  The Rural VFD Insurance Program is a grant program designed to reimburse eligible fire departments for firefighter insurance from private insurance companies. Eligible coverage includes any combination of compensation insurance (workers’ compensation, AD&D, group term life, etc.). The program currently reimburses 100% of the actual cost of eligible insurance coverage, up to a maximum of $335 per insured firefighter. Recognized, non-profit volunteer fire departments operated by its members are eligible. Any part-paid/part-volunteer fire department is also eligible if the number of paid members is 20 or fewer. The fire department must be a recognized fire department, located in and operating within a designated primary protection area as assigned by the county. Primary protection areas cannot overlap. The fire department must be in good standing with the State of Texas and the agency. Established by the 77th Texas Legislature in 2001, the program is funded by a 2% tax on the sale of fireworks. IMPORTANT NOTES:
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 Each year at the SFFMA Annual Conference, we have the distinct honor of recognizing the incredible dedication and service of Texas first responders. As proud sponsors of the Firefighter of the Year and EMS Responder of the Year awards, VFIS of Texas is committed to celebrating those who go above and beyond in their departments and communities. 2025 Firefighter of the Year: Capt. Kelcey Trotty, Longview Fire DepartmentCaptain Kelcey Trotty of Longview was named the 2025 Firefighter of the Year for his unwavering dedication, leadership, and impact within the fire service. Capt. Trotty’s commitment to training, mentoring, and serving his community exemplifies the values this award represents. We were honored to present him with a $3,000 award and a flag flown over the Texas Capitol in recognition of his service.  2025 EMS Responder of the Year: FF/EMT Sarah Hininger, Hartley Fire/EMSThe 2025 EMS Responder of the Year award was presented to FF/EMT Sarah Hininger of Hartley, whose professionalism, compassion, and skill have made a lasting impact on both her department and the people she serves. She also received a $3,000 award and Texas Capitol flag in appreciation of her contributions to EMS in Texas.  Recognizing the Runners-UpWe also extend congratulations to this year’s runners-up, who each received a $1,000 award from VFIS of Texas:
Each of these individuals represents the dedication, courage, and compassion that make Texas first responders truly exceptional. At VFIS of Texas, we are proud to support the fire and EMS community through tailored insurance solutions, risk management services, and a deep commitment to honoring those who protect and serve. It’s our privilege to recognize these outstanding professionals and support the mission of SFFMA year after year.
Thank you to all who serve—and congratulations again to our 2025 honorees!  The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Insurance Program (HB 3667) is a grant program designed to reimburse eligible volunteer fire departments for the purchase of insurance from private insurance companies. Eligible coverage includes any combination of compensation insurance for firefighters (workers’ compensation, accidental death and dismemberment, group term life, accident and sickness, and/or cancer-related insurance) purchased from Texas insurance companies. The program will reimburse 100% of the actual cost of eligible insurance coverage up to a maximum of $220 per fire department member.
Recognized, non-profit volunteer fire departments operated by its members are eligible. Any part-paid/part-volunteer department is also eligible, provided the number of paid members is 20 or less. Departments may enter into agreements with cities or counties in order to qualify for coverage and/or special premiums. All eligible departments must participate in a firefighter certification program administered under Section 419.071 of the Texas Government Code (Texas Commission on Fire Protection), or by the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshal’s Association of Texas (SFFMA), or by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). IMPORTANT NOTES:
As a Fire Department or Emergency Services District (ESD) with paid employees, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest changes in workers’ compensation administration. With the passage of HB471, understanding your responsibilities under Texas workers' compensation laws is more important than ever. This document provides vital information on how to navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation, particularly in light of new rules and regulations outlined in Texas Labor Code 408.003 and relevant administrative codes.
This guide is designed to help you ensure compliance and avoid practices that could be deemed fraudulent under Texas law. We strongly recommend that you review this information carefully and consult with your legal counsel to fully understand your obligations. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge needed to manage workers’ compensation claims effectively and in accordance with the law. As a part of the Emergency Vehicle Driver Training (EVDT) instructor community, you’ve aided in saving countless lives through teaching vital safety practices, and that’s something to be proud of. However, when it comes to driver training in emergency services—the work is never done. That’s why VFIS is launching an updated EVDT program to help address the modern risks of EV operations. Need-to-know changes & updates for instructors:VFIS has made some changes to help streamline the teaching processes and ensure that the role of instructing this course remains in capable hands—and we thank you in advance for your cooperation during this transition process.
