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Official publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association

April 2018 Volume 35, Issue 3

2018 OSFA State Fire School May 3-6 in Tulsa n

To Register for Classes, go to www.osfa.info

More Info on Pages 16-17

I N S I D E

OSFA Executive Board Members’ Comments............................................................. 5-6 Executive Director’s Report ...............................................................................................7 SAFER Grant Report ...........................................................................................................9 ISO Report ........................................................................................................................ 10 Engaging Future Leaders .............................................................................................. 10 Firefighter Near-Miss Report ........................................................................................ 11 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Report ..................................................................................12 Museum News .................................................................................................................18 Support H.R. 973/S. 1651 or H.R. 711 ....................................................................... 14 9-year-old receives OSFA Heroism Award .................................................................... 20 Executive Board Meeting Highlights ....................................................................... 26-27 Oklahoma Fire Spotlight -- Tahlequah FD .................................................................... 29 In Memoriam ..................................................................................................................30

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OKLAHOMA STATE STATE FIREFIGHTERS FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION OKLAHOMA 2716 N.E. N.E. 50th 50th St. St. 2716 Oklahoma City, City, OK OK 73111 73111 Oklahoma

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2April 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

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Oklahoma FirefighterApril 20183

klahoma Firefighter April 2018

Volume 35 — Issue 3

Official Publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association 2716 N.E. 50th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111 (405) 424-1452 • 1-800-308-5336 Fax (405) 424-1032 osfa@osfa.info • www.osfa.info Published monthly by and for members of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association to educate its membership, to improve the fire service, and to enhance the value and dignity of their profession, either paid or volunteer. Editor in Chief Phil Ostrander phil@osfa.info

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Managing Editor Penelope Soldan penelopes@osfa.info

Letters to the Editor: Oklahoma Firefighter encourages the

open exchange of ideas, opinions and concerns among members of the fire service community. Letters to the Editor should: concentrate on issues, not personalities; be typed; be signed by the writer and include writer’s telephone number; and be mailed (or emailed) to the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association: 2716 N.E. 50th St., Oklahoma City, OK, 73111 (osfa@osfa.info). Oklahoma Firefighter reserves the right to publish, edit and condense letters according to space limitations and the editor’s judgement. Great care will be taken to ensure the message in the letter is not altered. Anonymous letters will not be published.

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ADvertisers’ INDEX

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Let OSFA Know! Simply email the OSFA office at amyh@osfa.info and request digital editions.

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Oklahoma Firefighters Step Up to Challenge at Fight For Air Climb 4April 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

Oklahoma Firefighters were among the 285 participants at the 2018 Fight For Air Climb event held March 3 at Leadership Square in Oklahoma City. And the Tulsa Fire Cadet Class 104 finished first and second in the firefighter team competition. They climbed 70 floors clocked the best two times of 12:32 and 13:13. Oklahoma City Fire-Rescue finished in 13:39 for third place. The top three individual finishers in the firefighter race were Ray Hall, Sand Springs Fire (11:02), James Foxworth, Tulsa Fire (12:10) and Houston Nole, Tulsa Fire (12:41).

Tulsa Fire Cadet Class 104 First-Place Team

Top Individual Firefighter Finishers

Team Bixby Oklahoma Firefighters

Team Owasso

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Oklahoma FirefighterApril 20185

PREsident n

Matt Lay

Tulsa FD

matthewlay@icloud.com • 918-760-9065 When things are at their worst, firefighters are at their best. Our folks have been chasing wildfires from one corner of the state to the other. Thoughts and prayers for protection of all the fire departments out there including our brethren with the Oklahoma Forestry Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Tribal Fire Crews, National Guard Aviation Units, Office of Emergency Management, the Red Cross, out-of-state fire crews, and many more. TULSA FIRE – We will graduate 26 new firefighters after completing a daunting fivemonth Tulsa Fire Academy on April 11. These recruits were hired under a $5.8 million SAFER Grant awarded to Tulsa last summer. Tulsa Fire Class 104 is already making their presence known, winning the title of Fastest Firefighter Team for the American Lung Association Stair Climb in OKC on March 3. Strong work! STATE FIRE MARSHAL – The Firefighter

2017-18 OSFA Executive Board

Training Advisory Committee (FTAC) created by HB 1833 last year continues to process Volunteer Firefighter Tax Incentive forms for 2017. If you need assistance, check out the FTAC Facebook Page or download the forms from www.ok.gov/fire/FTAC/Tax_Credit/index. html

PRESIDENT: Matt Lay 918-760-9065 matthewlay@icloud.com

FIRE SCHOOL – The Educational Advisory Committee has taken this year’s premiere OSFA training event to a whole new level. There are more than 500 firefighters already pre-registered! Classes are filling up. Don’t miss out!

1ST VICE PRESIDENT Dereck Cassady 580-761-5338 IAFFLocal2479 @yahoo.com

2ND VICE PRESIDENT Mike Kelley 405-623-4388 mkelley@local157.org

PAST PRESIDENT Mike Duncan 918-214-6865 mduncan51@aol.com

3RD VICE PRESIDENT Eric Harlow 405-520-2893 ericharlow200@gmail.com

LEGISLATION – The OSFA Legislative Committee and Lobbying Team have been diligently maneuvering a tense and complex situation at the Capitol. While teacher pay raises dominate the news cycle, we continue to advocate for the health and welfare of firefighters and the communities we serve. We’ll see you out there. Take Care and God Bless.

www.osfa.info • (405) 424-1452 • 800-308-5336

124th Annual OSFA CONVENTION June 13-16 at Hyatt Regency Downtown in Tulsa

DUES: Membership in the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association will be forfeited if dues are not paid by May 11. CREDENTIALS: Delegate registration must be on the credentials form with proper signature. Pre-registration may be mailed at any time, but all credentials are due in the OSFA office no later than June 4. REGISTRATION: Registration cost for delegates and members is $60. Registration cost for spouses and guests is $50. The OSFA encourages all members to attend convention, whether as a delegate or as an interested member. Everyone should pre-register, including spouses and guests. This allows the OSFA office to have your name tag pre-typed so the registration lines can move more quickly. You do not need to pre-pay to preregister. You can also call the OSFA office to register members and guests. ACCOMMODATIONS: Hyatt Regency in Downtown Tulsa is the host hotel. It is located at 100 E. 2nd St., Tulsa, OK 74103. The hotel’s phone number is 918-234-1234. Rooms are $91 per night. (Check-in time is 3 p.m., Check-out time is Noon). Book by May 15 to receive the special rate (mention Oklahoma State Firefighters Association to receive the correct rate). MEETINGS: Daily meetings will be held at Hyatt Regency Tulsa Hotel. ACTIVITIES: Golf Tournament is Wednesday, June 13, at Owasso Golf and Athletic Club, 13604 East 84 St N, Owasso, OK 74055. Cost is $75 per person or $300 per team. Tee times at 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Bass Tournament is Wednesday, June 6, at Grand Lake’s Wolf Creek. Tacticall Shooting Competition is Thursday, June 14, at the Tulsa Police Dept. Gun Range, 6066 East 66 St, Tulsa. Poker Run is Friday, June 15. MDA PICNIC: The Muscular Dystrophy Association will host a picnic on Thursday, June 14, beginning at 5:30 p.m. to show appreciation to firefighters around the state for all they do for MDA.

2018 OSFA Convention Deadlines APRIL 11: LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTIONS DUE APRIL 11: CONSTITUTIONAL RESOLUTIONS DUE APRIL 30: DEPARTMENT DELEGATE ELECTIONS APRIL 30: NEW EMPLOYEES COUNT IF DUES PAID MAY 11: MEMBERSHIP FORFEITED JUNE 4: CREDENTIALS DUE

ATTENTION ALL CANDIDATES FOR THIRD VICE PRESIDENT Oklahoma Firefighter will give approximately 1/4 page of free space to all candidates running for Third Vice President of the OSFA. Deadline for submitting information and/or photos is April 15 (for May issue). Contact Oklahoma Firefighter editor Penelope Soldan via email (penelopes@osfa.info) to take advantage of this offer.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: To honor those members who have passed since our last convention, a Memorial Service will be held Thursday, June 14, at 10 a.m. at Hyatt Regency Hotel. If a family member is unable to attend, the OSFA asks that someone from their area pick up the certificate and deliver it to the department or family. DOOR PRIZES: Each department is asked to bring three door prizes. Please indicate who the door prizes are from and turn them in at the registration table. Grand door prizes will be given away at the banquet, and you must be present to win. BANQUET/DANCE: Scheduled for Friday, June 15, at Hyatt Regency Hotel. BUSINESS MEETING: Reports from the State Fire Marshal, the Firefighters Pension and Retirement System and the OSFA Committees will be presented. Written reports also will be made available from some of the different organizations in the fire service. You will select the OSFA Third Vice President, who will represent you and serve on the State Pension Board for the next five years. There will be detailed discussions and voting on legislative and constitutional resolutions that will affect the fire service over the next few years. Questions? Call OSFA at 405-424-1452 or 1-800-308-5336.


6April 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

1st vice PREsident

Dereck Cassady

Ponca City FD

n

IAFFLocal2479@ yahoo.com 580-761-5338

Greetings everyone!

I hope everyone has registered for State Fire School. We have quite a few classes that are full, so if you’re not registered, don’t waste any more time. We would hate for you to miss out because you procrastinated. This year’s school promises to be the best we’ve seen yet.

Now I would like to discuss a topic we all seem to shy away from -- mental health. We are constantly seeing on the news or reading an article that says another first responder has taken their own life. We need to be watching our brothers and sisters looking for signs of PTSD, substance abuse, anxiety and depression. As firefighters, we need to try to maintain a high level of mental wellness to remain effective at our job. We need to focus on the positive aspects of our job and try to put the negatives behind us. Develop positive relationships with coworkers, be engaged with those you work with, and help them to stay positive.

When we make a call, a lot of times we are seeing people at their worst, and we may be the only positive influence they have. So if we are positive, it will be reflected in our job performance. We need to get rid of the views and beliefs that if we say we are having issues that we are weak. Most of the time, we don’t want to call attention to ourselves and the struggles we face. Many don’t want to admit they might be in need of treatment or the problems they have are effecting their jobs both physically and mentally.

There are many care and treatment programs and facilities available. Be sure you know what those are so you can help yourself and others. There should be nothing that stops those that struggle with PTSD, substance abuse, depression or anxiety from getting the treatment needed to change or possibly even save their life. I personally know there are some active members in the Oklahoma fire service that have been through struggles and would gladly share their story with you and make sure that you get the help you need. YOU ARE NOT ALONE, ASK FOR HELP! We also need to keep an eye on those that have gone before us which are out there trying to enjoy retirement. Retirement can bring out symptoms that were covered while they were active duty. Often times, drug and alcohol abuse will increase during this period. As a retiree, you need to find something to fill the void that was created when you left the job. Find something for you that is fulfilling.

To change gears, I want everyone to remember this legislative session is in full swing and there are some bills out there that affect us. Pay attention to all correspondence you get from the OSFA, as we may need you to help us out on specific issues. And make sure you have a relationship with elected officials in your area. Also, remember this is an election year, and we need to put more friends in the Capitol. Interview the candidates in your area and make an educated vote for those who will support us. Get out and help them get elected. STAY SAFE!

