I
would like to begin with a huge “Thank You” to all of you that supported
and voted for me for the office of President.
I am excited, and look forward to the next two years serving the
members of the Association. I
believe we already have the best Chapter in the country, one that has been
shaped by past administrations and its members into the formidable
organization it is today. However,
we cannot rest on our past accomplishments, and I will strive to work hard
with the Board and membership to take us to the next level.
Wichita
2010 was a huge success with a great conference. I
want to recognize the program committee for lining up an informative and
educational program and the site committee for their work on the
accommodations. A special thank
you goes to those who made it possible for our members to attend the
conference. In today’s
economy, it is truly a challenge to find the funds for travel and training.
It demonstrates the importance in the job that each and every one of
you does, the importance in education and the importance in maintaining the
skills needed to investigate fires.
I
also want to take a minute to recognize the Board members leaving office
this year. Past President Dennis
Cranor has spent many years of dedicated service to the Chapter and Board.
Dennis served on several committees while a Board member before
becoming President. Joe Rich
served several years on the Board, most of this time he served as chair of
the site committee doing a great job. One
of the hardest working Board members, Joe managed all of the merchandise for
the Chapter and was responsible for hauling, setting up, and selling
merchandise each year at the conference. Joe
also served as the chair of one of the most popular committees, the
hospitality committee, where he did an outstanding job each year. Rich
Barr served on the Board for six years, during those years, he served on the
legislative, merchandise, and hospitality committees. Rich
remains in contact with the Board, as he will continue to serve as the
Chapter’s representative on the fire service memorial committee, working
to bring a firefighter memorial to the State Capitol grounds.
2010
is already shaping up to be a busy year.
With the State Fire Marshals Office’s proposed expansion of the
levels of fire investigator certification, discussions are already being
held about forming a partnership to include the Chapter in the delivery of
the new 40-hour Origin and Cause Specialist curriculum.
I also want to remind everyone of the 80-hour fire investigation
training that will take place, in
Salina
September 13th through the 24th.
Remember this is YOUR
association; myself and the rest of the Board are here to serve you. So
if you have any questions, requests, or suggestions, feel free to contact
myself or any Board member.
Sincerely,
John W. Mattox
