2026 Annual Conference: Professional Development

Friday, October 16th, 8:00 am - 11:30 am | Morning Session
Friday, October 16th, 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm | Afternoon Session

Privileged Service, Honored Trust, and Pledged Accountability 
Daniel E. DeYear

Session Description

This presentation reinforces the core values that define the fire service—trust, accountability, and service. Firefighters rely on one another in high-stakes environments where integrity, teamwork, and dedication can mean the difference between success and failure. Through discussion, real-world scenarios, and reflection, participants will explore how these principles strengthen crew cohesion, enhance safety, and uphold the public’s confidence in the fire department.

Daniel E. DeYear is originally from The Bronx in New York City and began his Fire Service Career in the Northeast. His time in the Texas Fire Service began over 43 years ago with the Carrollton Fire Department where he worked for nearly 10 years. He spent the next two years as an International Fire Marshal for the U.S. Department of State providing fire and life safety to the United States Embassies and Consulates in more than 35 different countries. Thereafter, he devoted more than 30 years to the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department where he recently retired as a Deputy Fire Chief. Daniel has Master Level Certifications as a Firefighter, Fire Inspector, Instructor, Fire Investigator, Fire Officer IV, Hazardous Materials Technician, Incident Safety Officer, Incident Commander, and has served as a licensed Paramedic for more than 20 years.

Daniel serves as Chairman of the Firefighter Advisory Committee for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and is a member of the Curriculum and Testing Committee and the Health and Wellness Committee. He serves as Vice President of the Dallas Firefighter's Museum and is a Board of Director for Search-One. He was named the TAFE 2020 Instructor of the Year.

Daniel lives in Plano, Texas with his wife, Janet, and they have three grown children. He is an avid snow skier and enjoys baseball, football, and auto racing.