Fort Worth Professional Firefighters Local 440

Happy Father's Day!

This job asks a lot from the families who hold it down while we're gone. Missed dinners, missed birthdays, missed sleep, and a phone that can ring at any hour. Every dad in this department knows that cost, and every one of you still shows up for both.
Whether you're at home today with your kids or on shift answering the call, we see you. The job doesn't stop, but neither does being a dad.

Happy Father's Day from

Juneteenth began right here in Texas. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston and announced that the enslaved people of Texas were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
As members of the Fort Worth fire service, we carry that same Texas pride and recognize the resilience woven into our state's history. To mark the day, we've designed special Juneteenth shirts for our members, so don't be surprised if you see some of our crews wearing them out in the community this week. In that same spirit, we're sharing the story behind the Samakaka pattern, a symbol of African heritage and perseverance that echoes the same values we honor today.

The Samakaka pattern is one of Angola's most recognizable cultural symbols, originating with the Chokwe people of eastern Angola. Characterized by bold geometric shapes, repeating diamonds, and intricate black-and-white designs, the pattern has long been used in traditional textiles, baskets, and ceremonial objects. Its visual language reflects the Chokwe people's artistic heritage, storytelling traditions, and connection to community identity. Over time, the Samakaka design evolved from a regional cultural expression into a national symbol of Angolan pride and resilience.

Historically, Samakaka patterns were woven and crafted by skilled artisans who passed their techniques from one generation to the next. The designs often carried meanings related to family, status, protection, and cultural continuity. Following Angola's independence in 1975, the Samakaka pattern gained renewed prominence as a representation of national unity and cultural heritage. Today, it can be found in fashion, architecture, public art, and official events, serving as a visual reminder of Angola's rich history and the enduring strength of its people.

The story of the Samakaka pattern resonates deeply with the spirit of Juneteenth. Just as Juneteenth celebrates freedom, perseverance, and the preservation of cultural identity among African Americans, Samakaka reflects the resilience of African communities that have maintained their traditions through generations of change and challenge. By showcasing this pattern during Juneteenth, we honor not only Angola's cultural legacy but also the shared heritage, creativity, and determination that connect people of African descent across the globe.

Today, Local 440 and the Fort Worth Fire Department said a final goodbye to one of our own.
Todd Brook served the residents of Fort Worth for over 30 years, and he did it the right way. Todd was an exemplary firefighter and leader who embodied everything that came with being the senior man. He was the kind of firefighter colleagues turned to for advice, whether on the job or in life. Todd was the fireman you wanted stepping off the truck with you when you rolled up and knew it was time to go to work.
Todd was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in October 2025, and even as his health declined, his focus never turned to himself. His final mission was to find a kidney donor for his wife, Jeno, who faces her own battle with polycystic kidney disease. Even at the end, Todd Brook was fighting for someone else. That says everything about the man he was.
Today, our brothers and sisters gathered to honor his life and his legacy. The uniform, the tradition, the brotherhood, all of it on full display as a reminder that we do not let our own walk alone, not in life and not in death.
Rest easy, Todd. Your watch is over. We have it from here.

To honor Todd's final wish, please consider registering as a living kidney donor through the Living Donor Transplant program at UT Southwestern in Dallas. His wife Jeno is still waiting. One phone call could change everything.

Last Friday, Local 440 VP Mike Drivdahl had the privilege of standing in front of two groups of men and women who just earned the right to wear the badge.

Local 440 presents the Class Advocate Award for both Fire Class 100 and EMS Class 1. One hundred fire classes. That’s not just a number, that’s one hundred classes of Fort Worth firefighters who stepped up when their city needed them. And standing right alongside that legacy, EMS Class 1 made history as the first EMS class ever to graduate from the Fort Worth Fire Department.

The books are closed. The drills are done. Now the real job begins, running toward what everyone else runs from, and showing up for the people of Fort Worth on their worst days.

To every graduate — welcome to the brotherhood. You’ve earned your spot. Now go prove it every single day.

Congratulations to Fire Class 100 and EMS Class 1.

Thank you to FWFD photographer Glen Ellman for the amazing photos.

Please keep Odessa Firefighters and the family of Lt Huerta in your thoughts and prayers.

Odessa Fire Rescue Mourns the Loss of Firefighter Isai Huerta

ODESSA, Texas — Odessa Fire Rescue is mourning the tragic loss of one of its own following a structure fire on Sunday evening.

