Central Texas Public Safety Commission

09/23/2026

Last week, we had the privilege of honoring 10 Austin Fire Department members of Texas Task Force-1 with the Blessing in Action Award. This group served at Ground Zero following the attacks of September 11, 2001, assisting with search and recovery efforts.

Their courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving others embody the very best of the first responder community. Thank you for answering the call when our nation needed you most. We will always remember.

09/17/2026

2026 Blessing of the Badges

A time to pause, reflect, and honor our dedicated women and men in uniform.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this year. We are grateful for our community and especially to those who answer the call and put others before themselves every day.

We thank first responders everywhere for their service. May they always be protected and return home safely.

09/11/2026

25 years ago today, our nation changed forever.

Texas Task Force-1, made up of 10 members from the Austin Fire Department, answered the call to serve their country and assist with search and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. Without hesitation, they left their homes and loved ones behind to assist their brothers and sisters in another city. Putting others above themselves, their service is a solemn reminder of the everyday dedication of our first responders.

This coming Wednesday, CTPSC will recognize their dedication and commitment to others at the 2nd Annual Blessing of the Badges.

Thank you for your service and may we never forget.

09/09/2026

We had the honor of presenting a new Austin Fire Department Honor Guard Ceremonial Bell this morning, made possible thanks to a generous donation from CTPSC Board Member Chuck Harris. This bell will be used by the Honor Guard when representing the department at funerals, memorials, ceremonies, and other significant occasions.

When it rings in remembrance, the bell carries something powerful: a reminder of those who answered the call and gave everything they had in service to others.

We are proud to sponsor this initiative because we believe in honoring the men and women who serve our community, not just for the work they do, but for the sacrifice, courage, and commitment that define the fire service. This feels especially powerful as we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and we pause to remember the lives lost.

Thank you to the Austin Fire Department Honor Guard and all firefighters everywhere for your service.

09/04/2026

🤘 Introducing Campus Connect: A Horns & Heroes Newsletter for UT Students!

Horns & Heroes is a joint initiative between the Central Texas Public Safety Commission, University of Texas Police, and Texas Trailblazers focused on building stronger connections between UT students and the first responders who serve the campus community.

As part of the initiative, we’re launching Campus Connect, a monthly newsletter created with UT students in mind.

📬 Each month, Campus Connect will bring you:
• Campus safety tips and resources
• Important UT and Austin updates
• Game day and high-traffic information
• Local first responder spotlights
• Ways to connect with Horns & Heroes throughout the year

Whether you’re new to the Forty Acres or have called UT home for years, Campus Connect is an easy way to stay informed, stay connected, and get to know the people working to keep our community safe.

🤘 Longhorns, stay connected. Sign up for Campus Connect today!

🔗 Sign-up at the link in the bio!

08/21/2026

Wishing the best of luck to the Austin Gamblers as they compete at Austin Gambler Days tonight and on through Sunday! Earlier this week, they hosted a golf tournament with proceeds benefitting our mission.

We’re also proud to have their CEO, JJ Gottsch, on our board and grateful for his commitment to first responders.

Hear what he has to say on why he supports our dedicated women and men in uniform. Thank you, JJ, and thank you Austin Gamblers for your partnership! We’ll be cheering you on all weekend!

08/17/2026

🃏 Austin Gambler Days are here! Did you know? A portion of their ticket sales this weekend go towards funding our mission. Grab yours today at the link in the bio!

We’re so grateful for their partnership and their commitment to supporting our police officers, firefighters, and medics.

In addition, SERVPRO donated 150 tickets for first responders to attend this weekend! It’s because of partners like them, we’re able to give back to our dedicated women and men on the front lines. Thank you for your support!

08/13/2026

ICYMI: Thanks to a generous donation from Covert Buick GMC, CTPSC funded new swift water gear for Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services.

The donation provided every ATCEMS administrative vehicle with a personal flotation device and a throw bag, ensuring safety across the department. When more first responders are equipped with the resources they need, more lives are saved.

Watch the full story below ⬇

Austin-Travis County EMS now has more swift water rescue equipment after two years of deadly floodwaters.

08/07/2026

This week’s “I 💙 First Responder Friday” recognizes Austin Police Department Detective John Kornbacher for his outstanding service to the Austin community.

Thank you, Detective Kornbacher, for your unwavering dedication to protecting the City of Austin.

Know of a first responder who’s made a difference in your life? Send us a message or email us your story at the link in the bio!

08/05/2026

We had the pleasure of touring Dell Seton’s emergency department with Crisis K9 Chase yesterday! It was an impactful morning meeting the team of nurses, doctors, first responders, and hospital staff.

Ascension Seton, co-sponsors of Chase, is the region’s only Level 1 trauma hospital, serving 11 counties in Central Texas. We’re so grateful for their partnership and all they do for the community. Thank you for hosting us!