Greetings all! I hope this edition of the magazine finds you all well. Hopefully, your summer activities were plentiful and you are ready to settle into Missouri’s beautiful fall weather.
The Missouri State Fair and the nationally unique operation of the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department (MSFVFD) have come and gone. The weather this year ranged from the “normal’ sweltering and humid for August to the unusually pleasant that wouldn’t normally be expected until fall.
Of course, a little rain was thrown in because you really can’t have the State Fair without at least some rain it seems.
I had the pleasure of being at the fair on opening day and attending a ceremonial Bill signing by Governor Parson at the fire station marking funding appropriations earmarked for much-needed renovations to the fire station. Many times during our meetings you have heard us talking about the importance of knowing and visiting with your Senators and Representatives and this could not have been proven any more correct with the appropriation of the $2.5 million that came from direct conversations with them about the needs of the department.
I also had the pleasure of visiting with several Senators, Representatives, and State elected officials on the following Thursday during governor’s, legislator’s, and judge’s day.
It is always a pleasure to showcase the department for these very supportive members of our State’s and Nation’s government. In addition to these officials, I also enjoyed visiting with members of the State Fair Commission. These individuals recognize the value of the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department and are extremely supportive of our mission. To each of the elected individuals and the Commission and of course, the Fair staff, thank you for your continued support of and faith in our abilities to provide fire and EMS services during the State Fair.
If you didn’t get the chance to stop by the fair fire department for a visit we hope you will be able to at the next fair. Remember, the department is staffed by FFAM members from all areas of the state, so if you think you are interested in volunteering sometime next year, keep an eye out for the applications and get yours in before the deadline. My thanks to the men and women who donated their time in service at the fair for showing off the many talents of FFAM members and protecting everyone visiting the fair this year. Your outstanding service is noted not only within the organization but across this state and by visitors from many other parts of the country.
Thank you for a job well done!
A special thanks to the kitchen staff who continue to provide food three times a day for not only the MSFVFD members but other public safety-related groups working during the fair.
It is a heartwarming sight to see so many agencies represented during a meal all sharing their stories and collaborating to make the fair a pleasant and safe environment for all the visitors.
Another special thanks to departing Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department Chief RB Brown.
Chief Brown finished up an extra stint as Chief this year and continues to serve on the State Fair Committee.
His leadership is a valued asset and with the support of the quality staff he has assembled the FFAM is showcased well to all visitors. Thank you Chief Brown for your many years of dedicated service!
Hopefully, you either have events planned or are already involved in providing an extra fire safety message through programs in your area for Fire Prevention Week/month. As always this is an outstanding opportunity to interact with your community and particularly with the youth. Delivering a solid safety message early on with our nation’s youth helps to build safer communities and may just spark an interest or passion for the fire service as our youth age. The fire service as a whole can always use more members and this is an opportunity for the youth to see the good work the fire service conducts.
As I write this, the plans for the annual Firefighters Memorial Service are well underway.
Everyone involved hopes you will be able to set aside at least a part of the weekend of October 7-8 and join other members of the fire service as we recognize those fire service individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the citizens of Missouri and other members who have passed away. The members of the Foundation who oversee this dignified service work diligently all year to provide a ceremony fitting the sacrifices made. Please take the time to travel to Kingdom City and join us for the Saturday Candlelight Service or the Memorial Service on Sunday or both.
As you become engaged in your community’s fall activities remember to represent your agency with pride and professionalism whether you are “wearing the T-shirt” at the event or not.
Your community knows who you are and what you are a part of so remember to always put your professionalism on display no matter how much you may disagree with the opposing team supporters, coach, referee or political gathering. Let’s all show our communities, state, and nation the Missouri fire service is filled with quality people working together to manage their worst day ever when we are most needed.
As always, if any of the Board of Directors or I can be of service, please never hesitate to reach out and make sure we are aware of your needs. Be Safe!
FFAM
