Blog | TEEX.ORG

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Each year, hundreds of millions of individuals lose their personally identifiable information due to cyberattacks on organizations large and small, both public and private. The recent data leak reported by AT&T affecting 73 million of its customers, including individuals and organizations, underscores the need to be vigilant about protecting personal information in cyberspace.

Cybersecurity experts at the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) can help you and your organization safeguard personal information from cyberattacks by providing training opportunities and conducting assessments of your cybersecurity compliance and risks. TEEX’s cybersecurity team has decades of experience in private industry, critical infrastructure, military and government cybersecurity applications.

“Data leaks pose significant dangers to individuals, organizations and communities at large, as they compromise sensitive information, leading to financial losses, breaches of privacy, identity theft and erosion of trust,” said Dr. Bart Taylor, TEEX cybersecurity training manager. “In today’s interconnected world, continuous cybersecurity training and the evaluation of cyber risks are paramount in building and improving cyber resiliency for individuals and organizations.”

Upcoming cybersecurity training opportunities and resources developed by TEEX include the following:

The TEEX Cybersecurity Certificate Series helps public and private organizations protect their organizations and data. Funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the five-certificate series is developed and delivered at no cost by TEEX’s cybersecurity team. This certificate series provides critical information for employees at all levels of government and industry, as well as private citizens, on how to prepare for and mitigate a cybersecurity incident. The first two certificates offer a combination of instructor-led and online courses; the remaining three certificates are taught online only. Many of the courses in the certificate series are certified by the American Council on Education for recommended college credit, if desired, at the completion of each certificate. To learn more or to register, visit the Cybersecurity Certificate Series Catalog.

TEEX is conducting a no-cost webinar, External Cyber Risks in Manufacuring, on May 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. CDT. This one-hour webinar will explore the critical aspects of external cybersecurity risks in manufacturing, including the dynamic landscape of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), remote access, cloud storage and portable media. The session will describe the risks associated with vendor and supply chain interactions and the pivotal role of security controls, such as robust authentication measures, encryption protocols and comprehensive monitoring, to mitigate and manage cybersecurity risks effectively.

TEEX’s in-person 2025 Cyber Readiness Summit is scheduled for April 1-3, 2025, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center in San Marcos, Texas. Designed with everyone in mind, the summit will feature experts who specialize in making complex topics accessible and relevant to those who want to protect their business or organization from cyber attacks. Registration will open on July 1, 2024, at teex.org/cybersummit.

Check out this Cybersecurity Tip Sheet prepared by TEEX’s cybersecurity experts to help you weather the digital storm if your personal information is breached.

For more information about our cybersecurity training and assessments, contact one of our experts at [email protected] or (979) 431-4837.

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

TEEX provides training to RGV residents, preparing them for careers in the area

BROWNSVILLE –Governor Greg Abbott today joined leaders from the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) and The Texas A&M University System at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 30,000-square-foot South Texas Workforce Development Project advanced manufacturing training facility near the Port of Brownsville. The center will offer programs provided by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).

Given today’s evolving technology, an advanced manufacturing workforce is needed in the RGV to adapt to new tools, processes and methodologies. Classrooms and labs in the new facility will provide hands-on instruction and projects in advanced machinery, automation, digital technologies, communications skills, safety protocols, quality control, leadership and more, allowing residents to train and establish careers where they live.

“This new state-of-the-art facility here at the Port of Brownsville will train Texans to lead the workforce of tomorrow,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Students here will be prepared for in-demand jobs and receive hands-on instruction on real-world projects that are often encountered by workers on the job. They will get the experience and training they need to excel in cutting-edge manufacturing jobs here in the Rio Grande Valley and throughout Texas. Texas is the economic engine of America, where workers know that they live in a state where they can gain the skills necessary to help build the future. I am proud to be here today to celebrate the new South Texas Workforce Development Project as we continue to build an even bigger, better Texas.”

Abbott was joined at the event by Robert L. Albritton, Vice Chairman of the Board of Regents, The Texas A&M University System; Michael A. “Mike” Hernandez III, Regent, The Texas A&M University System; John Sharp, Chancellor, The Texas A&M University System; Esteban Guerra, Commission Chairman, Port of Brownsville Navigation District; Eddie Lucio III, former member, Texas House of Representatives; Dr. Robert H. Bishop, Vice Chancellor and Dean of Engineering, Texas A&M University and Agency Director, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station; David Coatney, Agency Director, TEEX; and Mark Posada, Associate Agency Director, TEEX

“The Texas A&M University System and our partners are here for the long haul to make sure this area becomes the most prosperous region in Texas,” Regent Mike Hernandez said.

