Greetings. I hope that you have survived the winter so far. This winter has been a typical Missouri winter, freezing one day with snow and the next it’s 50 with the sun shining. The flu season is in full effect and hope that you are washing your hands and keeping yourself safe.
The FFAM has been busy this calendar year so far. We have been attending meetings across the state representing the Missouri fire service and had representation at the LODD service at West Peculiar and even had representation at the Missouri Fire Chiefs meeting at Big Cedar. At the MoChiefs meeting, Jimmy Sebree was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. Congratulations Jimmy!
At the LODD at West Peculiar, the FFAM had several members there serving on the funeral team for the service. They included Jonathan Evans, Billy Smith, John Hesson, Joe Vaughn, and myself. Speaking with the department, they were very happy with the service we provided and they even became members of the FFAM after the service.
On February 7, several directors, our Secretary-Treasurer and myself traveled to the Winter Fire School and had a booth at the Equipment Exposition. We had several people come by the booth to introduce themselves or ask questions about the organization and we even had some people come by and join as they knew nothing about the FFAM. The comments I heard were that they loved to see the benefits we offer at such a low rate. Welcome new members!
On February 28 and 29, Director Plumb, Assistant Director Hoena and myself traveled to Ridgedale for the Missouri Fire Chiefs meeting at the Big Cedar Lodge to promote the FFAM. We had several chiefs stop by the booth to introduce themselves and had several chiefs pick up membership packets. Thanks MoChiefs for the invite. We appreciate it and would love to come back next year.
March 18 is quickly approaching. This is firefighter’s day at Jefferson City. This is the day that you have a voice with your representatives and senators about the fire service and the issues we are facing today. Please try to attend this event, as this is a good event, not only to have a voice but also to network with other firefighters across this great state.
At the end of March the FFAM will have representatives at a couple of new meetings. We will be in attendance at the Missouri Public Safety Communications meeting and also the Kansas City Fools meeting. These meetings are not only good for membership but also have a voice about the fire service.
The FFAM convention is May 1-3, in Kearney. If you do not have your registration or your hotel room yet, you had better get this done! This weekend is action packed and includes a social on Friday night, with a meal being served, lots of networking with other firefighters across the state, fire games, and a banquet with statewide awards and scholarships. Sunday ends with the business meeting where we elect our officers and discuss the issues we have today in the fire service.
The state fair is right around the corner. We are accepting applications to work the Missouri State Fair Fire Department for this year’s fair. You can apply to work one day or the entire fair depending on if there are enough bunks for personnel to sleep in at the station. If you are available and want to help, please apply. If you have questions please contact Chief Plumb or the state fair committee they will be glad to help you out.
If the FFAM can be of any assistance to you or your department, or if you would like for us to attend your event, please contact us. We will be glad to help you. I can be reached by email at grant_oetting@yahoo.com or my cell 660-229-4525.
Stay safe my brothers and sisters, until next time.
FFAM
