OCTOBER 2009

October is a busy month, turning of the leaves in North Carolina, cooler weather, and the start of the holiday season.

This month has historically been busy for the fire department. There is always Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, Fire Prevention Week, Retiree’s luncheon, MDA drive and other yearly events.

However, never in the history of this department has fire prevention week been so ignored. I remember a time when there was a week long celebration beginning with a parade through the city.

MEMBER REPORT:

Captain “Fatz” Harden was unable to attend the annual luncheon and is home doing well. We hope to see him back with us soon.

Levi Starling was in St. Luke’s Hospital for a week but is now home and recuperating fine.



Mike Jole had a lung removed. He is undergoing chemotherapy and is home recuperating His doctor’s were positive that they caught the cancer in time.

On Friday, October 23, Davis Love was returned to Intensive Care at Baptist Hospital and remains there as of this newsletter. Cayden Seng , Davis’ grandson is back in Baptist receiving more cancer treatments. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this difficult time.

David Addison has not been able to attend any functions recently due to the amount of time it takes to take care of his wife. His wife needs 24 hour care. We wish him the strength it takes to continue to do so.

EVENTS:

Friday, October 16, a ceremony was held to dedicate the new Fire Station 28. Retiree’s from that station were not notified of this event and therefore none were in attendance.

REDKNIGHTS BIG FUND RAISER: On Saturday, November 7, 2009 at Firefighter’s Hall there will be A 50’s SOCK HOP to benefit the Redknight’s Motorcycle Club Charities.

On Monday, November 16, 2009 at 10:00 a.m., the Jacksonville Firemen’s Death Benefit Fund Directors will hold a meeting at the Union Hall to make by-law changes. All those interested are encouraged to attend. This is an important meeting concerning your benefits.

NEWS:

Retired District Chief Donald Kirkland, is running for the office of Retired Pension Advisory Board Committee Member. Donald has held this position in the past and performed his duties well. He is now asking for your vote and support in the coming election.

During the October 8 breakfast, a motion was made to retain the Jacksonville Retired Firefighter’s Association Officers for the year 2010 and the motion passed unanimously.

2009 ANNUAL LUNCHEON:

Master of Ceremonies Rockin’ Ron (Ronnie Learn) would like to thank ALL of the people that helped to make this year’s luncheon a huge success. There were 346 retiree’s in attendance this year. It has certainly grown from the first luncheon that served 29.

There were some special awards given this year to individuals that serve the Jacksonville Retired Firefighters’ Association:

Buddy Harris – for his work on the website and furnishing his snorkel and flag at all funerals.

Harold Hurst – for his unselfish dedication to the care of Fatz Hardin.

Linda Treadwell – for her never ending duties to the Association.

Percy Golden – for his tireless efforts in assisting the retirees and their families at most difficult times.

President Randy Wyse – for his continued support and involvement in the annual luncheon.

The JFRD Honor Guard Commander, Chief Charles Moreland accepted an award on behalf of the Jacksonville Retired Firefighter’s Association for their efforts in honoring all firefighter’s that have answered their final alarm.

Warren Treadwell, retired JSO Sergeant, Linda Treadwell , Firefighter, Wanda Surrency, Warren’sister, and her husband Bill accepted an award on behalf of George Treadwell our oldest living firefighter.

Special gifts were given to the following: D. K. Whitman, for traveling the farthest ( Lake Arthur, La). Miles Bowers for having the most number of years on the job. Ressie Taylor for being the oldest retiree in attendance.

The big prize this year was won by Butch McLaughlin, a 50” LG Plasma TV. The second prize went to David Blankenship, a 42” LG Plasma TV. Congratulations!

Wayne Doolittle “I’m sorry if Chief Gary Keys misunderstood my comment about the “past administration” in their lack of support for the retirees. Chief Keys surely knows which administration I was referring to.”

Our Association has grown to a membership of 411. WOW what success.

Don’t forget the monthly breakfast on Thursday, November 12, 2009.