We had our Convention in Winston-Salem. Quite a few of our members from the Eastern part of the State were dealing with the flood waters from Hurricane Floyd and some from the Piedmont were called for assistance. If you have time, talk with some of the members who responded and worked many hours in performing rescue. Most of the members responded to areas that they were not familiar with and worked under conditions that they had never before observed. We have members in the Eastern part of the State that lost everything they had, except the clothes which they escaped with. Some of our member's work places were closed and they lost time. We, who were not affected by the flood, must give thanks to God and pray for those that were. It is now time for the brotherhood of man to begin work to assist those that were affected, and help to put their lives back together. It will be a long, long time before the people will be able to overcome this disaster. If you know of any way that you can help the victims, please call the office and advise us.
As the 43rd Annual Convention has come and gone, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported me in my being elected Vice-Commander. If you were not able to attend, due to Hurricane Floyd, you were greatly missed and you were no doubt first in all our thoughts and prayers. A big "THANK YOU" to all the staff and vendors who helped make the Convention a success, and to Buddy White who has done a great job over the past years as Vice-Commander and then as Commander. As we start into the next years, I look forward to meeting you, working for and with you to make our Association grow and prosper. Please feel free to call upon me with you ideas and concerns. Thanks, again.
| Special Notice | From: | Jim Long, State Fire Marshal / Commissioner of Insurance |
| Reference: | 1999 Volunteer Rescue/EMS Fund due 9/30/99 | |
| 1999 Volunteer Fire Department Fund due 10/1/99 |
"Even though the Administrative Procedures state the due dates listed above, I am using my authority as a Council of State member to extend the deadline for both the 1999 Volunteer Rescue/EMS Fund and 1999 Volunteer Fire Department Fund. Both deadlines are extended to November 1, 1999. I feel that the Governor's declaration of this statewide disaster warrants this unprecedented action on my behalf as State Fire Marshal and Commissioner of Insurance.
We recognize the tremendous impact Hurricane Floyd is having on our state. The emergency of Floyd's aftermath has affected all of us and will continue to for quite some time. To help compensate all of you affected by the storm and those who have sent volunteers to help the victims, we will allow the receipt of invoices and grant applications postmarked by November 1, 1999. We would appreciate those of you, unaffected by the storm, who can meet the original deadline to do so. We have limited time to process these documents and still meet the General Statute deadlines. Receiving as many as possible, as early as possible will help us greatly.
Your volunteer fire and rescue service is invaluable to North Carolina. The unselfish dedication to serve the citizens in your local communities and throughout North Carolina is second to none and I'm very proud to be your State Fire Marshal. Our thoughts are with you all".