Happy New Year!
The holidays are over. We start a new year and new century. Each of us should re-dedicate ourselves to working for our fellow man. The officers of your squad or department should strive to be better informed and then to pass the information they have received on to the members. We are still getting calls in the Association Office from individual squad members that say they do not get the information from their squad officials. Somewhere along the lines we are not communicating with our people.
The scholarship applications will be mailed the first week of January, and must be returned by March 31st, 2000. This does not mean that you can wait until March 31st to mail the application. Remember, this is a benefit that the Association offers to the members and their children; and is not limited to just one member or child. If you have several eligible members that have children which meet the requirements, then submit an application on each one. The scholarships are not limited to just one per squad.
The officers of the squad should be certain that their members name have been submitted to the Association Office. Check your roster.
Have you talked with your members about joining the Brotherhood? Please do. You can't go wrong.
I hope each and everyone of you had a joyous holiday season. By now the Y2K bug that had everyone talking about is hopefully a memory and all is running fine. Computers and advanced technology equipment is a great help in rescue. However, if a problem does occur whether it be a generator that won't start or a power tool that isn't operating right or any number of things on a rescue scene, we improvise with what we have and get the job done. Those of us that have been in the rescue service for a number of years need to remember our basic skills and pass that knowledge onto the new members just getting started. They will be the ones doing the job in a few years.
As I traveled to different rescue squads during the holidays, I was privileged to meet and talk to numerous members that helped form the rescue squads and make them what they are today. A lot of times it all started by a group of local men and women that saw a need in their county to help another person. They didn't do it for the glory or the recognition and certainly not for pay, but for the desire to help someone.
Remember, to let the state office know of any changes in rosters and also remember the scholarship applications are sent out to the squads in early January and are due back in by March 31.
If you are not a member of the Brotherhood, you and your family are missing a tremendous benefit and you need to join.
| NUM | NAME | SQUAD | DOD | AGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #625 | Rudolph Coley | Wilson County Rescue | Nov. 13, 1999 | 60 |
| #626 | Clement P. Shine | Faison Fire & Rescue | Nov. 13, 1999 | 76 |
| #627 | Grover H. Britt | Clinton-Sampson Rescue | Nov. 20, 1999 | 78 |
| #628 | Charles G. Trent | Wilson County Rescue | Nov. 18, 1999 | 76 |
| #629 | Arnold D. Davis | Fremont Rescue Squad | Dec. 2, 1999 | 78 |
| #630 | Ross Crisp | Individual Member - Graham County Rescue | Dec. 7, 1999 | 71 |
1987 Ford XL Type II Ambulance, Mfg. by Frontline. 67500
miles. 460 Gasoline Engine. Equipped with stretcher, all
emergency lights and siren. The Coats-Grove Fire & Rescue,
Inc. Board of Directors will accept sealed bids on this
vehicle until February 8, 2000...5:00 p.m. Bids will be
opened during the monthly board meeting on February 8th.
The Board of Directors reserve the right to reject any and
all bids.
Bids may be submitted to the following address:
Coats-Grove Fire & Rescue, Inc., Chief Keith McLeod, Box
835, Coats NC 27521
February 19 - 20, 2000, Davidson County Community College, Lexington, North Carolina. For further information call Chip Osborne at 336/249-8186 ext. 209.
Alexander Rescue Squad recently presented the following awards to their members. Squad Person of the Year Award: Pat Allen & Anthony St. Clair. Life Membership Awards: Tim Chewning & Bradley Earp. Captain's Choice Award: Wes Blackwelder. Service Awards: 15 years - Tim Chewning & Bradley Earp....10 years - Pat Allen....5 years - Roxann Byers, David Holland, Doris Holland & Gail Holland. Honorary Membership was given to County Commissioner David Odom for his outstanding support and guidance to Alexander Rescue Squad.
Ritchie Chase received the "Rescue Person of the Year" award on December 3, 1999 at the annual Christmas Party held for the department and families. Ritchie has been very active this year; responding to 45% of the calls and serving as sergeant for the past 1 1/2 years.
Gladys Sikes, a 22 year veteran, was selected as "Rescue Person of the Year". The award was presented at the annual Christmas Banquet held December 7, 1999.
Linda Dees was honored for 25 years of service. The award was presented at the Christmas Banquet on December 7.
Carl Stout was honored as "1999 Member of the Year" by the Alamance County Rescue Unit at the squad's Annual Banquet held December 11, 1999. Thirty year service awards were presented to Jim Covington and Bill Henderson. Alton Watkins and Ray Watkins received awards for twenty years service. Officers for 2000' are Ande Shoe, Chief; Steve Lineberry, Assistant Chief; Dan Cheek, Chad Hamilton, Keith Isley and Terry Hinshaw, Captains; Mark Herring, Jack Lackey, and Richard Greene, Lieutenants; Amy Isley, Training Officer; Benny Brooks, Equipment Officer; and Jeff Estes, Building and Grounds Officer. Board of Directors are Eithiel Estes, President; Rick Moser, Vice-President; Richard Greene, Secretary; Jim Covington, Treasurer; John Breitmeier, Jeff Estes, Keith Isley, Steve Lineberry, Chad Slaughter, and Ande Shoe.