March 2009

 

Can you believe it is spring already?

 

MEMBER REPORT:

 

John Wood has had a knee replacement and is doing well with rehab.

 

During the breakfast this month the hat was passed for Kenyatta Charley.  This firefighter was burned on both hands during a building fire.  As expected the retirees once again stepped up to the plate, as a sizeable amount of money was collected and presented to the family.

 

The month of March was saddened with the funerals of three of our brothers.  Retired Chief Lundy, Retired Engineer Norman Johnson, and Retired Captain Harry “Gil” Mixon.  Our prayers and condolences go out to the families at this most difficult time.

 

Retired Chaplain Wayne Young and Chaplain Percy Golden certainly demonstrated and expressed compassion and professionalism in their callings.  The two of them worked unselfishly to say goodbye to our fallen brothers.

 

Union President Randy Wyse has earned a special thank you.  President Wyse has demonstrated that the Union is there for all active duty, retired and fallen brothers. 

 

We certainly cannot leave out the Chief Administrators.  Their assistance in making these funerals the ceremony they should be is invaluable.

 REPORTS:

 

The Union will soon have special rate tickets for the TPC.  Jim Croft assures us that they will be a “GREAT DEAL”.  For more information call Jim at the Union Office, 384-1011.

 

For those that are concerned about the happenings with the widow’s fund.  Joe Smith will be holding a meeting real soon (possibly April) of all members and potential members to go over the re-writing of the by-laws.  All details will be announced at the April breakfast.

 

Sta. 2 will be holding its “100 Year” celebration at the station on April 30, 2009, the celebration will start at 11:00 a.m. and go until 2:00 p.m. All firemen that were ever assigned there should call the station with the times that you were there.  The correct phone number to the station is 630-0848.

 

On April 2, 2009 the “Men from Ten” Luncheon will be held at Station 10.  Lunch will begin at 12:00.

 

The Department has begun work on a new yearbook. Chief Brady Rigdon has expressed a desire for the retirees and their input for this book.  All detail will be announced at the April breakfast.  The department wants give special honor to the retirees with a tribute section in the yearbook.

 

The monthly breakfast will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at Picadilly on University at Beach.  Breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m.

 

The Redknights will be leaving for their annual mountain trip on Friday, April 24 – Friday, May 1, 2009.  They will be staying in Robbinsville, N. C. and making daily motorcycle rides from that location.  Lodging can still be found if you might be interested in going.  Linda Treadwell is the ride Captain, call her if you might be interested in going because lodging is still available.

 

On Friday March 20, 2009 the 4th Annual Widow’s Luncheon was held at Firefighter Hall.  This year there was better than 100 people in attendance with 41 honored quests.  The committee is proud to announce that the luncheon this year was the best yet.  Everyone in attendance raved about the fellowship, food and entertainment.  The ladies were treated to a “Tribute to Elvis” performed by Rick Marino.  The ladies of the luncheon will be honored with a tribute in the new and upcoming department yearbook. 

 

As a personal note, Linda Treadwell would like to thank ALL of the wonderful people that worked to make this year’s luncheon such a success.  Plans are already in the works for next year.

 

 

 

Retired Department Chief Charles Clark has donated several of the centennial belt buckles that were sold in 1986.  There are a limited number of both gold and pewter buckles.  These will be made available during the April breakfast.  This will be the last chance to own a piece of this fire department memorabilia.  They will sell for $20.00 each.

 

On March 26, 2009 the 2nd Annual Luncheon for R-3-41-55 was held at the station.  Captain Nick Tison organized and hosted this event which marked the 40th year of Rescue 3.  Rescue was first started at Beaches Hospital on January 30, 1969.  Events like this luncheon  tells the story of how this fire department has evolved into the giant that it is today.  Thank you Nick.

 

Our JAXRFA membership has grown to over 370 strong.  Our internet has been kept up to date with our happenings and has received over 2561 hits.  Thanks to Buddy Harris and George Thornton for the work they do on www.JAXRFA.com.  Duke Denson still has a good supply of gray and white T-shirts with the association logo.  He also has label pins.  He has these items for sale.   It looks nice when we attend funerals and official functions and we wear our pins.