The new $30 million facility, which is scheduled for completion in mid-2026, will be located at the Texas A&M Rio Grande Valley Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Hub (RAMI) near the Port of Brownsville. RAMI was created through financial support from the Texas State Legislature in 2021 to enhance skills in demand by the advanced manufacturing sector in the RGV. Administered by TEEX, the hub prepares RGV residents for technical workforce careers while stimulating the local economy.

“This project marks a major milestone in the commitment that Texas A&M System has made to the Rio Grande Valley,” John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, said. “The South Texas Workforce Development Project undoubtedly will make a difference for countless families in this part of the state.”

Since the program’s inception in 2022, more than 30 area companies have enrolled employees in training at the hub, and the program has awarded more than 15,700 certificates to participants, allowing those who live in the RGV to train and work there.

“As the leading economic engine and major job creator for the region, the Port of Brownsville understands the critical importance of developing a highly skilled workforce to sustain our existing industries and attract new ones,” said Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra. “The advanced manufacturing training facility exemplifies our dedication to creating career opportunities and fostering innovation in manufacturing. We are proud to partner with The Texas A&M University System to empower our workforce for the future.”

Partners in the hub include Cameron County, the City of Brownsville, Texas Southmost College, Texas State Technical College and independent school districts in Brownsville, Edinburg, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo, Los Fresnos and Port Isabel.

Web: https://trainestufuturo.org/

a group of people shoveling dirt from a box and smiling

For information contact
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
Cell: (979) 402-7810
Email: [email protected]

The Texas A&M Public Works Response Team (TX-PWRT) was called to Cumby, a small community in Hopkins County northeast of Dallas, during the hard freeze in mid-January to help repair four water main breaks, which shut down the city’s water system for three days. Today, staff from the TEEX Extension Program in water and wastewater continue to assist the Cumby public works team with training and technical assistance to ensure that the community’s water system is running smoothly. These services are provided through funding from the state of Texas.

The TX-PWRT is a joint response team sponsored by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). The TX-PWRT was deployed to Cumby on January 17, 2024, after Hopkins County issued a local disaster declaration due to multiple breaks in the city’s water lines because of severe winter weather.

“The TX-PWRT determined why the water system’s tanks were not holding water, restored operations, and helped the Cumby public works team optimize the chlorine in the drinking water to ensure it was safe for residents,” said Bill Long, TX-PWRT water and wastewater group lead and program director in TEEX’s Infrastructure Training and Safety division. “Once our six-member response team got the system back up and running, TEEX conducted an audit for the city to identify a training and technical assistance plan moving forward.”

Jason Barber, TEEX regional manager for TEEX Region 1 where Cumby is located, is implementing this plan by providing on-site training and technical guidance to Cumby water personnel so they can earn their certified water professional license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. TEEX is also providing wastewater and heavy equipment training for the city.

“The TEEX Public Works Response Team played a crucial role in restoring water to the City of Cumby during the January freeze. The team was quick to respond, well-equipped, and operated flawlessly. They led us through many repairs, including main line breaks and chlorine system malfunction,” said Cumby City Secretary Miranda Randle. “TEEX Regional Manager Jason Barber has led our public works team with his expertise in training, repairs and continued guidance. With the assistance we’ve received, our water quality has improved immensely. The City of Cumby could not have made it through this disaster without the TEEX team!”

About the TX-PWRT:

TX-PWRT is a state asset sponsored by TEEX and TDEM that is deployed by the Texas State Operations Center to support local jurisdictions during catastrophic events. TX-PWRT members are experienced and knowledgeable in public works activities such as utilities (electrical, water, wastewater, storm water, environmental safety and compliance, and communications); debris clearance; structural safety; transportation systems; heavy equipment operators; fire control operations; and logistical support.

About the TEEX Extension Program:

The TEEX Extension Program keeps Texas prepared by helping communities solve local problems in the areas of critical infrastructure, water and wastewater management and recovery, fire and emergency services, and law enforcement and protective services. This state-funded program has a robust network of regional managers and coordinators who live and work in their regions. They provide on-site classroom and hands-on training and technical assistance, including planning, assessments, troubleshooting and repair and recovery.

