NCAR&EMS 2001-Oct-10 Newsletter
October 10, 2001

• Commanders Message
• Vice-commanders Message
• Brotherhood Obituaries
• 2001 Convention Winners

COMMANDER'S MESSAGE

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who supported me over the last two years as Vice-Commander as well as all who supported me in being elected as Commander. I have always put what I feel is the best for the Association ahead of my personal views and have no intention of changing now. I would also like to give Henry Sermons a heartfelt "thank you". He did a tremendous job as the Commander for the past two years. Even when his wife Eva was not feeling well, Henry still managed to take care of the business of the Association. For those of you who could not attend the Convention this year, you missed a great one. The squads around Hickory who hosted the convention really did a fine job, right down to the perfect weather. We all need to congratulate all the winners of competition and other awards. It takes years of hard work to accomplish what these teams and individuals do.

Again, to all of you "Thank You" and remember to join the Brotherhood.

VICE-COMMANDER'S MESSAGE

As I write this message, we have just safely enjoyed the 45th Annual Convention in Hickory. I would like to thank the Catawba County Association of Rescue Squads for a GREAT job. It was easy to see that many hours of planning and effort were put forth. The Convention Center, the accommodations and the weather were absolutely perfect.

It is an honor for me to have been elected as your Vice-Commander and to be able to serve you in the capacity. I look forward to working with Robert and the Association Office during my time as Vice-Commander. It is a pleasure to return to this position, again, and to be involved in such an honorable Association. I guess you could say that we are covered from the east to the west.

We will be looking at new ways of bringing you services and information. This will also include how we, as your elected officers, provide leadership to the Association in conjunction with a professional staff who manages the day-to-day services of the NCAR&EMS.

On behalf of the Association, I wish to express sincere sympathy to everyone affected by the recent tragedies. I am deeply inspired by the worldwide concern for our country in that we are able to share our pain and our grief. May God continue to be with us as we continue to serve Him by serving our fellow brothers and sisters.

One thing is for certain as we move throughout the business year and plan for the future; things are changing and resources, both human and financial, are getting scarce. We have squads that are closing their doors, leaders that are "getting tired" and while many love to be active in the Association, their jobs, families and the need to "catch their breath" are also pulling them. Many of us are challenged by jobs, which demand we continually produce and "be present at work". Many have family demands and community demands as well. The world of volunteerism is certainly changing, and we must change with it to be a viable, flexible and responsive Association.

Stay tuned and keep in touch with the Association as we move forward. It will not be "business as usual" for the Association as we look at ways to work smarter, more efficiently, and in today's world of change, more dynamically.

This is "Your" Association, please stay involved. We are 511 squads and 19,640 members strong; however that's not strength enough. Be proud of who we are and what we do.

BROTHERHOOD OBITUARY

CONVENTION WINNERS