As we wind down this holiday season I hope that everyone had a nice Christmas and Happy New Year!

It seems like we just can’t get a break from this Covid stuff because everyone you talk to either has it, had it or knows someone that has it. I wish we could go back to pre Covid times but it looks like it might be here for a while. I hope everyone stays healthy.

We have started this year off on a sad note. Longtime member and friend Bruce Harding passed away this week. For those that didn’t know him, Bruce was a kind gentleman who Really enjoyed fire trucks. He had a nice collection but as his health started to deteriorate he began to downsize. He reached out to me last year about maybe making a deal with the Va Fire Museum to purchase a big part of his collection. After traveling to the outskirts of Richmond to view his trucks, we were able to make a deal and the trucks were picked up last August. It was one of his happiest moments for him to see the rigs running again after years of their somber existence. It was also a sad day for him to see 5 trucks that he so very loved leave his possession. They are now part of the Va Fire Museum and will be taken care of forever. We are planning to celebrate his life maybe sometime this Spring. He and I became close friends after that and talked to each other at least weekly just to check in or say Hi.

On a good note the Tennessee chapter is holding a meeting this Saturday near Bristol at one of their members warehouses filled with Firetrucks. What a collection to see. I will send out more info for the ones that might want to go. The meeting is Saturday from 10-3 and lunch is provided. There will be a guest speaker and lots to see and do. Send me a message if interested and I will get you the info.

Rob Fariss, ODHFS Western Region Director - 540-580-8550