Since 2017, hundreds of Texas firefighter leaders have participated in 41 small- and large-group TSAFF training events or workshops.

The events and workshops have included traditional programs, such as the annual weeklong service training event, but also secretary-treasurer, leadership seminars, and workers compensation and communications workshops, along with the more recent political training academy.

TSAFF President John Riddle said the evolving training and educational offerings foster better representation of members by local affiliates in 200 Texas communities and strong cooperation among locals facing similar operational or political challenges.

“The TSAFF board and staff have strived to provide programs focused on Texas issues and statutes important to Texas firefighters, but also complement what the IAFF offers” Riddle said. “We've worked to move the events around the state to offer more members opportunities to participate as attendees or speakers. We’re continuing to work on the content of these events."

Confidential participant surveys have been taken at most of the training and events and workshops, TSAFF Secretary-Treasurer Brandon Day said. All of the event sessions and speakers are graded by survey respondents.

“We have hundreds of comments and thousands of data points from the surveys,” Day added. “We encourage constructive criticism of the training and education we offer — and we factor in the comments and suggestions as we plan future events. Overall, the survey responses are excellent, but we’ve also adapted the programs as times have changed and members’ interests evolved.”

Riddle added, “I’m proud that our members invest in training and education. We’ve built a program that compares well with state associations around the nation — and we plan to keep getting better."