Raymond H. Pitts, of Beverly, Mass. succeeds Ed Peterson as National President. The Virginia Chapterhosts the 2003 Winter Meeting – which more than lived up to its name! Dozens of SPAAMFAA members were stranded immediately following the convention by a fierce winter storm that closed highways and resulted in the cancellation of many airline flights. The Metro St. Louis Chapter hosted the ’03 Summer Convention/Muster in the Gateway City, where delegates and visitors were treated to tours of the local Museum of Transportation and Grant’s Farm.

SPAAMFAA pledged its support to the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation in Emmitsburg, Md. Three new chapters – Greater Cleveland, Berkshire and the Cyber Chapter – the latter our very first women-only chapter – were chartered this year. Steve Hagy put out his first four issues of Enjine!-Enjine! Among the changes Steve initiated were the transfer of the Fire Flea Market classified ad column to the Silver Trumpet and a new Coming Attractions feature.