Every year since firefighting began in North Dakota the NDFA has held its convention in a different community around the state. This year it is Devils Lake’s turn to host the 300 to 350 firefighters who normally attend this special gathering. Many of them will bring their spouses with them, as well, temporarily increasing the population of the area considerably.
The convention is cohosted by both the DLVFD and the DLRFD.
The convention begins Thursday, June 6 with Fishing Tournament Registration at 6:30 a.m. There will also be Pistol Shooting at the DLPD Gun Range at 8 a.m. and a golf tournament at Creel Bay Golf Course starting at 8:30 a.m.
The afternoon’s Registration and Credentials take place at Bobbers at Proz Lakeside, at 3 p.m. (15:00) There will be some fun time between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. also at Bobbers at Proz Lakeside at the Chief’s Meeting. (16:00 – 18:00)
Dinner will be served also at Bobbers at 6 p.m. (18:00) This is a really good time for networking, according to Brandon Exner who is part of the planning committee for this convention that normally takes the hosts approximately three years to plan.
Friday, June 7 begins at 7 a.m. (07:00) with Registration and Credentials at Lake Region State College.
At 8 a.m. is the Welcome to Devils Lake followed by the Memorial Service at 8:15 a.m.
At 8:45 a.m. is the First Call for Nominations.
9 a.m. features the Keynote Speaker, Benjamin Martin.
Lunch is provided at 12:00 p.m.
For spouses there is a special Spouse Appreciation Program held at the Old Red School House at Webster, ND, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (09:00 – 17:00)
At the convention they plan to have the annual NDFA business meeting between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (13:00 – 15:00) on Friday with the Second Call for Nominations.
Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. (18:00) with four different local businesses providing the meal at Black Paws Brewing Company in downtown Devils Lake. Dinner is followed by a Pub Crawl at 8:30 p.m. (20:30)
Saturday, June 8 the NDFA Annual Meeting is Reconvened at 8 a.m. with the Final Call for Nominations. At 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Benjamin Martin presents Intoxicated Leadership – “Thinking Strategically vs Reacting Emotionally”
Most of the convention events are open to only firefighters and their spouses, but if you notice the increase in visitors around town, make sure to make them welcome and to thank them for their service to our state.
