PROSPERTIMES Friday October 20, 2017 | Prosper, Texas
VOL. 1 | NO. 25
WeAreProsper.com | $1.00
Prosper Prosper Welcomes New Assistant Fire Chief Shaw Eft Profiles Joyce Godwin Special to the Prosper Times
Meet Master Buddy Hudson
Renee Marler Renee@CedarbrookMedia.com I imagine many of us have dreamed of being called a “Master”, but one Prosper resident can say he's earned it. Master Buddy Hudson is an 8th degree black belt, an international champion and an inductee to the Masters Hall of Fame. With over 30 years experience in the martial arts, Master Hudson is widely recognized as a mentor in the industry. Long before he was Master Hudson, a thirteen-year-old Hudson began training in martial arts in his home state of Arkansas. By the time he left to attend college at The University of Arkansas at Monticello, he was able to begin teaching martial arts to help put himself through school. Although he was steadily rising in the ranks of martial arts, Hudson originally wanted to become a basketball coach and biology teacher. But in 1981, Hudson received his National Instructors Certification and a year later opened his first full-time professional martial arts academy in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Then, in 1985, he was asked to become the Director of Operations of the United States Taekwondo Federation in Little Rock. Hudson won silver in the World Games in 1987 and was an Olympic National finalist in 1988. A seven-time National Fighting Champion, Hudson has seen the world and has trained with many of the most noted Grand Masters and Martial Arts Pioneers in the world. “Martial arts has blessed me as I have been able to travel to Russia, Scotland, Greece, Germany and all over the world as an international competitor,” said Hudson. In 2004, Hudson reconnected with his junior high sweetheart, Pam. Together, they left Arkansas and moved to Park Cities where he began the Professional Black Belt Academy (PBBA), which he still operates. Four years ago, the Hudsons moved from Park Cities to Prosper. Fast-forward to today. PBBA has three locations, Highland Park, West Plano, and Prosper at Prosper Trail and Preston Road. “When we moved to Prosper, opening an academy here wasn't our intent, but after we were here a while we really wanted a home base and knew we wanted it to be Prosper,” said Hudson. Pam, herself a black belt, has received her National Instructors Certification and teaches women's self-defense and other classes as well. The pair have two sons, Brandon and Jared, and two grandsons, Owen, 3 and Carter, 8 months. Brandon is a chef and Jared has found a passion with Hudson in the arena of martial arts and will be teaching at the Prosper location. “Family is everything to us and I know everyone is proud of their kids, but we are just fortunate to be so close and be able to share this life with our kids and grandkids,” said Hudson.
Although he’s been on the job for a short time, the new assistant chief for the Prosper Fire Department is already a part of the social network throughout the station participating in the kind of friendly banter that happens only among good friends. Coming to Prosper after 20 years with the Frisco Fire Department, his first day on the job was October 2nd and Assistant Chief Shaw Eft says he feels at home in his new office already. “Everybody I’ve met here has been so welcoming,“ he said. But Eft already knew some of the personnel in the Prosper Fire Department. “We’ve worked together on big incidents along [U.S. Highway] 380 when we had a joint response and we’ve always had a good working relationship,” he said. Shaw, who lives in Gunter with his wife and two daughters, says he’s been driving through Prosper at least twice a day to and from work for several years and he’s watched the Prosper community change. He thought, after being in Frisco for a similar time of growth, he would have something to offer in Prosper. After 20 years in one place, the decision to make the move was not an easy one, Eft says. But after meeting people here, he knew this is where he wanted to be. “Prosper is phenomenal. I’ve already been on several emergency calls with these guys and I’m really amazed at their positive attitudes, professionalism and skills. People here are talented at their jobs. They have good leadership in place with teamwork and procedures.” Eft says he lives and breathes the fire department and his family, stating “I’m pretty simple.” He’s looking forward to a long career with Prosper. “We are hiring six more full time firefighterparamedics because we are going to put another ambulance in service. It is being built now, and when it’s done, we’ll be able to bring on those firefighter-paramedics to put that ambulance into service,” he said. “And then in the future, we’ll be building five stations and adding personnel and apparatus so we are going to be really busy helping the department to grow and keep up with the community.” The Assistant Fire Chief position became
Joyce Godwin | The Prosper Times
him to serve as department manager for the Frisco Color and Honor Guard. His experience includes radio communications, budgeting, developing task books for each of the firefighter/paramedic ranks and has assisted in the development of departmental policies and procedures. He completed several certification programs in the fire service through the appropriate state and local colleges and agencies, including Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic, Fire Instructor, Hazardous Materials Technician, Driver/Operator Pump, Advanced Firefighter, several levels of Fire Officer and Pro Board Fire Officer. He also completed the Fire Service Chief Executive Officer course at the Texas A&M Mays School of Business. Just last month Eft opened a business in Frisco with his wife. They own a gourmet popcorn and candy store at Preston and Warren. Most of what they sell is handled over the counter in the store but they also sell online and at festivals.
