F.F.A.M.

President’s Remarks – September 2020

I did not have the opportunity to be at the Missouri State Fair Fire Department this year. My doctor did not want me to be at the fair due to the COVID-19 pandemic with my medical condition. I missed seeing many old friends and the opportunity to visit with many of our legislators. This was a different fair with just the youth livestock shows. We staffed about 45 personnel which is about half of the normal. Great job everyone by adapting and overcoming. 

I appreciate Fire Marshal Tim Bean for being present many days and for having many of his staff there working and teaching fire prevention and using the training props for demonstrations.

Governor Mike Parsons and Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe made a special stop by the fire station to thank the fire and EMS personnel for all they do. They are committed to the fire service and have vowed to help us in any way they can. Thank you, Governor Parsons and Lieutenant Governor Kehoe.

I want to thank Chairperson Monty Thompson and the FFAM State Fair Fire Department Committee. His many years of service to the State Fair are invaluable, also to Rick Dozier, RB Brown, and Terry Wynne for all of their hours preparing and serving as commissioners. Some days it is a thankless job but I know each one of them enjoys serving. 

Terry Plumb served as the fire chief this year with his command staff and personnel. As did Carissa Thompson and her kitchen staff and duty personnel providing good food throughout the fair. A big thank you to all the individuals that braved the COVID and served this year. It was a learning experience.

Many fall activities are approaching concerning the fire service and I would like to remind everyone of the assistance that FFAM can provide. FFAM Director RB Brown of the Eureka and Union Fire Protection Districts heads up our Fire Prevention Committee and is available to assist you with ideas or any other issues you may encounter as Fire Prevention Week is quickly approaching. RB will talk about his poster contest in another article.

The fire marshal has his annual stair climb in September.

Our annual Fallen Fighters Memorial Service will be held on October 11, 2020, with it being a virtual service only.

Let’s all pray for a better and normal 2021.

Kenneth Hoover
President 
Fire Fighters Association of Missouri