3rd vice President n

Eric Harlow

Greetings Oklahoma Firefighters! Well, we finally got a little winter weather in the metro area, but thankfully it wasn’t too bad. Thankfully, this period finally brought some well-needed moisture to many areas of the state. Let’s all continue to hope for the spring growing season to get here quick! We have a lot of great activities quickly approaching that you need to be aware of. The Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association’s Annual Conference is the first week in April, starting with the golf tournament on April 4. The Conference follows on April 5-6. I know Chief Dewayne Burk and his folks in Lawton have a great event lined up for us. Our annual OSFA State Fire School will be here before you know it. This excellent four-day event starts on Thursday, May 3 and concludes on Sunday, May 6. The Educational Advisory Committee has been hard at it since last year’s school, planning what is quickly becoming the premier regional fire training event for this part of the country. There are over 130 classroom and hands-on classes being offered in a wide variety of subjects. There will be instructors coming in from all over the country to teach classes that we normally do not see here in Oklahoma. There are also several after-hours activities scheduled during the event in Tulsa to keep us all busy. My hat is off to the entire committee on what looks to be the best one yet. Enroll ASAP, as several classes have filled up and more are sure to soon.

Guthrie FD

ericharlow200@gmail.com 405-520-2893

It’s hard to believe it, but the 124th Annual OSFA Convention will be here before you know it. President Matt Lay and the TFD brothers and sisters have an excellent event being finalized for us all. Be sure and get your delegates selected and credential forms sent in on time to make your arrival at convention a smooth one (I know the folks in the OSFA office would greatly appreciate it, too!) The legislature is up and going for this session, and there are several bills that affect our firefighters and fire departments that are working their way through the various committees. As of this writing, there is a bill that would approve a greatly-needed cost of living raise for our retirees that sailed through a House Committee. It’s now been 10 years since our retirees received a raise and I believe everyone knows it is long overdue. Contact your legislators and encourage them to vote “Yes” when the measure is put in front of them. Remind them that this will not cost the state a dime, as the raise would be funded by the pension system. In closing, I just want to remind you all to stay safe and continue to watch out for your brothers and sisters. This doesn’t just mean physically on the fireground, but also their mental well-being. Talk to them and make sure they’re doing OK, especially after any type of stressful call. Encourage them to get assistance if it is needed. There are many avenues out there to get the help we need in a trying time. Our physical and mental health are essential in making sure we are fit for duty!

PAST President n

Mike Duncan

Dewey FD

mduncan51 @aol.com 918-214-6865

I hope all are doing well, and hopefully the flu season is almost over. Now we can have allergy fun! The wildland fires have been rampant around the state. I hope everyone is staying safe. Remember to keep hydrated and stay safe. The National Volunteer Fire Council has many classes out there in its Virtual Classroom. The cost for belonging to the NVFC is minimal for the benefits of joining. Go to their website at www.nvfc.org and check them out. It’s a bargain! They have a wide array of programs to assist Volunteers. They have programs for share the load, health and safety, recruitment and retention, fire prevention and a Jr. Firefighter Program, just to name a few. The NVFC Spring Meeting starts April 19 in Alexandria, VA. It will be my last board meeting. I have made some really good friendships over the five years I’ve been going. The NVFC Training Summit will be June 1-2 in Concord, NC. It is a great opportunity to share ideas and network with others. They are offering 12 breakout sessions, and a person can attend six of those. The State Fire School is May 3-6. A lot of classes are available, and some of these you will only be able to attend at the State Fire School or go to a National Conference. You need to make plans to attend, so sign up early as classes are filling up. Fire Service Training is hosting its annual Golf Tournament March 2 at Page Belcher Golf Course. Put a team together, come out and play and support FST in this fundraiser. Hopefully everything will green up soon to help cut down on the wildland fires. Some parts of the state are in drought conditions. Pray for rain for them. Be Safe! And remember to hydrate!


Oklahoma FirefighterApril 20187

2nd vice PresidenT n

Mike Kelley

OKC FD

Make plans to attend one of the nation’s premier fire training events -- your very own OSFA State Fire School. It will be held May 3-6 at the Tulsa FD Training Center/ Tulsa Community College. This event is free to participants due to the commitment of your OSFA and several great sponsors/ partnerships. You can sign up now for classes on our website. There is something for everyone, whether you want leadership training or hands on classes. Additionally, you don’t have to attend every day just schedule the classes that meet your schedule. The 37th Annual ORFA Convention will be held June 12 in Tulsa in conjunction with the 124th Annual OSFA Convention and the 86th Annual OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Convention June 13-16 . During our annual convention, we honor those that have gone before us and conduct the business of our association. This is also a great opportunity to fellowship with our brothers and sisters from around the state. President Matt Lay and his team are working on giving the membership a convention to remember. I still get questions about the upcoming rule change on Plan B interest distribution. So here are the FAQs from the pension website: Q1. Who is affected by the rule changes that require interest to be withdrawn from a member’s Plan B account? A1. 1. Any member who was first hired as a firefighter with a participating employer of the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension & Retirement System (the “System”) prior to November 1, 2013: (a) who is retired or disabled and maintains a balance in the Oklahoma Firefighters Deferred Option Plan (“Plan B”) or who is deceased and has a surviving spouse who maintains a balance in the Plan B account, (b) who is receiving a monthly benefit, and (c) who has not attained (or would not have yet attained in the year of the distribution) 70 ½ years of age will be subject to a mandatory distribution of interest. 2. In the year the member attains, or would have attained, the age of 70 ½, the member, or the member’s surviving spouse, will no longer be required to take a mandatory distribution of interest, but will only be required to take an IRSrequired minimum distribution. No Plan B account holder will be required to take a mandatory distribution of interest and an IRSrequired minimum distribution in the same calendar year. PLEASE NOTE: If you are currently receiving an IRSrequired minimum distribution as described in Q1 & A1.2 above, the remainder of these questions DO NOT APPLY TO YOU. These questions are only meant to address those under 70 ½ years of age who will be required to take a mandatory distribution of interest. Q2. Does the rule change affect the way interest is calculated? A2. No. There is no change to the interest calculation. Interest is still earned and accrued on a daily basis during the plan year running from July 1 – June 30 each year. See Q&As 5 & 6 for further details. Q3. When do the mandatory distributions of interest occur? A3. The first mandatory distribution of interest at the actuarial assumed interest rate will occur on or about June 30, 2018 and each June 30 thereafter (the “June Mandatory Distribution”). If the actual rate of return of the System’s investment portfolio (“System’s Return”) earned for the plan year July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 exceeds the actuarial assumed interest rate for the System (currently 7.5%) by more than 2%, a second distribution of interest will be required on or before September 30, 2018 (the “Mandatory Distribution of True-up Interest”). The Mandatory Distribution of True-up Interest will only occur following plan years in which the System’s Return exceeds the actuarial assumed interest rate for the System (currently 7.5%) by more than 2%.

mkelley@local157.org

405-623-4338

Q4. How will I know how much I will receive? A4. In mid-to-late April of each year, you will receive an estimate of the June Mandatory Distribution and forms for electing how you wish to receive the distribution (lump sum or direct rollover) by letter and by email if you are enrolled in our Member Self Service website. On or about August 15 of each year, the System’s Return for the plan year will be posted on the System’s website as well as your Member Self Service page if you are enrolled, and you will be sent a statement of your Plan B account. Q5. How is the June Mandatory Distribution calculated? A5. On or about June 30, 2018, the System will calculate the interest you earned at the actuarial assumed interest rate (currently 7.5%) on your Plan B account during the plan year July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 (the “June 30 Interest”), and the amount of any monthly distributions or other withdrawals (“Voluntary Withdrawals”) you took during the same time frame. If the June 30 Interest exceeds the amount of your Voluntary Withdrawals, the System will distribute the difference to you as the June Mandatory Distribution. If your Voluntary Withdrawals exceed the June 30 Interest, you will not receive a June Mandatory Distribution. This pattern will be repeated annually for June Mandatory Distributions in subsequent years. Q6. How is the Mandatory Distribution of True-up Interest calculated? A6. Your Plan B account earns interest for each plan year based on the greater of (1) the actuarial assumed interest rate and (2) the System’s Return for the plan year less 2.0%. The System’s Return for the plan year cannot be determined until after a plan year has ended and financial results are compiled. On or about August 15 of each year, the System’s Return (for the plan year ending on the prior June 30) and the Plan B interest rate (for the plan year ending on the prior June 30) are posted on the System’s website. Whenever the Plan B interest rate for a plan year equals the actuarial assumed interest rate, there will be no Mandatory Distribution of True-up Interest. For any plan year for which the System’s Return exceeds the actuarial assumed interest rate by more than 2%, the System will calculate the additional interest you earned on your Plan B account on or before August 15 (the “True Up”). If your Plan B account is credited with a True Up, the System will determine if a Mandatory Distribution of Trueup Interest is required. A Mandatory Distribution of True-up Interest (which could be paid before September, see Q&A 7) will be made to you to the extent the True Up plus the June 30 Interest is greater than your Voluntary Withdrawals for the plan year. If your Voluntary Withdrawals exceed the amount of the True Up plus the June 30 Interest, you will not receive a Mandatory Distribution of True-up Interest. This pattern will be repeated annually for the Mandatory Distribution of True-up Interest in subsequent years. Q7. What happens if I think I am entitled to a significant True Up (as defined in A6 above) and I wish to receive some or all of my Mandatory Distribution of True-up Interest before such distribution is made to all members? A7. If you timely request a one-time withdrawal, or receive a monthly withdrawal, from your Plan B account to be paid as of July 31, August 31 and/or September 30, these withdrawals will generally be treated as an early request of the Mandatory Distribution of True-up Interest. However, if any such withdrawal exceeds the Mandatory Distribution of True-up Interest (after consideration of any voluntary withdrawals during the prior plan year that exceed the June Mandatory Distribution), such excess amount will be treated as a “Voluntary Withdrawal” for the plan year in which such amount is distributed. See Q&A 5. If you would rather receive any amount of the Mandatory Distribution of True-up Interest without offset, please contact the pension office to request that amount. Q8. What can I do with my mandatory distribution of interest? A8. You will be given an opportunity to elect how you wish to receive your funds. The options will be to take the money directly or to roll the funds directly to an IRA you have set up (including a Roth IRA) or to a 403(b) plan, a 401(a) plan or a governmental 457(b) plan. Note: the System will treat the election you make for the June Mandatory Distribution as applying to any Mandatory Distribution of True-up Interest you receive in September unless you provide other instructions. PLEASE NOTE: IRS-required minimum distributions that

