The Panhandle Firemen’s & Firemarshal’s Association held their annual conference and convention on May 15, 2010 at the Fifth Season Inn in Amarillo, TX. There were 156 full registrations for convention, 71 registered for banquet only, and 7 guests for a total of 234. PFFMA board members present were President Scott Nelson; 1st Vice President Billy Bonner; 2nd Vice President Mario Garcia; 3rd Vice President Kelly Vandygriff; 4th Vice President Tim Smith; Past President Craig Dubois; Secretary/Treasurer Paul Hamilton; Chaplain Wyley Chaney; Sweetheart Lauren Hamilton; and Mascot Maryah Garcia.
Guests in attendance included SFFMA Past Presidents Kyle Stephens & Billy Ray Mize, SFFMA 1st Vice President Bryan Rickert, SFFMA Secretary Richard Van Winkle, SFFMA Assistant Secretary Jim White.
Chief Steve Ross from the Amarillo Fire Department gave the welcome with 2nd Vice President Mario Garcia giving the response.
SFFMA 1st VP Rickert invited everyone to attend the SFFMA Annual Conference and Convention to be held in Corpus Christi in June. Rickert reported on the SFFMA recruitment & retention program and encouraged all departments to contact the state office for additional information and to schedule training session. SFFMA Secretary candidate Joe Ondrasek and SFFMA 4th VP candidate Paul Hamilton both addressed the board and members of PFFMA. They asked for support during the SFFMA annual convention in Corpus. Hamilton discussed HB 2604 and the monies available for reimbursement for training and conference registration. He encouraged all that could to make it to Corpus just for the vote on Wednesday if at all possible.
4th VP Tim Smith recognized the Past Presidents of the association. 2009 FFOY Chad Guthrie recognized the Past Firefighters of the Year. Gary Brown presented the 2010 Firefighter of the Year, Glen Pack of the Dalhart Volunteer Fire Department. The memorial service was conducted by Chaplain Wyley Chaney and members of the ladies auxiliary. President Nelson then called for committee reports.
Parliamentarian: No report given
Finance: Randy Tallant reported the committee met earlier, reviewed all books, checks and balances. All are in place and in order.
Resolution: Craig Dubois read the resolution.
Memorial: Wyley Chaney gave the report and asked if names could be given to the committee earlier.
Sergeant at arms: No report
Secretary Report: Paul Hamilton reported that as of May 15, 2010, there are 72 out of 104 departments that have paid dues to PFFMA with 55 of these paying into the PFFMA relief fund.
Golf: Paul Hamilton reported the golf tournament was held at Palo Duro Creek in Canyon this year. 28 golfers participated in the tournament.
Contest Events: No report given. All winners of games will be announced and trophies will be handed out at the awards banquet Saturday evening.
By-Laws: No report
Sergeant-at-arms: No report
President Nelson asked for motion for committee reports to be approved. Motion made, 2nd and carried.
President Nelson opened up the business meeting and asked for any old business. There being no old business, President Nelson asked for any new business. At this time, SFFMA and PFFMA board members presented a plaque to Texas Representative David Swinford and thanked him for all of his support for the fire service.
President Nelson ask for a motion to move up current officers. Motion 2nd and carried. President Nelson then conducted nominations for 4th Vice President, sweetheart and mascot. Nominations for 4th VP was BJ Bonner, Shamrock VFD, Sweetheart nominations are Lauren Hamilton, Potter County and Brittni Turner, Dalhart. Mascot nomination is Maryah Garcia Dalhart. There being no other 4th VP or mascot candidate, motion made and 2nd to elect them both by acclamation. Motion carried. Election for sweetheart was then held. Elected to the PFFMA board sweetheart was Brittni Turner, Dalhart. SFFMA 1st VP Bryan Rickert installed the Officers of the PFFMA.
SFFMA 1st Vice President Bryan Rickert presented Craig Dubois with a plaque thanking him for serving as the president of PFFMA for 2009-10. PFFMA President Billy Bonner presented Scott Nelson with a plaque and awarded him lifetime membership as a past president of the PFFMA. Motion was made and 2nd to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Hamilton, Secretary/Treasurer PFFMA
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