Fire Chief Shawn Snider – Texas Fire Chief Academy Memorial Scholarship
 Shawn Snider began his career in fire service in 1981 as a volunteer firefighter and paid mechanic with the Alamo Fire Department, where he later earned a promotion to fire marshal; in 1991, he transferred to the Edinburg Fire Department to accept a position as assistant fire marshal; after excelling in his duties over the next several years, he was named the department’s fire chief in 1999.
Chief Snider has served as the City of Edinburg’s emergency management coordinator throughout his tenure as fire chief, and from December 2011 to July 2012, he was also the acting city manager; in addition, he has benefited his community greatly as chair of the Hidalgo County Fire Chiefs Association, as the leader of Texas Task Force I Type 3 in the Rio Grande Valley, and as an instructor at the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Municipal Fire School.
Respected by his peers, Chief Snider was elected president of the State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals Association in 2009, and he went on to play an active role in promoting the association’s legislative agenda during that year he has previously served as regional director and volunteer director for the Texas Fire Chiefs Association, and he has held other prominent leadership positions, such as training coordinator for the Rio Grande Valley Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association and member of the State Firefighters ’ and Fire Marshals ’ Association Certification Board.
Chief Snider is remembered for consistently prioritizing his responsibilities as a public servant and the needs of his firefighters above his own, and he has likewise impressed others with his deep devotion to his faith and family, which includes his wife, Edna Snider, and daughter, Sarah.
Chief Shawn Snider will be remembered for always exemplifying the highest ideals of his profession and contribution to the safety and well-being of fellow citizens. Chief Snider’s outstanding efforts have earned him the lasting gratitude and admiration of all who know him.
Source: Rio Grande Guardian – International News Service (May 2023)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE TEXAS FIRE CHIEF ACADEMY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Please read the following instructions carefully BEFORE you begin your application.
All communication you receive from the Texas Fire Chief Academy will be via email. Please add the [email protected] email to your address book so that your computer recognizes this email traffic and does not direct it to your SPAM file. The email address you provide in your application should be one you check frequently.
There are four parts to the Texas Fire Chief Academy Memorial Scholarship application:
- Part One asks for Resume and Biography.
- Part Two asks questions regarding your current organization.
- Part Three includes three short essay questions.
- Part Four requires three letters of recommendation.
- All parts must be submitted to be consider for the memorial scholarship.
Part One: Resume/Biography
Resume should include the following information:
- Name/Contact Information
- Executive Summary
- Current/Previous Work History
- Education
- Certifications/Training
- Milestones/Accomplishments/Awards
- Professional Memberships
- Relevant Writings/Publications/Speaking Presentations
Biography should be no more than one page and should give a personal and professional glimpse of your career.
Part Two: Your Current Organization
In regard to your current organization, please specify:
- The number of employees in your organization.
- The number of employees under your direct supervision.
- The annual operating budget of your organization.
Part Three: Essay Questions
Please respond carefully and completely to the essay questions below. The Texas Fire Chief Academy tends to have more applicants than can be accommodated and the following questions are a key component in the selection process for Fire Chief Shawn Snider Memorial Scholarship.
- Please describe the most significant strategic challenges in your past or current assignment.
- Please describe your immediate and long-term career goals. How will attending the Texas Fire Chief Academy help you to achieve them?
- In your current position, what are your specific duties and responsibilities?
- How will you promote the mission of the Texas Fire Chief Association?
Part Four: Letter of Recommendation
Please provide three letters of recommendation in support of you attending the Texas Fire Chief Academy:
- Letter from Fire Chief
- Letter from immediate supervisor
- Letter from a peer
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