TFA President Jim Whaley of Alcoa Fire Department

TFA President Frank Cotton presents the “Firefighter of the Year” plaque to Capt. Trey Nelms of the Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department during the Saturday night banquet of the association.

Memphis Fire Services Color Guard are shown in presenting the Flags during the Memorial Services at the TFA Conference at Memphis.

Memphis Fire Services Color Guard are shown in presenting the Flags during the Memorial Services at the TFA Conference at Memphis.

 

2007-2008 Officers----TFA Officers for 2007-2008 of the Tennessee Firemen's Association. Pictured here left to right (seated) Past President Frank Cotton of Memphis, Sec/Treas Berenda Vance of Nashville, President Jim Whaley of Alcoa, (standing) 1st VP Dale Maynard of Murfreesboro, Advisory Board Member Chief David Baxter of Murfreesboro, 2nd VP Charlie McFarland of Huntingdon, and Advisory Board Member Gary Miller of Newport. Not pictured is 3rd VP Mike Berry of Alcoa.

NEW OFFICER: Michael Berry of Alcoa Fire Dept, left, is the newest member to the TFA Board as 3rd Vice President as he is welcomed by President Jim Whaley (center) of Alcoa Fire Department and 2nd Vice President Charlie McFarland, right, of Huntingdon FD.

Greetings from the President!

 

About Tennessee Firemen's Association74th Annual Convention and Training Conference

Didn't we have a great conference in Memphis this year?  President Cotton and all who were involved from the Memphis Fire Department gave us first class treatment.  Thanks to all of the instructors and vendors for making our conference such a success.  I would like to thank Frank for his years of service not only to the Tennessee Firemen's Association but for his time and effort that he puts in to the Tennessee fire service.  Frank has always impressed me with his ability to look at things from all angles when making decisions pertaining to firefighters. Although he is from the largest department in the state, he keeps the size and abilities of all the departments in perspective when making decisions that affect us all.  Thanks again Frank for your commitment.

I would also like to congratulate Trey Nelms who was chosen as Firefighter of the year. Trey's commitment to his department, his community and even to neighboring departments has made a positive impact to all who have been associated with him. 

We honored our fallen firefighters lost in the line of duty and all retired firefighters who died in 2006.  As always our brother firefighters were paid the highest respect to which they deserved. Thanks to Chaplin Vance and all who participated in the Memorial Service.  If your attendance at the conference was for no other reason, this memorial service was worth it all.

I am writing this the day after 9 firefighters died in Charleston South Carolina.  Please keep these firefighters, their families and the Charleston Fire Department in your thoughts and prayers.  Danger goes with our jobs and is always present. Whether our departments are big, small, paid or volunteer they are always there.  Just remember that while driving to the call, fighting fires, working motor vehicle accidents, EMS scenes and any other incident to which we respond, BE SAFE.  I thank all of you for the commitment of service to which you offer your communities and the training you do in preparation for any call you may receive.

I look forward to the coming year and serving you as President of the Tennessee Firemen's Association. While becoming involved with the TFA I have learned many things and met many firefighters just like myself across this state.  I have gained knowledge and respect for others just through contacts with people in the fire service in Tennessee.  I encourage you to become involved with other departments whether it is on a local level or at a state level.  There are many firefighters, chiefs, and inspectors who can share a wealth of knowledge with you and there are organizations who would welcome your involvement just as this organization would.

The Tennessee Firemen's Association is here to support all firefighters and Fire Departments across the state in whatever way we can. . If I can be of assistance or if you have ideas that the we can use to serve the association in a better way, contact me at jwhaley@cityofalcoa-tn-gov .

2008 Annual Conference will be at Townsend.

Just for your information and planning, the 2008 annual convention and training conference will be held in Townsend at the Valley View Lodge on May 29-31 2008.

Reservations are already being accepted.  There will be three choices of rooms Standard rooms $60, Deluxe $80, Pool side $90 on 3 night booking before March 1, 2008.  These room rates will be good for the your stay if you wish to make a family vacation for an extended stay before or after the convention.  This location is 20 minutes from Alcoa/Maryville, 30 minutes from Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, 10 minutes from the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Bike trail from the motel parking lot which is around 8 miles. Inner tubing and trout fishing in the National Park and Townsend. Start making your plans to attend next year.   Valley View Lodge 1-800-292-4844.   The Convention registration will be at a later date. Start making your plans to attend and reserve your room today.

Conference registration information will be announced at a later date.