begin once you attain the age of 70 ½ are NOT eligible for direct rollover. Q9. Is this distribution taxable? A9. All Plan B funds are held on a pretax basis until distributed. However, the taxable question depends on how you receive the money: • Did you roll the money directly into an employer plan or an IRA (other than a Roth IRA)? If yes, then taxes are delayed until the time you take a distribution from that account. (Rollovers are not allowed for IRS-required minimum distributions.) • Were you declared by the State Board as disabled in the line of duty? If yes, please consult a qualified tax advisor as to the taxability of these funds before you receive these funds directly or before you make a decision to roll these funds directly to an employer plan or any type of IRA. • Have (1) you received the distribution directly from the System which was not a direct rollover, (2) you not done a 60 day rollover, and (3) you NOT been declared disabled in the line of duty by the State Board? If you answer yes to each of (1) – (3), then the distribution may be fully taxable. However, you should consult a qualified tax advisor on this matter. Q10. Will this distribution be subject to the 10% penalty for early withdrawal if I was under the age 50 when I retired? A10. Yes, if it is not timely and properly rolled over. Q11. If I roll my funds to a traditional IRA, does my public safety exception to the 10% penalty for being over the age of 50 when I retired follow to such IRA? A11. No. If you roll funds into a traditional IRA, you cannot withdraw funds from that account without penalty unless you have attained the age of 59 ½. Q12. Will the System set up an IRA for you? A12. Generally, no; however, if you fail to provide direction, are under age 62, and your mandatory distribution of interest in either June or September is greater than $1,000, then the System will set up an IRA in accordance with IRS guidance. Applying IRS guidance, the System’s rules provide that in the absence of an election by the Plan B account holder: 1. If any mandatory distribution is greater than $1,000 and if a member has not reached the later of age 62 or the member’s normal retirement date at the time of a mandatory distribution, and said member fails to provide an election to the System as to how he or she wishes to receive the funds, the System will automatically roll the funds into an individual retirement plan designated by the State Board of the System and invested in a default investment on behalf of the member. This applies to the member only and not to a distribution to a surviving spouse, alternate payee or upon the member’s death. 2. Failure to make an election by a member who has reached the later of age 62 or the normal retirement date or failure to make an election by a surviving spouse, alternate payee, or other beneficiary will result in funds being sent directly to the recipient which may result in a taxable event. Q13. Can I roll my mandatory distribution of interest into a governmental 457(b) plan? A13. Yes, provided the governmental 457(b) plan will accept the contributions. Q14. Can the System help with what to do with these funds? A14. The System cannot provide financial advice to its members or their beneficiaries. Please contact a competent financial or tax advisor. These FAQs are not intended to be a full description of the benefits provided by the System or to provide any personal financial, tax or legal advice. For example, IRS limits may apply, which could change answers to certain questions set forth above. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor, tax advisor and/or an attorney as needed. If, in our efforts to make these FAQs easy to understand, we have omitted or misstated any of the System’s provisions, the System’s official legal documents and the State Board’s interpretation of those documents must remain the final authority. These FAQs are subject to change without notice to account for changes in the System’s official legal documents, the State Board’s interpretation of those documents or other applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Hopefully these FAQs help! It’s not too early to plan for the required distribution. Stay safe brothers and sisters!


8April 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

n

OSFA STAFF REPORT Sheri Nickel

n

Sheri Nickel

Volunteer Recruitment & Retention

Here we are, back in the busy season of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association. Everyone is working their tails off around here to bring the best events to you once again. It seems like committee meetings are every other day, Winter Workshop is behind us and we have just finished the Legislative Reception. Phil Ostrander and Don Armes are busting their tails at the State Capitol fighting for retiree COLAs, and Steve Lumry is in the office watching our budget and keeping us on track for planning the upcoming convention, fire school, museum expansion and everything else. The guys in the museum are fine-tuning displays and making sure that the grounds and Oklahoma Firefighters Memorial look stellar. As for the office staff, we are doing the best that we can with what we have. We do a lot with only Trisha Chain and Amy Hall to clean up our messes. Tim Bartram and I help with committees and other stuff around the office, but without the two girls to go behind us and keep us straight, there would be utter chaos. With the State Fire School right around the corner Tim is overloaded with trying to fine-tune the schedule and make sure that accommodations are in place for everyone. And luckily, Trisha keeps him focused on that. Our organizational membership is up this year, and Amy is working hard to ensure summaries are completed and making sure everyone gets their window stickers and cards. As for myself, Year 2 of the SAFER Grant is in full swing, and I have been busy working on grant applications and department identification. Please remember that nobody is perfect and that mistakes happen. When you call the OSFA office, please be patient and know that we are doing the best that we can to serve you. It is quite impressive being on the inside and knowing exactly how much a small office staff can do for the 10,000+ members of our association. I have been a member of OSFA since 2000 and always relied on someone to help me with departmental dilemmas when I called the office. Now that I am on the inside and am helping answer the calls, it truly amazes me that so much knowledge is within these walls. JOIN US AT

MOORE ATHLETIC GOLF CLUB (920 SW 19th) Monday, April 30, 2018 at 9 a.m. for the

Moore Firefighter’s Santa Express 9th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Moore Firefighters invite you to participate in their 9th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Proceeds will be used by Moore’s Santa Express Program to provide gifts for underprivileged children within the community. We hope to see you there! • $70 per person / $280 per team • Four-Man Scramble • Registration at 8 a.m. • Shot Gun Start at 9 a.m. • Limited Space Available • Top Teams Receive Pro Shop Credits • Closest to Pin Prize on every Par 3 • Long Drive Contest Prize • Mulligans 2 for $10 or 1 for $5 • Mulligan Tickets also used for Raffle • Closest to Custom-Painted Fire Hydrant takes it home (you haul it) • Lunch served after Tournament For more information: Scott Lance 405-833-5389 Robert Crain 405-990-9907 Ronnie Rawson 405-823-4542

Moore Firefighter’s Santa Express Golf Tournament

Team Captain__________________________ Team Captain Phone #__________________ E-mail________________________________ Player #1:_____________________________ Player #2:_____________________________ Player #3:_____________________________ Player #4:_____________________________

Send Payment & Form to: Moore Fire Department Attn: Santa Express 2400 S. Fritts Blvd., Moore, OK 73160

SAFER Grant

SAFER Grant Coordinator

Don Howerton, Lakewood Fire Department LaTina Strong-Good, Olive Fire Department Kevin Haney, Kellyville Fire Department Tyler Calvert, Clinton Fire Department Mason Rickner, Chandler Fire Department Mike Baker, Elmwood Fire Department Bryan Coleman, Pawnee Fire Department J. J. Palacios, Guymon Fire Department Sketchley Baker, Butler Fire Department Ian Cronkhite, Mustang Fire Department Marty Hans, Goodwell Fire Department Earl Reed, Newcastle Fire Department Mitch Inman, Mannford Fire Department Chris Chamberlain, Richland Fire Department Phillipe Cates, Red Oak Fire Department Blake Cates, Boggy Fire Department Colby Williams, Dewey Fire Department Jose Ramirez, Hammon Fire Department Korbon Polston, Forest Park Fire Department

As of March 13, 2018, 19 of the 75 spots for Year 2 of the SAFER Grant have been awarded. These 19 departments (listed above) have put forth the effort to take advantage of the free money that OSFA has to better their fire departments. A simple letter and the last five years of the department worker’s comp rosters is all I need to see if your department qualifies. What you may not know about is our newly implemented retention funds that have been pulled out of the SAFER Grant. Firefighters from Bluejacket, Springer, Bethel Acres, Leflore, Union City, Oil Center, Shattuck, Velma, Dickson, Buncombe Creek, Pink, Richland, Canadian Shores, Preston, Nicoma Park, Wister, Little Axe, Checotah and Walters have all reaped the benefits by attending regional fire schools and attending leadership, EVDT or wildland firefighting classes. The SAFER grant is sponsoring the classes and reimbursing students who traveled more than 50 miles in their personal vehicles 0.545 cents a mile and up to $91 a night for their hotel rooms. With state fire school approaching, do not hesitate to call me and see if you are taking a class that qualifies for this benefit. Is your department is interested in hosting any of the following training classes?

Calling the Mayday Emergency Vehicle Driving Pump Operations Wildland Foam Application Structural Firefighting Vehicle Rescue Tech (A)

Responding to the Mayday Emergency Vehicle Driving: UTV/ATV Water Shuttle Wildland Fundamentals and Skills Leadership for Small Departments Vehicle Extrication Fundamentals

Contact your OSU-FST Regional Specialist to coordinate a date and time to host the class. Your department will be reimbursed for the tuition that you pay to OSUFST from the proceeds of the SAFER Grant. I realize that we are only in April of this year, but the reality is that we only have seven months left to get these classes scheduled and delivered before we reach the end of this grant year. So don’t wait to get in contact with your specialist: NW Oklahoma, Paul Hinchey (580) 307-4984 SW Oklahoma, Mark Huff (580) 623-9464 NE Oklahoma, Ted Combs (918) 633-0230 SE Oklahoma, Dannie Whitehouse (918) 724-5496. Or you can always call me (580) 554-7123 and I will coordinate with the specialist so that we can make sure to get these classes delivered. The Oklahoma State Firefighters Association has obtained this grant to help the volunteers in our state. We wrote the grant, have been awarded this money, we are managing the budget, filing the reports and ensuring that it is being allocated properly and within FEMA’s guidelines. Everything is being divvied out on a first come-first served basis, but there is no reason for any department to complain about not having money for training, as we have plenty to go around. The process is as simple as making a phone call or sending a text. If you want something, just ask. You won’t regret it.


Oklahoma FirefighterApril 20189

Question & Answers Here is what they said: w Mike Weinkauf, Orlando: The OSFA is always there to help us. And they do a great job at keeping us informed on things that pertain to the fire service. The State Fire School has become a great event to attend with lots of great training available. w Bert Norton, Midwest City: The Oklahoma Fallen & Living Firefighters Memorial and the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum. w Greg Roberts, Norman Retired: The best thing about the OSFA is the people! w Tom Low, Stillwater: The best thing about the OSFA is they are our voice in the Oklahoma fire service. They have been advocates for Oklahoma firefighters for 124 years . Basically, every benefit we enjoy as firefighters has came through the hard work of those that came before us. They are the ones responsible for getting the fire service bills passed in the legislature. They are the stewards of our pensions. They look out for our health and safety and training. The OSFA preserves our past through the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum. They honor our fallen and retired firefighters through its loving care of the Oklahoma Firefighters Memorial. The best thing about the OSFA is it maintains this great legacy for all firefighters -- past, present and future! w Tom Marcum, Mooreland: Brotherhood and the opportunities that it provides to form relationships with firefighters across our state! w Brian McDaniel, Ardmore: The fellowship of all firefighters in Oklahoma. w Juan Rodriguez, Lawton Retired: The OSFA does the best job of unifying the firefighters in Oklahoma. All the other organizations limit their membership in some way. The PFFO is limited to paid union members. The OFCA is limited to chief officers. The ORFA is limited to retirees. The NVFC is limited to volunteers. The OSFA unites us all towards the brass ring at the end of our career that we all want.

Oklahoma Firefighter asked last issue’s readers this question: “What is the best thing about the OSFA?”

w David Fincher, Lawton: In the March OSFA paper, I read where this month’s question would be, “What’s the Best Thing About the OSFA?” My immediate reaction was, “How do you summarize a question like that in a sentence or two? I sure hope Penny doesn’t ask me to answer that.” Guess what? She did. After meditating on it for the past week, I’m going to attempt to answer. A question like this is like trying to answer, “What’s the best part of having sex?” Now, if you think I’m going to say that the OSFA is as great as intercourse, then you’re going to be sorely wrong. As much as I love the OSFA, I don’t love it that much; I digress. Let’s focus. How do you put into words which part of the OSFA you love? There’s so much to it. There’s the fellowship of other firefighters, the knowledge you receive from training with other members from across the state, and depending on where you are in your career, retirement must be somewhere at the top. Ask 100 different members and you’ll get 100 different answers why our state firefighter’s association is the best. Personally, it’s the commitment to each other that I love the most. In any organization, 100% of the work is carried out by 10% of its members; the fire service is no different. Of that 10%, members such as Mike Duncan, Tim Bartram and Steve Lumry log countless miles annually to ensure

that the conventions flow smoothly, that we’re accurately informed on what’s happening at the Capitol, that the State Fire School will be better than the previous year, and on-and-on. There are many members that I’ve failed to acknowledge who share the same level of commitment. These are just a few of the members I’ve witnessed. These men are standing on the shoulders of previous members who were just as committed to a younger OSFA. One of the similarities they share is the level of commitment to their members of the OSFA. I beseech you to get involved in our state firefighter’s organization. I had no idea of the positive impact being involved would make. Just as the fire service changes, so does the needs of its members. New committees are being formed regularly to accommodate the needs in the fire service. GET INVOLVED! It’s been said that cemeteries are full of men who the world couldn’t live without. I take great comfort in knowing that after I’m long gone, the OSFA will be managed by members who are younger and smarter (they’ll never be prettier) than me. Each new generation of firefighter is educated and better trained than its previous member. For us to not admit that is an exercise in vanity. Brothers and sisters, get involved and find out what you love best about our OSFA.

