Hello from District 2. Usually, my updates are not too long but this issue I would like to share some information on several topics.

First off it was great to see everyone at the Winter Fire School Equipment Exposition. Big crowd. Thanks for stopping by the FFAM booth, the fire funeral team and the memorial booths. I was pleased to see all the interest from people that are not members of the FFAM. Membership is climbing. If you know a department near you that are not members let Grant or your district representative know so we can get information to them and maybe make a trip to visit with them. 

Several things going on around District 2. I had the opportunity to stop by the LaBelle Fire Department and eat breakfast at their fundraiser. Great to see everyone and the food was great. Several classes coming up in our area. Make sure you check out the training coming up in this issue. 

Hello from District 2. Many of our fire departments in district 2 had Christmas dinners in December. Congratulation to all the firefighters that were recognized for their awards and for their years of service. 

Some deadlines are coming up very quickly for scholarships and awards from the FFAM. They will be handed out at this year’s FFAM Conference in April. Sedalia will be the home this year for the conference and I believe it will be one of the best yet. The cost to attend is one of the lowest that I can remember. Make sure you have got your team signed up for the competitions on Saturday.

We learned at our last FFAM meeting that our FFAM president, Chief Hoover is retiring from Little Dixie Fire Protection District in Mexico, MO. Chief Hoover has been a strong voice for firefighters and departments for many years. We wish him the very best on his retirement. Congratulations and thank you Chief.

It was great to see everyone at the state fair again this year. Already looking forward to next year. Some great things next year are being planned, so make sure you keep an eye of your FFAM magazine for more information as time gets closer.

Three free classes are coming up for chiefs, officers, including law enforcement and EMS in the near future. September 15, in Moberly; October 19, in Osage Beach; and November 3, in Lewistown. It is important that anyone that might be involved with their organization with a line of duty death should make plans to attend. The program is Introduction to LODD / Public Safety Officers Benefits. You can get more information by e-mailing your request to me at gwright000@gmail.com. To register send your name, class you wish to attend, and organization to me at that e-mail address. All classes are free and lunch is provided at the Moberly and Lewistown classes!

Poster contest are coming up. See the FFAM website and get your schools to take part. This will be the first year that our fire department will be taking part, and we are really looking forward to it. Continue Reading →

Hello from District 2. Lots going on around the district. Many fire departments held their annual dinners and fundraisers in the last few months. Atlanta fire department first responders held their very first fundraiser and went way over what they had hoped for. Congratulations. Numerous fire departments are holding something for Halloween coming up at the end of October.

I hope everyone got to watch the National Fallen Firefighter Candlelight and Memorial Service in Emmitsburg in October. Two Missouri firefighters were honored this year as they gave the ultimate sacrifice. Continue Reading →

Hello from District 2. Everyone in our area has been busy these last couple months. I hope you got to attend the 2017 Missouri Firefighter Memorial Services May 20-21, in Kingdom City. It was a very special event, honoring four line of duty deaths and many firefighters that have since past away. It was also special that seventeen firefighters from Germany also attended. Thanks to everyone that made it possible. Mark your calendar for May 19-20, 2018, for the 2018 Missouri Firefighter Memorial.

Also mark your calendar for Saturday, August 12, 2017, as the state fair will be doing a “Salute to our Heroes” on opening weekend. That Saturday law enforcement, firefighters, EMT’s and paramedics, with identification will receive free gate admission to the Missouri State Fair. Make sure you stop by the fire station and say hello. Military will be honored on Sunday. Continue Reading →

Hello from District 2. I didn’t get a chance to thank the fire funeral team and members of the FFAM for all their help at the 2016 Heroes tribute gala that was held in October. Along with the law enforcement and EMS funeral teams we honored 14 fire, law, and EMS individuals that gave their lives in the line of duty, as well as all public safety individuals that gave their lives as well. Nearly 100 individuals attended the event.

Attend the Ewing and LaBelle fire departments annual pancake breakfast this year. Big Crowd, great food and got to see a lot of old friends. If you are in district 2 let me know of your event. I would love to come if the schedule allows.

Supporting Heroes “Heroes Tribute Gala” was held March 4 in Louisville Ky. With the expansion of Supporting Heroes to Missouri, Missouri firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMS individuals were honored. Very proud to have been able to attend the event and being a part of it. Continue Reading →

Hello from District 2. I hope everyone had a safe and happy holidays and a very Merry Christmas.

As 2015 came to a close, a number of departments held their annual Christmas dinners in our area. I wish to congratulate Shelbina Fire Chief Gene Harland as he received his forty year pin.

Several things coming up in the next few months you will want to make sure you check out. Winter Fire School is February 5-7, again in Columbia, and it looks to be a great school. Don’t forget the Expo on Friday, from 12:00–9:00 p.m. at the Holliday Inn. Make sure you stop by the FFAM booth. We will have tickets there for the Henry Firefighter rifle that will be given away at the Conference in April. All proceeds go to the museum. $1 per ticket / 6 for $5. The 2016 FFAM Convention is also coming up April 29 –May 1. It will be held at the Tan-Tar-A resort in Osage Beach. Make sure you get your teams ready for the competitions on that Saturday. Rules are posted at ffam.org. Continue Reading →