Pics on page 3 Large Numbers Turn Out for Homecoming Parade
Retired Fired Chief Ronnie Tucker Serves as Grand Marshal Joyce Godwin Special to the Prosper Times
The Prosper Times is featuring Prosper residents each week in “Prosper Profiles.” We want to bring to the forefront individuals who quietly go about their business with little to no fanfare. If you know of someone who qualifies for this spot, please send an email to let us know.
vacant with the promotion of Stuart Blasingame to the position of Fire Chief upon the retirement of long-time Fire Chief Ronnie Tucker. Bryan Ausenbaugh, Prosper’s Fire Marshal, says Eft is a perfect fit with the Prosper Fire Department. He said he knew Eft was “the one” as soon as they interviewed him. Eft began his career with the Frisco Fire Department as a volunteer in 1996. A year later, he was hired by the department full-time. After two years, he was promoted to Lieutenant, remaining in that position for five years. He was then promoted to Captain. After two years in that position, he was named Battalion Chief Shift Commander. This was followed by a promotion to Battalion Chief of Training/EMS/Special Operations, and in 2015, he was named Deputy Chief of Operations. Eft has been recognized as Frisco Officer of the Year twice, in 2006 and 2012. His experience as a reservist with the US Marine Corps motivated
“Small town, Big heart” is the motto seen all over town. It means Prosper is quickly becoming a big town while the small-town ways of doing things are highly sought by its residents. One of those small-town virtues is
the annual Homecoming parade. It continues to grow bigger every year. Residents who’ve watched it grow each year are amazed and say they hope the parade will remain a staple in the community. Last Wednesday, the community was transformed into a major parade route, with parents and students lining both side of the street to cheer their favorite float and grab a bit of candy. Members of the homecoming court were carried on fancy cars and trucks, Town Council members rode on fire trucks and other vehicles, leaders in the Prosper Independent School District were also transported through the parade as well as past homecoming queens. As the parade advanced from Reynolds Middle School toward Coleman, throngs of people slowed its forward motion to gather the abundance of candy thrown from moving vehicles, floats and participants who were walking with
the parade. This year there were many volunteers stationed along the parade route that ended at the high school. Amy Nader, mom to one of the Lacrosse players, and Angelica Bonin, mom to the junior varsity mascot, were stationed just blocks from Crawford Street on Coleman. Both could be mistaken for high school students in their neon yellow volunteer tee shirts. They both said they look forward to the parade each year and hope it continues. The Contreras family was seated along the parade route in front of their house on Coleman. They said they do this every year to watch the parade which is a favorite family activity. When asked to name their favorite part of the parade, the children were quick to respond, “The Candy.” James Clarke and his daughter Landowyn, 6, were seated in the back of their SUV to watch the event
Jason Reynolds | The Prosper Times
pass by. Landowyn attends Folsom Elementary School and said she was looking forward to seeing her big brother Jostein pass by with the high school varsity football team. Retired Fire Chief Ronnie Tucker drove a white Chevrolet Corvette through the parade as parade Grand Marshal. Cheerleading Coach Julie Brantley reported there were 89 floats including community and school participants and Kim Gee served as chairman of the event as she has for the past few years. It started at 5:30 p.m. and ended at the high school where there was a community pep rally in the arena and a free barbecue dinner furnished by Carpet Tech. Members of the homecoming court were introduced as well as past homecoming queens. Tucker was introduced was to the crowd with a description of his career achievements.
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