Video Library
These recordings contain important information to assist in the effective operation of Texas emergency services districts; however, these recordings are not eligible for ESD Commissioner Training Credit.
Feb. 12, 2022 - National Perspectives on the Fire Service (in cooperation with the National Association of Emergency and Fire Officials) - Bill Webb of the Congressional Fire Service Institute discusses the mood in D.C. and how it will affect fire issues.
Dec. 11, 2021 - How to Use Social Media to Connect with Constituents - (in cooperation with the National Association of Emergency and Fire Officials) - Maria Lara of Streamline provides dos and don'ts for districts that want to engage the public via social media.
Nov. 29, 2021 - How to Build Relationships with Lawmakers -SAFE-D Legislative Counsel John Carlton and former State Rep. Jaime Capelo discuss why it's important to build relationships with lawmakers and offer steps to make the relationships happen. For maps of new Texas House and Texas Senate districts, click here. Click here for a PDF of the presentation.
July 12, 2021 - The ODMAP System - In the on-going effort to battle the scourge of drugs, federal authorities are implementing the Overdose Response Strategy, including the Overdose Mapping System (ODMAP). This free, voluntary program urges first responders, especially those with EMS ESDs, to participate in data-sharing about drug overdoses. Wendell Campbell, Drug Intelligence Officer for the Houston High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, explains the benefits of getting your ESD involved, including federal grants to deal with the opioid crisis. This training is presented in part by support from Texas Class. Use this link for a PDF of the presentation.
May 22, 2021 - Access to American Rescue Plan Act Funds - Cole Karr of the National Special Districts Coalition discusses the Treasury Department's Guidelines that give access to ARP Act funds for special purpose districts, including Texas Emergency Services Districts (ESDs). Gov. Gregg Abbott has announced that a special session of the Texas Legislature this fall will determine how Texas will distribute about $16 billion in proceeds from the federal legislation. Click here for a PDF of the presentation.
March 29, 2021 - Transitioning to an In-house Service Provider - Leading attorneys Ira Coveler and John Peeler (Coveler & Peeler, PC) discuss how ESDs can move from service provider contracts to providing services in-house.
March 22, 2021 - SAFE-D "How to Create an ESD" - 16-minute video discusses why and how to create a Texas emergency services district. Click here for a PDF of the presentation.
March 1, 2021 - Ken Campbell: Ask Me Anything - Veteran ESD Attorney Ken Campbell, who's also a volunteer firefighter and ESD commissioner, answers questions from commissioners across the state about legal issues that face ESDs.
Nov. 30, 2020 - Legislative Preview - SAFE-D's new legislative team -- John Carlton, Jaime Capelo and Carolyn Merchan Saegert -- discuss the upcoming 87th Legislature. Click here for a PDF of the presentation.
Oct. 26, 2020 - A Look at TCFP - Texas Commission on Fire Protection Executive Director Mike Wisko discusses the role of the commission and its prospects as it undergoes Sunset Review in the 87th Legislature.
July 13, 2020 - Sales Tax Forecasting - Richard Fletcher of HdL Companies discusses the impact of the economic downturn on sales taxes and ESD budgets. Click here for a PDF of the presentation.
June 29, 2020 - TIFMAS Update - Chief J.J. Wittig (Travis County ESD No. 3) and Chief Carter Johnson (Montgomery County ESD No. 6) discuss the important role that the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System plays in keeping all Texans safe. Click here for a PDF of the presentation.
June 15, 2020 - 2020 Tax Calendar - It's a whole new ballgame for Texas local governments, including emergency services districts (ESDs). SAFE-D Legislative Counsel John Carlton (The Carlton Law Firm, PLLC) describes the steps that all ESDs must follow under new legislation as they adopt their budgets and set their tax rates. Click here for a PDF of the presentation.
May 11, 2020 - COVID-19 Grants - FEMA's Andrea Selmon tells ESDs what they need to know about funding through the CARES Act for the Assistance to Firefighter Grants. Click here. For a PDF of her presentation, click here. For a PDF of information about AFG, click here.
March 23, 2020 - COVID-19 and ESDs: SAFE-D Legislative Counsel John Carlton discusses Gov. Greg Abbott's emergency declaration affecting Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act requirements on ESDs. Click here for a PDF of the presentation.
Dec. 14, 2019 - Laws Affecting ESDs: Noted attorney Ken Campbell discusses laws, including recent changes to property taxation processes, that govern the way ESDs operate. 2.5 hour recording.
Aug. 26, 2019 - Open Meetings Act/Public Information Act changes from the 86th Legislature. Two assistant attorneys general discuss the changes that can affect ESD operation.
July 27, 2019 - ABCs of ESDs provides a three-hour webcast with basic information every ESD commissioner should know. SAFE-D's Clay Avery presents.
June 4, 2019 - A Legislative Update from SAFE-D's Legislative Counsel John Carlton discusses actions taken by the 86th Legislature, including the overhaul of truth-in-taxation procedures.
March 2018 - Respect in the Workplace: Attorney Judy Osborne discusses issues, such as sexual harrasment, that can affect an organization's effectiveness.
Dec. 11, 2017 - Successful ESD Elections discusses important considerations and best practices when an ESD conducts an election, with particular emphasis on sales tax and tax cap elections.