Today was paul Schnichels last day at station 4 on B shift. We knew that he was going to station two, but did not expect such short notice.

Paul my man, we will miss you here at station 4. Keep that 4B pride!!

Overland Park Fire Department  Benevolent Association (OPFDBA)  Members-

Last week your OPFDBA representatives met and decided what our initial response would be to the tragic death of Firefighter John Glaser.  I apologize for the delay with the distribution of this information.

1. The Overland Park Fire Department Benevolent Association will make a minimum $1000.00 donation to the John Glaser memorial fund.

• There are many factors that were considered regarding this decision.  These factors included but were not limited too: The financial status of the OPFDBA, the proximity of Shawnee to Overland Park, and the fact that this loss is a Line of Duty Death.  It was easily decided that having a  tragedy of this magnititude  happen within our county demands a strong response from our members.

2. A memorial pin has been designed that is similar to the Mark Mansfield memorial pin (The Mansfield pin can be viewed at www.opfdba.com).

• A bulk order of these  pins have been ordered and will be delivered along with our memorial contribution within the next three weeks.  These items will be delivered by your OPFDBA representatives on behalf of you.  In addition to our financial contributions we felt strongly that the pins would be a moving gesture designed to show our support for Shawnee FD members.

3. The OPFDBA picnic is still scheduled for this Saturday June 5^th at Quivira Park (119^th and Quivira) from 11-3.

• After the costs associated with our picnic  are covered any additional revenue will be directed to the Glaser memorial fund.  This includes donations made the day of the picnic as well as profits made from the sale of raffle tickets.

4. The OPFDBA will accept donations specifically for the Glaser memorial fund.

• Many members have asked if they can contribute to the OPFDBA to increase the size of our donation.  The answer is “Yes”.  The OPFDBA directors have decided that we will donate a minimum of $1000.00.  However, if you wish to increase the size of our gift then send your contributions to OPFDBA Treasurer Ted Moore at 4C.  Please indicate that your contribution is meant solely for the Glaser memorial fund.

Because of your support (financial and otherwise) of the OPFDBA we will have a united front in offering our support to other firefighters.  I hope you are proud knowing that your support allows us to be present when others suffer a terrible tragedy.  I know I am.

Thank you.

Jason

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Here are some updates for the picnic that is next Saturday from 11-3.

After the costs associated with our picnic  are covered any additional revenue will be directed to the Glaser memorial fund.  This includes donations made the day of the picnic as well as profits made from the sale of raffle tickets. 

Scott Jackson will be donating all of the beef for the picnic- thanks Scott!!

Here is a note from Scott-

It is time again for beef sales.  I am sending this list to you folks who have bought from me before for first dibbs.  I will need to have you commit to an order by June 19^th.  The beef will be delivered to the locker in December or January depending on when the animals are ready.  As always, payment will be at time of delivery to locker.  We will still only be taking orders by the ½, so if you just want ¼, pair up with someone and designate one person as the contact for payment and locker call.  We do have a nice crop of calves this year so the meat should be great quality.  If you have any questions feel free to give me a call (913) 731-1694.  PLEASE email me to commit so I have a paper record of it.

 Scott Jackson

 

Here are some pictures from Kent Saturday and Mike Morgan’s  jam session.

As you can tell from the pics, we had a great time!

After the last few days, I can’t tell you how proud I am to call myself an Overland Park firefighter.  I couldn’t keep track of how many times a Shawnee firefighter came up to me and wanted to thank us for our support. Truly amazing!

Seeing everyone from every battalion stepping up and representing this department was awesome.

We will have some pictures to post soon, and also news of what the BA will be donating to the Shawnee FD.  Be safe out there.

                      

Rest in peace John.

Some of the OPFDBA directors had a meeting today to discuss what we could do to help out the Shawnee FD and the family of our fallen brother. We will let the members know as soon as we make a decision. Thank You

May 2010 Academy Recruits

We would like to welcome Carson Drew Stringfield to our families.  Carson weighed in at 8lbs 5 oz and is 20.5 inches tall.  He arrives at 12:33 AM on 5-20-2010.  Monica, Dan, and Brayden are doing fine.

– copied from Keith Murry’s email

Here are some pics of the items that will be raffled off at the OPFDBA picnic. Get your tickets now!

$1 a ticket or 6 for $5.

Lowrance GPS Explorer, 8GB IPOD Touch, Philips 7″ Widescreen DVD Player

Today is Dave Gipka’s last day at station 4 on B-Shift as a paramedic. Dave will start the academy on Monday May 17th, and be back on shift the 5th of June at station 2 on B-shift as a firemedic.

Good luck with the new changes!

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One of the best annual events in the department is coming up on May 22nd. Special needs day is an idea developed by Chief McGee to give kids with special needs and their families the chance to come to the training center and spend the day enjoying fire truck rides, spraying water out of a fire hoses, watching crews repel, and cutting up cars.
The kids are also served lunch, with the support from local businesses.
CFD #2, Lenexa FD, Johnson County Med-Act and the Shriners help make this day a success.
Thank you Chief McGee for this great day!

How is Scott and the twins doing? Check out his updates here http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ssjackson