At 4:59 p.m., Odessa Fire Rescue crews responded to a residential trailer fire in the 1900 block of South Westcliff Road. While firefighters were operating on scene, conditions deteriorated rapidly, resulting in injuries to three firefighters.

All three firefighters were transported to Medical Center Hospital for treatment. Tragically, one firefighter succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The fallen firefighter has been identified as 29-year-old Lieutenant Isai Huerta, who faithfully served the citizens of Odessa as a member of Odessa Fire Rescue for the past nine years. His next of kin has been notified.

"Isai was a huge part of our organization, a true firefighter," said Odessa Fire Rescue Chief Jason Cotton. "He was always happy, always willing to help, and he truly enjoyed the job. Our department is in need of prayer, guidance, and grace as we navigate moving forward. We grieve alongside Isai's family and ask our community to keep them and our firefighters in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."

Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick added, "Tonight, Odessa has lost a hero. Firefighter Isai Huerta dedicated his life to protecting others, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. On behalf of the City of Odessa, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, his brothers and sisters in the fire service, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We ask our community to join us in keeping them in our prayers as we mourn this heartbreaking loss."

The two other firefighters injured during the incident did not sustain life-threatening injuries and are receiving care and support.

The Texas State Association of Fire Fighters is leading the investigation. Representatives from the International Association of Fire Fighters are also expected to arrive in Odessa tonight to provide additional support.

Odessa Fire Rescue has already begun debriefing personnel and is ensuring first responders have access to all available emotional, mental health, and peer-support resources.

Odessa Fire Rescue will hold a press conference tomorrow to answer questions and provide an update on the investigation.

Today, Fort Worth Fire Department Class #100 officially became members of IAFF Local 440.

One hundred classes of men and women who answered the call, pulled on the gear, and became part of something bigger than themselves. Today, they join our legacy.

This brotherhood and sisterhood they’re stepping into was built by the firefighters who came before them, people who fought for them long before they ever walked through the door. They’re not just starting a job. They’re joining a family.

Welcome to Local 440, Class 100. We’re proud to have you.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our brother, Todd Brook.

Todd was 59 years old and gave over 30 years of his life to this job and to this city. But more than that, he gave his brothers and sisters something you can’t put in a personnel file: he was the guy you called when you needed a straight answer. Todd was that guy.

He was a firefighter’s firefighter. Toughness, wisdom you can’t learn in a classroom, and zero pretense. When you pulled up on a working fire and Todd stepped off that truck beside you, you knew you were in good hands.

We’re going to miss him more than words can say.

Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. And as many of you already know, Todd had one final wish: finding a kidney donor for his wife, Jeno. If you or someone you know can help make that happen, please reach out.

Details on services will be shared as soon as they’re available.

Rest easy, brother. You earned it.

We join our brothers and sisters across the IAFF in congratulating Danny Todd on his retirement after an extraordinary 52 years of distinguished service.

Danny’s impact on the fire service and the labor movement cannot be measured. As a member of IAFF Local 1784 since 1973, IAFF 14th District Vice President since 1995, and a founding member of the IAFF Southern Federation, he has spent decades fighting to improve the lives of firefighters and their families throughout our region.

For more than five decades, Danny has been a leader, mentor, advocate, and friend to countless firefighters. His commitment to the IAFF, his local union, and the members he served helped strengthen our profession and our union for future generations.

We are grateful for his service, his leadership, and the example he set for all of us who continue this work today.

We would also like to recognize our PAC Board Vice Chairman, Nick Hanetho, who was honored to be present and help send Danny off as he begins this well-earned next chapter.

Congratulations, Brother Todd, on an incredible career and a legacy that will continue to influence the fire service for years to come. Thank you for everything you have done for firefighters across the South and throughout the IAFF.

Enjoy your retirement….you’ve earned it.

Congratulations to Joe Thayer – Paramedic of the Year!
We are proud to congratulate Joe Thayer on being selected as the recipient of Medical City Fort Worth’s inaugural Paramedic of the Year Award.
We also want to thank Medical City Fort Worth for this meaningful recognition during EMS Week. The partnership between our paramedics and the Medical City Emergency Department team is built on trust, teamwork, and a shared mission and this award is a testament to that relationship.
Joe exemplifies the dedication and clinical excellence that our members bring to every call. Fort Worth is better because of the work you do. Congratulations, Joe!