 We are excited to share that Texas Mutual has unanimously approved a $350 million dividend distribution for 2024. Qualifying policyholders received their dividends this summer. This year marks the 26th consecutive year that Texas Mutual has rewarded its more than 70,000 policyholders with dividends, bringing the total amount returned to Texas businesses since 1999 to over $4.4 billion.  You can log in to your Texas Mutual Online (TMO) account to check if you are eligible to receive a dividend. If you haven’t received your check, please contact us.What is a Dividend?As a policyholder-owned company, Texas Mutual rewards clients who prioritize safety and choose to do business with them. Dividends are earned through two components: safety, rewarded through the annual component, and loyalty, recognized through the retention component. Newer Texas Mutual policyholders can also earn dividends through the early qualifier program, paid in November. Since 1999, Texas Mutual has returned over $4 billion to Texas businesses. Dividends are based on performance, are not guaranteed and must comply with Texas Department of Insurance regulations.  At VFIS of Texas, we are always proud of the dedication and bravery shown by our first responder clients. Now, we want to showcase your incredible work in our upcoming marketing materials! Whether it's a photo from a recent event, a snapshot of your team in action, or a moment of community engagement, we'd love to feature it. Your photos will help us tell the story of the vital work you do every day.
How to Submit:
We can't wait to see the amazing work you're doing! Thank you for allowing us to be part of your mission. The 2024 SFFMA Conference was a remarkable event filled with informative sessions, engaging activities, and meaningful connections. This year's gathering brought together professionals and volunteers from across the state, all dedicated to advancing fire safety and emergency response. Highlights from the Conference: 1. Vendor Passport Program: One of the standout features of the conference was the Vendor Passport Program. Attendees had the opportunity to visit each booth, get their passports filled, and enter into a drawing for exciting prizes. This initiative not only encouraged networking but also ensured that participants got the most out of the vendor exhibits. 2. Awards and Recognition: We proudly celebrated the achievements of some special Texas first responders. 2024 Firefighter of the Year Nominees: Brandi Clausen, Dalhart VFD Frank Servais, Friberg-Cooper VFD Andy Dexter, Klein FD Winner: Andy Dexter, Klein FD/Tri-Rivers District 2024 EMS Responder of the Year Nominees: Larry Swartz, Edgecliff FD/North Texas District Taryn Riden, Potosi VFD Sarah Hininger, Dalhart VFD Winner: Larry Swartz, Edgecliff FD/North Texas District 3. Informative Sessions and Workshops: The conference featured a variety of sessions and workshops that covered a wide range of topics relevant to fire safety and emergency response. These sessions provided valuable insights and practical knowledge that attendees can apply in their respective fields. 4. Networking Opportunities: Participants had ample opportunities to network with peers, vendors, and industry leaders. The interactions and exchanges of ideas during the conference helped strengthen the fire service community and fostered collaborative efforts for future advancements. 5. Firefighter of the Year and EMS Responder of the Year Awards Breakfast: The awards breakfast was a heartwarming event where we honored past recipients of the Firefighter of the Year and EMS Responder of the Year Awards and current nominees. It was a moment to acknowledge the dedication and bravery of our members who go above and beyond in their service. 6. 'Best Booth Space' Award: We are thrilled to announce that we received the 'Best Booth Space' award at this year’s conference! Our booth stood out for its engaging setup, informative displays, and our new putting green. Thank you to everyone who visited and made our booth such a success. We can’t wait to see you all at the next SFFMA Conference! In emergency services, having a dedicated claim contact is crucial for managing insurance claims effectively. Recent feedback highlights the need to choose someone who can handle the volume of calls and emails, especially during severe incidents. Departments should carefully select individuals with the availability and communication skills necessary to manage inquiries and updates promptly. This ensures smoother claim resolution and minimizes disruptions during critical times. By prioritizing proactive communication and designating capable claim contacts, departments can streamline the claims process and better support their teams during challenging situations.  Good news! Paying your insurance premiums just got a whole lot easier. We are excited to announce we have switched our online payment system from ePay Policy to Applied Pay! Keep an eye out for a link on your next invoice that will allow you to access our new payment portal, or if you want to check it out now, you can also access the portal here or through the “Make a Payment” tab on our website. Our goal is to provide exceptional service, and we are excited to offer you a convenient way to make payments safely and securely, using your credit card and ACH. The choice is yours! Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We are always here to help!  |
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IMPORTANT NOTE: This Web site provides only a simplified description of coverages and is not a statement of contract. Coverage may not apply in all states. For complete details of coverages, conditions, limits and losses not covered, be sure to read the policy, including all endorsements, or prospectus, if applicable. Coverage CANNOT be bound, amended, or altered by leaving a message on, or relying upon, information in this Website or through E-Mail.
