Four fire commissioners from Liberty County Emergency Services District #2 (LC ESD #2) recently attended the annual Safe-D Conference, held Jan. 28-Jan. 31 at the San Antonio Convention Center.
The Safe-D Conference is the Texas statewide conference for Emergency Services Districts (ESDs), bringing together ESD officials from across the state for education, training, and collaboration.
The conference offers a wide range of educational courses, including some that are required by the State of Texas in order to serve as a Fire Commissioner. Additional courses focus on best practices for ESD governance, operational oversight, and long-term planning. While ESDs are regulated by the State of Texas under the Health and Safety Code, Section 775 of the Texas Statutes, it is often said that of the state’s 247 ESDs, “when you have seen one ESD, you have seen only one,” emphasizing that each district is unique in its needs and operations.
Those attending the conference were LC ESD #2 Board President Fred Lemond Jr., Vice President Charles Kaemmerling, Treasurer Fred Freeman, and Equipment Officer Hec Ethridge. Each commissioner participated in courses specific to their individual board responsibilities, as well as sessions covering the general duties and expectations of Fire Commissioners serving in the State of Texas.
Among the most beneficial courses were those addressing strategic planning, sound budgetary practices, and the legal requirements governing ESDs and their commissioners. These sessions provided valuable insight into maintaining compliance while improving efficiency and service delivery.
Liberty County ESD #2 continues to work toward providing the best possible fire protection and emergency services to the district while strengthening compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. All four commissioners agreed the conference was highly beneficial and that the knowledge gained will positively impact the practices and operations of Liberty County ESD #2 moving forward.