7 minute read
A Window into First Responders in Our Communities by Alana Owen
Sparks volunteer fire department members, pictured from left to right, Kyle Moody, Steven Matthews, Houston Knight, Angela Dionne, Nick Collette, and Kenny Smith (other members of this department not pictured).The 1972 pumper engine goes out for structure fires only.
Photo provided by Salt Drifter Photography - Leah Wright
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by ALANA OWEN
A WINDOW INTO
First Responders In Our Communities
Most of us can recall exactly where we were on the morning of April 19, 1995. That day we were reminded of the importance of first responders. I was on my first day of maternity leave, and I immediately stopped what I was doing as television reports began detailing the bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City.
Years later when my daughter entered college at Oklahoma State University, she quickly became friends with a young man who had a scar across his face. One day he explained that he was one of the children in the building during the 1995 explosion. I felt sad for him to have had such an experience at a young age, but also grateful that he was able to escape such tragedy with his life, thanks no doubt to first responders – the critical heroes who selflessly risk their own safety when someone is in dire straits. The month of May holds many first responder national safety events such as National Police and EMS weeks. I turned to social media and looked up my local Sparks volunteer fire department. There was little to see, no pictures or glory. I contacted the fire chief, Nick Collett, and asked for an interview. My friend and photographer Leah Wright agreed to volunteer her time for photos. We met the volunteers at the fire department and had a fun time getting to know them and taking pictures. Leah posed the firefighters in various shots which they all somewhat reluctantly obliged, clearly they were not used to such attention. Nick began his career as a firefighter in 2006 and became chief in 2014. He resides in Sparks with his wife Misty and has three grown adult children. Nick told me about a scary incident during his first year with the department. Nick was assisting the assistant fire chief when the firetruck’s motor failed and would not start in the middle of an out-of-control fire with 60 mph winds. Nick and the fire chief left the truck on foot and begin running from the fire when the Jacktown Fire Department picked them up and got them out of harm’s way. Nick said most departments work together and help out during extreme fires, and he remains thankful to this day that Jacktown was present. During that fire, Nick estimated up to 70 agencies were cooperating. Nick always knew he wanted to be a firefighter, but later in life his wife’s father recruited him into the department. His father-in-law was Chief at the Sparks Fire Department at the time.
The best part of Nick’s job is whenever he can help someone save themselves or their property, and the worst part is seeing the loss and devastation that is sometimes beyond human control. I asked the chief for any funny stories. He said that at one point they had a lady that would call sometimes two times a day for anything and everything. I asked if she was flirting. His response was, “It’s hard for me to tell.”
I asked Nick for anything the public should know regarding fire safety, and he said that people starting controlled burns should call in before initiating such an action and to use good judgment on windy dry days. Nick also said that he wishes the public would keep their grass always mowed as short as possible to maintain the safety of their lives and their property.
Cushing Police Sergeant Carson Watts has an impressive 17 years as a police officer and is facing some hurdles with his health as he hopes to continue serving his community. Sergeant Watts works out of Payne County. He and his wife Brandi have three children ages 24, 17, and 15, and 2 grandchildren. Carson was quick to explain the best part of his job is that every day is different when you leave the house. You never know what a day might entail; it could be boring, include domestic issues, contain pursuits, or just simply be his favorite type of work, helping people. The worst part of his job is not being able to help as much as he would like to at times for various reasons, some of which are out of his control (such as children who are victims).
Carson shared a story with me in which a man years ago (who was known to the community as frequently intoxicated) knocked on his door stating, “I am drunk. Put me in jail.” The man could have walked right by the department on his way home but decided to stop for a stay in. When Carson searched the man’s pants pockets and found something illegal, the man advised the pants he was wearing did not belong to him.
When I asked if there were any safety issues he would like to advise the public of, Sergeant Watts said he often sees people driving around without paying attention to the road and asked that the public stay off their phones and remain aware of their surroundings at all times as it only takes a split second for tragedy to strike.
Carson was diagnosed with eye cancer in February which has impacted his vision in one eye. Watts has undergone several procedures to improve the medical condition, is currently on light duty, and will be checked by his doctor soon to make sure the radiation therapy was effective. Watts is hoping for good news and to return to patrol soon. The community has rallied around Carson and his family through various fund-raising events to help with medical costs. Lieutenant paramedic and firefighter James Blevins works out of the Cushing Fire Department. James is in his 12th year as a paramedic and 11th year as a firefighter. He initially went to work at EMSA in the Tulsa area to obtain experience prior to working for Cushing. James and his wife Terri have a 17-year-old son. James also has two adult children and a stepdaughter.
James enjoys his job because it is exciting and never the same. James said the worst part about his job is when he is not able to change the outcome of a housefire, accident, or medical situation. James was in his 40s before he became a paramedic. He was looking for a stable job he could stay at until retiring. James asked that the public be advised to wear their seatbelts because he had seen firsthand how they save lives. James also wanted to remind everyone to keep their smoke detectors working because they are a literal lifesaver. James enjoys the opportunities to be out in public and provide educational outreach. During October, fire safety month, department staff go into elementary schools to talk to kids about fire safety. Department staff also teach CPR in the community and train police officers in the Stop the Bleed program which focuses on how to pack wounds and place tourniquets.
Left to right: Cushing Paramedics Hunter Hall, James Blevins, and Sicily Frasure. James has served the public as a Paramedic for 12 years. Coworker Hunter has been a Paramedic for two years and Sicily for three years. Photo provided.
When I asked each of these first responders about their sacrifices, they all had the same answer: the constant interruption of time with family – missed ball games, birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. The next time you see a first responder consider an introduction, a thank you, or a simple smile. I’m certain they would appreciate it in these ever-changing times. Their ability to remain humble and committed to serving the public is beyond admirable and selfless. n THANK YOU
First Responders!
BALL AUCTION ON SEPARATE SPREAD
BALL AUCTION ON SEPARATE SPREAD
Sunday is Mother’s Day
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SUNDAY, MAY 8
Please Come and Dine In! SUNDAY BUFFET!
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