JACKSONVILLE ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED FIREFIGHTERS

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2009

We hope you all stand on good ground after Valentine’s Day.  In other words did you treat your sweetheart right?

 MEMBER REPORT: 

Bill Knight, Eng. 10 and Eng. 23 (The REAL Bill Knight), passed away on February 2, 2009.  Retiree Duke Denson and Chaplain Percy Golden handled all the arrangements for his Memorial Service.  This Association would like to thank these individuals for a job well done. 

Claude W. Cribbs, R-42 died in Covington, Georgia on January 15, 2009.  Notification of his death and funeral were received too late for flowers.  In lieu of flowers a donation was given to his wife.  

Retired Chief Gary Keys was released from the hospital on Feb. 13 and is home doing well.

Dale Walters, Eng. 52 is going through another round of treatment for his cancer.   

Thoughts and prayers for these members during this time, as always. 

On January 26, 2009 in the sports section of the Florida Times Union is a good article about one of our retirees.  Ted Copeland playing in the Men’s Masters National Invitational Championship.  These seniors are comprised of 24 teams over the age of 75.

Ted is the only Jacksonville Firefighter that inducted into the Jacksonville Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.  He was inducted for basketball and football.  He played ball for Jackson High School and received a scholarship to the University of Florida after Jackson won the State Championship in 1951.  Ted retired from the Prevention Bureau.

 Ron Snelling has offered to take over the job of making the nametags.  If you have a problem or need a nametag please call Ron at 737-3771. 

Nick Tison, Captain at Rescue 55 is hosting a luncheon for the 40 year reunion of Rescue 3-41-55.  He is asking that all past and current crew members, contact him at 904-708-5352 or ntison@coj.net.  The luncheon will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at FS 55, 850 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach.  Meet and greet 10:30 am.  Lunch of  Jambalaya served at 12 a.m.   

John Wood has sent letters to those who pay their dues yearly.  Please respond as soon as possible. 

Fire Station 2 has given us more information about their 100 year celebration.  It will be held in April.  All past members  that were assigned to Sta. 2 are asked to call the station with your name, years served, and your retirement year.  Call 630-0948 as soon as possible. 

There is still time to register for the 27^th Annual Firefighters Fishing Tournament to be held on April 13- 16, 2009 in Suwannee, Florida.  Contact Wayne Doolittle at 904-

228-9795 for a registation form.  You may also contact chairpersons, Wiley Hart at 904-704-8547 or John Wood at 904-282-6391.  

A point of interest or information:  Mike Pfister ,of the Orange County Fire Department, and PEP in Jacksonville. Mike had been the breakfast cook crew leader at the Fishing Tournament for many years and the first receipt of the James Carver Award.  Mike was killed on Friday, February 20, 2009 in Deland, Florida.  Mike was on his motorcycle when an apparently drunk driver hit him head on.  Call Wayne Doolittle for funeral arrangements.  Tentative dates are Thursday, February 26 or Friday, February 27 in Deland. 

Redknights will meet at, Wild Cards Grill, 1520 Park Avenue, Orange Park on Tuesday, March 12, 2009.  The Redknights are voting on a new dress uniform for parades and other formal events. 

Retiree’s monthly breakfast held on the second Thursday of the month.  The next meeting will be on Thursday, March 12, 2009. 

The 4^th Annual Firefighter’s Widow’s Luncheon will be held on Friday, March 20, 2009 at the Firefighter’s Hall on Stockton Street. 

Enclosed with this newsletter you will find an Informational Sheet.  Please review this form and return it as soon as possible if you are interest.  After several of the recent funerals this association has been asked to keep a record of this information for use at the time of a retiree’s death.

Pictures from the 2008 luncheon are now available in the photo gallery where this year we recognize LOWES for their outstanding contribution to this event!

Nov 11, City Council approves the improvements to JFRD through 2018. Have a look at what is going into the department in years to come! JFRD BUDGET
 

On October 3, 2008 Fire Station 30 held a 30-year anniversary celebration. The best-known information is that al but one (possibly 2) of the original crew attended. Cappain Tim Ellis, 81 years young, was in attendance and shared much about the early years. Captain Ellis was the pacesetter for Station 30. Captain Todd Robertson agreed that pace is still active at the station. Captain Robertson was the person that spearheaded the celebration, which included a BBQ with all the trimmings. Captain Robertson worked unselfishly to notify as many people possible that ever served at Sta. 30.