F.F.A.M.

President’s Remarks – November 2020

What a beautiful fall season so far. The colors of the fall foliage remind us of the changing of the life cycles of Mother Nature.

I have attended several recent activities. The Memorial Foundation, for the first time, created a virtual memorial service this year, honoring our fallen brothers and sisters. It was a challenge, but with everyone working together, a truly beautiful memorial service was created and distributed. Thanks to everyone who participated.

I had the honor of representing FFAM at the October annual EMS Banquet. Congratulations to the award winners. Their speaker was from Arizona and spoke about the loss of her husband, one of the nineteen Prescot, Arizona Hot Shots that perished in the wildland fires several years ago. Her presentation was very emotional but delivered from her heart. Great job, Julianne Ashcraft.

I attended the funeral services of our very dear Historian Kay Asher. I cannot even begin to put into words describing Kay. She and Jack did so much for FFAM that the list is too long to explain here. I will say that if each one of us displayed the joy and excitement that Kay and Jack had for our organization, we would be busting at the seams with members. Thank you, Kay, for all of your good and kind deeds you expressed to me and FFAM.

Even with COVID-19, this is a busy time of the year for many of us. Fire Prevention Week just ending, deer season just beginning, hayrides, bonfires, fall get-togethers, Halloween in just a few days, Thanksgiving quickly arriving, and then the Christmas holidays wrapping up the year. If that does not keep everyone busy, I don’t know what would.

Also, the Kearney Fire Protection District is heading up the 2021 convention committee that will be hosting in Kearney, Missouri, in April 2021. Please become involved in this great work. The convention is only great if we all work to make it great. I look forward to an excellent convention in Kearney in 2021, and Chief David Pratt and the committee are working diligently on this project. COVID-19 stay away.

The exterior of the museum in Kingdom City is complete except for the underground drains. Terry Wynne is working on this task. It is looking great, and the inside will be just as nice when completed. Please donate if you are able. Chairman Keith Smith of the memorial foundation will speak more about this in his article.

FFAM annual dues will be sent soon, if not already. All membership renewals are due by January 1, 2021. Secretary/Treasurer Jaime Miller has included in the notices a list of membership benefits.
FFAM offers the largest amount of benefits compared to other state fire organizations. All for $10 a year, of which $3 goes to the Fire Fighters Memorial in Kingdom City. The FFAM Board of Directors continues to look for additional benefits for its members. If anyone has any suggestions, please contact your district director.

The FFAM directors are currently working on the 2021 budget, and I want to remind all directors and committees that your funding request is due to the 1st Vice-President, Chief Larry Jennings, Johnson County Fire Protection District. We will be voting on the 2021 proposed budget at the December 6, 2020 board meeting in Sedalia at 9:00 a.m. at the fire station.

Other items that are due for submission soon are the nominations for awards and scholarships. You can find the applications on the FFAM website or in upcoming newsletters. Please take the time to nominate deserving individuals for these important awards. These are just a few of the excellent benefits I was talking about earlier.

I would like to remind all committee chairpersons to please be meeting and discussing your assignments and to forward to me the results of your meetings. I encourage all FFAM members, if you have input, please contact the appropriate committees or director with your thoughts and opinions. It ensures statewide participation and fairness to all our members. If you experience any difficulties, please contact me. FFAM’s success depends on the efficiency of the committees. I am currently considering a few changes to some of the committees. Be watching for these announcements.

Being this edition of the newsletter will be the holiday edition, I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas. All of us have so many reasons to be thankful. May joy and happiness follow you all the days of your life!

If there is anything you need from FFAM, please do not hesitate to contact one of the officers or directors. We are here to serve.

God Speed,

Kenneth Hoover
President
Fire Fighters Association of Missouri