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Edmond Life and Leisure - January 16, 2025

Neal McCaleb’s service hailed

Edmond lawmakers react to passing

Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, and Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, released the following statements on the passing of Edmond resident Neal McCaleb. McCaleb formerly served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, as Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation and Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs under President George W. Bush.

“Neal McCaleb was a remarkable leader whose contributions to the State of Oklahoma will resonate for generations. His advocacy for Native American communities and tireless efforts to improve transportation infrastructure benefited countless communities across the state. Neal’s vision and dedication made Oklahoma stronger and more connected. His leadership went beyond policy, as he was deeply dedicated to the well-being of others, always striving to make Oklahoma a better place. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him as we mourn the loss of a true public servant.”

-Senator Adam Pugh

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Neal McCaleb, a true statesman and

a dedicated public servant who made an indelible mark on Oklahoma. He was a man of integrity, and his passion for service was always evident in every role he held, from his time as a state representative, to his leadership at the federal level and beyond. Neal impacted the lives of countless Oklahomans, including mine, and his loss will be felt for years to come. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.” - Representative Mike Osburn

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Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar, has filed the "Rural Volunteer Firefighter Clothing Allowance Grants Act."

House Bill 1078 is eligible for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 3.

"Rural volunteer firefighters work at their own expense to keep their friends and neighbors safe from the devastating effects of fire," Smith said. "They are the first-line of defense in protecting lives, homes and businesses. This clothing allowance will help alleviate some of their personal cost and could help incentivize recruitment and retainment."

Smith last fall held an interim study to examine issues surrounding recruiting and retaining volunteer rural firefighters. The idea for the legislation came from the study.

HB1078 would create a revolving fund in the state treasury to be administered by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry for the benefit of rural volunteer firefighters. The fund would consist of all monies received by the department from legislative appropriations, donations, grants or other sources of funding specifically designated for this purpose. The fund would be continuing and not limited to fiscal year limitations.

The Oklahoma State Board of Agriculture would be charged with developing procedures for the disbursement of the clothing allowance to reimburse eligible applicants for approved purchases and to maintain oversight of the grant awards.

To be eligible, an applicant must be a member of a certified Oklahoma fire department, must have responded to at least 75% of the fire department responses during the fiscal year, and must have completed 24 hours of firefighter training during the fiscal year.

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