April’s question -“What’s your most expensive piece of clothing? Everyone is Welcome to Submit an Answer Email Your Response to penelopes@osfa.info

SAFER GRANT Recruitment & Retention

First Time Firefighters - Firefighter 1 - Bunker Gear Fire Chief or appointed representative must contact the Grant Coordinator in writing and provide accurate fire department rosters for the last 5 years to demonstrate the need to add additional firefighters to their departments.

Contact the OSFA for assistance. Funds will be dispersed on a first-come first-served basis according to goals and standards set forth in the Standard Operating Guidelines developed for this grant. Official SOG is available upon request.

w Mike Kelley, Oklahoma City: We represent all firefighters in Oklahoma!! w Bryan West, OSU-FST: I think the support and importance the OSFA gives to training. I think that is clear from the recent State Fire Schools and Grants available. w Greg Moore, Onapa: The best thing about the OSFA is its PEOPLE! w Rick Chisum, Okmulgee: Establishing a bridge between the leadership and membership at all levels -- whether paid or volunteer, young or old. And to protect our pension while safeguarding members though wellness and prevention, enabling us to live long and prosper. w Clifford Lewis, Oklahoma City Retired: That they have me as a member ... LOL! w Bre Horn, Marshall: I think the best thing about the OSFA is how it gives members a resource to help them network and grow in this profession. I know myself, I have learned a lot being on the Education Advisory Committee and look forward to being more involved and helping others. w Greg Lindsay, Oklahoma City: The best thing about the OSFA is it is in Oklahoma. w Mike “Rookie” Billingsley, Nichols Hills Retired: Its members, their spouses and the staff. w Brian Foughty, Moore Retired: This is a hard one to answer. Whether it be the Legislative Conference where firefighters get an opportunity to meet with their legislators in a more relaxed atmosphere, or the various committees that the members have an opportunity to serve on that helps shape the organization for all. It could be the annual OSFA Convention that allows for all firefighters -- paid and volunteer -- to get together and make new friends, as well as reunite with old ones to catch up on friends and family. To allow fair representation to all members on issues that affect us all. I think the OSFA is to all-encompassing to narrow it down to just one single like.

OKLAHOMA STATE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION Sheri Nickel Grant Coordinator 2716 NE 50th, OKC, OK 73111 www.OSFA.info 405-424-1452 office 580-554-7123 cell sherin@osfa.info


10April 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

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Women’s Auxiliary Report Martha Pierce

1994 & 2012 President martha.pierce@irepension.ok.gov

Hi Ladies! I can’t believe it is already two months away from Convention. Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter with lots of fun and fellowship with loved ones. Hope you’re getting excited about the upcoming Convention. It is time to focus on the deadlines for the 86th annual Oklahoma State Firefighters Women’s Auxiliary Convention June 13-16 in Tulsa. The following Competitions and Awards will take place:

Annual Report: 1. Two copies of your auxiliary’s annual report to be sent to the President (Tennie Green). 2. The report given before the convention will be limited to (3) minutes. 3. The written report may be longer than three minutes and does not have to be read (the written report will be judged, not the oral one. 4. All entries must be Typewritten. 5. Deadline: Postmarked no later the May 15th. 6. Award Ribbon. Woman Of The Year: 1. A woman from your local auxiliary. 2. No names of individuals or towns will be used. 3. Two copies of your Woman of the Year nomination to be sent to the President. 4. Report may be no longer than two pages doubled spaced. 5. All entries must be Typewritten. 6. Deadline postmarked no later than May15. 7. Include name of nominee in sealed envelope. 8. Award: Commemorative token.

Local Unit Dues Must Be Paid To The OSF Ladies Auxiliary Prior To The Opening Session of the Annual Convention to be eligible to participate in the Annual Report and/or Woman of the Year Competitions. Participation will be given if you have By-Law changes. They need to be mailed 30 days prior to convention. The By-Laws may be amended at any meeting by two-third vote, provided the amendments have been submitted to the membership thirty (30) days before. Major items needing the study of the Convention Body may be presented in writing to each member thirty (30) days before convention and voted on the last day of the convention.

Please help us get a jump-start on convention and send your individual and unit dues. Remember it’s just $10.00 for the annual membership dues and $10.00 for your local auxiliary dues. According to the By-laws the individual and local dues are due by May 1st of each year. Please send dues to Susan Walker (Lawton). Please remember when paying your auxiliary dues to send a list of names, addresses, e-mail addresses, the names of officers and the month the officers are elected. Ladies you need to be thinking about running for Jr. Board member or bring a name of a member you would like to nominate. And don’t forget to bring your three door prizes and Silent Auction items. I hope to see you at convention and hope to see many new faces. Come join the fun! May God Bless You!

2017-18 Women’s Auxiliary Executive Board

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ORFA REport Dana Cramer

Norman FD Retired The time is flying by. It seems just yesterday we were welcoming in a new year. Now spring is fast approaching which means it’s Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Conference time. I know the Chiefs have worked hard to make this year’s conference an informative one. Hope you have a chance to head to Lawton April 4-6 to enjoy the networking and educational opportunity provided by them. Another great opportunity is the OSFA State Fire School May 3-6 at Tulsa Fire Training Grounds and Tulsa Community College. Talk about a rapid rise in fire service educational and training schools! If the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association State Fire School is not the fastest growing training endeavor in the nation, it’s near the top. With that being said, if you haven’t enrolled for classes yet for this year’s fire school, be sure and get enrolled soon -- classes are filling up fast. Don’t put off registering thinking you can do it tomorrow. By that time, some of the classes you are wanting could be full. For example, Big Rig Rescue is full for May 3-4. So act now to get the classes you want most. At the State Capitol, the COLA bill came out of committee with the title off, but we are having trouble getting it heard on the House floor. Remember, the Pension System has the Members Services link on their web page. Check it out with a simple click at www.osfa.info/resourses/fire-servicelinks. Having trouble when getting started, just give the Pension Office a call and they can help you through it. Some really helpful information is available when you use the Member Services link. Until next month, Be A Leader!

2017-18 ORFA Executive Board PRESIDENT Dana Cramer, Norman dcramer3@cox.net 405-570-1387 1ST VICE PRESIDENT Juan Rodriguez, Lawton jrod911@gmail.com 2ND VICE PRESIDENT Tippy Pierce, Moore fftip@swbell.net 405-924-1104

PRESIDENT Tennie Green tennie.green@gmail.com (918) 440-7060

SEC/TREASURER Susan Walker sw233821@gmail.com (580) 351-4116

3RD VICE PRESIDENT George Fina, OKC gomsc38@gmail.com 405-373-2409

VICE PRESIDENT Erica Koch ejv97@cox.net (405) 308-2010

PAST PRESIDENT Diana Cramer cramerdr@cox.net (405) 613-2513

PAST PRESIDENT Phil Ostrander, Tulsa phil@okgov.us 405-424-1452

37th ORFA CONVENTION June 12 • Hyatt Regency Downtown Tulsa The Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association Convention is FREE and will start at 1 p.m. Registration opens at 10 a.m. Lunch will be provided at noon. In an effort to expedite the registration process, please go online to www.osfa.info and register for this event (under the ORFA tab). And be sure to bring a great door prize! That way, the information shared at convention won’t be the only great thing to take with you!


Oklahoma FirefighterApril 201811

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NEAR-MISS REPORT

By Greg Lindsay

Watch your back When we operate in the roadway, our first objective is to size-up the scene and create a safe area. Occasionally, we operate near the road and dismiss the need to block traffic. Perhaps we use apparatus to block the scene for ourselves, and expect that no one will try to thread through the street. In the report highlighted this month, a taxi on the perimeter of an event strikes an incident commander while in the street. Though the injuries sustained are minor, the reminder is there to be vigilant and stay safe because the fire is a distraction for people that are not familiar with the scene. The featured report this month involves an incident commander operating on the exterior alpha side of an apartment fire. At the scene, the IC establishes command from the car and makes initial assignments. With 13 assigned apparatus in blocking positions, he steps into the street for a visual update when a taxi driver enters the incident area and almost runs over the IC, knocking him to the ground. The complete report is available at http://firefighternearmiss.com/Reports?id=11750.

Incident Commander Ran Over During Firefight EVENT NARRATIVE Initial size-up I arrived on the scene of a nine-story, high-rise apartment complex, with smoke and fire showing from the Alpha-Side of the building. A two-alarm response was initiated, and I had all units on scene within 6-8 minutes. Description I was operating as the Incident Commander (IC) on the scene of a working fire in high-rise apartment complex. The structure is nine stories high and fully occupied. Evacuation efforts by the residents were well underway upon our arrival. The fire was located on the fourth floor and was visual from Alpha-Side of the building as fire department assets arrived on the scene. Initially, I took command and remained in the “buggy” to develop my tactical plan and deploy units to attack the fire. Commanding an incident in this fashion is a common practice in my department and affords a multitude of safety waypoints for the IC. Everything an IC needs is in the “buggy,” and it allows for quieter, less interrupted communications with dispatch and assets on the scene. One tactic we use is to call for police to shut down the streets around any structure where we are operating so that firefighters are not run over. On this call, I forgot to call for protection and utilized a Ladder truck to take care of the issue. This street was a one-way, and I figured that it could handle the job. Once the fire attack was fluid and progress was evident, I decided to exit the “buggy” and continue the attack, positioning myself in the street. I was in the process of looking up at the structure when all of the sudden I was violently thrown to the ground. Stunned, but still able to function, I looked up and saw that the perpetrator was a taxi driver. The taxi driver stopped, got out, apologized for careless driving. I sustained some bruising and was able to finish the shift. Describe the lessons learned at this event: As stated in the event narrative, the IC needs to stay in a protected position from those uncontrollable factors that could either distract or injure them on an incident. If the IC becomes overwhelmed, engulfed with citizens, or injured the entire safety of the operation could be compromised. The firefighters will keep working, but without direction and benchmarks completed and crossed off safety starts to diminish. I will continue to utilize the command techniques of my department. When I do exit the “buggy”, I will ensure that I take a tactical position on a sidewalk or grassy area.

OKC Fire Department

Consider the following: • Safe practices at a fire incident are almost always observed when the dangers are obvious. Discuss with your crew the hazards that could apply to this type of incident when a civilian vehicle attempts to drive through. • Discuss your protocol for requesting traffic control. • Are there times when you have left scene protection to blocking apparatus? What was your reasoning for this decision? • Large diameter hose is too big for most vehicles to cross. Have you ever had a supply line ruptured by a vehicle?

Traffic blocking is an essential element when working in a busy street. At a fire incident, the perimeter of the scene may be larger than our apparatus can protect. Where protocols address water supply protection, most dispatch centers request law enforcement for fire events. In other jurisdictions, it is incumbent on the IC to determine if traffic control is needed. Safety for personnel operating on the scene is an incident priority as necessary as property conservation and incident stabilization.

