Spring is just around the corner and I am sure all of us are ready for its arrival. It has been a busy winter with many activities we have all attended. I know I am ready for the season to change and for the life to return to the trees and grass, and for things to come alive again.
Winter Fire School was a huge success thanks to MU FRTI’s hard work. Thank you for the commitment to educate our emergency service personnel. I did not make it to the Exposition this year but heard there was a very large crowd and that it was a huge success.
I was unable to attend the annual Missouri Fire Chief’s Conference at Big Cedar Resort this year. I heard it was an excellent conference with some outstanding presenters. I have been told that I received a Lifetime Achievement Award along with two of my longtime friends. I appreciate the thoughtfulness.
Our Annual Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial service is quickly approaching on May 18, at 9:00 p.m., for the Candlelight Service, at which time a surprise guest will speak. May 19, at 10:30 a.m. Governor Mike Parsons will speak for the Sunday Morning Service. Both of our speakers are outstanding advocates of the fire service.
Please consider this your personal invitation to participate in the honor guard, bag piper, antique fire equipment, and any other task you desire. Just let me know, please. The commander for the honor guard again this year is Fire Chief James Ludden of the Bolivar City Fire Department. Chief Ludden did an outstanding job last year. All honor guards and color guards are invited to participate. Please contact Chief Ludden at 417-770-4312 or jludden@bolivar.mo.us if you are interested and that you will be attending.
I am looking for two (2) ladder trucks to fly the large flag at the Sunday Morning Service. If interested, please let me know.
FFAM Board Members are busy putting the final touches on our upcoming Annual Convention. If you have not done so, please send your registrations in as soon as possible so they can plan accordingly.
Also, if possible, please send your contest registrations in to Captain Rob Erdel at roberdel@ktis.net so everything can be ready for Saturday morning. This will save the Contest Committee a lot of time preparing for the contest on Saturday morning. I hope there are many teams this year competing for the bragging rights as the best in the state. We all have so much fun competing and just being together as a big family.
Again, anyone wishing to participate or help with the Annual Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Service, please contact me at 573-581-6235 or chiefhoover@sbcglobal.net.
Everyone have a great and safe spring. As always, your officers and board of directors of FFAM are always available if you have a need. Please contact one for assistance.
As you read this, I have retired as Chief of the Little Dixie Fire Protection District as of March 1, 2019, after serving 45 years. I want to thank all of you for the memories that we have shared over the years. I will serve out my term as your President of FFAM. Hope to see many of you at the convention in Sedalia in April.
Kenneth Hoover, President
Fire Fighters Association of Missouri
FFAM
