OPENING SESSION
President Kenneth Hoover opened the 60th Annual FFAM Convention by ringing the bell on Friday, May 2, 2014 at the Best Western Shalimar Hotel and Conference Center, Festus, Missouri.
The Missouri National Guard and Bagpipe posted the colors followed by the singing of the national anthem by Shannon Coaley.
Chaplain Gary Boyer gave the invocation followed by the pledge of allegiance.
Jefferson County Firefighter Association President Bill Haggard welcomed all attendees to Festus and to the convention. Secretary Rob Schrage introduced dignitaries in attendance. Festus Mayor Cage presented the FFAM with a proclamation. Crystal City Mayor Schilly presented the FFAM with a proclamation. Jefferson County Executive Ken Waller presented the FFAM with a proclamation. State Representatives District 111 Michael Frame, District 112 Paul Wieland, District 113 Jeff Roorda, District 114 TJ McKenna, District 115 Elaine Gannon and District 118 Ben Harris presented the FFAM with a proclamation.
Bill Westhoff addressed the audience giving a history of “60 Years of Brotherhood in the Fire Service.”
President Hoover welcomed all attendees to the convention and thanked Jefferson County Firefighters Association for their hard work in hosting the convention. He then introduced the FFAM officers and directors to the audience.
Past President Keith Smith presented the Nominating Committee slate for the 2014 FFAM officer elections. Positions for reelection are District 1 Director, District 3 Director, District 7 Director, District 11 Director and District 14 Director.
Terry Wynne is seeking reelection for the District 1 Director; Larry Jones is seeking reelection for the District 3 Director; Robert Brown is seeking reelection for the District 7 Director; Monty Thompson is seeking reelection for the District 11 Director; Rick Dozier is seeking reelection for the District 14 Director. The 1st call for nominations was held. The 2nd call for nominations was held. The 3rd and final call for nominations was held with no further nominations made. Keith Smith presented President Hoover with the slate of officers and positions for election.
Rob Schrage made the final announcements.
President Hoover closed the opening session for the social mixer at 8:00 p.m.
AWARDS BANQUET
Welcome to all in attendance to the 60th Annual FFAM Convention by Emcee Bill Farr. Head table introductions were made.
Bryan Menke gave the invocation followed by the meal.
Chris Baker announced the parade winners.
Fire Prevention Committee Chair RB Brown announced the 2014 poster contest award winners.
1st and 2nd Grade Division
1st, Sophie Weber, Washington VFD
2nd, Landon Brune, Union FD
3rd, Madilynn Baxter, St. Clair FD
3rd and 4th Grade Division
1st, Ella Weber, Washington VFD
2nd, Rachel Derner, Washington VFD
3rd, Morgan Clonts, Beaufort-Leslie FD
5th and 6th Grade Division
1st, Elizabeth Simily, Union FD
2nd, Alex Wissmann, Union FD
3rd, Lexy Boner, Little Dixie FPD
Scholarship Committee
Chair Grant Oetting announced the 2014 scholarship recipients. Continuing Education: Rachel Young, Monett FD; David Zink, Johnson County FPD; High School: Kyler Oliver, Savannah FD; Kara Wehmeyer, Holts Summit FPD; Cassandra Geisendorfer, Shelby Community FD; Tyler Prater, Jefferson R-7 FPD.
Contest Committee
Chair Richard Gordon announced the 2014 convention contest winners.
Junior Division Challenge
2 Person Hose Coupling: 1st Galt #1; 2nd Eureka #1; 3rd Eureka #2. Extending a Line: 1st Galt #2; 2nd Southern Stone #1; 3rd Eureka#1. Water Barrel Fight: 1st Southern Stone #1; 2nd Galt #2; 3rd Eureka #2. Overall: 1st Galt #2.
Female Division Challenge
2 Person Hose Coupling: 1st Southern Stone #1; 2nd Little Dixie #2; 3rd Southern Stone #2. Extending a Line: 1st Southern Stone #1; 2nd Little Dixie #1; 3rd Southern Stone #2. Replace a Section of Hose: 1st Little Dixie #1; 2nd Southern Stone #1. Water Barrel Fight: 1st Little Dixie #1; 2nd Southern Stone #1. Bucket Brigade: 1st Southern Stone #1; 2nd Little Dixie #1. Overall: 1st Southern Stone #1.
