Thoughts From the Treasurer
Looking back over the years, I believe the very first paper was January 2006. That means I have written nearly 300 articles. The downside to that is some of you have read nearly 300 articles. Sorry.
Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers went out to the families of Michial Brodkorb and Tiffany Knipfer, the firefighters and community of Wessington Springs last month. The tragic loss of Michial and Tiffany leaves all of us wondering why? We may wonder how are we going to carry on? Why did this happen to such good people? If you feel like you are becoming overloaded with life things, then reach out to someone. Rod from Custer is always available to listen and offer some help. Provident and Workers Compensation Insurance have help lines too. Remember it’s not a weakness to ask, but a sign of strength. Think of it as mutual aid. If your department has an incident bigger than it can handle, what do you do? You call for mutual aid, come help us. Think of that phone call as mutual aid. Nobody has to go alone.
State fire school is next month, which means just weeks away. Registration is open and ready. Discounts for those early bird registration and departments that are 100% Members are there for your use. Take advantage of them. It’s some of the benefits we are able to offer.
The recent passing of Bill Gustin, was a contributor to Fire Engineering magazine, and nationally known instructor. I never met Mr. Gustin, but illustrator Paul Combs did. Paul Combs noted Bill Gustin once said, “Never Stop Being a Student, Learn and Share Something Every Single Day.” Have you ever told yourself, I don’t know why I’m here, I know this stuff? Have I told myself that? Yep, sure have, but I’ll try to remember these words. Go to fire school next month and learn something each day and share something.
I’m not making a political comment here, but … With all the recent budget slashing, firings, closing offices and/or entire agencies, the fire service is not exempt. The National Fire Academy in Emmittsburg, Maryland is closed. No classes. Nothing. FEMA’s future is totally uncertain. The Assistance to Firefighters Grants, VFA and SAFER grants who knows if they will survive. That’s a shame. None of us like to hear about fraud and waste. But the NFA, AFG and SAFER are neither of these. You do it in your personal life, decide what’s important, what can we do without? Closing or cancelling these programs is a step back 30 years for the fire service.
With all this, I’ll close for this month, bored you long enough. Hope to see you in Watertown and be safe each and every day.
SDFA Treasurer Denny Gorton