SFFMA SAFER Grant

The State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas proudly announces the award of its next SAFER grant. It is for a four-year period, beginning December 14, 2022, and ending on December 13, 2026.

The total grant award is $2,183,000 and covers several areas of need faced by volunteer fire departments in Texas including:

  • Basic firefighter training

  • New recruit physicals

  • New recruit PPE

  • Marketing of the departments in the local communities

  • Leadership and career development workshops

  • Assistance with association membership dues - see page 4 of Administrative Guide

  • Travel costs for some training events.

Click below for the Administration Guide, Reimbursement Form, Fit for Duty Form, and Information Handout:

ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDE FOR DEPARTMENTS, CLICK HERE

PHYSICALS AND PPE REIMBURSEMENT FORM, CLICK HERE

TRAINING REIMBURSEMENT FORM, CLICK HERE

PHYSICIAN’S FIT FOR DUTY FORM, CLICK HERE

GENERAL INFORMATION HANDOUT, CLICK HERE

MEMBERSHIP DUES REQUEST FORM, CLICK HERE

Other Programs Available to Texas Departments and Personnel

VFIS of Texas/Texas Mutual Insurance Company Grant Program:

VFIS of Texas and Texas Mutual Insurance Company proudly sponsor a need-based Health and Wellness Grant program for fire departments and non-profit EMS organizations in Texas. Grants of up to $5,000 per department are awarded based upon financial need and are intended to encourage participation in a health and wellness program to reduce emergency responder injuries and deaths. Approved departments expend the funds, then submit copies of receipts to receive reimbursement up to the limit of the program.

Programs administered by the Texas A&M Forest Service:

Rural VFD Assistance Program (HB 2604) - A cost-sharing program funded by the Texas Legislature. It provides funding to rural VFDs for the acquisition of firefighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, dry-hydrants, computer systems and firefighter training.

Emergency Assistance - Departments need to complete this application:

Emergency Application for Rural VFDs - Apply by March 29, 2024; only allowed for Repair/Replacement in the case of a Declared State of Disaster

Rural VFD Insurance Program (HB 3667) - The program provides reimbursement grants for Texas firefighters to obtain workers’ compensation, death, and disability insurance from private insurance companies.

Volunteer Recruitment Resources Assistance Grant - The program assists qualifying fire departments with bolstering staffing and enhancing community fire protection.

DOD Firefighter Property Program - The U.S. Department of Defense firefighter Property Program provides excess DoD military property to emergency service providers. Ownership of the equipment is passed from the federal government to the recipient.

Federal Excess Personal Property - Texas A&M Forest Service acquires excess federal equipment on loan from the federal government. The property is then loaned to fire departments, which then become responsible for maintenance of the property as long as it is in their possession.

Firesafe Program - Merchandise is purchased in bulk in order to pass along savings to rural and small community fire departments. Eligible fire departments get quality wildland and structural protective clothing at savings of 30 to 40 percent.

Helping Hands Program - The program allows the donation of used equipment while providing liability relief to the donor. Typical donations include structural firefighting gear, hoses, nozzles, rescue tools, ladders, and other equipment essential to fire departments.

VFD Motor Vehicle Self Insurance Program - Texas A&M Forest Service provides vehicle liability insurance at a greatly reduced cost.

TIFMAS Grant Assistance Program - The program provides reimbursement grants to career and combination fire departments that are not eligible for assistance under the Rural VFD Assistance Program.

Administered by Employee Retirement System of Texas:

Line of Duty Death Benefit - The benefit provides for $500,000 per incident. It is available to any firefighter’s family in the event of a line-of-duty death. A college tuition exemption is also available to children of fallen firefighters.

Administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board:

College Tuition Exemption - Volunteer and paid firefighters seeking a fire science degree are exempt from college tuition (excludes lab fees, etc.).