Ever had those days when you asked, where do I start? This is one of those for me, so much has been happening in the Southeast part of the state. One thing about what we do, there is never a dull moment, days of happiness, days of sorrow, days that it’s call after call, and sometimes the tones don’t drop and the trucks don’t have to roll.
Congratulations to Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal Randy Davis of Jackson Fire Department on retirement. Starting in 1982, he has served the citizens of Jackson until April 1 of this year. During my time at Jackson, he was my Captain. I have so many memories from those years on the engine together. Then there were some of the shenanigans around the firehouse that still make me chuckle.
A retirement celebration was held at the Jackson Civic Center on April 1, to wish Randy well. The turnout was great as well as the food and fellowship.
Also, congratulations to Ryan Davies on the promotion to Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal at Jackson Fire Department.
On May 1, Ray Warner, Chief of Millersville, will be retiring after 47 years of service. Chief Warner retired from the Cape Girardeau Fire Department as a Captain. He took on a second career as the Chief of Millersville Rural Fire Protection District. Being our neighbor to the west, we have worked together on several mutual aid calls, it will be different working with a new chief. During his tenure, a new station was constructed and equipment was upgraded. Congratulations Ray, enjoy retirement.
The weather has been a roller coaster from cold to hot, hot to cold, and back to hot, windy and of course, the tornados and flash flooding. A devastating tornado hit the town of Delta, damaging homes, the fire station, and businesses. Delta Fire Protection District, Chief Alvin Frank, had a tiger by the tail when the EF2 came through. The most devastating loss, was our brother, Chief Garry Moore of Whitewater Fire Protection District. Chief Moore was coming in on mutual aid to assist Delta and stopped to check a vehicle. We lost a dedicated Chief and friend. Please keep Chief Moore’s family, the Whitewater Fire Protection District, the residents of Delta, and the Delta Fire Protection District in your thoughts and prayers.
There is so much going on in our corner of the state, mutual aid callouts throughout the region for large natural cover fires, major downtown fires in East Prairie and Puxico, and weather events from ice storms to what we have just come through. As I’m writing it’s raining again, and the radar is up, showing some concerning cells moving through the north part of the area. It could be another long night, hopefully not, but training and cooperation will get us through if it is.
Until next time, train hard, and thank you for what you do for your communities. Stay safe out there.
FFAM