Firefighter Division Challenge
2 Person Hose Coupling: 1st Southern Stone #1; 2nd Little Dixie #1; 3rd Southern Stone #2. Replace a Section of Hose: 1st Cole County #1; 2nd Little Dixie #2; 3rd West Plains #1. Extending a Line: 1st Cole County #1; 2nd Little Dixie #2; 3rd West Plains #1. Water Barrel Fight: 1st Little Dixie#1; 2nd Southern Stone #2; 3rd Madison West Monroe #1. Bucket Brigade: 1st Little Dixie #2; 2nd Little Dixie #1; 3rd West Plains #1. Overall: 1st Little Dixie #1.
Award Committee
Chair Rob Schrage along with committee members Larry Jennings and Joe Vaughn presented several awards as follows:
Life Saving Awards to: Chris Bell, David Masterson, Wayne Cormier, Bud McMillen, Aaron Burke, Josh Bryant, Paul Bradshaw and Nick House of West Plains FD.
Youth Program of the year presented to Little Dixie Fire Protection District.
Fire Department of the Year presented to Battlefield Fire Protection District.
Firefighter of the Year presented to Wayne Cormier of West Plains Fire Department.
Fire Chief of the Year presented to Brian Newberry with Battlefield FPD.
Bill Farr along with Kevin Mochel of VFIS presented the Phil Sayer Lifetime Achievement Award to Bill Westhoff.
Guest speaker Randolph Mantooth “Johnny Gage” gave a motivational speech to the audience.
President Hoover gave closing remarks. The banquet was followed by the dance.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
President Kenneth Hoover called the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri to order at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, May 4, 2014 Best Western Shalimar Hotel and Conference Center, Festus, MO.
Roll Call of Board of Directors:
Officers:
President Kenneth Hoover, Little Dixie FPD; First Vice President Tim Bean, West Plains FD; Secretary Treasurer Jaime Miller, Johnson County FPD; Sergeant-at-Arms Rex Reynolds, Southern FPD of Holt Co; Past President Keith Smith, Warrenton FPD; Historian Kay Asher, Wentzville FPD.
Board of Directors:
District 1 Terry Wynne, Galt FPD; District 2 Greg Wright, Shelbina FD; District 3 Larry Jones, Madison West Monroe FPD; District 4 Joe Vaughn, Pleasant Hill FPD; District 5 James Kelbaugh, Southern Stone FPD; District 6 Richard Gordon, Cole County FPD; District 7 RB Brown, Eureka FD; District 8 Doug Christ, O’Fallon FPD; District 9 Roy Sims, West Plains FD; District 11 Monty Thompson, Kearney FPD; District 14 Rick Dozier, Southern FPD of Holt Co.
Assistant Directors:
District 1 Janet Cain, Braymer FR; District 3 Rob Erdle, Little Dixie FPD; District 4 Jonathan Evans, Lincoln FD; District 6 Gary Berendzen, Cole County FPD; District 7 Ed Kriska, Eureka FPD; District 9 Kurt Wilbanks, West Plains FD; District 10 Greg Brown, Eureka FPD; District 11 Roger Meyers, Concordia FD; District 11 Ryan Miller, Norborne FPD; District 14 Glenn Dittmar, South Central Buchanan County FD.
Guests:
Greg Carrell, Missouri Division of Fire Safety; David Hedrick, Gail Hagans, MU FRTI; Larry Eggen, Larry Jennings, Johnson County FPD; Josh Biggers, Korey Smith, Todd DeOrnellis, Josh Loyd, Bobby Tanner, Scott Prater, Matt Hagan, Brandon Reams, Casey CUno, Michael Finch, Steve Gentry, Little Dixie FPD; Chad Wolfe, Madison West Monroe FPD; Tristan Hudson, Dustin Smiley, Hunter Hanes, Erik Jackson, Brian Smiley, Cindy Gott, Matthew Halstead, Galt FD; Brian Schowengerdt, South Metro FPD; Dale Arnold, Lorn M. Dennis, Central Jackson County FPD; Donnie Braun, Gary W. Smith, Cole County FPD; David Masterson, West Plains FD; Danielle Ploch, Sidney Casey, Jim Casey, Boles FPD; CY Fields, Paris Rrual FPD; Jim Beckett, Southern Stone FPD; Jennifer Johnson, Norborne FPD; Bill Haggard, Chris Baker, Herculaneum FD; George Killin Jr., Goldman FD; Robert Tucker, Cedar Hill FPD; Paul Mayer, Desoto Rural FPD; Joyce Thompson, Kearney Fire and Rescue; Rob Schrage, Jefferson R7 FPD; David Miller, Johnson County FPD #2; Emily Misel, Jeff Misel, Cowgill FD; Grant Oetting, Higginsville FD; Ronald Hoffman, Linn FPD.