There are several reports in the database at www.firefighternearmiss.com that involve vehicle incursions into an incident scene. The common element is not always easy to spot. Reading these reports will help your personnel prepare for the inevitable eventuality of curious people driving into a restricted area and looking at anything but our firefighters. Safety requires vigilance.

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12April 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

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ISO Report

This week, I want to cover the PPC evaluation of water supply and the point values. There are two types of water supply ratings which are Hydrant and Hauled Water. A hydrant rating affects properties that are within 1000’ of a fire hydrant. That hydrant must supply at least 250 gpm to be recognized. A hauled water grading is more complicated and affects all properties in the graded Fire Departments response area that is within 5 road miles of one of their fire stations. A recognized fire hydrant or static source ( if certified) can be used. Also you can be given a split rating in both hydrant and hauled water areas. There are a total of 40 points available for water supply: • 30 points for Water System Supply • 3 points for Hydrants • 7 points for Inspection and Flow Testing Hydrants. Water System (30 points): They will select several buildings in your area and determine a theoretical fire flow for each one in gpm. I have seen anywhere from 7 in smaller communities to as many as 60 in larger communities. They are trying to determine a fair representation of the available water flow for your fire departments coverage area against the needs of the community. The available water flow is based on the lowest of: 1) Supply works, 2) Main capacity or 3) Hydrant distribution. Simply put, when averaged if you can deliver 50% of the needed water supply you would earn 50% of the 30 available points for both hydrant and hauled gradings. In order to make significant improvements in this area it

Yogi Cole

(405) 213-9967 yogi.cole@oid.ok.gov

ISO Field Coordinator

may take considerable time and money which could require future planning to accomplish.

The amount of the 4 points are determined as follows: 60% if done annually. 40% for a 2 year average. 20% for a 3 year average. 10% for a 4 year average. No credit for 5 years or more.

Hydrants (3 points): Size, type, and size of water line are looked at here. Points are based on the percentage of hydrants that fall in each category. For example, if all of your hydrants are 3 way on 6” or larger lines, you would get all three points. I can already hear the laughter and people saying “what is a six inch line ... I’ve never seen one that big” but keep in mind that this is for maximum credit.

In addition credit is available for each of the following: 1- Hydrant inspections include a flushing program 20%. 2- Inspection includes a pressure test 20% (open with caps on). 3- Inspection of cisterns or suction points includes drafting with a pumper and back-flushing for dry hydrants 40%.

So here is how the hydrant credit is broken down: Hydrants A. (100% of the 3 points) With a 6-inch or larger branch and a pumper outlet; with or without 2.5” outlets; or with 6-inch or larger dry hydrant installed in accordance with the general criteria of the applicable standards. B. (75% of the 3 points) With a 6-inch or larger branch, no pumper outlet but two or more 2.5” outlets, or with small barrel less than 5 inches. C. (25% of the 3 points) With only one 2.5” outlet. With less than a 6-inch branch. Flush type. Cistern or suction point. The points are prorated according to the number of hydrants of each type compared with the total number of Fire Hydrants.

Fire flow testing (3 of the 7 points): Fire flow testing of hydrants should be in accordance with the general criteria of AWWA manual M17. For full credit fire flow tests should be conducted on all parts of the distribution system every 5 years. The amount of the 3 points are determined below: Frequency of fire flow testing: 80% 5 years 60% 6 years 40% 7 years 20% 8 years 10% 9 years No credit for 10 years or more. In addition 20% is available if there is a hydrant marking program in accordance with the general criteria of NFPA 291 or AWWA manual M17. If partial records test exist reduce the points by 25%. This is a very important part of the evaluation that is frequently overlooked due to span of control concerns. I encourage you to review this portion of the grading carefully. For more info or questions you may have please call.

Inspection and fire flow testing of hydrants (7 points): This is where you can earn some serious points. Inspection 4 of the 7 points: Inspections should be in accordance with AWWA manual 17. The frequency of inspection is the average time interval between the 3 most recent inspections.

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Oklahoma FirefighterApril 201813

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14April 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

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Museum news

Oklahoma City FD Recruit Class 17-3 Fires Up 1870 Hunneman Hand Pumper

Mon-Sat Sunday

9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 1 to 4:30 p.m.

FREE for OSFA Members & Immediate Family

Gene Brown Museum Manager geneb@osfa.info Spring is coming fast. We are gearing up to start working on the grounds around the museum -trimming trees, working on our mole problem and preparing the lawn equipment. We have plenty of opportunities for firefighters to volunteer at the Museum to help in any of these areas and more. And we are still working on improvements around the museum while planning for the museum expansion. Everyone is working very hard to complete our goals. But, we still have time to welcome visitors! So please take time to visit your museum.

IN OTHER MUSEUM NEWS: The Oklahoma City Fire Department Recruit Class 17-3 visited the museum on Feb. 15. And while there, they got to hand-pump the 1870 Hunneman -- only the second group of OKC firefighters to pump water like this in over 100 years! OSFA and Museum staff members Steve Lumry, Gene Brown, Bob Noll and Joe Thompson helped make this possible. And a special thanks goes out to Oklahoma City Fire Chief Richard Kelley and the members of E-18 (B) and Tanker 4.


Oklahoma FirefighterApril 201815

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16April 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

2018 OSFA STATE FIRE SCHOOL 135 Classes Spanning 4 Days Classes range from hands-on Live Fire and Technical Rescue to Public Education and Chief Officer Leadership Private Dwelling and Store Fires

John Norman Retired Deputy Asst. FDNY

Blue Card Command Overview

John Brunacini Retired Captain Phoenix (AZ) FD

PPE Care & Maintenance

From PTSD to PTG: A Firefighter’s Journey

Kirk Owen Retired Asst. Chief Plano (TX) FD

Dr. David Griffin “In Honor of the Charleston 9” Author

Barn Boss Leadership

TACTical Leadership

Tommy Goran Fire Engineer Columbia (MO) FD

Brian Ward Founder of FireServiceSLT

FREE for First Responders No where else can you get this amazing training for zero cost to enroll and attend! Lots of amazing classes! Many take time off and get in as many classes as they can! Get signed up! Let us know if you are going! Looking forward to seeing you there! Food trucks will be on-site each day during State Fire School

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Evening events available for all to attend Meet and Greet with vendors and sponsors Please attend and tell them thank you for supporting all of us!


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Oklahoma FirefighterApril 201817

educational advisory committee Larry Hansen

Oklahoma City FD

charles.hansen@okc.gov

I Train, You Train, Hopefully We All Train to Become Better Firefighters Training is the backbone of any fire department -- large or small, volunteer, combination or career. It produces well-prepared first responders that through repetition, increase the speed and efficiency of assigned tasks and enhances proper execution while reducing injuries. All fire department members need training. New members need to learn basic skills. Senior members need the training to hone their skills and to maintain consistency. All firefighters should be competent and confident in their skills while on an emergency scene. A well-trained firefighter will be a safe, reliable asset to his or her crew that possesses self-discipline; a sense of duty and the ability to perform safely and proficiently in the face of ever changing dangerous conditions at all-hazard incidents. Training fosters teamwork and cooperation. Training can be accomplished formally through drills and practical evolutions complete with benchmarks and performance standards, informally by reading, examining, and discussion of policies, procedures and guidelines. The only thing better than participating in good firefighter training is the opportunity to experience excellent and FREE Firefighter Training. This is exactly what the 2018 OSFA State Fire School is offering May 3-6. The training will take place at the Tulsa Community College and Tulsa Fire Training Center (3727 E. Apache). This will be the biggest and best state fire school we’ve ever offered with many talented national and local instructors. Don’t miss the opportunity to train with brother and sister firefighters from all over the region. The hands-on training classes are filling up fast and there are still some available seats left in the lecture classes. The only cost of admission is time, effort and energy to participate in some of the most relevant and realistic training offered in today’s fire service.

FOR A FULL LIST OF CLASSES AND TO REGISTER: www.osfa.info http://my.osufst.org/ conferences/711

2nd Annual Mother Road Fire Truck Show and Muster Route 66 Stroud, OK June 16th, 2018 12:00 – 4:00 Including Firefighter Games Call Adam Chace for details 405-334-1059 achace@stroudnb.com


18April 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

COMING SOON TO TCC NORTHEAST CAMPUS! FIRST EVER

Class Starts August 2018Are you up for the challenge!? DETAILS  Successful graduates will meet ALL minimum Oklahoma firefighter training and certification requirements  Combination classroom, Hands-On-Training, and FITNESS held at the all new Tulsa Fire Safety Training Center (TCC NE)  Class instructed by knowledgeable and experienced firefighters and paramedics  16 Credit Hour Course  Approximate Cost - $3500 (includes tuition, books, uniforms, gear rental, and certification fees)  Must be at least 18 years of age  Sports physical, background check, and drug test required  For more information go to http://www.tulsacc.edu/programscourses/academic-schools/engineering-applied-technology, or contact Chief Greta Hurt at TulsaRegionalFireAcademy@tulsacc.edu or (918)596-1989


Oklahoma FirefighterApril 201819

Fire

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FOR A DEMONSTRATION ON ANY FIRE HOSE: Jeff Thompson • Midwest Sales Manager 816-509-4447 • JThompson@aahose.com


20April 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

n

in memoriam

Eufaula Volunteer Firefighter Receives Scholarship to NVFC Training Summit

Johnnie Backwater, Kenwood FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Kenwood Volunteer Firefighter Johnnie Backwater on March 9. He was 69. Johnnie had the foresight to join the OSFA Brent Hatcher Benevolent Fund (BHBF) and his family received a $2,500 donation from the BHBF members. Johnnie started the Kenwood FD in 1970, as well as the Kenwood Rural Water Dept. He earned the Sequoyah Award from Cherokee Nation for his volunteer service.

Joe Reynolds, Berryhill FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Berryhill FD Captain Joe Reynolds on March 10. He was 46. For 13 years, Joe was a volunteer for the Mounds FD. He then joined the Berryhill FD full-time and was a significant member of the department for 11 years. Joe took every opportunity to teach children and the community about fire safety. He was quick to work on clearing land or helping unlock a car for a citizen.

Kevin Goodnight, Moore FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Retired Moore Firefighter Kevin Goodnight on Feb. 18. He was 45. Kevin had prior service at the Guthrie FD and retired from Moore after seven years of dedicated service. He was a notorious cookie lover, earning the nickname “Cookie Monster” from his children, who would hide cookies so he would not eat them all.

Randall Sullivan from the Eufaula Volunteer Fire Department is going to the National Volunteer Fire Council Training Summit being held in Concord, North Carolina June 1-2. He received a scholarship to the twoday event featuring classroom sessions on a variety of topics critical to the volunteer fire, emergency medical and rescue services. Sullivan will get reimbursement for two nights hotel stay, plus up to $500 for transportation expenses. And his registration fee for the summit is being waived. The Summit provides an opportunity to network and share ideas and best practices with fire service members from across the country.

