Spring appears to be making a valiant effort to take root in our state and beat back the winter blahs. Each spring, we emerge from our winter hide-outs and hit the ground running to squeeze as many activities into our schedules as possible.
There are many FFAM related activities slated and many opportunities to get out and represent not only your home agency but the FFAM also. As your President, I had the privilege of sitting on a discussion panel at the final classroom session and graduation of the most recent Fire Service Leadership Enhancement Program in March. This unique program is designed to specifically prepare fire and emergency service leaders for the opportunities and challenges facing us today and in the future. It was certainly refreshing to interact with current and future leaders as they worked together to improve not only themselves but the Missouri fire service in general. Look for future offerings of this program and take the opportunity to better prepare yourself by attending.
I also had the privilege of attending the 2022 Fire Fighter Day at the Capitol in April along with many of you. The event was well attended by fire service personnel from across the state. It provided an opportunity to visit face to face with not only Senators and Representatives but also the Governor, Lt. Governor and the Director of the Department of Public Safety. These individuals recognized the importance of the Missouri fire service and recognized the contributions made by each member throughout the state. If you did not have the opportunity to attend or have never attended in the past watch for the announcement for next year’s event and attend. The presence we have as a united front does not go unnoticed by the elected officials and keeps us in touch with those that help us achieve our mission.
Fire Fighter Day at the Capitol was also a platform to help celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the creation of the Division of Fire Safety – State Fire Marshal’s Office. A large contingent of current and former employees were present for the event along with two of the original seven employees when the Division was created. It was good seeing old colleagues and reminiscing about days gone by and debating what the future will hold for the Division. If you have the opportunity, drop the Division a note congratulating them on this milestone.
As you are no doubt aware the Missouri State Fair is just around the corner and once again the FFAM will be providing the fire and ems services on the fairgrounds. If you signed up to work, it will be a rewarding experience where you not only will be able to serve the visitors to the fair you will make connections with fellow department personnel that likely will remain a part of your life for years to come.
This formation of the unique eleven day per year Missouri State Fair Fire Department is the 60th such occurrence. To celebrate the 60th anniversary a campaign has been started to have past and current members participate in the “60 for 60” program. Please donate $60 in honor of the State Fair Fire Department which will then be gifted to help complete the museum at the memorial in Kingdom City. Checks made out to Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation with the memo of “60 for 60” should be forwarded to Larry Eggen at 138 NW OO Hwy, Warrensburg, MO 64093.
By the time most of you are reading this edition, the 2022 convention and annual meeting will have occurred in Washington. Hopefully you had the opportunity to attend and share time gaining knowledge and networking with new and old acquaintances. More information from the convention/annual meeting will be available in the next magazine edition.
Also, when you receive this edition the annual memorial service will have taken place. This is always a solemn occasion for us to honor those that have gone before us in the fire service in Missouri. Again, I hope you were able to join us and additional information will be in the next magazine edition.
I am sure each of you has a full agenda of local events, family gatherings, vacations and other similar items that will keep you busy all summer. As you participate in these activities remember you are always an ambassador for the FFAM and the Missouri fire service. Promote membership in the organization at every opportunity and share your Missouri experiences with members of the fire service you may encounter while visiting out of state. The Missouri fire service is a proud institution that has worked tirelessly to make improvements aimed at protecting our citizens and visitors, but just as importantly making sure we each perform our assignments safely and return from every call.
As always the entire Board of Directors is here to serve you, our membership, so do not hesitate to contact any member of the Board to provide assistance or perhaps guidance. Please be safe in all you do and thank you again for your service!
FFAM
