2022 Annual Conference
Conference theme: Building Resilience Through Leadership
April 11-14, 2022 | Waco Convention Center, Waco, TX
Dream Big!
Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger - Motivational Speaker, Author & Inspiration for the Award-Winning Movie "Rudy"
 Against all odds on a gridiron is South Bend, Indiana, Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger carved his name into history books as perhaps the most inspiring graduate of the University of Notre Dame. As fans cheered “RU-DY!, RU-DY!,” (which is now considered to be the underdog chant of a lifetime) this “five foot nothin’, a hundred and nothin’… without a speck of athletic ability”, sacked the quarterback in the last 27 seconds of the only play in the only game of his college football career. He is the first player in the school's history to be carried off the field on the shoulders of his teammates.
As the son of an oil refinery worker and third of 14 children, Ruettiger rose from valleys of discouragement and despair to the pinnacles of success. It took years of fierce determination to overcome obstacles and criticisms, yet Ruettiger achieved his first dream - to attend Notre Dame and play football for the Fighting Irish.
In 1993, TRISTAR Productions immortalized Ruettiger’s life story with the blockbuster film, Rudy. Written and Directed by Angelo Pizzo and David Anspaugh, the award-winning team who brought us HOOSIERS, the critically acclaimed Rudy received "Two Thumbs Up" from Siskel and Ebert, is considered one of the “Most Inspirational Movies of All Time” by Fandango, IMBD, Ranker and countless other websites. USA TODAY ranked Rudy as the #1 “Best Football Movie of All Time.” The film continues to inspire millions worldwide.
Today, Rudy Ruettiger is an Emmy Award Winning Motivational Keynote Speaker, author, and producer with over 25 years of Experience speaking to Corporations, Universities, Sports Teams, and Special Events. His captivating personality and powerful message of “NEVER QUIT” and “YES I CAN” comes from his personal experiences of adversity and triumph and lasts a lifetime. Time and time again, Ruettiger's appearances receive thunderous applause and standing ovations as he inspires groups of 200 to 20,000 around the world.
Recently, Ruettiger offered his message in his original production, “DREAM BIG: Rudy Ruettiger Live on Broadway”, presented at the Samuel Friedman Theatre, along with his daughter Jessica Noel Ruettiger who made her Broadway debut performing her original song, “This Is My Dream” in the show’s finale. Dream Big has plans to tour to other cities including Chicago, Boston, and Las Vegas. In Celebration of the 25th ANNIVERSARY of the Movie Rudy, the film was presented on the big screen at the Microsoft Theatre in LA while the Famous Hollywood Orchestra performed the film’s musical score live in perfect time during a sold-out screening of the film. Ruettiger’s candid nature and willingness to connect with every person he meets with a bold, refreshing and relevant message has poised him to exemplify his message in his real life, over-coming obstacles, persevering through adversity and making every second count. He is a willing, able and inspirational speaker who is looking forward to being a part of your next event. Millions have been inspired by the movie RUDY, now let the man behind the movie inspire you. He co-founded the RUDY FOUNDATION, whose mission is to strengthen communities by offering scholarships in education, sports, and the performing arts. The focus of the Rudy Foundation is to make a positive impact by bringing people together cognitively, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
The RUDY AWARDS™ is another program The Rudy Foundation developed to recognize children who make an outstanding, exceptional effort to do their personal best every day, overcome obstacles, set goals, stay on track to reach their dreams, and build the qualities of character, courage, and commitment in their lives. The RUDY AWARDS™ is about a child's heart, will to change, and desire for self-improvement. Rudy has two awesome children; Jessica Noel Ruettiger and Daniel Joseph Ruettiger.
Hurricane Ida Response From Texas Resources
Ken Himel, Jr., CFEI, CF - Fire Chief, Bayou Cane Fire Protection District
 Ken Himel is a 30-year member of the fire service having served in volunteer, combination, and full-time, career departments. He was appointed Fire Chief of Bayou Cane Fire Protection District in Houma, LA in August of 2012. He spent 13 years with the LA State Fire Marshal’s Office as an inspector, investigator, and district supervisor. He is the 3rd. District Representative for the LA Fire Chief’s Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the LA Vice President for the IAFC SW Division, and Lifetime Member of the LA State Fireman’s Association. He is a certified Fire Instructor II; owner of 5 Horn Leadership, LLC; and teaches classes throughout the region.
