Hello, from District 2. The 2020 annual fire and EMS funeral team conference were on October 23-24 in Lake Ozark, Missouri. Instructors from four states with the National Honor Guard Academy made us realize we had muscles that we did not use very often. From rifles to axes, color guard procedures to folding the flag. It was a great two days of honor guard training, with nearly forty in attendance. I wish to thank all that attended and the FFAM newsletter for supporting the event by sharing the information with everyone. Also to Brian Zinanni and the Missouri Fire Service Funeral Assistance Team for sponsoring our keynote speaker as she traveled many miles to share her story.

The speaker was Ms. Juliann Ashcraft, wife of Andrew Ashcraft. Andrew lost his life along with nineteen fellow firefighters in the Yarnall Hill fires in Prescott, Arizona, in 2013. He was 27 years old. The fire funeral team here in Missouri loaded up their trailers and responded to Arizona to honor and assist with the visitations and funerals in 2013. At just 29 years old, she lost her high school sweetheart. In an instant, she was alone with four children.

She did a round table on Saturday afternoon with a good group attending. She shared information on how teams could assist families before, during, and after the visitation and funeral. At the annual banquet, she gave a very inspiring talk about her life during and after Andrews’s death. We had tears in our eyes one minute and laughing and smiling the next. I wish to thank the FFAM Board President Chief Hoover, and District 14 Assistant Director Glenn Dittmar for assisting in presenting Ms. Ashcraft with a replica of our Missouri kneeling firefighter.

Sometimes we do not realize what impact we can have on supporting our fellow firefighters and EMS families in their time of need. She made us realize the funeral is not the last thing a family may need. She stated she had a “village” that helped her with whatever she needed after the funeral. An incredibly special lady. You can hear her speak if you go to youtube and pull up the 2019 National Fallen firefighter Christmas tree lighting. Continue Reading →

Well usually at this time I thank everyone that attended the memorial services in May. As you know that was postponed. Make sure you have marked your calendar for October 10-11. The Missouri State Fire Marshal 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is also that weekend. It will be held in Jefferson City on Saturday, October 10. Bring a team or donate to the stair climb on their website. Then make the drive north thirty minutes to the candlelight service that evening.

As you know the FFAM annual conference has been canceled for this year. However, the annual meeting will be held Sunday, August 9, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. at the State Fair Fire Department building on the grounds of the state fair in Sedalia. See information about it in this issue.

The Missouri Firefighter’s Educational and Historical Preservation Center is now up. Work remains on the outside and we are now raising money to finish the inside. Thanks to all the folks that purchased tickets for the beef and congratulations to the winners.
Not a lot going on in my area as many departments are just cranking up their meetings again due to COVID-19.

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 →