Dear first responders, regarding the roller coaster times we had, I would like to attempt to express to you the absolute and complete admiration and respect I have for your work, your service, and the time you gave to volunteer so the Missouri State Fair could function. And thank you to all the generous donations from districts and departments allowing the fire department to use their equipment and supplies. Without you, the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department would never happen.
You, the firefighters, are not only putting yourself at risk, but you are doing so to help those who can’t help themselves and those who desperately need it. This is something unprecedented in our nation’s history and despite the uncertainty in these times, you have stepped up and proven to be courageous, selfless, and honorable. Remember the first general meeting when I mentioned history? We made it every day because the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department is one-of-a-kind. So be proud.
Some people are on the doors of death and those who’ve never felt worse in their lives, but they can have solace and comfort in knowing you are there helping them survive and get through this in any way you can. No matter how big or small a job you have at any point, it is a job that the world can never thank you enough for. I feel very lucky to be part of the same nation and perhaps even the same community as people like you who strive to better our world. Continue to be amazing and noble, the world wouldn’t be the same without you.
And finally to the members that were rookies, thank you. I hope it was an enjoyable time and I hope that the fair will do the same thing it did for me 26 years ago. We will see your smiling faces for years to come. I hope the questions I asked were accomplished and you made some of your own, I hope I did an ok job as your chief.
Again to all that made the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department a big success, thank you. We are a team and an even bigger family.
FFAM
