OPENING SESSION
President Larry Jennings opened the 68th Annual FFAM Convention by ringing the bell at 7:30 pm on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Chateau on the Lake hotel in Branson, MO.
The Southern Stone Fire Protection District Honor Guard posted the colors. Members gave the Pledge of Allegiance. Deputy Chief Mike Moore gave the invocation. President Jennings recognized the FFAM Officers and Directors and the Tri Lakes Fire Chiefs Association. Chelsea McGraw with the MDA Fill the Boot program gave a presentation. Final announcements were made.
President Jennings closed the opening session at 8:15 pm.
AWARDS BANQUET
President Larry Jennings welcomed everyone to the awards banquet on May 3, 2025, at the Chateau on the Lake hotel in Branson, MO.
Fire Chief Chris Berndt gave the invocation followed by the meal.
Keynote speaker Southern Stone Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Mike Moore presented a program.
Scholarship Committee
Chair Larry Eggen announced the scholarship winners and presented certificates to those in attendance. Continuing Education – Morgan McGhee, Belton Fire Department. High School – Jonathon Hasty, Holts Summit Fire Protection District; Annabelle Wolfe, Madison West Monroe Fire Protection District; Abigail White, Mayview Fire Protection District; Dylan Weffelmeyer, Eureka Fire Protection District.
Fire Prevention Committee
Chair Andrew Caldwell announced the 2024 poster contest award winners.
Special Needs Division
1st Place, Andrew Deimeke, Little Dixie FPD.
1st and 2nd Grade Division
1st Place, Caroline Conner, New Haven-Berger FPD; 2nd Place, Walter Barxolotta, Beaufort Leslie FD; 3rd Place, Jamie Campbell, Little Dixie FPD
3rd and 4th Grade Division
1st Place, Nora Holdmeyer, Washington FD; 2nd Place, Coen Kaufman, Beaufort Leslie FD; 3rd Place, Bailey Buck, Little Dixie FPD
5th and 6th Grade Division
1st Place, Violet VanBoening, Paris Rural FPD; 2nd Place, Meirani Williams, Madison West Monroe FPD; 3rd Place, Regan Molitor, New Haven-Berger FPD
The Fire Fighters Association of Missouri Auxiliary announced the winner of the raffle.
Charlie Peel with Missouri 811 announced the winner of the banner promotion.
Contest Committee
Chair Rob Erdel announced the 2025 convention contest winners.
Firefighter Division Challenge
2 Person Hose Coupling: 1st Southern Stone #2; 2nd Southern Stone #1; 3rd Little Dixie #2.
Replace a Section of Hose
1st Madison #1; 2nd Southern Stone #2; 3rd Little Dixie #1.
Extending a Line
1st Madison #2; 2nd Little Dixie #2; 3rd Little Dixie #1.
Water Barrel Fight
1st Little Dixie #2; 2nd Southern Stone #2; 3rd Madison #1.
Bucket Brigade
1st Madison #1; 2nd Little Dixie #2; 3rd Little Dixie #1.
Overall
Little Dixie #2.
Female Division Challenge
2 Person Hose Coupling: 1st Southern Stone #1; 2nd Southern Stone #2.
Replace a Section of Hose
1st Southern Stone #2; 2nd Southern Stone #1.
Extending a Line
1st Southern Stone #2; 2nd Southern Stone #1.
Water Barrel Fight
1st Southern Stone #1; 2nd Southern Stone #2.
Bucket Brigade
1st Southern Stone #1.
Overall
Southern Stone #1.
Junior Division Challenge
2 Person Hose Coupling: 1st Southern Stone #2; 2nd Southern Stone #1; 3rd Little Dixie #1.
Extending a Line
1st Southern Stone #1; 2nd Southern Stone #2.
Water Barrel Fight
1st Southern Stone #2; 2nd Southern Stone #1; Little Dixie #1.
Overall
Southern Stone #1.
Award Committee
Chairman Joe Vaughn announced the 2025 award winners:
Life Saving Award
Tanner Crawford, Jordan Murray, Kaleb Nierman, Ryan Kirchhoff, Brett Woods and Clint Stuenkel – Concordia FPD.
Life Saving Award
Firefighters Cope, Lovelace, Schafer and Wieberg – Martinsburg FPD.
Chief Officer of the Year
Randy Amor – Higginsville FPD.
Department of the Year
Higginsville FPD.
Phil Sayer Lifetime Achievement Award
Bill Farr, Cole County Fire Protection District.
President Jennings gave closing remarks. The banquet was followed by the dance.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
President Larry Jennings called the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri to order at 9:00 am Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Chateau on the Lake hotel in Branson, MO.
