C
had Budy is a hero. He would be the first person to deny it. Not comfortable with the spotlight, nor the praise that comes with it, the young farmer would likely laugh and shrug it off. Yet, Budy and thousands of others like him risk their lives each year in Oklahoma to fight fires in rural communities. It’s no laughing matter. Someone who selflessly volunteers to protect his or her small community from grass fires and other disasters that threaten their land, animals, crops and homes deserves to be called a hero. A hero is defined as “a person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life.” Brave, selfless, a protector....all characteristics rural fire fighters possess.
During a prescribed burn on a wheat field east of Alva, Randy Stelling, a volunteer on the Alva Fire Department, hosed down hotspots using the Dacoma Fire Department’s brush rig. Rural fire fighters often assist landowners with prescribed burns, whether as a cautious observer, or active participant. Stelling was assisting Chad Budy, a volunteer on the Dacoma Fire Department, with his controlled burn. Three generations of Budys were present to help manage the fire. Budy’s father, Terry, drove the brush rig while his son, Colton, navigated.
Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004 • 9