I cannot begin to describe what an honor it is for me to serve as President for an Association as dedicated to Fire and Life Safety as the Texas Fire Marshals Association.

Several years ago when I was approached by my close friends Jody Gonzales, Kurt Harris and Paul Cunningham about running for a Board of Director's position my reaction was "are you crazy"? I am not qualified for such a position and certainly not the best choice among all of the other members to be elected. Nevertheless this is when I started really getting involved with TFMA. The next thing I knew I was helping plan the annual conference, moderating forums and was elected as 2nd Vice President.

Now that I have moved up through the ranks to the President's position, I am still thinking "are they crazy"? There are many excellent choices for this position and I am very humbled to have been selected to lead such a wonderful Association.

I intend to serve you my peers and will do my best to represent the Texas Fire Marshals Association with the dignity and professionalism it deserves.

The membership has elected a very capable Board of Directors as well as 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents who will all work hard for this Association.

Over 30 years ago when I first began my fire service career, being assigned to a Fire Marshals Office meant you were either nearing retirement, had messed up and were being punished or any other variety of negative reasons. The fact was back then not many people desired to be in this area of the fire service.

Times have certainly changed and today's Fire Marshals Offices are now staffed, although most of them very understaffed, with dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to try to make and keep their communities safer for their citizens and firefighters.

The members of the Texas Fire Marshals Association that I represent are the unsung heroes of the fire service profession who make such a big difference without the fanfare and recognition they deserve.

Again it is my honor to serve these professionals and I will do so with humbled gratitude.

Jody Henry
President, Texas Fire Marshals Association