RESOLUTION NO. 210998

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Honoring Raymond (Ray) S. Elder on being the Official Historian of the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department.

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WHEREAS, Ray has a passion for the Kansas City Fire Department not only for the 35 years he was actively on duty, but also, in the 28 years plus, that he has been retired.  Ray was hired as a Fire Fighter on July 28, 1958.  He was promoted to Fire Apparatus Operator, June 6, 1963. He was Promoted again, to Captain on July 4, 1977 and Retired on July 28, 1993; and

WHEREAS, Ray has performed countless hours of research on the history of the Kansas City Fire Department, including but not limited to, the history of each line of duty death and the discovery of many more that were undocumented; and

WHEREAS, Ray has researched and documented the history of each Fire Station including the Fire Apparatus used; and

WHEREAS, Ray also explored and documented the history and heritage of the African American Firefighters.

WHEREAS, Ray has written, numerous articles, pamphlets and books over the years, including, 21 Published Books. He is fascinating to talk and reminisce with about the history of the Kansas City Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, Ray researched and published a book on the Three Hundred Seventy (370) founding members of Local 42, International Association of Fire Fighters; and

WHEREAS, Ray is a 50-year plus member of Local 42 International Association of Fire Fighters; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby honor Raymond (Ray) S. Elder on being the Official Historian of the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department; and

                     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Raymond (Ray) S. Elder with the appreciation of the Mayor and Council for all his hard work and dedication to the Kansas City Fire Department.

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