Texas Armed First Responder Course
"Protecting Responders Who Save Us"
Overview
The Texas Armed First Responder Course is an advanced training program designed for Texas License to Carry (LTC) holders who serve as full time first responders and want the ability to legally carry a handgun while on duty.
This course is open to any LTC Holder, the certification from the Texas Department of Public Safety will be issued to students who meet the definitions of "First Responder" defined by Texas Government Code 419.021 (Fire) and Texas Health and Safety Code 773.003 (EMS).
This intensive course focuses on real-world defensive scenarios and tactical firearm skills to help first responders safely and effectively protect themselves while performing their duties.
IMPORTANT NOTE
This is an intermediate to advanced course where statute requires physical demonstrations of proficiency including the ability to move to various shooting positions and to stand for an extended period of time. It also includes tactical shooting, shooting while moving, and shooting in low light conditions. In order to pass the course you must be able to appropriately demonstrate these physical requirements to your instructor.
Texas DPS First Responder certification (for on-duty handgun carry) requires holding a current License to Carry (LTC), completing a specific 28-hour training course (classroom and range) from a certified instructor, passing a 90% or higher proficiency test, and filing form LTC-103A FIRST RESPONDER CERTIFICATION APPLICATION The course covers self-defense, tactical shooting, and de-escalation.
First Responder Certification Requirements:
- Eligibility: Must be a current Texas LTC holder and meet the legal definition of a first responder (Fire, EMS, or qualified public safety officer).
- Training Course: Must complete a 28-hour DPS-approved First Responder training course.
- Proficiency Requirement: Must achieve a score of 90% or higher on both the written test and the handgun proficiency demonstration (shooting qualification) on the first attempt.
- Equipment Needed: A handgun (.38/.380 or higher caliber), at least three magazines/speed loaders, eye/ear protection, duty-style holster (no shoulder/cross-draw), and a 200+ lumen flashlight.
- Documentation: Submit Form LTC-103A to DPS.
- Ongoing Education: Requires an annual continuing education course of up to 10 hours
Key Course Topics
Note: This certification relates to authorized personnel carrying on duty, not general EMS certification.
Texas Government Code §419.021 (Fire Protection)
- Definitions: Defines "fire protection personnel" as permanent, full-time local governmental employees involved in fire fighting.
- Scope: Includes Aircraft Rescue and Fire Protection (ARFP) personnel, marine fire protection personnel, and structure fire protection personnel, covering fire suppression, rescue, and hazardous materials response.
- Commission: Governed by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
Texas Health and Safety Code §773.003 (Emergency Medical Services)
- EMS Provider: Defines an emergency medical services provider as a person who uses or maintains emergency medical services vehicles, personnel, and equipment to provide emergency prehospital care.
- First Responder Organization: Defines this as a group or association of certified EMS personnel providing on-scene care, but not transporting patients.
Emergency Prehospital Care: Care provided to the sick or injured before or during transportation, including stabilization.
FIRST RESPONDER CERTIFICATION APPLICATION
Contact For Information & Scheduling
Please contact Johnny Price with Big Iron for more information, scheduling teachers & staff at your school and for pricing & an information packet:
Johnny Price
254-709-6228
JohnnyP@BigIronCHL.com
About Johnny Price
Johnny was invited to the pilot training and certification class held in August of 2015 by Texas Department of Public Safety. There were only 6 total LTC instructors in this pilot class. Their purpose was more than to just get certified to offer to schools and teachers, but also to critique the class and offer feedback and ideas on ways to improve the curriculum when DPS officially launches the program.
School Safety Officer Certification officially launched in 2017. We are proud to be able to offer this to schools to help better protect our children. To date Big Iron instructors have LTC/CHL certified over 3000 teachers & staff from all over Texas since the horrible tragedy at Sandy Hook.