TEEX’s Jason Barber (right) assists Cumby water system staff member Tyler Humphries in plugging a wastewater main line and reinvigorating the microorganisms that treat wastewater.

City of Cumby public works staff participate in the TEEX Basic Water Operations Class led by Jason Barber (top right).

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

people sitting and listening to a speaker on a stage — Cyber Summit Keynote Session led by Ernesto Ballesteros, Cybersecurity State Coordinator of Texas, CISA Region 6

The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) held its inaugural Cyber Readiness Summit in San Marcos, Texas, February 13-15, 2024. The summit provided engaging talks, interactive sessions and a tabletop exercise to teach participants how to protect, detect and recover from the evolving landscape of cybersecurity incidents that threaten their organizations.

The summit featured four keynote sessions, eight breakout sessions and panel discussions, and a simulation exercise that mimicked a real cybersecurity incident. Speakers were from varying backgrounds, such as government, education, law enforcement, public utilities and the private sector, in addition to experts at the TEEX Business and Cyber Solutions Division. Session topics included incident response planning, ransomware and phishing, cybersecurity and the electric grid, hacking the human mind, and cyber defense lessons learned, among others.

Keynote Speaker John Miri, president of the Electric Grid Cybersecurity Alliance, kicked off the summit by comparing today’s “cybersecurity race” to the 1960s space race that culminated when Apollo 11 landed on the moon in 1969, and U.S. Astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon.

“Today, we are in a cyber race—a race for operational advantage in cyberspace,” Miri said. “With the work like we are doing today, we can win the cyber race as well.”

“I was very impressed with the summit and came away with a lot of information and actionable things. I can’t wait to get back to the office and implement what I have learned,” said George Hill, project manager of the Public Works Department for the City of Pflugerville, Texas. “I plan to bring more of our staff to the summit next year.”

“We were pleased to host participants from local government, including many different municipalities and counties; from the field of education, including school districts and universities; as well as participants from healthcare, telecommunications, emergency services, business, and, of course, the tech industry,” said Lisa Mutchler, division director of the TEEX Business and Cyber Solutions Division. “Everyone brought different perspectives and experiences to the conversation about emerging cyber threats and how to address them. We intend to build upon this inaugural summit and make it even bigger and better next year.”

The 2025 Cyber Readiness Summit is scheduled for April 1-3, 2025, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center in San Marcos, Texas. Registration will open on July 1 at teex.org/cybersummit.

people sitting in a circle talking — Cyber Summit Tabletop Exercise

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service’s (TEEX) Testing and Innovation Center recently published a TEEX-Tested® Report about the Squishy Robotics System. TEEX-Tested® reports provide emergency response personnel and acquisition decision-makers with unbiased information about the product’s performance, functionality and reliability in the field.

During TEEX-Tested® assessments, TEEX assembles a panel of subject matter experts to evaluate products for public safety personnel, such as firefighters and law enforcement officers. Experts at TEEX then design realistic scenarios to test products in an environment where they would likely operate. The assessments take place at TEEX’s facilities at Brayton Fire Training Field, Disaster City and on the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus. TEEX is uniquely situated to offer these assessments, as TEEX leverages its facilities that provide realistic operational environments for testing and long-standing relationships with subject matter professionals.

three people standing over a hole in the ground with a drone

In the assessment of Squishy Robotics, subject matter experts evaluated the robot’s durability and communications, including radio and video streaming. TEEX designed assessment scenarios to focus on hazardous materials missions and utilized drones to deploy the robots.

Ray Ivie, director of the TEEX Testing and Innovation Center, stated, “TEEX is proud to be at the forefront of innovation in the public safety field. By working with organizations and individuals developing technology for first responders, we can ensure that new products aid responders and keep them as safe as possible. This is one more way TEEX is making an impact on first responders, in addition to our training and response.”

Squishy Robotics chief operating officer Deniz Dogruer said, “Testing the data communications capabilities of our sensors in a variety of operationally relevant environments at TEEX Disaster City and Texas A&M-RELLIS was invaluable to our efforts to continually improve our technology to meet the very challenging needs of first responders. The multi-day testing—motivated by specific use cases and conducted in conjunction with the guidance and feedback from a panel of subject matter experts—provided a truly unique testing capability and will produce results that will be directly relevant to the public safety community.”

To read more about TEEX’s assessment of Squishy Robotics, see https://teex.org/news/teex-testing-and-innovation-center-collaborates-with-texas-am-system-entities-to-assess-public-safety-technology/. For more information or to see how TEEX’s Testing and Innovation Center can assist you, contact [email protected] or call (979) 500-6946.

