New President looking forward to year ahead!

Hello Firefighters, since my last article over the last few months, I have helped Manchester and Ed get more wire for the boxes to be used at convention.  

I continue to talk with Oelwein for their upcoming 2027 convention and help answer questions.  We, myself and the IFA board will continue to help them and talk through ideas. 

I have been down to the training bureau with Kent and Chris we worked with Jess Dunn at the training bureau about the Acadis portal and took a look at that so we can see what the difficult areas are that the Iowa Firefighters are struggling with during testing.  This was a great learning experience and very eye opening to see how that system works. 

We welcomed Legislators to Manchester convention for them to see what convention is all about.  Sharing new and old friendships, the connections across the state, and the networking that happens between everyone in the campground and at drills.  We had a friendly competition of water ball.  On one side we had the house and on the other side we had the senate.  This was a great experience for the legislators to have fun.  We also discussed what the IFA board feels is the focus for the year with legislation and our goals at the capitol.  They gave us their input and guidance to help us achieve what we are looking for.  Dan Zumbach is the senator from the Delaware County area. He was speaking on senate floor and shared his experience at fire convention in the past.  Be sure to express your thoughts to the legislators if you see them out and about.  Thank you to Exira Fire Department and Dyersville Fire Department for allowing your trucks to be available to provide transportation for the legislators around the campground and to the water ball area.  Another great year of having the legislators present at convention.  

In closing, I would like to comment on the memorial service that we had on Friday evening.  I would like to express a sincere thank you to the Delaware County Honor Guard for their participation and help in putting on the memorial service.  Along with the Delaware County Dispatch center, Manchester Fire Department, Lonnie Newhall and the IFA board, and the bag pipes played by a local Manchester resident Brian McKenzie.  It was humbling to be a part of and to continue sharing the unforgettable moments and lives lost of 9-11.  My son was 2 years old and our daughter was not born yet. We need to keep sharing this to our young generation so we will never forget 9-11.  Continue to tell the story.  

I am looking forward to serving as the IFA president for the 2026-2027 year ahead.  If you have questions, concerns or thoughts please reach out to myself or anyone on the IFA board.  We want to continue to do what’s in the best interest for all Iowa Firefighters. 

Thank you –

IFA President Mike Kime