Agenda:
President Hoover asked for additions to the agenda. Rick Dozier moved to accept the agenda as presented. Monty Thompson seconded the motion and all approved.
Minutes:
President Hoover asked for corrections or additions to the May 2013 convention board meeting minutes and the December 1, 2013 board meeting minutes. Larry Jones moved to accept the minutes as presented. Greg Wright seconded the motion and all approved.
Financial Report:
President Hoover asked for a review of the December 2013 and January – March 2014 financial reports. Roy Sims moved to accept the financial report as presented. RB Brown seconded the motion and all approved.
Report of Officers and Special Guest(s):
David Hedrick with MU FRTI expressed appreciation to Jefferson County Firefighters Association for hosting the convention and congratulations to all award winners.
MU FRTI fiscal year ends June 30. 650 classes will have been taught by that time which is an increase from last year.
Summer Fire School will be held June 4-8 and will be dedicated to Lee Ireland. MU FRTI is working on securing funding for the upcoming fiscal year. If your department would like to host a class, you need to contact your regional training coordinator or MU FRTI directly.
MU FRTI is also receiving an AFG Grant which will be used to purchase a grain bin training prop along with other equipment for their technical rescue programs.
Greg Carrell with the Division of Fire Safety reported that Randy Cole retired as of April 30 and he has been named as Acting State Fire Marshal.
The Division is redoing standards for their Hazardous Materials Tech training program and more classes will be available in the future. They are also redoing standards for their other rescue training programs.
We are currently in the last few days of this legislative cycle. If you have any questions on legislation or bills, you may contact him.
Carrell also expressed his appreciation for the continued support and good working relationship that the DFS has with the FFAM.
Correspondence:
No correspondence was received.
Unfinished Business:
Larry Jennings reported that the FFAM did not receive the SAFER grant.
New Business:
Sergeant-at-Arms Reynolds reported that 27 departments with 62 delegates were represented at the meeting. Monty Thompson moved to accept the report. RB Brown seconded the motion and all approved.
Keith Smith reported that five positions are up for election and no new nominations were received. The nominations are Terry Wynne, District 1 Director; Larry Jones, District 3 Director; Robert Brown, District 7 Director; Monty Thompson, District 11 Director; Rick Dozier, District 14 Director. Dale Arnold moved to elect by acclamation Terry Wynne, District 1 Director; Larry Jones, District 3 Director; Robert Brown, District 7 Director; Monty Thompson, District 11 Director; Rick Dozier, District 14 Director. Cy Fields seconded the motion and all approved.
Sergeant-at-Arms Reynolds presented three by-law changes. Change 1 would extend the Executive Committee terms from 2 year to 4 year terms while holding elections for the President and 2nd Vice President on year one and 1st Vice President and Sergeant-at-Arms on year two so as to stagger the terms. Change 2 would be to change the Secretary-Treasurer position from an elected position to an appointed position. Change 3 would set a March 1 deadline for nominations for open officer positions and no longer accepting officer nominations during the opening ceremonies of convention. Discussion followed.
By-law change 1: Terry Wynne moved to change Article V – Officers and Duties – Officers shall be elected to a four (4) year term. Elections will be held every two (2) years for two (2) officers. Positions shall be split so as to elect a President and 2nd Vice President on the first officer election year and a 1st Vice President and Sergeant-at-Arms on the next officer election year. Rick Dozier seconded the motion. A vote was held: 34 yes, 25 no. The motion failed for lack of 2/3 majority vote.
By-law change 2: Jeff Misel moved to change Article V – Officers and Duties – The Secretary-Treasurer shall be an appointed position nominated by the Executive Board and approved by the Board of Directors. The Secretary-Treasurer’s position will be evaluated every two (2) years by the Executive Board and a report will be given to the Board of Directors for approval. In the event the Secretary-Treasurer’s position is vacated by the person in that position or by a decision of the Board, the 2nd Vice President shall assume the duties until a replacement can be nominated by the Executive Board and approved by the Board of Directors. Greg Brown seconded the motion. A vote was held: 31 yes. The motion failed for lack of a 2/3 majority vote.