Abstract
My presentation will cover the aspects of the aid that my department received from Texas assets post storm.
Kid(d) Talk
Nim Kidd, MPA, CEM - Chief of Texas Emergency Management, Texas Department of Emergency Management
 W. Nim Kidd serves as the Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). In this capacity, he is responsible for the state’s emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities. Prior to serving with TDEM, Chief Kidd was appointed to the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD), where he promoted through the ranks from firefighter to District Fire Chief, including Lieutenant in charge of the SAFD Technical Rescue Team and Captain of the SAFD Hazardous Materials Response Team.
From 2004 to 2010, Chief Kidd served as City Emergency Manager for the City of San Antonio, where he managed the city’s response to over a dozen state and presidential disaster declarations.In 1997, Chief Kidd was one of the original members appointed to the Texas Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team. In 2001, He was the Plans Section Chief that responded to the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.
Chief Kidd currently serves as chair for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Advisory Council (NAC).Chief Kidd holds a Masters of Public Administration from Texas State University, a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce, and two associates’ degrees. He is the Vice Chancellor for Disaster and Emergency Services for The Texas A&M University System. He is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM®), a Texas Master Firefighter, and holds Hazardous Materials and Emergency Medical Technician certifications. Chief Kidd and his wife, Dr. Emily Kidd, M.D., share three children and a beautiful granddaughter together.
Abstract
Chief Nim Kidd of the Texas Division of Emergency Management discusses how Texas prepares for, responds to, recovers from and mitigates against disasters in the Lone Star State.
Texas Commission on Fire Protection Question and Answer
Cliff Grant - Deputy Chief, Compliance Division, Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Mark Huetter - Chief, Certification Division, Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Rick Wallace - Chief, Compliance Division, Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Mike Wisko - Agency Chief, Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Abstract
We will provide updates on recent TCFP actions and answer any questions/discuss any issues the audience may have.
A Prepared and Resilient Fire and Emergency Medical Services - Download Presentation
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell - US Fire Administrator, Department of Homeland Security/FEMA
 Lori is considered an expert in executive leadership, emergency response system evaluation, public safety resource deployment, community risk assessment, data science/analytics, strategic planning, costs and benefits analysis, advocacy, consensus building, policy development and implementation, and generational differences in the workplace.
As a doctor of public health and a data scientist, Dr. Moore-Merrell recently served on the Biden-Harris Transition Team to conduct agency review for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of the COVID-19 response planning. She has also served on the Public Safety Committee of the transition teams for both the mayor of New York City (2013) and the mayor of the District of Columbia (2015).
Lori serves on national and international boards of directors and advises elected officials, CEOs and local metropolitan fire chiefs in areas of her expertise while providing them scientific data to make fact-based decisions. She was recently awarded Honorary Membership in the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association for her expertise in areas of fire prevention, fire suppression or other related disciplines. Lori is only the fourth individual to be presented this honor in the 54-year history of the organization.
Dr. Moore-Merrell is an international speaker, presenter and author. She has also been awarded the James O. Page Achievement Award by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) (2001), twice awarded the IAFC President's Award for commitment to firefighter safety (2009, 2019), the Dr. John Granito Award for Excellence in Fire Leadership and Management Research (2010), the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs President's Award of Distinction (2013), the Mason Lankford Award from the Congressional Fire Services Institute (2019), and the Homeland Security Today Mission Award (2020).
Lori is a principal member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 3000 Technical Committee and is an advisor to the chair of the NFPA 1710 Technical Committee. Lori served 9 years as a commissioner to the Commission for Fire Service Accreditation and 3 terms as a board member for the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Dr. Moore-Merrell is a member of the International Fire Service Training Association Executive Board, as well as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Fire Council.
