DVFAPresident

by Ken Ryder, President, DVFA

First of all, it’s hot in my neck of the woods, as that old saying goes. This year we can add to hazy, hot and humid, the smoke from the Canadian wildfires. For me, this is one of those rare occurrences. I don’t remember smoke like this being a problem in days gone by.

On the evening of June 3, 2023, LADVFA President Deb Lawhead and myself attended the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and Ladies Auxiliary Joint Officer’s Banquet and Celebration at the Navy-Marine Corps

Memorial Stadium Ballroom in Annapolis, Maryland. We were invited to attend the event by Ben Kurtz, President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) and Malea Daughton, President of the Auxiliary to the MSFA. This was the perfect opportunity for interstate comradery between our associations. It was a great honor and an enjoyable evening for both of us to represent the DVFAand LADVFA.

About two weeks later on June 19, I attended the opening ceremonies of the MSFAin Ocean City as their three-day convention got underway. This opening event was also attended by PP’s Ted Walius and Bill Betts, Secretary Elmer Steele, Liaison Steve Austin and Executive Manger Jay Jones. Again, it was great to interact with our neighboring associa- tion.

The first leg of the 152nd Delaware General Assembly ended on June 30, as anticipated. For most of that afternoon, VPRon O’Neal, VPTom DiCristofaro, myself and Executive Manager Jay Jones were in the balcony, first in the House and second in the Senate Chambers to track the progress of The Grant-in-Aid legislation. After passing in the House it moved over to the Senate and did pass both houses in its entirety as written. Passage of this enhanced legislation is critical for the fire service as it contained much-awaited and needed funding essential for our operations and survival. It will provide increases in buildings, substations, ambulances, vehicles, equipment and boats. Also passed at the end of June was the Bond Bill.