Free Online Course for New Company Officers The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has developed an online course to help the new company officer navigate and understand the requirements and responsibilities of their position. “Becoming a Company Officer” consists of eight-modules that provide key considerations and information in the areas of leadership, communication, ethics, training evolutions, preparing to be first due, incident scene management, health and wellness, and management/ administrative duties. The NVFC is offering the course free-of-charge for a limited time. Take this training through the Virtual Classroom. If you don’t have a Virtual Classroom account, create one for free to access this course. For more information, go to www.NVFC.org.

n (800) 779-5521 n www.CONRADFIRE.com n (913) 780-5521

Conrad Fire Equipment and Roger Brown would like to thank and congratulate the Chouteau OK Fire Department on its recent purchase of this Impel PUC pumper

STEVE MARTIN (405) 620-1891

SAMMY MARTIN (405) 850-3752

ROGER BROWN (785) 865-6941

RYAN REEVES (405) 269-3844

Firefighters Serving Firefighters


Oklahoma FirefighterApril 201821

n

Volunteer fire service Report Greg Moore

Onapa FD

Volunteer Fire Service Comm. Daylight savings time is traditionally the reminder for us all to check our smoke alerts. I hope everyone did that! Let’s think about this a bit. Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of fire related deaths in the US. Many of these deaths could have been prevented by a working smoke alert. As firefighters we have all heard the statement at the fire scene, “we woke up when the smoke detector went off.” We may not have saved the house that night, but the family got out safely. I would like to encourage every fire department or fire district to have a smoke alert program. It can be as simple or complex as we want to make it. Over the years, our small rural department has done a variety of these promotions including door-to-door visits and social media outreach. This year we even partnered with our community senior center. We are always amazed at the response we receive! The alerts can either be purchased or donated. There are also grants available for these programs. The mission of every fire department is to protect lives and property, and this is probably the most single effective way to accomplish that goal. Any department, large or small, can fit this into their budget. We all may not be able to afford a new apparatus, but we can certainly afford $7 dollar smoke alerts that can save lives.

n

live long & prosper

Brian McDaniel To live long and prosper in the Fire Service takes time, energy, and effort. It is a struggle to stay up on all of the latest advances in technology and tactics. There are a lot of new terms to use for initial strategies, like Transitional, Offensive exterior fire attack, resetting the fire, penciling. All of these have added to our Firefighting vocabulary which is constantly evolving with advancements in the Fire Service. This is a good thing. It means we are learning. The key to all of these new terms that we use is that they came from lessons learned and research. Someone had an idea or an Aha moment and talked about it. We learn a lot from our fellow Firefighters. We have an after action report or critique where we talk about what we did well and what we didn’t do so well. We all make mistakes we just have to learn from them. There is a tremendous amount of information available to us in these modern times. We get magazines delivered to us, we get the Oklahoma Firefighter newspaper, we have fellow Firefighters and we have access to the internet. All of these provide us with an enormous resource to draw from. As we live long in the Fire Service, we have to be open to the new technologies and ideas. It may seem silly to some, but You Tube is a great resource. Don’t discount what it can offer. You simply have to be curious about a topic or technique and search

Ardmore FD Safety & Health Comm. for it. Some fellow Firefighter or Fire Department has had the courage to post these videos for all of their good, bad, and ugly moments so we can learn from them. We should not only post the glorious videos of Firefighters pulling babies out of burning houses. We should post the videos of things going wrong, as well. There is value in those. Those are lessons learned. It is hard not to pick apart some of what we see. Remember we are not there in their situation with their equipment and their manning. We have to take it for what it’s worth. We should take what we can use as training opportunities and add those to our toolboxes. I remember when I went to Fire Academy A,B, and C we were taught that we could push fire throughout a structure. We had to get in there and advance from the unburned to where the fire was seated. Now, don’t get me wrong. I still believe the best place to fight the fire is from the inside. Up close and personal. Some recent studies have shown that this in not necessarily true. Recently, we learned that directing a fire stream through an existing ventilation opening and cooling the fire prior to our entry can have effective results. UL / NIST studies have proven that this technique can increase survivability and limit damage. Some of these techniques were learned by watching videos. Don’t discount how the information was delivered, just learn it! Stay safe.

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22April 2018Oklahoma Firefighter ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Chase Rankin Executive Director

James Reynolds

6601 Broadway Ext., Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405-522-4600 • 1-800-525-7461 toll free • 405-522-4643 fax www.okfirepen.state.ok.us

Terri Williams

Vicki Mulbery

Executive Secretary

Accounts Payable Administrator

Than Dinh

Thelisha Clark

Assistant Director (COO)

Controller

Records Administrator

Duane Michael

Martha Pierce

Latoya Battle

Assistant Director (CFO)

Data Processor

Member Services Coordinator

n CONSENT AGENDA (March 16, 2018) CHECKS TERMINATED IN FEBRUARY 2018 (Deceased): Crescent Carnegie Cement Davis Dover Eldorado Fairfax Geronimo Muskogee Mustang

Wilma Brock Loleta King Donna Sample Adrian D. Noland Earl E. Thiems Jimmy W. Tinsley Franklin E. Haines Cerita Toombs Jack T. Johnson Frances Kuhlman

OKC Skiatook Temple Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Waurika Woodward Wynnewood Wright City

$5,000.00 DEATH BENEFIT: Wilma Vaughn Howard D. Bowlin E. L. Standridge Stephen N. Dunham Betty Gifford Ruth C. Parks Gene R. Williams Lena Sidders James S. Wolfe John O. Rowan

APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE FOR CONTINUATION: 03/01/2018 03/01/2018 03/01/2018 03/01/2018 03/01/2018 03/01/2018 03/01/2018 03/01/2018 03/01/2018 03/01/2018 03/01/2018 03/01/2018 03/01/2018 03/01/2018 03/01/2018 03/012/2018 03/01/2018

Buffalo Fairland Frederick Heavener Hulbert Jones Moore Nicoma Park Okeene OKC OKC OKC OKC Perkins Tulsa Tulsa Weatherford

Rosie Elliott, Widow Of Johnny L. Elliott Sandy Davis, Widow Of John M. Davis Linda L. Callaham, Widow Of Gary L. Callaham Janet Tolbert, Widow Of Jerry Tolbert Janet Willis, Widow Of Gary Willis Leonard D. Ainsworth, Widow Of Judith Ainsworth Nicole L. Goodnight, Widow Of Kevin S. Goodnight Mia M. Kolar, Widow Of Robert S. Kolar Margie Laubach, Widow Of Gary L. Laubach Shirley D. Berna, Widow Of David M. Berna Sheri L. Carpenter, Widow Of Thomas R. Carpenter Teresa E. Daugherty, Widow Of Michael E. Daugherty Kathryn Gomez, Widow Of Raymond Gomez Jr. Irma R. Redus, Widow Of C.l. Redus Phyllis J. Barlow, Widow Of Bill D. Barlow Sandra Miller, Widow Of Ronald E. Miller Phyllis Caulkins, Widow Of Kenneth R. Caulkins

Blackwell Chickasha Davenport Davis Eldorado Fairfax Fairfax Jones Manitou Muskogee Muskogee Nicoma Park Oilton OKC OKC OKC Ponca City Pond Creek Ringwood Seminole Temple Union City Waurika Westville Wister Wright City

Robert & Son Funeral Home, Inc., Behalf Of James E. Whittenburg Sharon Meigs, Widow Of Michael R. Meigs Sharon Burden, Widow Of Ronald E. Berden Hale’ Funeral Home On Behalf Of Adrian D. Noland Kincannon Funeral Home On Behalf Of Jimmie W. Tinsley Debbie Looney, Child Of Franklin E. Haines Shelia Buckner, Child Of Franklin E. Haines Barnes Friederich Funeral Home On Behalf Of Judith Ann Ainsworth Cynthia Henricks, Widow Of Ricky Henricks Cornerstone Funeral Home On Behalf Of Gary B. Price Garrett Family Funeral Home On Behalf Of Jack Johnson Mia M. Kolar, Widow Of Robert S. Kolar Rhonda S. Peck, Widow Of Marc K. Peck Sheri Carpenter, Widow Of Thomas Carpenter Temple & Sons Funeral Home On Behalf Of Harold L. Factory Eisenhour Funeral Home On Behalf Of Raymond Gomez Amy Stittsworth Funeral Home On Behalf Of Gary Fike Jerrilyn L. Lee, Widow Of Harold D. Lee Anderson Burris Funeral Home On Behalf Of Gary D. Unruh Diana L. Knowles, Widow Of Michael L. Knowles Teresa B. Morton, Death Recipient Of E. L. Standridge Huber-Benson Funeral Home On Behalf Of Bob G. Sanders Jennie B. Evans, Child Of Gene R. Williams Roberts & Hale Funeral Home On Behalf Of Elbert E. Quick Evans & Miller Funeral Home On Behalf Of Joseph Aaron Knight Bunch-Singleton Funeral Home On Behalf Of John O. Rowan

APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE: 02/14/2018 Midwest City

Shelley S. Morison, Widow Of Michael R. Morrison Deceased 2/13/2018

APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE PENSION SYSTEM Altus Kirby Boyd Ponca City Claremore Duane Harris Sapulpa Lindsay Ross Reeves APPLICATION FOR SERVICE PENSION: 03/01/2018 Canton 03/01/2018 Colcord 03/01/2018 Collinsville 03/01/2018 Enid 03/01/2018 Hannah Rural 01/16/2015 Healdton 03/01/2018 Pink 02/06/2018 Porum 03/01/2018 Putnam 12/01/2017 Randlett 03/01/2018 Rush Springs 03/10/2018 Snyder 03/01/2018 So. Coffeyville 03/01/2018 Sulphur 03/01/2015 SW Lincoln County

Jacob Landon Jordan Combs

Charles R. Gilchrist Johnny E. Botts William D. Danderson Kenneth C. Smith Steven W. Kennedy Darryl Blackman Rick Richards David L. Wright Lanny G. Whitacre Jimmy D. Lowery Leonard D. Thompson Michael L. Roberts Wade L. Lamb Gary D. Tingle John B. Pieper

APPLICATION FOR VESTED BENEFIT: 06/08/2024 Freedom 02/01/2020 Grady County 03/22/2022 Guymon 12/11/2015 Kendrick 01/31/2013 Liberty County 11/01/2019 Nicut Rural 09/09/2028 Oilton 10/23/2022 Walters 03/18/2021 West Tenkiller

Douglas D. Stewart Gregory P. Anthony Wayne L. Dawson Charles D. Andrews Rodney L. Dilbeck Leslie C. Morgan Donnie R. Fisher Jr. Clarence N. Bivens Billy Terrell

REFUND OF CONTRIBUTIONS: Eric M. Stanglin Colbert Terry H. Roden Comanche Danny Terrebonne Hugo

Hired Terminated 05/06/1994 02/06/1998 02/24/2004 03/02/2018 08/12/2010 03/10/2018

NEW COUNTY AND/OR CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT ENTERING PENSION SYSTEM: Fair Oaks Fire Protection District


Oklahoma FirefighterApril 201823

n

6601 Broadway Ext., Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405-522-4600 • 1-800-525-7461 toll free • 405-522-4643 fax www.okfirepen.state.ok.us

