Joaquin Criner, IAFF 11th District Burn Coordinator

Heartbreaking news out of Lubbock this evening.

I had the distinguished honor to advocate alongside Matt in Austin during the 2023 session. His determination and passion to help his fellow fire fighters was a testament of his character.

The Dawson family and the Lubbock Professional Firefighters Association are in my family’s thoughts and prayers.

The Lewisville Fire Fighters Association is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of fire fighter Matt Dawson from the Lubbock Professional Firefighters Association.

Matt Dawson bravely served and was critically injured in the line of duty during a crash in North Lubbock in January 2020. Throughout his recovery, he tirelessly advocated for Workers Compensation legislation alongside Lewisville Fire Fighter Andy Allison and fire fighters from all across Texas, at the capitol in Austin.

We extend our sincere condolences to the Dawson family and our fellow fire fighters in Lubbock.

As the the President of Lewisville Fire Fighters Association Local 3606 I am unfortunately intimately aware of the struggles the Allison family faces every day. Our association has been ,and will remain to be, committed to fight the fight with and alongside Andy. Moreover, as the International Association of Fire Fighters 11th District Burn Coordinator, I am concerned more than ever, about the treatment of fire fighters with burn injuries in the future.

Fire fighting is an inherently dangerous job, we know that, but fire fighters don’t want to get injured or burned. They want to return to work quickly, not be medically retired. But yet the workers compensation system continues to place the blame on those that are injured, instead of fixing their broken system.

I urge you to visit the link and read about Andy and Amanda’s struggles that continue years later.

Sandy McGhee, IAFF Dist 11 VP Texas State Association of Fire Fighters

Voices from the Frontline: The Struggle of Injured Fire Fighters and Their Families in the Workers' Compensation System Fire fighters are among the bravest and most selfless individuals in our society. They put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities from fires, accidents, and natural disasters. When a fire fighter is injured on the job, they expect to receive the support and care they need t...

First and foremost my thoughts and prayers are with the injured fire fighter and the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association.

Most importantly, as the District 11 Burn Coordinator, I am prepared to utilize every resource at my fingertips to support this injured hero throughout their recovery.

Sandy McGhee, IAFF Dist 11 VP

While the weather is certainly frightful and a nice warm fire would make any home comfortable during this frigid weather. Be sure to enjoy the earth and crackle safely. Here are some Fire Safety Tips from my own local.

Oh, the weather outside may be frightful, and that fire may be so delightful...

Cold weather is here, and nothing beats a toasty fireplace in the comfort of your own home! But we must take precautions when stoking that fire. highly trained and dedicated hometown fire fighters are always ready for an emergency, thanks to our community's investment in their safety by having eight strategically placed fire stations across Lewisville - all ready to serve you immediately for your safety.

When Lewisville calls, your Lewisville fire fighters respond.

Lewisville Fire

Burn care is not just the medical treatments patients receive for the physical injury. It’s also the support and mental wellness after the injury and throughout treatment.

The IAFF Burn Foundation is committed to finding the best care for ALL burn, and for EVERY burn patient. Join us is in our fight to advance burn care.

IAFF International Burn Camp is an amazing experience, for those who attend and those who volunteer. I am honored to serve as a Burn Coordinator for the IAFF Foundation.

https://youtu.be/_I6M8lJ6r8U

International Association of Fire Fighters Sandy McGhee, IAFF Dist 11 VP

IAFF International Burn Camp 2022

Stay safe while purchasing gifts for your loved ones!

Keep your packages safe this holiday season.

I am honored to attend the Southern Region Burn in Baton Rouge, LA. Burn care advances everyday, and attending conferences like this one, allow me to help bring the best burn care to our fire fighters. Though it’s an inherent risk, fire fighters chances are exponentially higher when it comes to potentially being burned. With that said, working to bring the best burn care treatment to the 11th District, means burn care advances for every citizen within its boundaries.

Some of the topics covered will include current interventions, protocols, treatment modalities, research, and critical pathways to advance patient care.

I am appreciative of this opportunity and look forward to co to II g my work on behalf of the brothers and sisters of the Mighty 11th.

International Association of Fire Fighters Sandy McGhee, IAFF Dist 11 VP Texas State Association of Fire Fighters 5th District VP Pete Martinez

I solemnly join my brothers and sisters, not only in Lewisville, but across the country in honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice on that fateful day in 2001.

We honor all the innocent people who tragically lost their lives, and continue to pray for their families.

I urge everyone to hug their loved ones today, and remember that together, as country, we can get through anything.

Today we honor all those who lost their lives in the attacks on 09/11/2001.

The images from that day are etched in everyone’s memory. Watching the events unfold, the chaos of the unknown, and the innocent people trying to survive.

Through all that, we witnessed what truly embodies the mindset of a fire fighter. They ran towards the danger, the didn’t stop, and all they wanted to do was save everyone. They knew they were the only chance people had to survive. They did this without hesitation or reservation, and ultimately made the ultimate sacrifice along with the many other emergency responders who lost their lives that day.

Join Lewisville Local 3606, in committing to honoring the legacy of these heroes. Together, we shall never forget!

Very proud of my brothers and sisters for their hard work and dedication to the citizens of Lewisville.

I send my thoughts and prayers to those affected by todays fire.