30th Annual Iowa Firefighter Memorial
Greeting Fellow Firefighters here we go into the summer season as we see an influx of family and community events. The Legislation season as is over; we assisted with the Junior Firefighter program which will give young adults the insight on volunteering in their communities.
As for the board 1st Vice Mike Kime and I are headed to DC to the NVFC’s Spring Conference where we network with other states. We also visit with our Iowa Representatives to enlighten them on the needs of Iowa volunteers and the importance of maintaining the Safer Grant, AFG program and how they support the Iowa volunteers.
Iowa Falls hosted the Fire Prevention Poster awards luncheon this year; Gene Evans, Rick Schmidt and I presented the awards. We had five out of the nine winners attend the luncheon. I would like to thank the two chiefs that came to the presentation to represent their kids that could not attend. As many know these Posters will be on display at the Iowa State Fair on the outside of the Hall of Flame. I also want to put out an invitation to all that we need volunteers to support the booth, if you volunteer, you will receive a ticket for a day at the fair and a tee-shirt. Please contact Ashley Whitson at alhockman@gmail.com to get a time so you can help us in educating the families of our state. I also had the honor to present two awards to valuable members of the Camanche Fire Department one was for 20-year to Jessie Baughman also had one for Kevin Decker serving for 25-years unfortunately he was unable to attend the banquet. As the year progresses, I need to get ready for Convention in Manchester. Judges and Drill officials are needed for the convention drills; if you have an interest in helping with this please send me a message to kbrix@iafireassn.org giving me your name and phone number and if you have a specific drill you would like to help with and I will see what I can do. Thanks in advance as you support this is how we can pull off the drills smoothly.
The 30th Annual Iowa Firefighter Memorial will be held in Coralville on Saturday, June 13th, Candlelight Service and Sunday, June 14th, Memorial Service which includes a 10:30 am ceremony for members newly added wall. I want to say it is a moving Tribute to our fallen Brothers and Sisters. If you have not attended the service, I highly encourage everyone to attend as it is a great way to honor our fallen brothers and sisters. Feedback on the memorial service is all positive and heartfelt. Normally the site is open year-round to visit, however, this year we will be under construction right after the service. While it is not convenient for the closure, we were very successful with our memorial fund raising and are able to start the expansion on the wall. Maintenance future additions are an ongoing venture, and we continue to appreciative all donations.
As I close, I would like to encourage you to talk and listen to each other as we need to stay strong physically and mentally to provide outstanding service to protect our communities. So please take care of each other, if you have a concern for someone talk and listen to them and point it out to your department leadership, as we are strongest when we take care of our brothers and sisters in the service.
Kent Brix, IFA President