Roll Call of Board of Directors and other officials:
Officers
President Larry Jennings, Johnson County FPD; First Vice President Charlie Peel, Southeastern Randolph Co FPD; Second Vice President Grant Oetting, Higginsville FPD; Secretary Treasurer Jaime Miller, Johnson County FPD #2; Sergeant-at-Arms Jonathan Evans, Lincoln Community FD.
Directors
District 1, Terry Wynne, Galt FPD; District 2, Vernon Cash, Shelbina FD; District 3, Rob Erdel, Little Dixie FPD; District 4, Joe Vaughn, Central Cass Co FPD; District 5, Terry Plumb, Southern Stone FPD; District 6, Shawn Ritchie, Holts Summit FPD; District 7, RB Brown, Union FPD; District 8, Bob Floyd, El Dorado Springs FD; District 11, Billy Smith, North Central Carroll Co FPD; District 14, Rick Dozier, Southern FPD of Holt County.
Assistant Directors
District 1, Janet Cain, Shoal Creek FPD; District 3, Dale Ransdell, Madison West Monroe FPD; District 5, Shelby Honea, Southern Stone FPD; District 5, Dylan Honea, Southern Stone FPD; District 6, Alan Braun, Cole County FPD; District 6, Mike McNeill, Moreau FPD; District 7, Andrew Caldwell, Boles FPD; District 9, Chris Sterner, West Plains FD; District 11, Josh Koepke, Kansas City FD; District 11, Jason Deitch, Brunswick FD; District 14, Kyler Oliver, Rosendale FPD.
*(V) denotes Virtual Attendance
Guests
Matt Luetkemeyer, Missouri Division of Fire Safety; Gail Hagans, Harry Ward, David Hedrick (V), University of Missouri Extension Fire and Rescue Training Institute; Rob Schrage, Jefferson R7 FPD; Kurt Ploch, Boles FPD; Chad Wolfe, Madison West Monroe FPD; Gary Berendzen, Bill Farr, Cole County FPD; Keith Smith, Warrenton FPD; Larry Eggen, Cameron Lauber, Benjamin Burd, Johnson County FPD; Brian Smiley, Galt FD; Lynn Morgan; Kimberly Campbell, Polk FPD; Jace Pine, Maryville FD; Susan Malone, Jim Casey, Sidney Casey, Boles FPD; Eric Hartman, Little Dixie FPD; George Wright, Missouri EMS Funeral Team.
Agenda
President Jennings asked for additions to the agenda. Rick Dozier moved to accept the agenda as presented. Terry Plumb seconded the motion and all approved.
Minutes
President Jennings asked for corrections or additions to the April 6, 2025, board meeting minutes. Grant Oetting moved to accept the minutes as presented. RB Brown seconded the motion and all approved. President Jennings asked for corrections or additions to the 2024 convention meeting minutes. Terry Wynne moved to accept the minutes as presented. Terry Plumb seconded the motion and all approved.
Financial Report
President Jennings asked for a review of the March 2025 financial report. A discussion was held and the board was advised to file the report for the annual compilation.
Report of Officers and Special Guest(s)
Harry Ward with the University of Missouri Extension Fire and Rescue Training Institute reported that they just finished the FSLEP program and it went very well.
Summer Fire School starts tomorrow and will continue through June 1 with a new format with the classes going all month long. There are 250 enrolled students.
Senator Fitzwater has introduced a proposition to allocate $750k to FRTI for the purchase of a structural fire training trailer. Reach out to your local representatives and ask them to support the measure.
The Instructors’ Conference will be on the first weekend in November. DFS has allotted several classes to FRTI at no cost as well as an Instructor 3 class at no cost.
Assistant State Fire Marshal Matt Luetkemeyer with the Division of Fire Safety reported that there is $3 million through the legislation coming through DFS for the Critical Illness Pool.
There will be $5 million allotted to DFS for a volunteer fire department grant program, however, they don’t know yet what it will be for. More information to come.
Luetkemeyer thanked those who attended Firefighters Day at the Capitol. It was well attended.
In the last 6-8 weeks there have been lots of wildfires. March 14 saw a 1000+ acre fire followed by tornadoes. Those affected were very appreciative of the support and mutual aid to their communities.
DFS currently has one elevator chief vacancy.
They are transitioning to the new NERIS system this year, replacing NFIRS. NFIRS will be shut down in February 2026.
Luetkemeyer requested a stair climb sponsorship for the October stair climb. The Board advised they would take it under advisement.
District reports
District 1
No report given.
District 2
No report given.
District 3
Dale Ransdell reported that he is working with Howard County to increase their membership
District 4
Joe Vaughn reported he has been in contact with several departments. Kylie Frerking is moving and has resigned as Assistant Director so he is looking for a replacement.
District 5
Shelby Honea reported that she met with Highlandville and they have joined.
District 6
No report was given.
District 7
RB Brown reported that he is looking for Assistant Directors.
