Minutes of the
President Yarnell called the
meeting to order at
Members present: Dwight Tetrick, Elwin Thrasher, Jim Chambers, Marty Miller, Robert
Yarnell, Jim Washburn, Cy Gamber
Welcome guests: Janett Tetrick, Billie Washburn,
and Hector Noyas Jr.
The membership approved the
minutes of the May meeting as published in the newsletter.
The secretary read two
letters received over the summer. The first from Charles O’Daniel
thanked the chapter for the Law Enforcement Award he received at the May
meeting. Lt. Thomas Michel, Sr. Army JROTC instructor at
Treasurer Marty Miller
presented the financial report indicating a balance of $2,289.49.
The president reported on
plans for the yearly picnic to be held with the CAR in October. The location
and date may need to be altered from last year. Details are to be included in
the next newsletter. Robert received a request from a student about the essay
contest, which he forwarded to Kevin. A Board of Governors meeting was set for
Oct. 7th at
A short discussion ensured
about a possible change of location for our monthly meetings. The current
location has undergone another change of management and we may not be able to
continue with the same arrangements. Members with ideas or contacts were asked
to speak with President Yarnell who is working on the matter.
Vice President Tetrick passed on a request by American Financial Advisors
to make a presentation at one of our monthly meetings. Since we endeavor to
present programs consistent with the Revolution and other matters of history,
the membership declined the offer.
The meeting adjourned for
lunch.
President Yarnell reconvened
the meeting and introduced Vice President Tedrick who
presented the speaker, Hector Noyas,
Jr. Mr. Noyas is in his 18th year with
Tampa Fire and Rescue and currently works in the fire prevention office,
specifically in the arson division. He has received numerous awards in this
time including Fire Fighter of the Year.
After a brief introduction
of his background and current duties, Mr. Noyas
presented a wonderful history of the Tampa Fire Department.
[The highlights from the
secretary’s notes do not do justice to the presentation. For the benefit of
those unable to attend, a few key items are recalled.]
§
The Tampa Fire
Department is first organized in 1884 and consists mainly of volunteers. The
§
1886: the department improved its service with the
addition of new equipment purchase by individuals
§
1895: May 10th begins the first paid
fire department in the city
§
1905: The city purchases 2 new horse driven
engines. The first fire fighter fatality happens shortly thereafter.
§
1908: March 1,
§
1914: July 27 is the last day that horse driven
engines are used in the city
Mr. Noyas
concluded his talk by applying his skills as an arson investigator to the facts
surrounding the 1908 Ybor fire. He explained to the
membership his reasoning process and concluded that the fire most likely
started by accident.
A brief question period
followed.
Vice President Tetrick presented Mr. Noyas with
the SAR Fire Fighter award consisting of a medal and certificate.
The 50/50 drawing fell to
our able newsletter editor who donated all the proceeds to the treasury.
The president led the
recessional, the chaplain offered the benediction, and the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Yarnell
Chapter Secretary