Frank P. Charon/Broken Arrow - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective February 1, 2018: Motion was made by Long and seconded by Cramer to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective February 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cassady, Freeman, Stone, Cramer, Long, Manek, Vanhorn, Kelley, and Bradshaw. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Michael Denton/Broken Arrow – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective February 1, 2018: Motion was made by Cassady and seconded by Long to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective February 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cassady, Freeman, Stone, Cramer, Long, Manek, Vanhorn, Kelley, and Bradshaw. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Raymond I. Challis/Clinton- Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective February 1, 2018: Motion was made by Kelley and seconded by Cassady to modify the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty” to “Service”, effective February 1, 2018 Ayes: Lay, Cassady, Freeman, Stone, Cramer, Long, Manek, Vanhorn, Kelley, and Bradshaw. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Philip L. Risby/Del City – Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective February 1, 2018: Motion was made by Long and seconded by Kelley to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective February 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cassady, Freeman, Stone, Cramer, Long, Manek, Vanhorn, Kelley, and Bradshaw. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Charles R. White/Duncan – Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective February 1, 2018: Motion was made by Kelley and seconded by Long to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective February 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cassady, Freeman, Stone, Cramer, Long, Manek, Vanhorn, Kelley, and Bradshaw. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Daniel R. Ciambell/Norman – Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective October 27, 2017: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Bradshaw to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective October 27, 2017. Ayes: Lay, Cassady, Stone, Cramer, Long, Manek, Vanhorn, Kelley, and Bradshaw. Nayes: Freeman. Motion carried. James Pippen/Nw Rogers – Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective January 23, 2018: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Long to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective January 23, 2018. Ayes: Lay,

Rick Chisum Okmulgee FD

Safety & Health Committee

n February 16, 2018 MEETING Members Present: Matt Lay, Mike Kelley, Dana Cramer, Scott Vanhorn, Jim Long, Craig Freeman, Dereck Cassady, Herb Bradshaw, Frank Stone, Brandy Manek. Members Absent: Eric Harlow, Michael Duncan, Janet Kohls Others Present: Robert Jones, Executive Director; Duane Michael, Assistant Director; James Reynolds, Assistant Director; Terri Williams, Executive Secretary; Chase Rankin, Controller; Marc Edwards, Legal Counsel; Tim Kominiarek, Evan Scussel and Tim Nash, Andco Consulting; Michelle Robbins and Andrew Beck, River Road; Kitty Martin and Samantha Scher, Lord Abbett

Page to ponder

Cassady, Cramer, Long, Vanhorn, Kelley, Bradshaw, Stone, Freeman, and Manek. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Mark A. Lewis/Oklahoma City – Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective February 1, 2018: Motion was made by Kelley and seconded by Long to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective February 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cassady, Cramer, Long, Vanhorn, Kelley, Bradshaw, and Manek. Nayes: Stone and Freeman. Motion carried. Phillip S. Martin/Oklahoma City – Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective February 1, 2018: Motion was made by Kelley and seconded by Long to modify the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, to “Service”, effective February 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cassady, Cramer, Long, Vanhorn, Kelley, Bradshaw, Stone, Freeman, and Manek. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Whispern Smith/Oklahoma City – Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective February 1, 2018: Motion was made by Long and seconded by Cassady to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective February 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cassady, Cramer, Long, Vanhorn, Kelley, Bradshaw, Stone, Freeman, and Manek. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Thomas A. Thurm/Oklahoma City – Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective February 1, 2018: Motion was made by Kelley and seconded by Long to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective February 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cassady, Cramer, Long, Vanhorn, Kelley, Bradshaw, Stone, Freeman, and Manek. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Paul W. Vail/Oklahoma City – Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective February 1, 2018: Motion was made by Kelley and seconded by Vanhorn to modify the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective February 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cassady, Cramer, Long, Vanhorn, Kelley, Bradshaw, Stone, Freeman, and Manek. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Ronald L. Cole/Tulsa – Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective February 1, 2018: Motion was made by Long and seconded by Vanhorn to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective February 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cassady, Cramer, Long, Vanhorn, Kelley, Bradshaw, Stone, Freeman, and Manek. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Edwin G. Harper/Tulsa – Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective January 1, 2018: Motion was made by Long and seconded by Kelley to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective February 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cassady, Cramer, Long, Vanhorn, Kelley, Bradshaw, Stone, Freeman, and Manek. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Landon Hardin/Lawton – Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Long and seconded by Cramer to approve the request of Hardin based on the medical information provided. Ayes: Lay, Cassady, Freeman, Stone, Cramer, Long, Manek, Vanhorn, Kelley and Bradshaw. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Hello to all my Brother and Sister firefighters. The year 2018 is here, bringing with it many new and complex challenges, and yet many of the same. These same issues have hounded our proud profession from the first prairie fire to the most recent high rise -- with complex variables in the mix to challenge and put our skills to the test. We daily meet these incidents and do what we do best, complete our task, regroup and prepare for the next assignment -- with the confidence that both our training and equipment will indeed see us through. That being said, the shadow ever lurking in the smokefilled darkness is our foe when we, for whatever reason, allow a safety guideline to be side-stepped or a health issue to be ignored, finding ourselves subjected to the real-life consequences. Those that may cripple not only ourselves, but our families, departments and citizens we proudly serve. While many of these challenges are new and will require new thoughts, planning and execution to overcome, for the most part its the simple “routines” that seem to either take us down or completely out of the game. So with this mindset, how do we prevail? Whether you’re a veteran with a retirement on the horizon, midstream with a promotion or two before you go or the “probie” just completing your second shift, safety and health are and will be of major concern for both you and all your team players. Of course, we all have our SOP/SOG that dictates our general day to day particulars. But much like everything, they really need to be reviewed regularly and updated. And we ourselves -- not just a “White Shirt” -- should police and enforce as needed, looking out for each other all day every day. Even now, our continued adversaries are still Cancer, Lung related, Back and Joints and unhealthy lifestyles. They have been and will continue to be until we collectively say no more. That we will -- at all levels and every time without fail -- follow and insist on doing all we can possibly do to both prevent and fight the curse of this job-related scourge. That it’s no longer cool to have our gear covered in soot, chemical and other reactive harmful agents to wear as a trophy, of sorts. That we will rinse/decon on scene. We will decon our trucks, ice machines away from app. bays and exhaust. That food and drinks on scene will be staged away from contaminates. We must be progressive in our posture in order to get the upper hand. We have to both declare war and take no prisoners. And that we will no longer be our own worst enemy. If we go down, it will be fighting tooth and nail to preserve ourselves and the quality of the jobs we perform. That we will be both safe and healthy for the duration of our careers and beyond. This being said, I will now jump down off my soapbox. I pray safety, health and well-being for each brother and sister firefighter representing our state. May 2018 bring the very best to you, your families and each department or fire district. God bless, take care and be safe ... always!


24April 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

www.osufst.org

1723 West Tyler, Stillwater, OK 74078 • (800) 304-5727 • (405) 744-5727 • Fax: (405) 744-7377

April 2018 CLASS SCHEDULE Current as of March 20, 2018

Courses are subject to change • Call or check online for changes in courses

All courses are FREE unless otherwise noted

AHIMT - Incident Commander (IC) L-950 (66222) April 2-6 (30 hours) Fort Sill - Snow Hall All participants for this school must enter through Key Gate which is off of I-44. If you are Pre-registered your name and Department will be on a list at that Gate. No other gate can be used for this school. Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (66727) April 2 (8 hours) Norman Fire Department Training Center Rope Rescue Technician Level I (67071) April 2-5 (32 hours) Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center - Shawnee Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (67797) April 2 (8 hours) Altus Fire Department NIMS ICS 300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (68796) April 2-3 (16 hours) Cleveland County Fire Grounds Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (66651) April 3 (8 hours) Moore Training Center Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (66728) April 3 (8 hours) Norman Fire Department Training Center Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (67798) April 3 (8 hours) Altus Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (66729) April 4 (8 hours) Norman Fire Department Training Center Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (67799) April 4 (8 hours) Altus Fire Department NIMS ICS 400 (EMI) Advanced Incident Command System (68795) April 4-5 (16 hours) Cleveland County Fire Grounds Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (66658) April 5 (8 hours) Stillwater Community Center Hazardous Materials Operations: Core Competencies (66749) April 6-8 (24 hours) Ponca City Fire Department

NFA - Wildland Urban Interface Firefighting for Structural Company Officers F0610 (67225) April 7-8 (16 hours) Kenwood Volunteer Fire Association Fire Fighter I Academy (66858) April 8-21 (96 hours) • $12500 - Okla Emergency Responders OSU-PSC -- Stillwater Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (66652) April 9 (8 hours) Moore Training Center EMS Instructor Update (68777) April 9 (8 hours) • $500 - All Participants Perry Fire Department Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (66655) April 10 (8 hours) Moore Training Center

EMS Instructor Update (68659) April 13 (8 hours) • $500 - All Participants Beaver Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations: Core Competencies (67477) April 13-15 (24 hours) Fairland Fire Department Hazardous Materials Decontamination OK-RRS Basic Operation (67176) April 14 (6 hours) Cordell Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations Certification (66751) April 15 (8 hours) Ponca City Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (67166) April 16 (8 hours) Edmond Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (67169) April 10 (8 hours) Edmond Fire Department

NIMS ICS 300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (68213) April 16-17 (16 hours) Cherokee Nation Emergency Management - Tahlequah

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (67170) April 11 (8 hours) Edmond Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (66660) April 17 (8 hours) Claremore Fire Department

NFA - Leadership In Supervision: Creating Environments for Professional Growth (F0646) (67228) April 11-12 (16 hours) Midwest City Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (67167) April 17 (8 hours) Edmond Fire Department

EMS Instructor Update (68773) April 11 (8 hours) • $500 - All Participants Perkins Fire Department Station #2 Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (66657) April 12 (8 hours) Pontotoc Technology Center - Ada

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (66661) April 18 (8 hours) Claremore Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (67168) April 18 (8 hours) Edmond Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (67171) April 12 (8 hours) Edmond Fire Department

NIMS ICS 400 (EMI) Advanced Incident Command System (68214) April 18 (16 hours) Cherokee Nation Emergency Management - Tahlequah

NIMS ICS 400 (EMI) Advanced Incident Command System (68633) April 12-13 (16 hours) Case Community Center

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (66662) April 19 (8 hours) Claremore Fire Department

NIMS ICS 300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (67866) April 13-14 (16 hours) Atoka County Emergency Management

NFA Incident Command for Highrise Operations (F0321) (67224) April 19-20 (16 hours) Harold Mace Learning & Excellence Center

NIMS ICS 400 (EMI) Advanced Incident Command System (68390) April 19-20 (16 hours) Okmulgee County Emergency Management Wildland Fire Fighting: Fundamentals (68570) April 20-21 (16 hours) Rock Township Rural Fire Dept - Perry Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (66659) April 21 (8 hours) Guymon Fire Department Emergency Services Instructor (Instructor I) (67112) April 21-29 (32 hours) Ardmore Fire Department Calling the MAYDAY (68435) April 21 (8 hours) Northwest Technology Center - Fairview Emergency Services Instructor (Instructor I) (68682) April 21-29 (32 hours) Western Technology Center - Elk City Hazardous Materials Operations Certification (67479) April 22 (8 hours) Fairland Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (66730) April 23 (8 hours) Ponca City Fire Department Fire Fighter II Academy (66862) April 23-27 (40 hours) • $6500 - All Participants OSU-PSC -- Stillwater Emergency Services Instructor (Instructor I) (68684) April 23-26 (32 hours) Western Technology Center - Elk City EMS Instructor Workshop / Bridge (68861) April 23 (8 hours) • $500 - All Participants Southern Nazarene University - Bethany Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (66731) April 24 (8 hours) Ponca City Fire Department Rail Car Incident Response for Crude, Ethanol, and Other Flammable Liquids (67811) April 24 Stillwater Community Center


Oklahoma FirefighterApril 201825

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fire service training Dr. Erick Reynolds

OSU FST Director

erick.reynolds@osufst.org • 405-744-5727 (W) • 405-409-0961 (C)

