Post Annual Business Meeting Letter

On February 1^st and 2^nd, we had our Business Meeting in Atlanta and the 50^th Annual Firefighter Recognition Day and Legislative Dinner.  The combined Recognition Day/Dinner was one of the largest attended to date. The awards presentations were performed by Representative Micah Gravley and Senator John Albers.  Representative Gravely is not seeking reelection and was bestowed Legislator Emeritus for GSFA.  Also, Senator Bruce Thompson and Representative Gerald Greene were presented Legislator of the Year awards.

During the business meeting, items were brought forth with resolutions and for good of the association. Two of these, we want to have members of the association serve in a committee role to provide input.   First, is a review of our current voting and election bylaws. This committee will report their suggestions back to the Board in time to be voted on for any potential bylaws changes to be presented at the conference in Columbus this September. Second, was a resolution to research the allowance of paid per call volunteers to draw their pension when eligible and continuing in that role.  This will potentially help with retention on volunteer agencies.  The findings of this committee will be presented to the Board and then to the Georgia Pension Fund Board of Trustees. Anyone interested in serving in these committees, please email dbullard@columbiacountyga.gov by March 1. At the conclusion of the Day 1 meeting, Shane Bentley of Bearers of the Oath presented “What’s Your Plan.” As the meeting was held in Atlanta, the city of resurgence, our plan as GSFA is to emerge from the Pandemic with a new energy and a commitment to every firefighter, every fire department, every day.   

Also, departments are reporting getting their stipends/supplements sent back from the office on planning a budget.  Many of thee are because the GFSTC roster is missing with the application.  If the roster has more names than submitted names for stipends/supplement, highlight the matching ones on the roster and then submit.

In Service,

GSFA Board of Directors