Conv 2004

Home
Auxiliary
Legislation
Officers
Staffing
Fire Safety
Local News
National News
Exchange Calendar
4th District PFFA
Human Relations
Union Meetings
Calendar of Events
Bulletin Board
Civil Service
M.D.A.
Awards
Not Forgotten
Membership
Burn Fund
Did you know
LSU@Eunice
www.IAFF.org
www.pffala.com
Stations
Kids Korner
Merchandise

Convention 2004

58th Annual

Professional Fire Fighters Association of LA

Baton Rouge, LA

Lindsay & Lindsay receiving gifts with newly elected State President Chad Major (left).

Lindsay & Chad Major Dillon Dupre Moments after receiving the 4 wheeler.

Beau & Mindy Dupre

Brothers & Sisters,

On February 7^th at the Professional Fire Fighters Association of Louisiana convention in Baton Rouge, awards were given for contributions to MDA in 2003. Shreveport was #1 again raising over $80,000 with Lafayette a distant second with $37,000. These numbers do not include our lock up events which if included would have pushed Shreveport to well over $100,000 and Lafayette to $93,000. Every local in the state did however get recognition for their efforts and a job well done. The irrepressible Smokey James whose dedication to MDA is unmatched in Louisiana leads Shreveport’s efforts. He becomes personally involved in the lives of Jerry’s kids and is respected by all of his peers.

Our MDA guest family was the Dupre’s, whose sons’ both have Duchene’s muscular dystrophy. The Dupre’s family consists of Barry-father, Sandra-mother, Mindy-daughter, Beau-son, Dillon-son. During the convention there was a Honda 4-wheeler being raffled off and the Dupre children were looking at the 4-wheeler dreaming and planning how they would enjoy it if they could win it. Well their conversation was overheard by some of our members and a plan was formed. A motion by Smokey James was made on the floor of convention to make their dream come true. The motion was quickly seconded and the executive board got the ball rolling with a $2,000 donation and then every local stepped to the microphone to cast their vote by donating and in less than five minutes we had $8,600 collected. The plan was set in motion by purchasing the 4-wheeler that day and securing the purchase of a trailer to transport it with enough money left over for helmets and to have the 4-wheeler customized to physically support the boys while riding. After the banquet the family was gathered and the 4-wheeler was rolled in to their complete surprise!

Also attending our convention was our 3^rd District Vice President Bob Johnson’s granddaughter Lindsay. Our Association also gave Lindsay a new Barbie car and a new batch of Barbie’s. She was as excited as we were.

I couldn’t be prouder to belong to this family of professionals and what we stand for.

Donald J. Chauvin, President

Lafayette Professional Firefighters Association

Local #619