Greetings, I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The FFAM continues to be busy as always representing the Missouri fire service all over the state. The FFAM has attended many events across this state which included several retirements of many fire service chiefs.
On December 4, 1st Vice President Larry Jennings, Assistant Director Josh Koepke, and myself traveled to Jefferson City to attend the retirement ceremony of Assistant Fire Marshal Greg Carrell. Greg has been in the office for 33 years, serving not only as the assistant fire marshal for the state but also as our fire marshal for several years. Greg has been icon for the Missouri fire service for many years and has been a great instructor to us the young generation. Thank you Greg for what you have done over the years, you will be greatly missed.
On December 20, 1st Vice President Larry Jennings, Director Joe Vaughn, Assistant Director Jonathan Evans and myself traveled to Clinton to attend the retirement ceremony of Fire Chief Leo Huff who served the department for 46 years. Chief Huff had gone thru the ranks of the department starting out as a firefighter. He started the emergency medical services for the department and also got the department a new ladder truck. Thank you Chief Huff for what you have done for the Missouri fire service and the citizens of Clinton, you will be missed.
Later that day I traveled to the Lee’s Summit Fire Department to help with their annual boot drive that helps needy families in the Lee’s Summit area. In the three days the department held the boot drive, the men and women of the IAFF Local 2195 and its Chief Officers of the Lee’s Summit Fire Department raised a new record of $31,642. They were greatly humbled by the generosity of the community. Great job Lee’s Summit fire, I am proud to be a part of this team.
Before we know it MU FRTI Winter Fire School will be here, the dates for this are February 7-9, in Columbia. There are numerous new classes, blended learning classes and web classes for your choosing. Make sure to come by the booth at the expo and say hi while you are there. We would love to meet our members or anyone that would love to be a member.
March 18, is Firefighter Day at the Capitol. This is a great way to hear the issues the fire service faces today and also to meet your fire marshal office and the people that represent your area at the Capitol. Mark your calendars now.
In closing I would like to remind departments that the FFAM is here for you. If you need anything please call us, we are here to serve you. That includes attending your events or any help that you need. I can be reached by email at grant_oetting@yahoo.com or cell 660-229-4525.
Until next time, be safe my brothers and sisters.
FFAM