© 2025 VFIS of Texas, an Independent Producer and Regional Director of VFIS | All rights reserved. "VFIS" and the VFIS logo are registered service marks of Volunteer Firemen’s Insurance Services, Inc. (“VFIS”). The VFIS service mark is licensed to the independent producer hosting this website ( the “Site”) under a separate written agreement on a limited, nonexclusive basis for use in connection with the solicitation and sale of VFIS insurance products and such use shall be in strict compliance with said agreement. Nothing contained on the Site should be construed as granting, by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, any other license or right to use any VFIS service mark displayed on this Site without the express written permission of VFIS. For all other purposes, any use of the VFIS service mark by third parties is strictly prohibited, without VFIS’s express written consent. Independent producer shall use its corporate name or other business name on all documents and other communications in conjunction with use of the VFIS service mark.
The content of this website was not prepared by VFIS. VFIS does not warrant or represent in any way that your use of the materials displayed on this Site will not infringe rights of third parties. Nothing on this Site should be construed as granting a license or any other right to use any copyrighted materials displayed on this Site. Moreover, the downloading or printing of any materials on this Site will not result in the transfer, explicit or implied, of any rights.
The information and descriptions contained herein are not necessarily intended to be complete descriptions of all terms, exclusions and conditions applicable to the products and services, but are provided solely for general informational purposes as a convenience to customers of VFIS of Texas; please refer to the actual policy or the relevant product or services agreement. VFIS products or services may not be available in all countries or states, and coverage is subject to actual policy language. Certain insurance products and other services represented on this website may be provided through independent producer by independent third parties.
Licensed & doing business in Texas only.
© 2025 VFIS of Texas, an Independent Producer and Regional Director of VFIS | All rights reserved. "VFIS" and the VFIS logo are registered service marks of Volunteer Firemen’s Insurance Services, Inc. (“VFIS”). The VFIS service mark is licensed to the independent producer hosting this website ( the “Site”) under a separate written agreement on a limited, nonexclusive basis for use in connection with the solicitation and sale of VFIS insurance products and such use shall be in strict compliance with said agreement. Nothing contained on the Site should be construed as granting, by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, any other license or right to use any VFIS service mark displayed on this Site without the express written permission of VFIS. For all other purposes, any use of the VFIS service mark by third parties is strictly prohibited, without VFIS’s express written consent. Independent producer shall use its corporate name or other business name on all documents and other communications in conjunction with use of the VFIS service mark.
The content of this website was not prepared by VFIS. VFIS does not warrant or represent in any way that your use of the materials displayed on this Site will not infringe rights of third parties. Nothing on this Site should be construed as granting a license or any other right to use any copyrighted materials displayed on this Site. Moreover, the downloading or printing of any materials on this Site will not result in the transfer, explicit or implied, of any rights.
The information and descriptions contained herein are not necessarily intended to be complete descriptions of all terms, exclusions and conditions applicable to the products and services, but are provided solely for general informational purposes as a convenience to customers of VFIS of Texas; please refer to the actual policy or the relevant product or services agreement. VFIS products or services may not be available in all countries or states, and coverage is subject to actual policy language. Certain insurance products and other services represented on this website may be provided through independent producer by independent third parties.
Licensed & doing business in Texas only.