Thoughts For Fire School

   Ok, it’s never too late to register and attend fire school this month. There is always room for one more firefighter who desires to increase their knowledge and abilities. I have no doubt there will be at least two classes you will be able to attend. Don’t hesitate, go online, look, do whatever. Don’t miss the chance, you won’t regret it. 

   Some of you may have heard of Paul Harvey. Paul Harvey was a radio news commentator a number of years ago. He was quite well known for his, “The Rest of the Story” stories. He also created a three-minute narrative on Fireman. Go to Google, or whoever you use, and search Paul Harvey Fireman. I’m sure it will pop up. Take a listen, remember this was from several years ago, overlook the comments about some items, but it is one of those that you will enjoy. 

   As we are all preparing for the full summer activities, be it vacations, sports, travel, whatever, don’t forget those summertime fires. Try to stay hydrated, (not with beer) as the day goes along. Have some type of snacks in your truck or pocket or wherever. How many times have you said to someone as you went out the door, “this won’t be long, doesn’t sound like much.” Only to be there for hours on end. I know I’m preaching to the choir, but sometimes a little reminder helps. Which tells me I need to check my pack for some beef sticks that are vacuum packed. 

   I hopefully have included several financial reports that will be presented at fire school membership meetings. These reports will need to be accepted by the general membership. Please read them over, I will not be making copies to hand out. An item or two of note: The General Fund for 2024, expenses exceeded income by $74,809. Is this anything to be alarmed about, I don’t think so, we have to spend funds and sometimes those expenses overlap from one year to the next. In the State Fund we are in excellent financial shape. Several years ago, when the amount the Association received from insurance premium tax rebate was increased, that helped so very much. It put that fund in the black for the first time in many years. The overall net worth at this time of year is right on track as in previous years. So, in general your South Dakota Firefighters Association, Inc. is in solid shape. 

   With all this I’ll close and I’m looking forward to seeing you in Watertown.

SDFA Treasurer Dennis Gorton