Greetings brothers and sisters. I thought this newsletter I would write about something different. I wanted to write about what your membership’s benefits are as a member, as it has become time again to renew your membership. The membership packets are mailed or soon will be to your department. Your memberships are due January 1st to Jamie at the office. We use this money to run the organization and provide benefits to its membership. Also, a portion of that money goes to the memorial.
As an FFAM member, you have many benefits. A member of the largest fire service Association in the State of Missouri. Support from an organized voice on important annual fire service legislation in Jefferson City. Having representation in the National Volunteer Fire Council. A line of duty death benevolence program that makes available $1,000 to your beneficiary. You are eligible to receive assistance with the repair or loss of broken eyeglasses up to $200. You have access to college scholarships for yourself, dependents, or family members. Department members are eligible to apply for up to $3,000 in an equipment grant. Receive discounts of up to 25% on select VFIS Volunteer Fire Service Insurance programs. Access to low-cost accidental death and dismemberment insurance. You can receive a Jones & Bartlett Learning and IFSTA training manual. You have exclusive access to California Casualty Insurance programs for preferred auto and home. Receive discounts on tuition through Columbia Southern University and Waldorf College. Receive discounts from Missouri Storm Shelters. Discount medical screenings from LifeLine Screenings. Air Evac membership discounts Airmedcare membership application. Discount tickets to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, and Six Flags. Department/member MU FRTI Winter Fire School training scholarship. ID machine available for check-out. Contact RB Brown at 636-692-8500.
Each member receives this bi-monthly newsletter delivered to your home. The newsletter details a large variety of fire service issues on a regional, state, and national level, a training schedule of regional and state fire schools, featured articles, equipment classifieds, political issues, and more.
Each member receives a membership card and window decal. Each department will receive a membership plaque to track each year of membership. Also available to the departments are blue light permit cards at no cost. You and your department have unique training and public service opportunities with the Missouri State Fair Fire Department. Fire, EMS, first aid, fire prevention, and rescue are all operated by the FFAM during the annual Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
You are encouraged to attend the convention hosted by an FFAM member department. Including competitive contests of skill, an awards banquet, dance, and a Sunday morning business meeting. Convention registration is conveniently provided in the newsletter or on the website.
The FFAM serves as an organized liaison for bridging and monitoring various agencies and organizations that benefit its membership. It includes the University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute, Division of Fire Safety, the political front, and other state agencies.
You have access to a director that lives in your geographical region for assisting you and your department on issues of local and regional importance. This relationship provides a better understanding of your local problems and challenges.
The auxiliary and its board of directors is for the spouses of members and function concurrently with most meetings and related activities.
As you can see, you have lots of benefits as a member of the FFAM. I encourage you to talk to neighboring departments that you know are not members and encourage them to join. Or if you don’t feel comfortable talking to them, don’t hesitate to contact me, or your director, and we will be glad to speak to them. If you have a county fire meeting, we will be glad to come to that event as well.
In closing, if there is anything the FFAM can do for you or your department, please reach out to us. We are here for you. I can be reached at cell number 660-229-4525, or by email at grant_oetting@yahoo.com. I want to wish our members a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.
Until next time my Brothers and Sisters, Stay safe.
FFAM
