May 24, 2010

May has certainly started out as a hot one. Another Florida summer ahead.

MEMBER REPORT:

Engineer Larry McGriff (E26-B) passed away on April 27, 2010.

Margie Thomas Miller, wife of retired Lt. Richard Miller, passed away on April 30, 2010.

Jim Wyle passed away on May 16, 2010. Jim served his entire career at Sta. 10.

Peggy Smith, wife of Retired Captain Archie Smith (E-37) passed away on May 24, 2010.

Bobby Barber, brother of Retired Engineer Jerry Barber passed away on May 17, 2010.

Lt. Don Hinson (R71A) had open heart surgery on May 4, 2010 and is recovering nicely.

Freda Starling, wife of Levi Starling, (one of the last dispatchers from FS 1 at Ocean and Adams) fell on Jan. 24, 2010. Freda was knocked unconscious and has remained that way since. She is in a nursing home in a coma. Levi spends four hours a day by her side.

Albert Dowling had back surgery this month, came home and fell in the bathroom and was transported back to the hospital. He is now home and has home therapy twice a week.

Clint Norman was scheduled for more back surgery but failed his pre-op EKG. Clint went to the cardiologist and had 3 blocked arteries. They stinted two of them on Thursday, May 20. Clint is recovering well with the exception of the back pain and his doctors say it will be August before they can do any surgery on his back. Clint would like to hear from you, 771-6914.

As always we are keeping these families in our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery and peace of mind.

SPECIAL REPORTS:

Engineer John Hall (E-37) was transported back to the hospital in Gainesville. John is having a reaction to the medication that is meant to help his body not reject his new kidney. Patti, John’s wife is traveling back and forth to Gainesville. This family is having difficulty financially. Union members passed the hat at the meeting on Thursday, May 20 and collected $1,000.00 for their brother in need. If you would like to donate to this cause there are a couple of ways to do so: gift cards to restaurants, gas stations and grocery store are needed. These cards can be mailed to John’s address : 1719 Papaya Street, Orange Park, Florida 32073. The Association is still selling tickets for the Jaguars Helmet ($1or 6 for $5). The monies will be shared with John Hall and a retiree from Broward County. The drawing will be held at the June 17, union meeting.

EVENTS:

There will be a motorcycle ride on Saturday, June 5 for the purpose of raising money for the Hagen Scholarship. This fund was created in the name of the son of Lt. Joe Hagan after his accidental death in 2008. The fund is for young men that want to be firefighters and do not have the funds to do so. Staging will be in the K-Mart parking lot in Palatka on SR 19. Beef O’Grady’s will be open early to serve breakfast. Cost is $25 for rider and $5.00 for passengers. Kickstands go up at 11:30.

The Red Knights are planning at trip in the first week of October to Emmitsburg, Maryland for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Linda Treadwell, President is inviting anyone that would like to join in this ride contact Linda at 630-0618 or 210-6799. Our fallen brother Neal Tarkington’s name will be installed on the wall of honor this year. Details are being worked on now because accommodations are fast becoming limited. This is an event that attended by thousands of people each year.

The Redknights will be meeting at Fire Station 13 on Saturday, July 17, 2010 for the purpose of taking a new club picture. Buddy Harris will be taking this snorkel truck in order that pictures can be taken.

On Monday, May 10 there was a group of us that went to Deland, Florida to view that fishing location for the February 2011 tournament. The facilities have been renovated and are very nice. We all enjoyed a nice lunch at Shady Oaks on the St. John’s River. We are really looking forward to next year’s tournament.

Lt. Jeff Gerbert is hanging up his IV catheters and laptop effective June 23, 2010. Jeff and his family will be hosting a retirement celebration at thieir home on Friday, June 18 (B shift). In order to prepare for this occasion, his is requesting any photos, videos, or enlightened stories of him. If you have any that you are able to share, please forward such to Eng. Mark Rowley (R54A) via e-mail or contact him at 904-424-2022. Additional information will be forthcoming regarding the time and location of the party.

On Monday May 31 Buddy Harris donated his snorkel and 20' x 35' flag for display at the Memorial Day Ceremony in honor of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The ceremony takes place annually at the Jacksonville Veterans memorial Wall where attendance this year was higher than in the past.  The city had cut all funding for this event and were prepared to cancel it altogether. Our Jacksonville Association of Firefighters L-122 stepped up with a $5000.00 donation to make it happen. That money helped pay for the sound system, chairs, family cooling tent and other items. L-122 President, Randy Wyse was there to lay a wreath in honor of the Coast Guard. Wayne Doolittle was present and stood to represent the Coast Guard veterans.