During her 26 years at the IAFF, Lori spent more than 17 years leading a research team made up of international fire service organizations and other partners, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the UL, the Urban Institute, the University of Texas, Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. As principal investigator and senior project manager on projects funded by FEMA/Assistance to Firefighters Grants totaling more than $23 million, she led the team to produce landmark reports and other tools to improve residential and high-rise fireground operations, community risk assessment, fire and EMS resource deployment, and “Big Data Analytics” — all to help drive executive decision-making. These reports and other resources have changed the face of fire and EMS deployment in countries throughout the world.
Dr. Moore-Merrell has also managed emergency response system evaluation project teams, including secure data procurement, geographic information systems analysis and workload analysis in hundreds of fire departments throughout North America.
Lori began her fire service career in 1987 as a fire department paramedic in the City of Memphis Fire Department, Memphis, Tennessee.
Abstract
Join the U.S. Fire Administrator, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell as she explores the challenges facing the Nation’s first responders. Preparedness and resilience are key factors in the successful future of the profession -- the men and women who respond to every day emergencies, disasters, and other hazards plaguing our communities.
Dr. Joseph Trahan, III, APR, Fellow, PRSA - President & CEO, Trahan & Associates
 The New Orleans native has forty years of public relations/affairs experience in governmental, association, and educational and non-profit public relations. Additionally, Dr. Trahan is also LTC(R) Joe Trahan, United States Army Reserve (USAR), former Commander of The 314th Public Affairs Operations Center (PAOC) (USAR) located in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. (LTC-USAR) Trahan has successfully operated four Joint Information Bureaus (JIBs) and one Joint Information Center (JIC) from 1991-94. Some of Dr. (LTC) Trahan’s JIB/JIC Assignments were: Joint Logistics over the Shore (JLOTS)-1992; Presidential Task Force Andrew-1992; The National Boy Scout Jamboree -1993 and The 50th Anniversary of Operation Overlord-1994. Since 1998, Dr. Joe Trahan has superbly Media Relations trained over 3,500 people yearly in: 46 US states, England, Norway, France, Belgium, Paraguay, Mexico and The Netherlands.
Dr. Joe Trahan, APR graduated from Tulane University with a BA degree in American Military History, a MA degree in Public Relations from Ball State University and a Ph.D. in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising from The University of Southern Mississippi. Currently, Dr. Trahan is The Past Chair of The PRSA Educators’ Academy. Finally, Dr. Joe Trahan is an accredited member of Public Relations Society of America, a former National PSA Board of Director and National PRSSA Faculty Advisor. He was inducted into The Rowan University Public Relations Hall of Fame for lifetime distinguished contributions to The Public Relations Profession in 2019.He was inducted into The Southern Public Relations Federation(SPRF) Hall of Fame for bringing distinction to The Public Relations Profession in 2016. He was awarded The Lloyd B. Dennis Award by PRSA in 2009 for Distinguished Leadership in Public Affairs. He’s also a long time fan of The World Champion New Orleans Saints!
Abstract
This session will discuss what Leadership Traits are needed to lead in our ever changing world. It will also challenge leaders to follow The Gumbo Recipe to become a better leader. It will also cover the leadership principles of: Hope-Stability-Compassion-Trust.
Routine Incidents! Risk vs. Reward or Risk vs. Frequency?
Daniel DeYear, Chief - Training Bureau, Dallas Fire-Rescue Department (RPCG)
 Daniel E. DeYear is originally from New York City and began his fire service career in Rhode Island more than 40 years ago. He has previously served with the Carrollton, TX, Fire Department before joining the Dallas Fire Department 29 years ago. DeYear currently is assigned as the deputy chief of the Training Division for Dallas Fire-Rescue and served on the State Fire Marshals’ LODD Task Force in 2013. He is the chairman of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, Firefighter Advisory Committee and was selected as the Fire Instructor of the Year for 2020 by the Texas Association of Fire Educators.
Abstract
This presentation centers around three separate incidents that recently occurred in Dallas, Texas within six days. These incidents critically injured five firefighters.
