JACKSONVILLE ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED FIREFIGHTERS
Jacksonville Fire Museum
1406 Gator Bowl Boulevard
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
April and May 2009
Our membership is growing and life is good.
MEMBER REPORT:
Retired Prevention Captain James E. Brown passed away on May 8, 2009. Captain retired in 1972 and went on to be Chief of the Panama City Fire Department until 1981.
Ben Cosmo Roberts, grandson of “Cozzie” Roberts born on May 1, 2009 died on May 5, 2009. Many prayers of comfort for the Roberts family.
Richard Morphew was transferred from St. Vincents to Mayo Clinic and as of this date he is in intensive care with no visitors allowed. Once he is able to have visitors again he would welcome them.
Russell Miscally had a knee replacement and developed and infection and the knee had to be removed until all infection was gone and then replaced. He is doing well.
Rusty Butler has fished in our fishing tournament for many years. Rusty did not make it this year due to some cardiac problems. Rusty assures us now that all is well and modern medicine is doing wonders.
Captain Trevor Nelson E-43 and son of retired Lt. Stewart Nelson recently earned the first Bachelor’s degree in the history of FCCJ. What an honor and tribute.
There will be a meeting following the June 11, breakfast called by Jose Smith concerning the Widower’s Fund. The topic of discussion is the re-writing of the by-laws that were written many, many, many years ago. All those interested should plan to stay.
Chief Brady Rigdon has requested that the JRFA be given several pages in the new yearbook. A date for a picture to be taken at the museum will be forth coming. In the mean time Jason Jones will be compiling stories submitted by retirees. If you have a most memorable event, run or station antic (G-rated of course) you may submit them to Linda Treadwell at the museum or Jason Jones at Station 28 C shift.
EVENTS:
The Fishing Tournament was held the week of April 13 in Suwannee, Florida. Despite all of the flooding in that part of the state the tournament was not adversely affected and was a huge success. The fellowship was exceptional and the food was tremendous as usual.
John Wood was awarded the James Carver Award for 2009. The date for the 2010 tournament will be March 15-18, 2010. It was also voted on by those present to have the tournament in Suwannee again at that time.
A vote was taken to change the name of the Carver award to the Mike Preister Award. As you all know Mike had participated in the tournament from day one until his death this year.
The Redknights annual mountain trip took place April 24, 2009 thru May 1, 2009. A group of 12 stayed at the Smoky Mountain Mansion in Robbinsville, NC. There were several glitches in this year’s trip but it was agreed that it was a terrific trip. The group was lucky to have Nurse Melanie with them. Paul Lutzen’s girlfriend, Melanie had extensive knowledge of the area and was able to drive two of the rider’s to the hospital.
And if you want to talk about an eating club….how about 13 meals for 12 people (including a steak dinner, spaghetti dinner, country fired steak and a large country breakfast everyday) for only $34.36 per person!!!!!!!
This September, the name of Neal Tarkington, L4-C will go on the memorial wall at the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs. To help raise money for the family and the honor guard to attend this ceremony there will be a banquet given by the Local 122. The particulars are being worked on but so far we know this…..The date will be Friday, July 17th. Happy hour will be held at 6p.m. sponsored by the JAXRFA. Dinner will be served at 7p.m. at the Union Hall. Individual tickets will be $35.00. Couples tickets are $60.00. Stations can purchase a table for $300.00.
On Saturday, June l3, 2009 there will be a motorcycle ride that has been organized to raise money for a headstone and a scholarship fund in the name of Billy Hagans, son of Joe Hagans, E43. The 90 mile ride will start at Hitchcocks Plaza , 7380 SR 100, Keystone Heights and end at Goldhead State Park. Registration begins at 9a.m. and kickstands up at 11a.m. It is estimated to be a 3 hours ride. For more information call Kevin Mobley at 352-258-3942 or e-mail at KLMOBLEY @bellsouth.net.
The cookbook is just before going to print. You still have a short time to submit recipes or station stories. Submit to Linda Treadwell at the museum or e-mail lindat@coj.net.