We can check the boxes on the calendar for the first half of 2021, unbelievable! Next on the calendar is Independence Day (July 4th). Some will enjoy the long holiday celebrating with flying flags, family, friends, food, fireworks, fun, campfires, and fellowship. If not for that moment in time back in 1776 we would not have independence and freedom to enjoy all of the “f’s” I listed earlier. I pause to reflect on why we can enjoy our independence. Thank you to the 1,284,684 who have sacrificed their lives to protect our independence, along with the 19 million veterans who served and those presently serving. I am proud to be an American and want to never forget why I have my independence and continue to do my part to serve and protect it. God Bless America! Happy July 4th to one and all!
We are closing out our financial year at the end of June. With all of the obstacles from COVID-19, we were skeptical about how our year was going to end. But as usual, everyone pulled together, and we were able to spend all of the dedicated fire training monies obligated to us. Thank you to everyone who summited a request for training and your patience in working with us to get it delivered to you. Thank you also to all our training partners for adjusting your schedules to complete the mission.
July 1 we begin our new budget year. The firefighter training funds will be available to begin training for this financial year. To request your training go to www.dfs.dps.mo.gov. Find “course approval forms,” and click on “Other course Delivery Application.” Fill this form out and email it to Becky.Trapani@dfs.dps.mo.gov sooner than later.
Very good news regarding our new Records/Learning Management System RMS. The RMS/LMS will be going live to our Missouri Fire Service on August 16th. We will be pushing out more instructions via email and social media moving forward. You will have the responsibility to log on and create your account within the new system. We will be traveling across the state attending your fire chief meetings, along with other regional fire meetings to assist and educate you on the new system.
More news to share, we have funding in the budget to issue workers’ compensation grants to the volunteer/association fire departments which qualify. This grant will be used only for your fire department’s workers compensation insurance premiums. We will be pushing more information out on who is eligible. Please watch your department’s email box. The maximum amount is $2,000. We have one year to spend the money, so please help us help you! If you have questions email me at tim.bean@dfs.dps.mo.gov or eric.hartman@dfs.dps.mo.gov.
The Division of Fire Safety would like to send condolences to the Rodney Heard Sr. family, and the St. Louis Fire Department. Firefighter Heard passed away due to COVID-19. His death is officially recognized as a Line of Duty Death.
In other news, we may be moving from the 13th floor sometime this year. It will be a very sad day if it comes to fruition. The state is having our current building renovated and needs our floor to accomplish the job. We are unsure at this time where our new home will be, stay tuned.
Also, next year in June we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary as the Missouri Division of Fire Safety. Plans have already begun to have a full-blown event to acknowledge the many employees who have served and re-live the past 50 years of the Division. Mark it on your 2022 calendar.
Thank you for everything you do to serve and protect our communities and state. I appreciate each one of you. If I can of any assistance to you please reach out, my desk phone is 573-751-2930. Happy Independence Day, may God Bless You.
PS. Hello to my friend Lewis Callahan, and sorry for your recent loss!
FFAM
