I hope that everyone has had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The holidays are a busy time for most of us. As things start to settle down and we return to our normal routines or begin new ones with our resolutions.
As I am writing this I am reflecting on the retirement ceremonies I attended this past year and realize that there are some big shoes to fill in the Fire Service. One of those is here in District 4, Fire Chief Leo Huff retired December 20, 2019, after serving the Citizens of Clinton for 46 years, 2 months, and 5 days. Congratulations Chief Huff on your retirement! We will miss the vocabulary lessons from the Hufftionary as your crew called it. Chief Huff had a way with words. One example was the word, “Woo Mow,” now as most of you know that word is not found in Webster’s dictionary but it is a word that his crews know. To use it in a sentence, Chief Huff would tell one of the crew to go get the, “Woo Mow,” from the truck. When the crew member would have a blank stare like what are you talking about Chief, he would say, “you know the tool that you pull the rope and squeeze the lever and it makes the Woo Mow noise.” He was referring to the saw. This was just one example of the words the crews at Clinton Fire Department shared at the retirement ceremony and will leave a lasting impression for years to come.
Have you signed up for classes yet at MU FRTI Winter Fire School, February 7-9, 2020? This is a great opportunity to network with the vendors at the Equipment Expo, reunite with old friends and meet new ones, and listen to top quality instruction from fire service leaders from across the US. I would like to ask those who are attending to support the FFAM memorial and museum project by dining at Texas Roadhouse on Friday night. The display of spirit and camaraderie is endless. There are classes for everyone and at every level. Even webcasts for those of us that are unable to make it to Columbia but have the desire to further their education. If you make it there and see me at the expo please say hello.
As we start this year off right by helping our neighbors and actually sticking to our resolutions, be sure that your beneficiary forms are current and get reviewed annually. If your department does not have one please feel free to contact me and I will assist you in getting the proper paperwork. As always if you have any questions or would like for me to come speak with your department or at an event please feel free to reach out to me at 660-221-6161 or by email at ffamhollywood@gmail.com
FFAM
