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Recently, I
spent a few days visiting our NW Florida Affiliate. What a
wonderful trip! In between speaking at their continuing
education meeting, visiting police fire chiefs and "popping in "
to fire stations, I was treated to a night at the 5 Flags
Raceway, a BBQ and the best Chinese buffet I've ever had. The
hospitality shown by Tommy and Kat Carter and all the TIP
Volunteers was incredible. They arranged for me to have a condo
on the beach (no, no oil) and a car. But more importantly was
their warm welcoming attitude.
I came away
from my trip knowing that our affiliate in NW Florida is strong
and is providing excellent TIP services in the area. I can
assure all our affiliates and board members that our NW Florida
Affiliate is maintaining TIP's high standards and has a very
positive reputation in the Panhandle. I met chiefs and visited
fire stations. Everyone I met was very positive and enthusiastic
about TIP. We can all be proud indeed of our "southern" TIP
friends.
I was most
impressed with how much this affiliate is doing with so little.
Incredibly, our NW Florida Affiliate serves 3 far flung counties
with a very small budget and on a totally volunteer basis. There
are 3 managers — none of whom is paid. This is not our only "all
volunteer" TIP affiliate, and I came away with a renewed
appreciation of all of our affiliates with no paid staff
as well as with an appreciation of how much a small group of
committed volunteers can do.
Of course,
behind every TIP affiliate is an effective leader. Our NW
Florida Affiliate is no exception. Tommy Carter enjoys the
respect and affection of all TIP volunteers there. He is clearly
committed to the TIP mission. He is humble, and he doesn't ask
his volunteers to do anything he doesn't do himself. Working
with Tommy are 2 Crisis Team Managers, Laurie Ford and Brenda
Cadenhead. Both are very committed to TIP, and both oversee top
notch teams in their respective counties. Tommy, Laurie and
Brenda will be at our Annual Meeting in September.
I thank all of our TIP members in NW Florida for making
my trip memorable and for showing me their very fine TIP
affiliate up close.
| from left to right, Brenda Cadenhead, Tommy
Carter, Laurie Ford |
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