The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) hosted the 2024 Fire-Rescue International (FRI) conference and expo at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas on August 14-16. Many vehicle manufacturers and supply vendors attended to show off their latest apparatus and gear. Check out all the pictures in our photo gallery: https://www.pfra.net/Gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=230069
The PFRA Scholarship Committee received an unprecedented thirteen (13) applications this year from college-bound sons and daughters of Plano firefighters. All applications were from very deserving students with high scores across the board which made the selection of recipients extremely difficult this year.
After multiple evaluations and discussions, the Committee is proud to announce these three students are the final recipients of the 2024 PFRA Scholarship Awards.
Carsyn Reese Lane is the daughter of Fire Training Captain Clayton (Andy) Lane at the Fire Training Academy and is a recent graduate of Honey Grove High School. She finished in the top 8% of her class with a GPA of 3.8. Carsyn has been accepted at Texas A&M University in Commerce where she will be majoring in Clinical Psychology with a minor in kinesiology in pursuit of a career as a Licensed Professional Counselor for First Responders.
Katelyn Westwood is the third daughter of Captain Craig Westwood to have received a PFRA Scholarship and to attend Texas A&M University in College Station. Katelyn recently graduated from Royce City High School in the top 1.6% of her graduating class with a GPA of 4.824/5.0 and college dual credits of 3.8/4.0 and plans to “complete her four-year undergraduate at Texas A&M College Station then go through Dental school and residency to become a successful Orthodontist.” Katelyn has plans to join organizations and clubs that will allow her to put forth her time in community service to help those around her and within the community.
Mikale Grace Strutton is the daughter of Captain Ryan Strutton at Station 6. She graduated from Wills Point High School with a GPA of 4.564/5.0 and ranked in the top 3% of her class. Mikale has enrolled in Texas A&M University in College Station undergoing a degree in Aerospace Engineering with a career goal of becoming a commercial pilot. She states in her application, “What encourages me to pursue this field is my curiosity to uncover more about the structure/design of aircraft and further use it to my advantage. Through my church, I grew more passionate about geography through the missionaries who visited from all over. Once ready, my dream is to use my job as a pilot to reach others and get involved in ministering to those around the world.”
PFRA congratulates these students for their higher education achievements and we look forward to hearing about their continued success in the near future.
The 2024 Battle of the Badges competition has started. When you donate blood with Carter Bloodcare through July 14, be sure to cast your vote for Plano Fire to win!
PFRA wishes a very happy retirement to Firefighter Darren Hagan and Lieutenant Joey Glenn. Many PFRA members worked with you over the years and we thank you for your many years of service to the citizens of Plano.
Firefighter Darren Hagan’s Retirement Reception photos can be viewed at https://www.pfra.net/Gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=229395
Lieutenant Joey Glenn’s retirement Presentation photos can be viewed at https://www.pfra.net/Gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=229189
At the May 2024 general meeting, PFRA members received a “hands-on” training class on forcible entry methods taught by FF/E Joe Keifer (5C), with a little bit of help from Capt. Carr. PFRA members took on the role of “irons” with lots of wedging, banging, and crashing.
GAP – SET – FORCE!
More photos taken from our PFRA photographers are located in the Photo gallery: https://www.pfra.net/Gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=227393