District 8
Bob Floyd reported that he and his two Assistant Directors are still making contact with departments in the district and updating contact information.
District 9
No report given.
District 10
Janet Cain reported she attended the Women of Fire conference in St. Louis last weekend and received good feedback.
District 11
Billy Smith reported he is still working on Hardin and Malta Bend for membership.
District 12
No report given.
District 14
No report given.
Correspondence
Secretary Miller reported that the Missouri Soybean Association will be holding a Safety Day on grain bin safety and a soy foam demo in Columbia on June 4. She will email the information to all departments.
President Jennings gave an update on the Lagers volunteer firefighter retirement programs. At this time, Lagers is unable to continue pursuing the program.
President Jennings reported that there is now mental health training available on the Critical Illness Pool website. There will also be a 1st Responder Mental Wellness Symposium in October. More information to follow.
Unfinished Business
A discussion was held on where to house the Phil Sayer traveling award, which is now complete. Matt Luetkemeyer advised that Tim Bean as offered to display the award at the DFS. Terry Wynne moved to display the Phil Sayer traveling award at the DFS. Rick Dozier seconded the motion and all approved. A case for the trophy has been donated by Boles FPD.
Sergeant-at-Arms Jonathan Evans conducted a delegate roll call. There are 38 delegates present.
New Business
Election
Keith Smith advised that the following positions were slated for election with no opponents challenging.
President – Larry Jennings
2nd Vice President – Grant Oetting
Sergeant at Arms – Jonathan Evans
District 2 – Vernon Cash
District 6 – Shawn Ritchie
District 8 – Bob Floyd
District 12 – Rob Francis
District 9 unexpired term – Mark Arnold
Joe Vaughn moved to approve all by acclamation. Vernon Cash seconded the motion and all approved.
Maryville Fire Department has presented a request to host the 2026 convention. Chief Jace Pine answered questions and a discussion was held. Vernon Cash moved to approve the Maryville Fire Department to host the 2026 convention on April 17-19 pending an adequate facility. Terry Wynne seconded the motion and all approved.
President Jennings reported he has received a request to appoint Kris White to the Bylaws Committee. Billy Smith moved to appoint Kris White to the Bylaws Committee. Rob Erdel seconded the motion and all approved.
Committee Reports
Awards Committee
Joe Vaughn advised that several awards were presented at the banquet and thanked those who submitted nominations. Seven nominations were received and five were awarded.
Budget Committee
No report was given.
Bylaws Committee
No report was given.
Chaplain Committee
David Hedrick reported that he has no official report, however, we want to mention the following:
Today is the celebration day of St Florian the Patron Saint of Firefighters and International Firefighters Day. Also, this morning is the annual Memorial Service of the National Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This year there are 140 United States Firefighters honored as fallen in the Line of Duty (70 firefighters who died in 2024 and 70 who died in previous years). Please remember the Fire Departments and Families that have lost loved ones and keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Also, we wish everyone at the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri’s 2025 Annual Convention a safe journey home.
Contest Committee
Rob Erdel thanked those who helped get the contest set up and everything went well.
Convention Committee
Dylan Honea reported he would work on final numbers and report at the next meeting.
Education Committee
Josh Koepke reported that 44 people attended the Certified Fire and Ambulance Board class on Friday.
Fire Prevention Committee
Andrew Caldwell thanked those departments that submitted posters.
Legislative Committee
Charlie Peel reported that $1.35 million in firefighter training has been funded. $15 million has been funded for Next Gen 911.
The LODD benefit which is set to expire is attached to several bills. Call your local representatives and urge them to pass legislation for this benefit along with an emergency clause so there is no lapse in coverage. There is no further movement on HB 1190. SB 107 is under peer review.
Membership Committee
Grant Oetting reported the following membership numbers: 340 departments; 6672 active; 21 associate; 21 sustaining; 440 retired; 146 juniors; 481 directors; 4 EMS departments; 52 EMS individuals; 2 educational institutions; 16 educational individuals, 14 corporate.
Oetting reported he attended the Women of Fire Conference and presented on behalf of FFAM. He will be attending the Missouri Association of Fire Districts conference in June.
Nomination Committee
Ken Hoover reported that Districts 1, 3, 7, 11 and 14 will be up for election in 2026.
Public Relations Committee
Jaime Miller advised that the next magazine deadline is June 27.
NVFC Committee
Keith Smith reported that Anheuser-Busch started its Emergency Drinking Water program in 1988 with the American Red Cross and expanded to NVFC in 2019. It just produced its 100 millionth can with more than 10% of that (more than 10 million cans) going directly to volunteer fire departments. Missouri has and continues to be a recipient of that annual program.
