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
Federal Legislation Update - SDGAA
New: Interested in adding your ESD to the National Special District Coalition's list of SDGAA supporters? Click HERE.
Following the successful House passage of H.R. 7525 in May, U.S. Senators Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) have now introduced companion Special District Grant Accessibility Act (S.4673)-SDGAA legislation in the Senate as S. 4673. The legislation would establish a first-ever, formal definition of “special district” in federal law and ensure communities served by these local agencies are eligible for all appropriate forms of federal financial assistance.
In addition to codifying this definition, the legislation would require the White House Office of Management and Budget to issue guidance to federal agencies requiring special districts (including Emergency Services Districts) to be recognized as local governments for the purpose of federal financial assistance determinations.
This would be a massively helpful bill for ESDs, as well as all special districts, and we thank Senator Cornyn specifically for making sure Texas leads the way on the issue!
Special Legislative Panel Calls for More Money for VFDs
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.
SAFE-D Video: How to Create an ESD
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
Nominations Open: Texas Fire Service Hall of Honor Lifetime Achievement Award
This annual award recognizes individuals from the fire service with outstanding commitment and contributions to the Texas Fire Service. All donations will be to TEEX for the support of the Texas Fire Service Hall of Honor.
Nominations are due August 2, 2024. GO HERE for more information.
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.
Notice of Funding Opportunity: FEMA Post Fire Fiscal Year 2024 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
The open application period for the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) - FY2024 Post Fire is now open and will end on November 1, 2024.
FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)-Post Fire assistance helps communities implement hazard mitigation measures after wildfire disasters.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity is HERE and will be available at www.tdem.texas.gov in Current Funding Opportunities.
Contact your TDEM Regional Hazard Mitigation Section Chief coordinator early to assist with preparing a quality application or for any questions related to this opportunity
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.
SAFE-D unveils 2024 On-Demand Training
SAFE-D has won approval for on-demand courses, available throughout 2024. 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.
TEEX Training for First Responders
Emergency Medical Responder Blended
Complete the self-paced online learning portion now through early July. Then attend in person for skills instruction and testing during Annual School either July 7-12 or July 14-19. Learn more and register HERE.
Emergency Medical Technician Program
The TEEX EMT Program is based on the National Standard Curriculum core competencies and meets or exceeds minimum hours and content established by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The 9 week EMT program includes 200 hours of classroom lecture and hand-on skills lab portion, 48 hours of clinical internship and 72 hours of field internship. Participants successfully completing the EMT program will receive a TEEX Certificate of Completion and be eligible to take for the National Registry Cognitive exam.
The class begins September 3rd, 2024. Learn more and register HERE.
The 95th Texas Municipal Fire School - July 7-12, 2024 - TEEX Brayton Fire Training Field - College Station, TX
Details and Registration HERE.
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!
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.