By-law change 3: Tim Bean moved to change Article V – Officers and Duties – Nominations for office must be submitted before the convention by March1. Upon review, if a candidate is found to be ineligible or not in good standing with FFAM, that nomination will be voided for that year’s election. All open positions and duly approved candidates shall be posted on the FFAM website no later than March 15. Rick Dozier seconded the motion. A vote was held: 53 yes. The change passed.
Discussion was held on the District 2 Assistant Director. Greg Wright advised that Henry Gunsauls has stepped down due to time commitments. Wright would like to recommend Vernon Cash with Shelbina FPD as District 2 Assistant Director. Monty Thompson moved to appoint Vernon Cash as District 2 Assistant Director. Tim Bean seconded the motion and all approved.
Tim Bean reported that a Sprinkler Coalition Committee has been established and is meeting every quarter to discuss and research legislation regarding residential sprinklers. The Coalition is comprised of various trade and member organizations. Discussion followed.
Committee Reports:
Awards Committee:
Rob Schrage extended his thanks to the Awards Committee for all their help.
Budget Committee:
Tim Bean reported that all committees should be planning their 2015 budgets now.
Bylaws Committee:
No report was given.
Chaplain Committee:
David Hedrick reported that Missouri Fire Chaplain Corp annual meeting/training will be on May 5-7 in Springfield, MO. The National Fallen Firefighter Survivors Conference will be held May 4-10 in Clayton, MO. The National Federal of Fire Chaplains Conference will be October 19-23 in Maryland.
Contest Committee:
Richard Gordon extended thanks to Jefferson County Firefighters Association on having a good location for the games. Set-up began Thursday. Ten junior teams participated and several new records were set. Beginning next year, registration forms will be available online. Gordon also advised that an error was made during the reporting at the awards banquet and that Female Division overall winner was Southern Stone #1 and not Little Dixie #1. Steps are being taken to ensure that an error is not made again in the future.
Convention Committee:
Larry Jones reported that Osage Beach FPD and the Lake Area Fire Fighters Association have requested to host the 2015 convention. Osage Beach Chief Jeff Dorhauer addressed the audience and board. Jeff Misel moved to hold the 2015 convention in Osage Beach. Grant Oetting seconded the motion and all approved.
Education Committee:
Rick Dozier reported that 15 people attended the Certified Board Member training class on Friday. Any training requests can be submitted to the committee.
Fire Prevention Committee:
RB Brown reported that seven organizations turned on posters so all departments are encouraged to get involved with their local schools and get more participation. The 2015 poster contest theme has not yet been announced.
Legislative Committee:
Greg Brown reported that the legislation approved an additional $200K in the firefighter training budget. Current 911 legislation, which would allow counties to impose a 911 cell phone tax for the purpose of funding 911 services in the county, is struggling through the Senate. Fire protection district filing fee clarification and burn ban legislation have both passed. Greg Carrell reported that he has met with Senate sponsors regarding a mandatory 2% fee that comes out of the $200K training budget. They are working on getting that fee waived.
Membership Committee:
Secretary Miller reported the following membership counts: 400 Directors/Councilman; 2559 Retired; 15 Associate; 11Sustaining; 10 Corporate, 343 Departments; 7387 Active.
Nomination Committee:
No report was given.
NVFC Committee:
Keith Smith reported that the NVFC received a $1 million SAFER grant for recruitment and retention.
Scholarship Committee:
No report was given.
State Fair Committee:
Monty Thompson reported that the fair will be August 7-17. State Fair Fire applications were due May 1 so the committee will begin making the selection process. Work weekends will be May 31-June 1 and again in July. Dates TBD. The Committee has negotiated with the state and has signed a $23k contract since the state will no longer be providing any meals for personnel as done in the past.
Website Committee:
No report was given.
Newsletter:
The deadline for the next newsletter has been extended to May 5. All convention articles and pictures are due by the end of the day. Departments are encouraged to send in articles.
Historian report:
Kay Asher reported that she is working on organizing items and encourages anyone with items they would like to donate to contact her.
Foundation report:
Keith Smith reported the annual memorial service is May 17 at 9 p.m. and May 18 at 10:30 a.m. in Kingdom City. They will have a special guest speaker on Sunday.
1st VP Tim Ben read and presented Bill Haggard, Rob Schrage and Jefferson County Firefighters Association with a resolution on behalf of the FFAM for hosting the annual convention.
The Ladies Auxiliary retired the colors
Tim Bean moved to adjourn the meeting. Richard Gordon seconded the motion and all approved. President Hoover adjourned the meeting at 11:20 a.m.
Jaime Miller, Secretary
Fire Fighters Association of Missouri
FFAM