There is a Facebook posting from Edward Kelly, General President of IAFF and his conversation with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. one week ago. This was regarding staffing reductions in the elimination of critical NIOSH programs, including the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program, the National Firefighter Cancer Registry and the World Trade Center Health Program. 30 other organizations including NVFC have also made contact and focused on this. Secretary Kennedy assured President Kelly that those programs were critical and would continue plus meaningful ways to improve the programs. We hope that is true but it remains to be seen. As of this Friday (1 week later), it was announced that the Firefighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program will have some staff return through June 2 to continue to work on their remaining reports but nothing on the other departments. While many of the NIOSH staff were called back to finish some work, they still have termination dates set for June 2nd. It remains a wait-and-see.
On the OSHA Emergency Response Rule for the 29 OSHA States (Missouri is not), US Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer has applied a temporary pause to review all things to date. NVFC will continue to advocate for firefighter safety on a scale to the existing budget reality. Labor continues to advocate for all parts of the standard as first proposed.
Some of you may have seen the news that President Trump has released his FY2026 Budget Blueprint. The President’s budget request is a proposal for Congress to evaluate as they establish the levels each federal program will be funded at via the appropriations process. Non-Disaster Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grant Programs requesting $646 million decrease from 2025. This is not a good sign for AFG and SAFER. On a positive note, Rail Safety and Infrastructure Grants receive $400 million increase from 2025. East Palestine, Ohio opened some eyes with many things.
He advised that he will be attending the Spring Meeting, May 8-10, in Alexandria, VA.
Scholarship Committee
Larry Eggen reported that five scholarships were awarded.
State Fair Committee
RB Brown reported that the State Fair is August 7-17. Work weekends are June 20-22, July 18-20, and August 1-3. As soon as the fair is over, they will need to pack up everything in the building and move it to storage. This will take place August 22-24, August 29-31, September 5-7, and September 12-14. Lots of help will be needed so please consider volunteering. The building is going out for bid in June.
Historian report
Theresa Cox advised that if you have anything you would like to donate, please reach out to her.
Fire Funeral Team report
No report was given.
EMS Funeral Team report
Greg Wright reported they have had 3 non-LODD responses since the February meeting. They have three Losing One of Our Own classes currently scheduled. Please reach out to him if you would like the training in your area.
Their conference will be October 17-19 in Lake Ozark. It is open to everyone.
Foundation report
Report on behalf of Keith Smith:
If you pass by the memorial this week or next week you will see it in a shade of Red. We are participating in “Light the Night” in honor of the NFFF Memorial Weekend.
We have taken delivery of 500 new chairs. For those of you who have suffered through the tiny, framed plastic rentals, come back and enjoy a better experience on your backside. Besides an annual savings of over $1,000 in rental, this will allow other activities on site that were previously problematic due to seating logistics. We now have new opportunities.
We have been blessed in the past 6 months with 3 major donations to the museum project. FFAM contributed the remaining $50,000 of your pledge. A private individual has given $45,000 and a private couple has given $50,000. We have bids on a truckload of framing lumber to build out the walls and mezzanine in the north half of the future museum. We are also looking at the electrical components in this same area.
As mentioned in the April board meeting, we are reviewing candidates to take over the Treasurer position. That process continues.
Planning for the October 4 and 5 services continues. Two months ago, we had the Department of Justice (DOJ) approval of two LODD names for formal honors in the 2025 services. We now have a 3rd and by the end of May could add two more. Their finalization could be on hold due to the sharp reduction of Federal Employees in the DOJ which reviews these claims. Brian Zinanni reported that many of the senior staff he has worked with on a regular basis in the past have either taken their retirement, accepted the early buy-out, or received a termination notice. It is currently a hot mess and only remains to be seen how bad the delays grow from here.
Approaching due dates are July 1 for all engraving, August 15 to pre-order 2025 memorial service shirts and September 12 to pre-order flags. All of this can be ordered and paid for online. If you prefer, you can also download the forms, complete those, including your check (no cash please), and mail them to our Kingdom City address, but please do so at least 10 days before these due dates if using the mail.
Non-Line of Duty names passing this year in 2025, will be honored in 2026, and any names we may have missed in 2024 or 2023. Line of Duty has a moving timeline that Brian Zinanni coordinates once approved and talks with the family, but usually not past June 1st, prior to the October services.
We need people to assist with the October 4 and 5 services. If you can just come in for either service, Saturday night Candlelight or Sunday morning service, it would be greatly appreciated.
The Foundation has met in January, February, March and April. Our next meeting will be June 11. If you have any comments or ideas concerning either service or our work involving the museum project.
1st Vice President Charlie Peel presented a resolution to the Tri Lakes Fire Chiefs Association thanking them for hosting the convention.
Members of the Southern Stone Fire Protection District Honor Guard retired the colors.
President Jennings adjourned the meeting at 10:50 am.
FFAM
