June 2009

Summer is here and a hot one it is.  Remember to be careful when out in the heat.  Stay hydrated and use your sun screen.

MEMBER REPORT:

During the month of June we have lost three of our brothers:

Lt. Clarence McDonald (Sta. 3) passed on

Capt.Maxie Sirmans (HQ) passed on

Lt. Willie Dyal (Sta. 15) passed on

Our prayers and condolences go out to these families.  The Officers of this association want the families to know that we are here for them if there is anything we can do for them.

Sadie Smith, Mother of Retired District Chief Julian Ray Smith, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2009.  Thoughts and prayer are with the family.

Richard Morphew is still in Mayo Hospital, visitors are still not allowed but they expect that to change soon.

Richard Tankersley has two treatments left for his cancer and he is home doing well.

Max Leggett has been sent to a Center for Care and Treatment out West for treatment concerning a reoccurrence of his cancer.

Bill Burns had a stint put in his heart for better blood flow.  He is home and feeling great.

Woody Fish is in Rehab after an operation to remove a tumor on his spine.  Reports are that he is doing fine.

Linda Treadwell was taken by Baker County Rescue to Ed Fraser Hospital and then transferred to Memorial for a heat related hypertensive crisis.  After a 2 day stay in the hospital she is home and back at work.

The following is a thank you from the Davis Love family:

“I, Davis Love on behalf of my family would like to thank The Retired Firefighter Association and the Members for their prayers and the generous donation that was collected  June 11, 2009 at our breakfast.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Please continue to pray for my grandson CAYDEN SENG.”

Over the past 3 years Retired Lt. Jack Flood has diligently worked raising money for Food for the Poor to build a Village in Nicaragua.  At this time Jack and the Retired

Firefighters have now completed 12 houses.  These houses are 355 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms, bath and living room.  To complete this village a well needs to be dug to supply fresh running water to these homes.  Jack and his wife, Ruth has already on half of the money needed.  Enclosed you will find an envelope if you care to donate to this cause.  We want to commend Jack and Ruth for their work on this village and water well.

Due to the lack of interest and sales not being as expected, the yearbook has been cancelled.

EVENTS:

In September the name of Neal Tarkington, L4-C will go on the memorial wall at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Colorado Spring.  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.  It will be held on Friday, July 17, 2009 at Firefighter Hall.  Happy Hour, 6:00 to 7:00 will be provided by JAXRFA.  Dinner will be served at 7:00.  Individual tickets will be $35.00, Couples $60.00, stations may purchase a table for $300.00.  The FOOF will provide after dinner festivities including a DJ for your dancing pleasure.

A vote was taken at the May breakfast to accept the by-laws for the Firefighter’s Death Benefit Fund (previously the Widow’s Fund) re-written by Joe Smith.  Joe has asked that if anyone interested in being on the Board of Directors please call him at 955-1057.  There will be five (5) positions.  IMPORTANT!!  If you think you are a member of the fund….do you know who your beneficiary is?  The JAXRFA would like to thank Joe for the amount of time and effort he has put into re-establishing and improving the valuable benefit.

There will be a motorcycle benefit ride on July 25, 2009 for the Justice Coalition.  It starts at Big Bikes on Sunbeam Road and ends at Old Plank Road Baptist Church.  Cost is $25.00 for the driver and $10.00 for the rider.  That money includes lunch and a t-shirt.  It is limited to 500 bikes and is police escorted.  You can sign up at Big Bikes or the Justice Coalition on Lane Ave.