The IFBA Region 5 meeting went
off without a hitch in Beaumont this past weekend. There were
17 attendees from clubs based in Shreveport, Dallas, and Houston
as well as several affiliate members who all enjoyed the clear
skies and low temps and humidity. To no one's surprise, John
Hembrey was the farthest traveled to the meeting, coming from
Canon City, Colorado, more than half by train.
Rebecca Woodland, the local
convention bureau's liaison, was of considerable help to
us. The hotel and hospitality room were excellent despite
only a few months recovery time from Hurricane Rita. We
toured the Fire Museum of Texas in downtown Beaumont, thanks
to Director Susan Lanning coming in on a beautiful Saturday
to open it up to us. We also toured numerous BFD
facilities, and received an excellent presentation from BFD
Captain Brad Penisson on the department's handling of
hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
During the business meeting,
Bill Wilcox was re-elected Regional Vice President for
another year, as was Bob Woody for Recording Secretary. The
group voted to have next year's meeting in San Antonio about
this same time of year with Larry Childress and Tom McDonald
being the prep committee.
I hope more of you can come
next year to San Antonio as this group has a great time
together. We would all be very pleased to see some new as
well as old faces again. If you have been thinking about
starting your own fire buff club in your community or would
possibly just like to be an affiliate member of IFBA, then
send me an e-mail. Also, please e-mail me any changes to
your e-mail address during the year. Thanks.
IFBA Region 5 Meeting
Coordinator
