From Your 3rd Vice President
Hello Firefighters,
I would like to thank everyone who traveled to Waverly to participate in this years IFA PAC Fund Golf Tournament and our Hole Sponsors who made it a success. Thank you all for your support.
I had the opportunity to go to Forrest Lake, Minnesota to meet with Russ Hanes who founded the Invisible Wounds Project. The mission of the Invisible Wounds Project is to positively enhance the lives of those who have served. They work with Military, Police, Fire, EMS, Medical Staff, and Dispatchers and their families focusing on mental health and wellness. Russ runs a laser engraving shop where first responders suffering with PTSD or any other mental disorder can work. They can do any logo on wood, metal, glass, slate, leather, etc. They make Years of Service Awards or any other trophy. If you give them a design idea they can make it. If you would like to help support this organization you can reach out to Russ at Russ@iwproject.org
I was there for their June breakfast where I got to sit down with several members of Russ‘s staff and their family members and visit about First Responders and the problems they encounter on the job. They are all grateful for this organization and for what it has done for the community. I am looking forward to the IFA and the IWP working together to help improve mental fitness in first responders.
I also had the opportunity to be at Camp Courageous for the Iowa MDA Summer Camp with Kent and Rick. It was such a privilege to get to meet these kids they are so full of life and such a pleasure to be around. This is an event I will always try to attend. If you talk to the kids the best thing of that day is Rick Schmidt‘s Rootbeer Floats and the shaving cream war!
With this being the August issue of the paper the State Fair is just around the corner there is still time to volunteer to help with the Hall of Flame booth. If you would like to help, Please contact Ashley Whitson at alhockman@gmail.com to set up a time. It is always fun to help educate kids on fire safety.
The next LOSAP portal will be opening soon so if you didn‘t get signed up already the opportunity is coming again. All the information for it is on our website. Don‘t miss out on rewarding your firefighters for what they do.
The IFA SAFER Grant has been busy, lot‘s of departments are getting signed up for gear reimbursements for new recruits. And our advertising program will now be seen on streaming services like Hulu, Roku, and Netflix expanding our reach to improve recruitment for your department.
Convention is coming soon it will be here before you know it. Manchester Fire has been busy rebuilding the electrical boxes and getting the campgrounds ready for another great convention. I‘m looking forward to seeing everyone again.
As always, Stay Safe, Be Safe.