Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force

07/26/2026

This is great news for families of fallen first responders, especially those who die from stress injuries such as cardiac events:

The proposed bill to streamline the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program will extend stoke and heart attack periods to 72 hours and require less efforts from the families ...

07/15/2026

***Firefighter Participants Needed**

How well are firefighters really sleeping?

Sleep impacts every aspect of a firefighter's life, from decision-making and physical health to mental well-being and family relationships. Yet shift work and emergency response often make quality sleep one of the biggest challenges in the fire service.

Researchers at the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research are conducting a national study to better understand firefighter sleep health and well-being, and they need your help.

If you're a:
Career firefighter
Volunteer firefighter
Spouse or partner of a volunteer firefighter

Please consider taking 30–45 minutes to complete this confidential survey. Your participation will help researchers develop better resources, tools, and support for firefighters and their families nationwide.

Your responses are confidential and will be used for research purposes only.

📋 Take the survey here:
https://tinyurl.com/3uu6wu38

Together, we can help improve the health, safety, and well-being of the fire service for generations to come.

07/07/2026

For our survivor families! We are excited to announce that registration is now open for two upcoming Texas Fallen Heroes Family Network events!

📚 October Virtual Book Club

Join us on Saturday, October 17, at 10:00 AM as we discuss *This Book Made Me Think of You*.

You can learn more about the book here:
https://youshouldreadbox.com/products/this-book-made-me-think-of-you

Participation is limited to 15 people to encourage meaningful conversation, so be sure to reserve your spot early. The book will be mailed to you.

Register here:
https://form.jotform.com/261876642378168

❄️ Texas Fallen Heroes Family Network Winter Retreat

Registration is also open for our Winter Retreat, which will be held December 3 at 6:00 PM through December 6 at 10:00 AM at The Resort at Fredericksburg in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Space is limited to 20 participants, and registration will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rooms, meals, and activities are covered by the Texas LODD Task Force. You will only need to cover your travel expenses.

To allow as many families as possible to participate, registration is limited to two members from each fallen first responder family. Because of lodging logistics and the level of staff support required, this will be an adults-only event (ages 17 and older).

Because this retreat is designed as a complete experience, participants must be available to attend the entire retreat. Those who are only able to attend part of the event are welcome to register, but they will be placed on a waitlist so that priority can be given to those who are able to participate from beginning to end. If space remains available, we will contact individuals on the waitlist.

If you are able to join us for the full retreat, we would love to have you there!

Register here:
https://form.jotform.com/261876215797169

07/01/2026

When the worst day of a first responder's work happens, no one should have to face it alone.

For more than two decades, the Texas LODD Task Force has been honored to stand beside first responder families, agencies, and coworkers during some of life's most difficult moments. We help with much more than funeral planning.

Our volunteers assist with benefits, family support, survivor resources, agency guidance, and long-term care because healing doesn't end when the services are over.

Whether you're a firefighter, law enforcement officer, EMS professional, or a family member, you don't have to navigate this journey alone.

We respond.
We support.
We remember.

If your agency needs assistance or you're simply unsure where to start, we're here to help.

06/29/2026

We offer our condolences to the Mabank Volunteer Fire Department on the loss of their fire chief. It's been a tragic few days for Texas first responders. Please keep all who mourn the deaths of these individuals in your thoughts and prayers.

06/28/2026

We extend our condolences to the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office and the family of Deputy Serrato. We are heartbroken to hear about her loss.

06/24/2026

***Announcement from Tunnel to Towers Foundation***
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is pleased to announce that The Mae and George Siller Scholarship Program will begin issuing scholarships in the Fall 2026 semester, ahead of our originally anticipated Spring 2027 launch. We are excited to begin supporting students sooner than expected and to expand educational opportunities for the families we serve.

We are also pleased to announce that, beginning in the Fall 2026 semester, the program will offer student loan repayment assistance and reimbursement of eligible out-of-pocket educational expenses for students who have already completed their undergraduate or trade school degrees and meet other eligibility criteria. These enhancements reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting recipients throughout their educational journeys and beyond.
For families who have not yet enrolled, scholars may register by completing the enrollment form at the following link: https://t2t.org/mae-and-george-siller-scholarship-program/

Families who have already enrolled will be contacted by their assigned Scholarship Administrator with information regarding next steps.

For general questions, please contact us at [email protected].

Run & walk in one of America's top 5K for heroes! Join Tunnel to Towers 5K NYC. Honor 9/11 victims & support first responders and veterans.

06/23/2026

Families of the fallen-Just a reminder!

We have created an interest form to help us gauge interest in a Texas Fallen Heroes Family Network Retreat in Fredericksburg, December 3–6. This will be an adults-only retreat designed to provide an opportunity for connection, support, and fellowship with others who understand the unique journey of losing a first responder.

Please note that this is not the official registration form. We are simply gathering information to determine how many families may be interested in attending.

If you think you may be interested, please take a moment to complete the interest form here:
https://form.jotform.com/261584223580053

We will be making the reservations for the retreat on Friday and want to make sure that I get an approximate headcount.

06/15/2026

We regret to pass on the news that the Odessa Fire Rescue has lost one of their own in the line of duty. We send our sincerest condolences to the family and his department.

Odessa Fire Rescue is mourning the loss of one of its own, 29-year-old Lieutenant Isai Huerta.