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

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.

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.

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
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