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

More than half a million dollars in hazmat grants will go to train responders around the U.S.

two people standing near and train oil tank in hazmat suits

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – For the eighth consecutive year, the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) was awarded a Hazardous Materials Instructor Training (HMIT) Grant of $376,961 funded by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under the U.S. Department of Transportation. TEEX uses these funds to train instructors around the United States who provide training to employees on Hazardous Materials Regulations.

TEEX Training Coordinator Taylor Hartmann says, “The HMIT Grant provides valuable training for employees on understanding the Hazardous Materials Regulations so they can prepare and transport hazardous materials safely. This training leads to fewer hazmat incidents and is essential for a safer transportation network within the United States. We are very thankful for PHMSA’s continued commitment to the safety and well-being of the public.”

In addition to this grant, TEEX also received a first-time PHMSA Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) grant of $295,000 to train first responders for railcar emergencies involving flammable gases and flammable liquids. These funds will allow TEEX to deliver an additional 12 classes over the next year at no cost to responders. TEEX also sets aside money to assist departments from underserved communities with lodging costs. While the HMIT grant is centered on training employees for proper awareness and transport of hazardous materials, the ALERT grant is focused on training first responders for hazmat response.

TEEX Training Manager Nick Hickson says, “With the PHMSA ALERT Grant, TEEX will be able to train responders from the United States to safely and effectively respond to incidents involving railcars. This training will be conducted at TEEX’s Brayton Fire Training Field to allow class participants to train on actual railcars, protective housings, leaking valves and a full-scale train derailment. This training on life-size props allows participants to gain essential knowledge that is difficult to obtain with pictures, videos or cut-down models. This will allow responders to return to their communities better prepared.”

For more information or to enroll in hazardous materials instructor training go to https://teex.org/class/dot501/.

For more information or to enroll in hazardous materials training go to Hazardous Materials | TEEX.ORG.

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

As a thought leader in public safety training, The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) has published a stakeholders’ report and informational website and developed no-cost training for first responders to identify the issues, challenges and current practices in preventing, preparing for, and addressing electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage system (ESS) fires and related emergencies.

Although EVs are less likely to ignite than fossil fuel-powered or hybrid vehicles, the intense heat, high-voltage cables, and hazardous materials make EV and ESS fires uniquely challenging for first responders. Currently no extinguishing agent is fully effective on these fires, and reignition is a threat for hours or even days after the initial event. These issues are compounded by the increasing prevalence of Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries in EVs, micromobility devices and ESSs.

In October 2023, TEEX convened a summit of nationally recognized experts with experience in responding to Li-ion battery incidents. These senior stakeholders came from numerous agencies and organizations and shared current practices, identified knowledge gaps and made recommendations to address the evolving issues associated with these incidents. These discussions resulted in a set of current best practices for the first responder community.

“We are pleased to be working with industry partners, national laboratories, federal agencies, and EV manufacturers to conduct testing and develop training and practical solutions for lithium-ion battery fire response issues,” said TEEX Agency Director David Coatney. “This initiative is at the core of TEEX’s public safety mission to ensure that the first responder community can make sound decisions to manage these fires safely and effectively.”

The summit participants identified the following unique hazards presented by Li-ion battery fires:

Thermal runaway: Thermal runaway can occur due to overcharging, overheating, physical damage (such as a vehicle crash), or manufacturing defects and could result in extremely high temperatures, fire and the venting of toxic gas and metals or explosive shrapnel.
Electrical shock: EVs rely on high-voltage electrical systems which pose a risk of electrical shock to occupants and first responders in the event of a vehicle crash or other emergency.
Fire: Li-ion battery fire risks increase due to damage or defects in the battery or during charging or discharging. They are often difficult to extinguish and can reignite multiple times.
Chemical exposure: Li-ion batteries contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals that may harm first responders, the public and the environment.
Structural failure: Li-ion batteries can burn at temperatures as high as 3,000 to 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit and could cause concrete and metal fatigue, which could lead to significant damage or failure to structures, such as underpasses or parking garages where a fire takes place.

“Because Li-ion battery technology is relatively new, many departments, first responders and policymakers have limited knowledge of and experience with this battery technology and the related incidents that can occur,” said Gordon Lohmeyer, division director of TEEX Fire and Emergency Services. “We have created a repository of information and training resources located on the TEEX website where first responders can obtain the latest information and learn about our agency’s training on preparing for and responding to an EV/ESS fire. We are also working on destructive battery testing with federal partners and research labs, and the results will quantify the types of contaminants first responders may encounter during EV/ESS emergencies.”

