Governor Greg Abbott spoke at the Texas Firefighter Wildland Urban Interface “Train the Trainer” program, addressing concerns about urban wildfire threats and emphasizing the importance of firefighter training in Texas.
“We would not be the state that we are without the firefighters that we have serving every single day,” said Governor Abbott. “It requires extraordinary heroism, valor, and mental and physical ability to protect those in need. Training is a foundation of that success. We saw so many lives saved by firefighters and first responders who were on the spot, and had both the training and expertise to be able to rescue people impacted by the Panhandle wildfires, and more recently the Fourth of July Kerr County flooding. The State of Texas supports this training, and is willing to step up and fund the training our Texas firefighters need.”
Governor Abbott was joined by Representative David Cook, Representative Pat Curry, Texas Commission on Fire Protection Agency Chief Mike Wisko, International Association of Fire Fighters General Secretary Treasurer Frank Lima, Texas A&M Forest Service Planning and Preparedness Department Head Kyle Mills, along with other local and state officials.
He pointed out that Senate Bill 34 provides funding for improved wildfire response capabilities in Texas. The bill was signed into law during the most recent legislative session. Governor Abbott stated that new emergency response reforms will help firefighters communicate their needs more effectively as they work to save lives and property across Texas.
Additional photos from the event will be made available when ready.