On September 29, 2021 an explosion occurred at an apartment complex that nearly claimed the lives of three firefighters. The incident was a routine gas odor. On October 4th and 5th two separate structure fires resulted in two additional critical injuries. These were “routine” structure fires. These fires will be covered in detail along with the contributing factors that made a positive difference, as well as those that contributed to the injuries. More importantly, a discussion surrounding the education, training and preparation of our recruits, seasoned firefighters, company officers as well as chief officers will be presented. Two significant questions will be addressed: In 2022 are we ensuring our firefighters have the requisite knowledge to operate safely in today’s dangerous fire service? What could possibly be missed in the continuing educational process of our firefighters and future firefighters?
Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force
Wendy Norris - CEO/President, Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force
Bio Coming Soon.
Abstract
Abstract Coming Soon.
Breakout Speakers
NFPA Updates: Tools to Help You Do Your Work
Kelly Ransdell - South Texas Regional Director, National Fire Protection Association
 Kelly Ransdell works for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as the Regional Director for the South Central US covering NC, TX, AR, LA, OK, MO. Formerly she was the Regional Education Specialist for the National Fire Protection Association covering the 17 states in the Southern and New England regions for 5 years. She works to expand fire and burn education, expand code and standards adoption and works with national organizations, state agencies, and local fire departments to enhance their overall educational programs. Before joining NFPA staff in 2015, she worked as the Deputy Director of the North Carolina Department of Insurance- Office of State Fire Marshal overseeing the Prevention, Programs and Grants Division for nearly 15 years. In addition, she worked as the State Director of Safe Kids North Carolina which included 42 coalitions covering 72 counties for 11 years. Kelly and her husband live just south of Raleigh, NC and have two daughters- 16 years old and 10 years old.
Abstract
This session will discuss emerging issues in the fire service with an emphasis on technology and research that will help save lives.
Breakout Speakers
IFC Code Updates
Ariana Kistner - Assistant Chief / Fire Marshal, City of Rockwall
Bio Coming Soon.
Kelly Kistner - Fire Marshal, Frisco Fire Department
Bio Coming Soon.
Abstract
Abstract Coming Soon.
Social Media & Community Engagement - How to Turn Your Residents Into Advocates and Allies!
Simon Van Dyk - Director Of Business Development, Touchstone District Services
For the past thirteen years, Simon VanDyk has served his community in various capacities. His passion for the emergency services started in 2009 as a volunteer firefighter for West I-10 VFD and transitioned to a paid position as a TCFP firefighter and PIO for Harris County Emergency Services District 48 Fire and EMS. Since leaving his role with HCESD 48, he founded and is the managing director of the consulting firm Touchstone District Services, LLC. Simon and his team work closely with special purpose districts and municipalities of all types and sizes to help them tell their stories to the residents they serve. Since 2018, he and his firm have assisted dozens of districts across Texas with elections ranging from sales and use tax, ad Valorem increases, and district creation/annexation, boasting a 94% success rate in handling over 75 ballot measures in the last four years. In addition to being married to his wife of 22 years and father of four very active teens, Simon currently serves on the Katy Area Safety Fest’s 501c3 board and helps facilitate the largest public safety event in Texas with over 50 safety agencies and thousands of residents participating and attending annually.
Abstract
This presentation is designed to cover easy to deploy strategies to successfully engage your community. Whether it be simple steps with your current digital platforms or ideas to engage your residents and business owners in supporting your mission, this session will provide proven techniques that can be employed in your district to strengthen partnerships and create new allies within your community.
Ed King - GCSC Municipal Advisor, Gov Capital
Ed King is a Senior Vice President with Government Capital Corporation, a public finance firm based in Southlake, Texas. Ed has over twenty-five years of experience in banking and public finance including public safety, automated metering infrastructure, energy efficiency and technology projects. Ed has developed innovative strategies for local governments and schools with a focus on identifying economically aligned projects which bring operational savings forward and accelerate deployment of advanced technologies. Ed was also integral to the creation of the federal tax-credit program at Government Capital. Ed holds a licensed and is a registered Municipal Advisor with Government Capital Securities Corporation, Southlake, Texas, and has a BBA in Economics from the University of Texas, Arlington.
Abstract
Overview of municipal financing options available to cities and special districts for the purchase of apparatus, equipment and facilities. We will look at most commonly used financing structures and considerations in the financing process including interest rate market conditions and term options which affect the total financing cost.
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