We often joke about and hear other regions of the country and even our next-door neighbors talk about the rapidly changing weather in our great state. So apparently we wanted to make sure we stayed on the tips of everyone’s tongue and went from drought, to bitter cold, to a spring tease and then in parts of the state way too much rain all at once.
How rewarding it is to see how our Missouri Fire Service steps up to the challenges often brought on by these rapidly changing weather conditions not only in our state but in other parts of the nation. On a local level, many of our fellow Missouri personnel responded to weather-related incidents and were able to provide rescue services to those impacted by the significant rains. In addition, Missouri Task Force 1 members were deployed for significant weather-related events and provided the extra services needed in the affected areas. Well done everyone!
By the time most of you read this edition the 2025 Convention will have already taken place. I am sure we will share more highlights in the next edition, but I hope many of you were able to join us in southern Missouri for the event. Early reports indicated registrations were up and many vendors had reserved space. More information next time.
The 2025 Missouri Fire Fighters Day at the Capitol took place March 27th in Jefferson City with fire service members from across the state in attendance. It is certainly a good thing to see the interest so many of our fire service personnel take in tracking what is legislatively happening that often has a direct effect on how we do our business. I not only got to visit with legislators myself, but I also observed many other fire service personnel meeting with legislators who appeared to be engaged in what was being discussed. If you haven’t already, please establish a connection with your legislators (there are several new ones this year) and make sure they know you are their subject matter experts if they need assistance evaluating issues that may affect the fire service.
Our biggest joint operation of the year is almost upon us so I hope you have submitted your application to work at the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department. Remember, you can apply whether you are volunteer, paid-per-call, part-time or career at your home agency as long as you are an active member of FFAM. This year’s fair will be somewhat bittersweet as it should be the last fair we occupy the current fire station. If you have served in the past and you want to make one more visit to the station, this is the year to do so. If all goes well the current station will be removed shortly after the close of the fair and a new, improved and badly needed facility will take its place. Providing all the pieces fall into place we should have a new station by the 2026 fair. Applications to work are available under the State Fair tab in the Committees area of the FFAM website. I hope to see many of you there protecting the visitors to the fair.
The annual candlelight and memorial services in Kingdom City are slated for October 4th and 5th. The Foundation Board does an excellent job of providing a very dignified service honoring those members of the Missouri Fire Service who have passed away. The Foundation can always use extra help in the setup and logistics during the services so if you have time and would like to offer assistance please reach out to a Foundation board member and let them know you would like to help if possible.
On a closing note, I express my heartfelt and humbled “Thank You” to each of you who reached out, came to, assisted with, or kept us in your thoughts during my agency’s line of duty death and funeral in March. We always talk about supporting each other, but we were somewhat overwhelmed by the outreach we received. Our entire community was for lack of a better term, amazed and impressed, with how we honored our fallen brother. What a comfort to know how much people care about supporting the survivors and honoring the deceased. I cannot begin to thank the funeral assistance team enough for all they did and the countless hours some of the members put in to keep us aimed in the correct direction while they were also dealing with other line-of-duty deaths in the State. The team members give countless hours of assistance without getting the recognition they deserve but do not want while providing guidance during one of the worst times a department can experience. Job well done!
If the Board can be of any assistance to you please contact us. Be Safe!
FFAM
