs that have reported, use this link: www.safe-d.org/esdreports24

For 2023 reports, use this link to download an Excel file.

AFG Open Through March 8, FEMA Sessions Available

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fiscal Year 2023 Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) application period remains open through March 8. Special districts providing emergency services are eligible to apply to the federal $324 fire service program for key resources such as equipping and training first responders, acquiring personal protective equipment, purchasing emergency vehicles and more.

Go HERE to find out more

SB8 EMS Personnel Scholarships

The Texas Legislature has set aside funds to educate and train EMS personnel. Scholarships are available based on documented need, with special attention given to rural and underserved areas within the state. Courses can be in-person, online, or hybrid.

Go HERE to find out more

ESD Websites

Senate Bill 2, passed in 2019, requires Texas ESDs to maintain websites and specifies information that must be available to the public. Here's a link to statutory requirements for local government websites, including ESDs.

Here is a link to Texas ESD websites.

To have your ESD's website added to this list, email admin@safe-d.org.

NEW: ESD Tax Rate Setting Hub

SAFE-D has created a page with resources for ESDs looking for guidance in setting their Ad Valorem Tax Rate. Go HERE to find a recording of the recent ESD Tax Rate Process webcast, links to Comptroller forms, rate setting timelines, and more.

As always, be sure to check with your own counsel should you have the need for legal advice

Thanks for Attending SAFE-D's 2024 Annual Conference

Go HERE for the Official Conference Program

Save the Date for SAFE-D's 23rd Annual Conference, Feb. 6-8, 2025, at the Kalahari Convention Center in Round Rock, Texas. We hope to see you there!

SAFED4Q23cover

NEW: Winter Newsletter Available

An electronic version of the SAFE-D Members-Only Newsletter for Winter 2023 (above) is available in the Member Center.

SAFE-D unveils 2023 On-Demand Training

SAFE-D has won approval for on-demand courses, available throughout 2023.  These affordable trainings allow ESD commissioners to earn required training hours on their own schedules. Click here to see a list of available courses and links to register.

Video Library

Access recordings of SAFE-D webcasts by clicking to https://www.safe-d.org/video-library/.

Coming Soon: This content will only be available to members through the soon-to-be-released Member Center.

Thanks to these generous sponsors of SAFE-D's 2024 Annual Conference

Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Gold Sponsor