Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force

09/28/2026

The Disasters Expo returns to the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston on October 14 and 15 for its fifth year. The two days cover disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, with keynote sessions, hands-on masterclasses, and roundtable discussions that bring together fire, EMS, law enforcement, emergency management, government agencies, and private industry.

Of particular interest to our community is the First Responders Expo, held alongside the main event and focused on the people who run toward a disaster and the support they need. One ticket gives access to all of the co-located shows.

Texas responders have learned hard lessons from hurricanes, floods, and freezes. This is a chance to share what we've seen, hear what other agencies are doing, and build relationships before the next storm arrives.

Registration is complimentary through the link below.

https://bit.ly/3TzbQGf
Disasters Expo USA

09/21/2026

The Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force is helping share an opportunity to participate in an important research study being conducted by Kevin Booza, a graduate student at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work.

The study, “First Responders and Su***de: Retrospectives of Families and Loved Ones,” seeks to better understand the experiences of those who have lost a first responder to su***de or whose loved one has survived a su***de attempt.

Through confidential, one-on-one interviews, participants will have an opportunity to share their observations and experiences, helping researchers better understand potential warning signs and improve future support for first responders and their families.

Who can participate?

Adult family members and loved ones of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMS personnel who have experienced a su***de or su***de attempt.

Interviews are conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams and last approximately 30–90 minutes.

If you are interested in participating or learning more, please refer to the attached flyer for additional information and contact details.
https://utaedu.questionpro.com/firstresponder

Your experiences and perspectives may help inform how we recognize and support first responders and their loved ones in the future.

Please consider sharing this opportunity with others who may be interested in participating.

09/19/2026

What an incredible honor for those that have sacrificed their lives!

A new memorial planned for downtown Amarillo will honor first responders from across the Texas Panhandle who died in the line of duty is nearing completion. Cre

09/05/2026

We regret to inform of an LODD with Odessa Fire Rescue. Firefighter Eric Handlin has passed after a brief hospital stay due to a medical incident suffered while on duty. There will be a request for full band and honor guard. We will update with information as it becomes available.

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.