06/04/2026
Firefighters are, by nature, problem solvers. When city funding resulted in staffing levels that fell short of nationally recognized standards, the Tyler Professional Fire Fighters Association attempted to help the City address that shortfall by participating in the FEMA SAFER Grant program.
Former Councilman Nix, along with the rest of the Council, voted against accepting the SAFER Grant, which, if accepted, would have resulted in the City receiving funding in 2017 for 12 additional firefighters. The grant would have covered 75% of the cost for the first two years and 35% of the cost in year three. The City would not have been responsible for 100% of those positions until year four.
The SAFER Grant’s period of performance is three years—not 10, as Former Councilman Nix continues to state. There is also no obligation to retain SAFER-funded positions after the grant period ends.
As Former Councilman Nix stated, and as reflected in our press releases following the denial of the grant, we did—and still do—wholeheartedly thank Council for the time they spent considering the issue. While we respectfully disagreed with the decision, we have continued to work with those members of council who are willing and able to collaborate with us toward the shared goal of providing exceptional public safety to the citizens of Tyler, as evidenced by our endorsement and continued support of now-Mayor Warren.
Likewise, Stuart Hene has a proven history of regularly meeting with and listening to the primary stakeholders in public safety. His willingness to engage with first responders and work collaboratively toward solutions has earned him the endorsements of both the Tyler Professional Fire Fighters Association and the Tyler Patrolman's Association.
Members of the Tyler Professional Fire Fighters Association share many of the same values as the citizens we serve. While we will not speak to the broader issues being debated in this campaign, we believe it is important to correct the record regarding the SAFER Grant and the repeated inaccuracies surrounding its terms, requirements, and obligations.
Stuart Hene for Mayor
