SAFE-D 2026 On Demand Training

SAFE-D has arranged to provide on-demand courses to allow ESD commissioners to obtain certified training on their own schedule. Texas A&M's V.G. Young's Institute of County Government has certified courses listed here for ESD Commissioner Training Credit. These courses will expire Dec. 31, 2026. If you have questions regarding any of the offerings, email admin@safe-d.org.

ALL COURSES CERTIFIED FOR ONE (1) HOUR OF C.E. CREDIT UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. Recorded at the 2025 SAFE-D Annual Conference 

VFDs A to Z (2 hours) - Noted Emergency Services District attorney and volunteer firefighter Ken Campbell describes the legal opportunities and restraints associated with Texas volunteer fire departments. GO HERE TO REGISTER

ME, YOU and The BUDGET: Success Through Collaboration - Representatives of El Paso County Emergency Services District No. 1 describe their budgeting process, which has been successful in meeting the demands of a rapidly growing district. GO HERE TO REGISTER

ESD 101 (3 hours) - John Carlton and Kelli Carlton of The Carlton Law Firm PLLC give an overview of Texas Emergency Services Districts. Recorded at the 2025 Conference - Some changes may have been made by the 89th Legislature. Sponsored by VFIS of Texas. GO HERE TO REGISTER

STRATEGIC PLANNING - The Essentials - Veteran emergency services consultant Mike Montgomery helps Emergency Services Districts begin their strategic planning process. GO HERE TO REGISTER

ETHICS for ESD COMMISSIONERS - Attorney Kelli Carlton provides the essential ethical guidelines for Texas Emergency Services District commissioners. GO HERE TO REGISTER

NUTS & BOLTS of ESDs - ESD Attorney Kelli Carlton gives an overview of the operations of Texas Emergency Services Districts. Sponsored by The Carlton Law Firm, PLLC. GO HERE TO REGISTER

SETTING A TAX RATE - ESD attorneys John Peeler and Krystine Ramon review the process of setting your annual budget and property tax rates, including a review of the forms used in the process. GO HERE TO REGISTER

SALES TAX WORKSHOP (2 hours) - Richard Fletcher of HdL provides a comprehensive look at the sales tax process, including what ESDs considering sales tax should know through the process of obtaining and maintaining the revenue source. Sponsored by Government Capital Corp. GO HERE TO REGISTER

ROBERTS RULES of ORDER - Can’t we all just get along? Kirk Overbey, Professional Registered Parliamentarian, show that we can if we follow a few simple rules in this presentation that includes role-playing and lighthearted fun. GO HERE TO REGISTER

FINANCING for ESDs - Ed King, Government Capital Corporation, reviews financing structures available for ESDs and discusses key considerations for long term capital budgeting and debt management. Sponsored by Radcliffe Adams Barner Attorneys at Law. GO HERE TO REGISTER

RECORDS RETENTION - Rebecca Hanna, Texas State Library & Archives Commission,  provides guidance about what elements are necessary to be submitted to TSLAC to legally destroy government records. Other issues discussed include identifying the ESD official responsible for managing ESD records and guidance for determining the minimum length of time an ESD is required to keep a record. GO HERE TO REGISTER