TEEX-sanctioned initial training programs for first responders include:

Electric Vehicle (EV) Safety for the First Responder – a no-cost 2.5-hour online course released in early February.
Lithium-Ion Response Awareness – a no-cost, 4-hour in-person course March 13-15, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas, sponsored by the Kyle and San Marcos fire departments.

As additional EV/ESS current practices and resources are developed, they will be posted on TEEX’s website.

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

Texas A&M Task Force 1 (TX-TF1) received a perfect score of 100 on its 2023 Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) Task Force Administration Readiness Evaluation (ARE) that was recently completed. This marks the first time that any of FEMA’s 28 Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams has earned a perfect score since the agency began the task force evaluations in 2010.

The ARE is an evaluation that examines each team’s compliance in three areas: 1) Operational Readiness, which reviews personnel qualifications and the training regimen for the team; 2) Logistics Readiness, which ensures that each team has the required facilities, transportation, equipment and materials for deployment; and 3) Management Readiness, which verifies that the team is fulfilling the requirements of the FEMA US&R System Cooperative Agreement performance requirements in relation to staffing, reporting, financial processes, policies and procedures.

All 28 teams submit a self-assessment annually, and every three years an assessment team consisting of FEMA staff and peer US&R task force members from other states conduct an in-person evaluation of each team over two days to ensure the self-assessments are accurate. TX-TF1’s in-person evaluation took place December 5 – 6, 2023, at its facilities in College Station.

a group of men searching in a rubble pile

“All of our universities and agencies strive for straight A’s every day, but Texas A&M Task Force 1 outdid itself with its perfect score,” said Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp. “I have the utmost respect for the team members who put their lives on the line to rescue their fellow Texans from fires, floods and other natural and human-caused disasters.”

“To say that I am very proud of the Texas A&M Task Force 1 team would be an understatement,” said TEEX Agency Director David Coatney. “The level of commitment, capability, training, logistics and preparation by the team members have all resulted in the highest level of readiness and achievement by our team. This is an impactful accomplishment that will benefit the communities that we serve.”

“On behalf of the FEMA US&R Branch, I want to congratulate all of the hard-working and dedicated personnel on TX-TF1 who helped achieve this excellent rating,” said Dean Scott, acting chief of the US&R Branch of FEMA’s Operations Division. “We appreciate the outstanding collaboration that the TX-TF1 administration provided throughout the evaluation process, as well as all of the contributions and support that TX-TF1 and TEEX have provided over the years to the FEMA US&R Response System.”

In addition to the TX-TF1 administrative staff, the team includes about 228 first responders from 134 participating agencies and organizations across the state, all of whom reside within three hours of College Station.

“Personnel from fire and rescue departments, emergency medical and health services, and other emergency agencies and specialty companies across Texas have provided the experts to be part of TX-TF1,” said Jeff Saunders, TX-TF1 director. “They have full-time positions in their own organizations but are dedicated to mobilizing with TX-TF1 on a moment’s notice. Without them, this achievement would not be possible.”

About TX-TF1

TX-TF1 functions as one of the 28 federal task forces under the FEMA National US&R System and as a statewide urban search and rescue team under the direction of the Governor through the Texas Division of Emergency Management. TX-TF1 also coordinates the state’s swift water rescue program and the helicopter search and rescue team which works in conjunction with Texas Military Department. Since its inception in 1997, TX-TF1 has been on more than 180 deployments, including 11 deployments in 2023.

For more information about Texas A&M Task Force 1, visit https://texastaskforce1.org/

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

A group of people sitting in chairs listening to a speaker speak on stage — *(TEEX Leadership Development Symposium)*

SAN MARCOS, TEXAS – The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Leadership Development Symposium returned to San Marcos, Texas, January 8-10, 2024. The annual symposium, which celebrated its 16th year, enhances the leadership skills of the emergency response community and offers a robust environment for leadership education and development in a variety of important areas.

Of the 1,374 attendees at the symposium, about 95% were from Texas, representing 133 Texas counties and 318 Texas cities. Presenters from different backgrounds – academic and corporate leaders, veterans, medical and fire service professionals, entrepreneurs, and motivational speakers – all offered a wide range of fresh perspectives, benefiting everyone in public service.

