Schools are back in session and we are all winding down our summer activities. It has been a very busy summer for many of us.
I again had the privilege of serving at the State Fair Fire Department during the state fair and seeing many old friends and the opportunity to make many new ones. It is always encouraging to see so many firefighters and EMS personnel from all over the state come together to serve the fairgoers. My personal thanks go out to each of you for your professionalism, commitment and faithfulness to FFAM. This was another great fair, the weather, the professional abilities and attitudes and the willingness to put others before themselves. Again this year there were several new firefighter and EMS personnel. It is very rewarding to work with these new ones and see the excitement in their face and their willingness to work so hard. Great job everyone.
Congratulations to all of the personnel receiving awards. These will be identified in another article by our PIO, Battalion Chief Larry Eggen.
As the president of FFAM, I want to thank each director and assistant director that came to the fair to work and give of their time and talents, or to just visit and encourage everyone.
A special thanks goes to the Galt Fire Protection District crew led by Chief Terry Wynne that comes faithfully every year to fry fish and all the other extras for the hungry emergency service workers. I know they appreciate your efforts and I heard it was excellent again this year and was attended by a record size crowd.
We had the pleasure of having twenty new firefighters and EMS personnel this year. It is so encouraging to see the excitement that comes with new people. They come with the sincere attitude to serve others.
I want to personally thank Chairperson Monty Thompson for his leadership to the FFAM State Fair Fire Department Committee. Monty always does an excellent job demonstrating his patience, wisdom and knowledge to all of the personnel and his fellow commissioners. His many years of service to the state fair are invaluable. Thanks also to Charlie Neubert, Steve Gentry and Rick Dozier for all of their hours preparing and serving as commissioners.
Chief Donnie Rogers also did an excellent job again this year with his command staff and personnel, as did Chef R.B. Brown and his kitchen staff. This was R.B.’s first year heading up this task and I believe he gained a new found appreciation for the amount of work that has been provided in previous years.
Donnie Rogers has been asked to serve as the fire chief again for the 2017 fair.
The list just goes on and on so I am just going to thank each one of you that served in any way. We could not provide this vital service without each of you. Thanks for volunteering your time and talents.
Many fall activities are approaching concerning the fire service and I would like to remind everyone of the assistance that FFAM can provide. Mr. R.B. Brown of the Eureka and Union Fire Protection Districts heads up the fire prevention committee and is available to assist you with ideas or any other issues you may encounter as Fire Prevention Week is quickly approaching.
As we head into the fall season, I ask each of you to use caution and practice safe response habits. We do not want to see or hear of any other tragedies from our brother and sister firefighters. It seems like every day we hear of someone being injured. Stay safe my friends.
Last but not least, as we again approach September, let us never forget that horrible day of September 11, 2001. Today, I say a special prayer for each firefighter, police officer and EMS personnel. I ask each of you to please do the same.
I will keep my article short this issue as I have asked several others to write, informing you of their activities and success these past few months.
As always, please contact me with any thoughts or issues you may have.
Respectfully,
Kenneth Hoover, President
Fire Fighters Association of Missouri
FFAM
