Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) is proposing/developing a First Responder Credentialing System that is credible, secure, reliable, and updated in real time.
The long term goal is to develop the ID from a credible agency (possibly DPS) that will confirm you are who you say you are, show your certifications and licenses, show your level of NIMS training, show your experience in certain NIMS (possibly DPS) that will confirm you are who you say you are, show your certifications and licenses, show your level of NIMS training, show your experience in certain NIMS positions, transfer finger prints between State Agencies, etc. basically one card that is secure and updated through the internet in real time of your status. The card, which includes a chip, to be used is strongly recommended by DHS/FEMA and its use is being modeled after what has already been developed in states such as Virginia and Hawaii. TDEM will soon be requesting funding to roll out a pilot program with Texas Task Force groups and will need to change legislation to allow DPS to participate in a project of this magnitude.