Sessions addressed first responder mental and physical health and wellness; successful leadership practices for a multi-generational workforce; how communications and workplace culture impact decision-making; and innovative team development methods, among others.

Keynote speakers included Darryl Strawberry, former major league baseball player, four-time World Series champion and cancer survivor; Brigadier General (Ret.) Patrick R. Michaelis, 46th Commandant of the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets; Jessica Buchanan, teacher, author, and kidnapping survivor; and Christian “Boo” Boucousis, author, former fighter pilot and businessman, as well as San Antonio and Austin area fire chiefs and firefighters.

“The symposium is vital to the state of Texas,” said Les Stephens, Fire Chief for the city of San Marcos and a partner in hosting the event. “It fills a need that isn’t being filled anywhere else. We have certifications, formal education and fire service education conferences, but we don’t have another event like this one that is completely devoted to building better leaders.”

Training Manager of the Leadership Development Symposium, Sean Fay, agrees, “There is no other event that exposes fire service professionals to cutting edge leadership issues. It fills a huge need for the Texas Fire Service and beyond as we seek to ensure we are creating servant leaders for generations to come.”

The symposium offers training at no cost for Texas first responders, and attendees come from around the state to benefit from this training. The 2025 Leadership Development Symposium is scheduled for January 20-22, 2025, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center in Frisco, Texas.

people listening to a man speak — *(Ryan Snow, Police Officer)*

a man standing on a stage speaking — *(Christian “Boo” Boucousis, Former Fighter Pilot and Businessman)*

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

SAN MARCOS, TEXAS – On Sunday evening, January 7, two individuals were inducted into the Texas Fire Service Hall of Honor for their career-long commitment to the Texas Fire Service. This Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes current or former firefighters or emergency service personnel who have made significant contributions that have been widely recognized in the Texas Fire Service.

two men standing on stage, holding an award and smiling at the camera

Retired Grapevine Fire Chief Stephen J. Bass, whose career in the Texas Fire Service spans 55+ years, was honored for his longtime contributions. His service began at the Hurst Fire Department, where he served for three years; at the Dallas Fire Department for 27 years; and as Fire Chief of both the Bedford Fire Department and most recently the Grapevine Fire Department, where he retired in 2014. He continues to serve as Grapevine Fire Department Chaplain.

four people standing on stage, holding an award and smiling at the camera

Former Edinburg Fire Chief Shawn Michael Snider was honored posthumously for his 40 years of service at the Alamo Fire Department and most recently at the Edinburg Fire Department, where he served as Fire Chief for 24 years. He previously served as Vice President of the Rio Grande Valley Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association and Vice President of the State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) is the host agency for the award, and the Hall of Honor display is located in the Les W. Bunte Jr. Administration and Classroom Complex at Brayton Fire Training Field in College Station, Texas.

TEEX Director David Coatney said, “TEEX is honored to be the home of the Hall of Honor Award, which recognizes those who have contributed to the Texas Fire Service, whether by developing programs to improve firefighter safety, caring for firefighters or their surviving family members, or advancing the fire service to better serve the citizens of Texas.”

Over 75 people attended the awards dinner that was held during TEEX’s 16th annual Leadership Development Symposium, January 7-10. The symposium offers training at no cost for Texas first responders, enhancing the leadership skills of the emergency response community.

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

TEEX Cybersecurity Experts Help Organizations and Individuals Safeguard Personal Information

Texas A&M Facility to Enhance Advanced Manufacturing Workforce

TEEX provides training to RGV residents, preparing them for careers in the area

TEEX Helps Restore the City of Cumby’s Water System During January Disaster Declaration

TEEX’s inaugural Cyber Readiness Summit brings together experts to help Texas businesses and communities prepare for and respond to cyber attacks

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Publishes TEEX-Tested Assessment Report About Squishy Robotics System

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Awarded Prestigious Hazardous Materials Training Grants

More than half a million dollars in hazmat grants will go to train responders around the U.S.

TEEX Launches Resources and Training for First Responders on Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage System Emergencies

TX-TF1 First in the Nation to Receive a Perfect Score on FEMA’s Administration Readiness Evaluation

Texas communities benefit from knowledge gained by first responders at the TEEX Annual Leadership Development Symposium

Two Longtime Leaders in the Texas Fire Service Earn Texas Fire Service Hall of Honor Lifetime Achievement Awards for Their Outstanding Contributions