August 2009 

The end of summer is near.  It is now time for the kids to go back to school.  In most cases it will be our grandchildren. 

Don’t forget the next breakfast on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at the Piccadilly. 

MEMBER REPORT 

We have said goodbye to two more of our retirees this month.

 

Jim Farris dies on August, 13, 2009.  Jim retired from Sta. 13 and then went on to retire as a Captain with the Airport Fire Department.  Jim was an avid pilot and flew his own airplane and had logged over 1,900 hours. Jim was survived by his three children.

 

Richard (Dickie) Morphew passed away on July 31, 2009.   A memorial service was held at the Union Firefighter’s Hall on Thursday, August 20, 2009.  Again, Retired Chaplain Wayne Young officiated the ceremony .  Present Fire Department Chaplain Percy Golden was also on hand.  For those that were not able to attend pictures are available for viewing at JAXRFA.com.  Just click on the last alarm icon and find Dickie’s name.

 

Our association in conjunction with the Red Knights provided refreshments after the memorial.  This was a good time to visit and fellowship with old friends.

 

We would like to thank Joe Smith and his workers, Jamey, Alan and Ray for all their work in setting up the food and drinks.  We also want to thank, Irvin Pfister, Buddy Dux and Charlie Geiger for tending the bar.

 

Joe Smith was admitted to St. Vincent’s earlier this month for minor diabetic problems.  We are happy to see he is doing well and back at work.

 

George Thornton had shoulder surgery and he is home doing well with some rehab.

 

John Wood is recuperating well from his second knee surgery.

 

Our condolences go out to Milton Chapman on the passing of his father.

 

Skip Cunningham is in Trauma ICU at Shands Hospital after a serious accident at home. Visitors are not allowed at this time.

 

George Treadwell is resting peacefully at his daughters house in Bryceville.  Some of you older retirees will remember him by his nickname “breadhead”.  George served most of career at Sta. 2.  George would soak his old leather helmet in water and wear it on his head until it dried out in order to insure a better fit.  It is quite fitting that our oldest living firefighter retired from Station 2, which was built in 1909 and is considered to be the oldest continuously working station in the state of Florida.

 

EVENTS

 

On Saturday, November 7, 2009 The Jacksonville Chapter 7 Red Knights Motorcycle Club will be hosting a “50’S Sock Hop” fundraiser to benefit the Moebius Syndrome Foundation.  Tickets will soon go on sale and more information will soon be available.

Retired Lt. Ron Hall (Ichabod) from Fire Station 11 and an instructor at the training school is active in this cause because his grandson Tristin was born with this syndrome.

The syndrome is caused by a birth defect involving the 6th and 7th cranial nerves.  These children will never smile and must be taught how to suck and later to eat.  For more on the syndrome you can go the www.moebiussyndromefoundation.com .

 

The annual 9-11 Memorial Ride that is sponsored by the Palm Coast Chapter 11 of the Red Knights will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2009.  It is an escorted ride that will begin at Heroes Park on the corner of Palm Coast Parkway West and Corporate Drive.

This is a free ride organized to honor the fallen heroes of 9-11-2001.  Line up will begin at 9:00 and the service and ride will begin at 10:00.

 

 

The 27th Annual Retired Firefighter’s Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2009.  Bob Morrison will be head chef for the event and you can look for a change in the menu.  Tell all your retired friends that do not get this letter.  MC (Rockin’ Ron) Learn has been reeled in a bit concerning the time he has to give out the gifts.

 

 

 

 

NEWS

 

 

The newly formed Board of Directors for the Firefighters Death Benefit met on Tuesday, August 25, 2009.  Your board of  Directors are:  Administrator, Fred Ferguson; Retired

Members, Joe Smith and John Peavy; Active Duty, Nick Tison and John Long.  The next meeting will be September 9, 2009 , 9:00a.m. at the union hall.  It is a board meeting but anyone that would like to attend is welcome.

 

 

 

Buddy Harris and his Flag displayed for Morphew’s Memorial

 

 

Buddy Harris welcoming those that attended Dickie’s Memorial.

For those that have not noticed the wreath has been redesigned.    

 

Below: August 01,2009
Seven Firefighters seen at the Andrew Jackson class of 1964 reunion!
Cozzie Roberts, Neil McCormick, Ronnie Drummond, Jimmy Johnson, Ed Foye, Grady Sims, and Don Smith.
Picture by Buddy Harris