I begin this article with a great appreciation for everyone that came and worked at the 2021 State Fair Fire Department. The commitment and dedication demonstrated throughout the ten days, exemplify why our Missouri fire service is the best. I look forward to meeting and serving alongside you next year.
September 11, 2001, is a day now called “Patriot Day” due to the cowardly acts of terrorists. We in the fire service wear the number “343” on shirts, helmets, hats, vehicles, tattoos, flags and the list goes on and on. We commemorate members of FDNY who gave their lives for the mission they were faced with on that day. “Never forget,” a phrase we have been using now for twenty years. Each time I use these two words it takes me back to the day and time of the horrific chain of events that begin to unfold. My gut gets a knot in it, my blood pressure elevates, and I brace my shoulders back when I remember that day. I love America and want to be found, standing for the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem, supporting the men and women who have and continue to serve our nation. God bless America!
We want to thank everyone who has supported the numerous 9/11 stair-climbs across our state. We also want to thank everyone who sponsored a floor and joined our 5th annual State Fire Marshal/Supporting Heroes 9/11 stair-climb. We set our goal to raise $25,000. We fell a little short but raised several thousand dollars.
The Worker’s Compensation Grant for Volunteer Fire Department/Associations is active. Go to dfs.dps.mo.gov and look for the Volunteer Fire Protection Association workers’ compensation grant icon. Click and fill out the application to apply for the up to $2,000 grant. Tell your neighboring department, we would like to award the grant to everyone eligible. If you have questions email eric.hartman@dfs.dps.mo.gov or call 573-751-1601.
We have successfully launched the new learning/records management system from the training and certification division. Becky and her team have stepped up over the last year educating themselves on the system. Some of the features which will immediately serve you the Missouri fire service are, access to your training records through the portal, computer-based testing (no more paper test), eventually testing sites within your region, and visibility of available training across our state are a few examples. Go to the training and certification page, dfs.dps.mo.gov, and click on “training and certifications,” at the top of the page to create your account. You must have a current email address with the training division, to gain access to the portal. If you have any questions contact Shane Adams at 573-522-4849 or shane.adams@dfs.dps.mo.gov he will get you set up.
January is just around the corner, legislators will be returning to Jefferson City to begin the 2022 session. I encourage you to get to know your State Representatives and Senators. They appreciate hearing your issues and are willing to work for you and your agencies.
Happy Birthday Missouri, 200 years! There are bicentennial events taking place across our state. On September 18, Jefferson City, the state capital, will have several displays for viewing from 8:00 – 4:00 p.m. There will be a large parade at 10:00 a.m. Come join us and celebrate your state’s birthday.
Thank you for everything you do, day in and day out across our state. If you need any assistance please call 573-751-1742. God bless you and may he continue to keep you!
FFAM
