Greetings!
We have quite a few things going on in our association as I write this article for May. The
biggest is the upcoming annual meeting to be held in Madison in June at the Clifty Falls State
Park June 18th
-20th. The Committee are working hard to finalize all aspects of the 3 days and to
make sure you have a great time in June. Madison is a very historic town and has a deep history
in the fire service. On Friday afternoon you will be able to ride a trolley downtown and visit
some fire stations and their museum. During the convention we will present our state awards
for 2025, elect our state officers for 2026. We will also have our annual Miss Flame Contest, and
our 2nd Annual Jr. Firefighter Competition. Last year we had 4 contestants, and I am proud to
announce this year we have more than doubled that number. Hope to see you there! Please
come join us, and enjoy some networking while we address the business of the fire in Indiana.
Due packets were mailed to member departments in April. Please look them over and make
sure all information shown on the roster sheets is correct. Change of beneficiaries and new
members require new membership forms are submitted. Should you have questions, please
reach out to your District Chairmans or the Central Office.
On March 25th we honored this years 50-year Gold Card recipients at the state house this is a
very special event that the IVFA puts on each year inside the state capitol. The new recipients of
the gold card get a chance to meet with their legislators, get to go meet the governor. I always
enjoy being there and meeting some members, and their family that have been the foundation
of our organization. This year we add 107 new lifetime members, which is the largest group
anyone can remember of. If you were not able to attend the event at the state house your
District Chairman will be getting ahold of you or your department to get a time to set up a
presentation.
As I write this article here in the end of March, legislators are still in sessions. We spent a lot of
time, on HB bill 1233. There is plenty of attention on property taxes, no matter how you fill, stay
informed, stay engaged, and let your voice be heard. Please check out our Lobbyist Larry Curl’s
article for a more in depth look at legislation.
In February I was fortunate to travel to Washington DC to meet with our elected leaders, and
attend the Congressional Fire Symposium. We had a great time, and networked with fire service
leaders from around the United States.
I attended several Dist. Meetings over the past couple months, thanks to everyone for they
wonderful meals and great hospitality. I was even fortunate enough to present a Life Saving
Award to Ben Knies form Dubois Volunteer Fire Department.
On March 8th, 2025 Don “HEV” Caylor of the Ridgeville Vol. Fire Department, made the
ultimate sacrifice when he died in the Line of Duty. I want once again send my condolences to
family and the Ridgeville Vol. Fire Department.
On a more personal note, the fire service lost a great man on March 31st. Jack Wilson a founding
member of Wright Twp. Fire Dept. and a 46-year IVFA member passed away. Growing up in
Greene County Jack was one of the pillars of the fire service, and was note only very involved in
Wright Twp, but the Greene County Firefighters Association, an organization I am proud to say I
served as an officer of including President. Jack was kind hearted, and loved by all. I been away
from Greene County for over 20 years, but anytime I seen Jack, I would always try to make time
to sit and talk to him for a few minutes. He will always be missed. To his family, friends, and fire
department, my family and I send our deepest sympathy, and condolences.
Till Next Time
Ross