December 2011

MEMBER REPORT:

Congratulations to Bill and Judy Dixon who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 20.

In the Florida Times Union, December 4, 2011, there is a very nice article featuring Retired Engineer Donald “Dad” Denmark. The article relates the story of Donald’s history as a hunter and his black Labrador retriever, “Hoss”.

Danny Hires was voted as Legionaire of the Year at Post 137 on San Juan Avenue.

Dale Walters is still very ill and is home.

Jim White was admitted to St. Vincent’s the day after Christmas but he is home now recovering well.

Sharon Davis, wife of Cecil Davis fell and broke her hip and Cecil is home taking very good care of her.

Mickey Stoops wife, Linda is going into the hospital on January 5, for a heart valve replacement.

During the month of December we have had two of our members pass away. Lonnie Wiggins on December 8 and Jerry Batton on December 22. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families in their time of grief.

During the year 2011 there have been 18 firefighter deaths, 17 retired and one active duty.

ACTIVITIES:

The Redknights will be meeting at Richard Howard’s house so that the members can watch and review the Harley Davidson “Group Touring Safety Program”. Meeting starts at 7:30pm.

On Tuesday, January 10, 2012 there will be the annual meeting of the Jacksonville Firefighters Death Benefit Fund held at Sta.8 upstairs for the purpose of electing new officers. There will be a dinner served. Wayne Doolittle will be cooking

The Retiree’s breakfast will be on Thursday, January 12 at Piccadilly.

If you are a member of the Jacksonville Firemen’s Credit Union there are several dates you should remember:
Jan. 3, Accepting Qualifying Letters of Intent
Jan. 13, 12 pm Qualifying Submission Deadline
Jan. 16, Mail Ballots
Jan. 27, 12 pm Ballot Deadline
Jan. 31, Count Ballots
Jan. 31, Publish Results

Slate of Officers and incumbants:
Board of Directors, Group V – Danny Ingle
Board of Directors, Group IV – John Keane

January 18, 2012 there will be a luncheon at Jim White’s camp in the Ocala National Forest. Lunch will be held at noon.

Your Association delivered 20 gift baskets to the sick and home bound. This has become an annual event.

Busy Bee officers getting the baskets ready for delivery	Wayne Doolittle delivering a basket to Tim Ellis

While attending the Annual Firefighters Luncheon this year we had 14 new memberships turned in:
Michael George, Glenda Hopkins, Robert Burns, Sr.
Glen Milam, George Hooten, Dawn Bonaventure – Pullo
James Cunningham, Ron Jolley, Robert Tuten, Button Lee
Steven Esslinger, John Corley, Jeff Basford, Richard Smack
We want to welcome all of our new memebers.

NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT:

We have invited all of the new Chief appointees to attend this month’s Retiree Breakfast. If you have questions or concerns please plan to be in attendance.

I want to thank everyone who attended the December Firefighter Breakfast and contributed generously in support of our firefighter family for Christmas. They really appreciate the gift.

Thanks go out to Ronnie Learn for picking up the Firefighter breakfast tab in December. Merry Christmas!

DECEMBER 2012 MEMBER PROFILE:

BUDDY HARRIS, 53, Firefighter Engine 16

Buddy was born in Santa Ana, California and his family moved to Jacksonville when he was 6 months old. Buddy is the youngest of 6 children, he has 4 sisters and 1 brother.

Buddy graduated from Nathan Bedford Forest High School in 1977. He states that the most fun he had in high school was his drafting class.

Buddy met his wife in Maxville and was married there in 1986. Buddy and Nancy have two children and one grandchild.

When we asked what made him want to become a firefighter, Buddy stated that had an occasion to meet several volunteers from Fire Station 31. Bill Spivey was the station captain and along with Billy Estep, and Donald Kreitzman they convinced Buddy to join the volunteers. He became a volunteer firefighter in 1978.

Buddy then went to the Fire Academy and completed minimum standards in 1980. He later attended Florida Junior College and was awarded two AS degrees. One in welding and the other in Marine Electronics..

Buddy was hired by Jacksonville Fire Department in 1988 and his first assignment was Station 2. Lt. Ronnie Drummond was his officer. After a year at #2 Buddy was transferred to Ladder 1 B with Captain “Fatz” Harden, Jim Webber, and Rempert Arnold. Buddy spent 1 year at #1 he was transferred to his old home Station 31 with Lt. George “The Toad” Sherman. From #31 he then went to #32 with Lt. George Hooten. Then finally to his dream Station 16 at the airport with Lt. Craig Smith.

Buddy and his wife Nancy are quite the collectors. Among their prize items are two 1978 Pontiac Trans Am cars. They are both painted gold. These cars have taken a few prizes in different car shows.

Car shows are something that Buddy and Nancy are really involved with. One show that Buddy takes control of is the Firefighters Car Show. All proceeds from this show benefit Camp Amigo, children’s burn camp.  www.campamigo.com This car show is sponsored by Local 122.

Buddy is also very involved with MDA Camp Love as a counselor and entertainment guru.

Buddy also is the owner of “A Professional DJ Service”. To make hauling all his DJ equipment around, Buddy purchased a 1990 ambulance in New Jersey. Buddy restored the ambulance and named it the Jambulance. www.aprodj.com

Buddy also purchased a 1974 Peirce Snorkel Truck with an 85 foot boom in Gainesville, Georgia. Buddy is very generous with his Snorkel and uses it to display an American flag that measures 20ft x 35ft at all firefighter funerals. Buddy also has been asked to display his flag at numerous military funerals. http://www.herostribute.com/

Buddy has always been very active in Local 122. He served as a delegate for a number of years and he is always willing to assist in any way possible. His wife Nancy is always by his side. When Local 122 hosted it’s Christmas Party, Buddy and Nancy were there decorating. www.firemanjax.com

 

	Standing with the snorkel at Jerry Batton's Service
	alking with Linda Treadwell at Jerry Batton's Service
	Opening the door for family at Jerry Batton's Service