Memorial Foundation Report
Keith SmithNormally this memorial report would be loaded with preparation information regarding the May 2021 Candlelight and Sunday morning services. In early February two people having a direct and long-standing relationship with our LODD families and those departments were task with a very difficult request. They were asked to review in detail the potential COVID impact on both personal health and level of comfort within these families. Plus those departments in the holding of honors for those who served and passed for the presentation of honors the third weekend in May 2021. They were to also consider having to limit access to a set number of people on-site and those dynamics as an impact to families and departments.
Without writing another 500 words covering the findings of that review and what the summary recommends, the Memorial Foundation Board of Directors has made their most difficult decision in 2021 to date.
The May 2021 services have been moved to Saturday evening October 9 and Sunday morning October 10.
The Cosby-Helena Fire Protection District has placed into service a 2008 Pierce Saber with a 1500 GPM pump and a 1000-gallon tank. Engine 62 also has an onboard foam system and a hydraulic-powered generator. They purchased the engine from the City of Rochester Hills, Michigan Fire Department, where it previously served as their Engine 1. Firefighters have trained on driving and operation of the apparatus, and it represents a 13-year upgrade from the current engine at the department. Cosby-Helena has also implemented paperless reporting via iPads that were donated to the department. For more information and pictures, you can find them on Facebook @cosbyhelenafire.
The Cole County Fire Protection District has received a new 3,000-gallon tanker manufacturer by Danko Emergency Equipment. It is a sister truck to the one purchased last year. It is the second large purchase since the voters in Cole, Osage, and Miller counties approved a tax increase for the District. It is the first tax increase since the District was formed in April 1993. As promised, the tanker will replace a 1980’s piece of equipment. As funds become available, the district will continue to replace trucks that are over ten years old.
Daniel Clark of Katy, Texas, was hired as the West Plains Fire Chief in December 2020. Clark, a 25-year emergency services veteran, has extensive experience working in both domestic and international fire departments. Most recently he was the Crew Chief/Acting Assistant Fire Chief for CGH Global in Bahrain, where he oversaw daily operations, crew schedules, and training in support of United States military operations.
