The month of October might just be the busiest month of all for observations and days of recognition. I could do the whole article on just that topic and still not have room for everything. So I picked out a few special ones related to the department and our members. I’m sure I missed many so I apologize in advance. Here goes. Of course everyone knows that October is Fire Prevention Month and that October 4-10 is Fire Prevention Week. The weekend of October 2-4 is the Fallen Firefighters Memorial weekend and October 1 is Fire Pup Day. October is also Go Hog Wild-Eat Country Ham month, the month of Free Thought, Positive Attitude month, Sausage month, Spinach Lovers month and Squirrel Awareness month. Some other important weekly observances include Emergency Nurses week (11-17), National Chemistry week (18-24) and Give Wildlife a Break week (26-11/1). Some significant day observances are Naval Academy day (10th), Navy birthday (13th) and Navy Day on the 27th. Probably one of the best days of the month, for all you grouches, is National Grouch Day on the 15th. Enjoy the month; there is a lot to celebrate.
September went by quickly and I had the opportunity to represent the department on a couple of occasions. One was to attend the badge pinning ceremony for the new Deputy Chief of DFRA, Hal Doughty. I also had the privilege to represent the department with Travis Luz, J.T Coyne and a former member of the department, Stan Auringer, at the first annual LaPlata County Fire Chief’s Association golf tournament fundraiser. To say we had a good time would be an understatement. We didn’t win a lot but it sure was a big time. Last week I attended a meeting of the Deputy/Assistant Chiefs for the county to work out the details of the automatic aid agreement that is being updated for the county departments. It outlines the response for each department for structure fires (tankers) relative to the department-in-need and location within that department’s district. Members will be updated when it is completed.
I want to send out good wishes for speedy recoveries to two members of the department. Mark and Corey both had shoulder surgeries this past month and are on the mend. We wish them both well during their rehab time and hope for a speedy recovery.
With winter just around the corner, we have a couple important items coming up before year’s end that the membership needs to be highly involved in. First, we continue to work on the proposed new by-laws, but need to get them voted on at the next business meeting (December). The vote was postponed at the last business meeting due to some concerns and input provided by members. I think it was wise to delay the vote and get the changes made. (see article on page 3 about the by-laws) Development of the revised by-laws has been a long process and with the changes being currently made I think we have a very strong set of by-laws to guide the department into the future. It is time however, to get them voted on so that we can move on to other issues. The second thing is the officer team for the coming year. The officer team plays a very pivotal roll in the day-to-day operations of the department and so, it is important that members provide input into that process as well as participate in the voting process. Being an officer requires an additional amount of time and commitment to the department. Often decisions that need to be made are not easy ones and so officers are not always the most popular people in the department. I want to thank all of the officers that have served this past year for their time and commitment. I know there are many other things that you could be doing with your time but, honestly, the department is a better place because of your time and commitment and I thank you personally. So, I hope all members will take this process seriously and get involved. Visit with any of the officers if you have thoughts or concerns and if nothing else, please participate in the voting process.
Lastly, we may be asked to be involved with the elementary school Halloween event the last of the month. If at all possible, I hope you will consider being a part of it. The department needs to become more involved with the school and they definitely want us to become more involved. Keep this event in mind and hopefully we can have a good turnout to help them.
Have a safe and fun month!