| On June 6, 1955, a meeting was held at the Western Hills Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas for the purpose of organizing an Auxiliary to the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters. Local Auxiliaries represented were Fort Worth, Paris, and Houston for a total of 12 delegates. The first session was called to order by Mrs. Donnis Pettyjohn, president of the Fort Worth Auxiliary. Mrs. Pettyjohn made the Statement, "Seeing the need for a state Auxiliary we, the ladies to the Fire Fighters Local 440 of Fort Worth, have called this conference for this purpose. I have taken the liberty of appointing a committee represented of all Auxiliaries present to recommend to the conference, rules of order for the proper procedure of business for the day. The chairman of this committee shall now give their report". After the necessary business was conducted, the State was formally organized, By-laws adopted, and officers elected and installed by President Lillian Howard of the International. Elected as first State President was Christine Maddux from Fort Worth.
The first state Auxiliary Convention was held in Corpus Christi on July 18, 1956.
Georgie Russie of Houston was elected President in 1958.
Louise Anderton of Waco was elected President in 1960.
Ten years later ---- 1966 (because Convention years were even years until 1969) the Convention was held in San Antonio on July 11, 1966. Margaret Walter of San Antonio was elected President. There were 27 delegates, 7 officers, with 13 Auxiliaries represented.
Margaret Walter of San Antonio was elected President in 1964.
Lucille Ochoa of San Antonio was lected President in 1968.
Twenty years later ----- 1975 the Convention was held in Waco with 41 delegates, 7 officers and a host of visitors. There were 14 Auxiliaries represented this was the largest Convention attendance.
Juanita Johnson of Beaumont was elected President in 1975.
1979 - Helen Pierce of Fort Worth was the first winner of ATSAFF Woman of the Year Award.
This award was started in 1979 and awarded to an Auxiliary member nominated from their Auxiliary and presented at each Convention.
Jo Ann Beene of Waco was elected President in 1981.
Thirty years later ---- 1985 the Convention was held in San Antonio with 17 delegates, 5 officers and 9 Auxiliaries represented.
Debbie Keeler of Amarillo was elected President from 1987-1989.
Wanda Noah of Fort Worth was elected President from 1989-1993.
Deana Purdue of Amarillo was elected President from 1993 -1997.
Forty years later ---- 1995 the Convention was held in Brownsville with 13 delegates, 5 officers, and 10 Auxiliaries being represented.
Elaine Maddox of Dallas was elected President in 1997.
In 1999 Convention was held in Lubbock with 10 delegates, 4 officers and 6 Auxilaries represented. Elaine Maddox, Dallas elected as President.
In 2001 Convention was held in Irving with 14 delegates, 5 officers, and 10 Auxiliaries represented. At this Convention the the Stonecutters Award was introduced and present to the following Past Auxiliary leaders: Christene Maddux, Margaret Walter, and Louise Anderton. A motion was made to sponsor sending a child to one of the Texas Burn Camps. Elaine Maddox, Dallas was elected as President.
In 2003 Convention was held in Corpus Christi with 17 delegates, 5 officers, and 10 Auxiliaries represented. Stonecutters Award was presented to Lucille Ochoa and Georgie Russie. Beth Nichols, Waco was elected as President.
2005 Convention was held in Galveston at the Moody Gardens with 15 delegates, 4 officers, and 8 Auxiliaries represented. Member of the Year Award went to Jeannie Collier of Waco Auxiliary. Report Winner for Outstanding Fire Service went to the Mesquite Auxiliary. We once again presented Stonecutters Awards to Wanda Hunsaker who was a Vice President Auxiliary Dallas Local 58 and Helen Pierce Vice President Auxiliary Fort Worth Local 440. Beth Nichols of Waco Local 478 was re-elected President.
In 2007 Convention was held in Wichita Falls with 11 delegates, 1 alternate, 5 officers, and 8 Auxiliaries represented. Stonecutters Awards were presented to Juanita Johnson and Jo Ann Beene. Report Winner for Outstanding Fire Service went to Austin Auxiliary. Beth Nichols of Waco Local 478 was re-elected President. |