April 2018 CLASS SCHEDULE continued

EMS Instructor Update (68061) April 24 (8 hours) • $500 - All Participants Enid Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (66732) April 25 (8 hours) Ponca City Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (67513) April 25 (8 hours) Del City Fire Department EMS Instructor Update (68063) April 25 (8 hours) • $500 - All Participants Enid Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (67514) April 26 (8 hours) Del City Fire Department

Hello Oklahoma Firefighters! At this writing, we have survived 50+ MPH winds, ice and fire! Great job, Brothers and Sisters! I am thankful for getting to do something that I, most days, love to do. Train firefighters! I hope to retire someday from what I have done for the last 19 years. There will be jubilation and dancing in the streets the day I retire! It will be a few more years, God willing! Some people just thought to themselves, “Well, crud!” I am certain of some of the things I will do when I retire. I will play with my grandchildren! Enjoy a round of golf here and there! Spend my hours making up for lost time with those people that I have sometimes neglected over the past many years! I will also stay relevant and current in those things that I enjoy doing! Make a difference every day in some small way! Leave a situation better than I found it! Be a better husband, dad, friend and brother! Folks, have a passion for what you do! Or go find your passion! When you find your passion, you will never work another day in your life! Reese Morrison (Midwest City FD) had passion for what he did every day in the Oklahoma Fire Service and in life! Rest in Peace, Brother. We will take it from here! We are all better when we partner, especially in these

EMS Instructor Update (68064) April 26 (8 hours) • $500 - All Participants Enid Fire Department

Preventing Firefighter Cancer Poster Available

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (67515) April 27 (8 hours) Del City Fire Department

Cancer is increasingly recognized as one of the most dangerous threats to firefighters. Studies have shown that firefighters are at increased risk for many types of cancer as compared with the general population. The toxins and carcinogens firefighters are exposed to on the scene and through residual effects of firefighting are better understood now than ever before. A new resource is now available to help firefighters understand their risks and proactively protect themselves from occupational cancer. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Cancer Subcommittee and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS), along with the Fire Service Occupational Cancer Alliance, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), and with support from California Casualty, have developed a poster of the best practices for preventing firefighter cancer. The poster provides all fire department leaders and firefighting personnel with specific actions that must be taken in order to address the cancer epidemic and protect firefighters. The poster is now available as a resource for all fire departments. Use these best practices as the basis for fire department standard operating procedures, and hang it at the station as a reminder of the actions every firefighter needs to follow. Download the poster at: www.nvfc.org/wpcontent/uploads/2017/12/Preventing-Cancerposter.pdf

NIMS ICS 400 (EMI) Advanced Incident Command System (67868) April 27-28 (16 hours) Atoka County Emergency Management Hazardous Materials Operations: Core Competencies (67970) April 27-29 (24 hours) Tahlequah Regional Training Center Wildland Fire Fighting: Fundamentals (68142) April 27-28 (16 hours) Meno Fire Department Rope Rescue Technician Level I Part A (67397) April 28-29 (16 hours) Weatherford Fire Department EMS Instructor Update (68769) April 28 (8 hours) • $500 - All Participants Dickson Fire Department - Ardmore Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (68834) April 29 (8 hours) Yale Fire Department

tough budget times! We appreciate all of our partners and wish them the very best each and every day! Do we always agree? No! That is just part of being human! But generally speaking, we all work hard each and every day to help keep the firefighters of Oklahoma safe. Together we are better! Appreciate You! Please make plans to attend the 2018 OSFA John F. Futhey II State Fire School May 3-6 in Tulsa. We currently have 450 people enrolled and are headed for a much larger audience than that by the time May rolls around here! We appreciate the opportunity to help partner with the OSFA on this statewide -- and really regional -- training and professional development opportunity! In conjunction with the State Fire School, OSU FST will be holding its annual golf tournament. It is May 2 at Paige Belcher Golf Course located in the Tulsa area. Please support this tournament if you are so inclined. We use the proceeds from this event for purposes that cannot be funded using state funds. Please let us know if we at FST can be of service in anyway. Please stop by the office in Stillwater when you are in the neighborhood. Call anytime you might have a question. The phone is always turned on! Be safe out there!

BEST PRACTICES for Preventing FIREFIGHTER

CANCER

1 2

Full protective equipment (PPE) must be worn throughout the entire incident, including SCBA during salvage and overhaul. A second hood should be provided to all entry-certified personnel in the department.

3

Following exit from the IDLH, and while still on air, you should begin immediate gross decon of PPE using soap water and a brush, if weather conditions allow. PPE should then be placed into a sealed plastic bag and placed in an exterior compartment of the rig, or if responding in POVs, placed in a large storage tote, thus keeping the off-gassing PPE away from passengers and self.

4

After completion of gross decon procedures as discussed above, and while still on scene, the exposed areas of the body (neck, face, arms and hands) should be wiped off immediately using wipes, which must be carried on all apparatus. Use the wipes to remove as much soot as possible from head, neck, jaw, throat, underarms and hands immediately.

5

Change your clothes and wash them after exposure to products of combustion or other contaminates. Do this as soon as possible and/or isolate in a trash bag until washing is available.

6

Shower as soon as possible after being exposed to products of combustion or other contaminates. “Shower within the Hour”

7

PPE, especially turnout pants must be prohibited in areas outside the apparatus floor (i.e. kitchen, sleeping areas, etc.) and never in the household.

8

Wipes, or soap and water, should also be used to decontaminate and clean apparatus seats, SCBA and interior crew area regularly, especially after incidents where personnel were exposed to products of combustion.

9

Get an annual physical, as early detection is the key to survival. The NVFC outlines several options at www.nvfc.org. “A Healthcare Provider’s Guide to Firefighter Physicals” can be downloaded from www.fstaresearch.org/resource/?FstarId=11591.

10

Tobacco products of any variety, including dip and e-cigarettes should never be used at anytime on or off duty.

11

Fully document ALL fire or chemical exposures on incident reports and personal exposure reports.

FUNDING PROVIDED BY F I R E S ER V I C E OCCUPATIONAL

CANCER AL L IAN CE EDUCATE PREVENT SUPPORT


26April 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

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OSFA Executive Board Highlights

The OSFA Executive Board met Feb. 15, 2018 in the boardroom at 2716 NE 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, at 9:05 a.m. Roll Call: Matt Lay, Present and Presiding; Dereck Cassady, Present; Mike Kelley, Present; Eric Harlow, Excused; Mike Duncan, Excused; Dana Cramer (ORFA), Present. Others: Phil Ostrander, Steve Lumry, Gene Brown, Sheri Nickel, Tim Bartram, Amy Hall, Jason Louthan, Dewayne Burk and Eric Hamilton. Guests: James Fullingim, Retired Norman. Presentation: By Lexipol: Jeremy Sloan, Lexipol • Fire Policy & Training Solutions • Risk & Impact – Physical, Financial and Political • 160 Legally Defensible Fire Policies Correspondence: Thank you card from Chase Rankin. Thank you card from Kristi Moore (family of Everette Brewer). Fire Marshal Commission Report: Matt Lay Lay stated that this last year the Fire Marshal’s office has transitioned to a non-appropriated agency through HB 1833. That means they are exempt from some of the cuts that are affecting the rest of the state agencies. They are proceeding with their jail and school inspections ahead of schedule, and are up to date on all training. Fire Service Training Report: Jason Louthan Fire Service Training is busy right now and Louthan is heading to Lawton this weekend for the annual Destry Horton Wildland School. They have everything put together for the Atoka School coming up next month. Louthan stated if you call up and get a busy signal to please be patient with them. Due to cuts and one staff member out on medical leave right now, they are short staffed. Fire School registration opened up last Thursday at 3:00 p.m. and had a great response. Currently they are at 133 classes over the four days and expecting two more from Fire Engineering Books and Videos. The registration is at 244 right now and should be over 250 by the end of the day. They are starting their e-blast out on their end today. They have had great reception and have seen enrollment from not only Oklahoma but Kansas, Arkansas and Texas as well. The other significant number coming out of enrollment would be out of the 244 students enrolled, they are registered for a total of 1,094 classes. Louthan has been contacted by instructors out of state wanting applications to teach at next year’s Fire School. The goal is 850 people and Louthan believes that they will exceed those numbers. There has been a small issue with some people not being able to get in classes since they are already full. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Legislative Committee: Steve Lumry Legislative Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. They put forward a bill to get reduced Hunting and Fishing Licenses to volunteer firefighters with certain parameters. They were made aware of the COLA Bill and the Fire Subscription Fees Bill being carried by Tadlock. Title 19 Sub-Committee: Lumry Title 19 Sub-committee has not met in quite some time. Their work is basically done at this point until legislation gets passed. Lumry stated that Bartram went at the request of Don Armes to meet with Senator Pederson yesterday to give an explanation of what exactly we are trying to do with all that language. Bartram reported on the meeting with Senator Pederson and the discussion they had. Bartram went over the different title departments and went into details.

February 15, 2018 MEETING

Upcoming Dates to Remember: April 4-6, 2018 -- 96th annual OFCA Conference -Hilton Garden Inn, Lawton May 3-6, 2018 -- State Fire School -- Tulsa Community College & Tulsa Fire Department Training Center June 12, 2018 -- 37th annual ORFA Convention -Hyatt Regency, Downtown Tulsa June 13-16, 2018 -- 124th annual OSFA Convention -- Hyatt Regency, Downtown Tulsa Oct. 7, 2018 -- 19th Statewide Memorial Service -Oklahoma Firefighters Museum, Oklahoma City Safety and Health Committee: Lumry / Bartram The Safety and Health Committee met a couple of days ago and they seem like they are really starting to catch fire, get direction and have some ideas moving forward. Since they redid their sub-committees to Cancer Awareness, Injury Prevention and Risk Education, they are getting focused on exactly what that entails. They are looking at different ways of Cancer Awareness to get that information out and continue the best practices. The committee is reviewing reports on Injury Prevention and trying to come up with ideas on ways to promote being more careful. They have also talked about requesting and reviewing some records from the Pension System to see if they can identify trends to know what and when they need to address those issues. Bartram discussed the Federal Grant on firefighter safety and that they are too short on time to apply this year. They had discussed applying for a Grant that they can do some type of health screening or health & wellness at Fire School. There was a lot of discussion from the committee’s perspective of whether OSFA should be working harder to encourage annual physicals for both paid and volunteers. The committee discussed the pros and cons of potential future legislation to make it mandatory. Lumry stated they are not to that point yet, they are going to do some research and review it. Lay stated they should work on partnerships at a local or regional level and OSFA can help support it and even provided a template for it without making it mandatory. Bartram stated that BreAnn Horn (Marshall Fire Department) is on the Educational Advisory Committee and works for the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. They do a Heart & Lung Scan that usually cost $50. She thought that there is a possibility of us partnering with them and getting it at a reduced rate for our members. Educational Advisory Committee: Louthan / Bartram Louthan discussed the night events scheduled for the OSFA State Fire School. The Welcome Reception on Thursday at the hotel sponsored by the Brunacini’s Blue Card Program and Lexipol, FOOLs Bash on Friday, and Cinco De Mayo on Saturday. Wednesday, FST is having their annual FST Foundation Golf Tournament at Page Belcher in conjunction with the OSFA State Fire School. Volunteer Fire Service Committee: Lumry Lumry stated that they completed the Volunteer Caucus and there were great comments about it. He said that the Caucus is the main event that OSFA does of that size and stature where we receive more good comments and little or no complaints. That is all based on those guys’ exceptional work and their vision of it. There are three things that came out of this year’s Caucus:

1) Legislative Resolution 18-1, it talks about Type 1, Type 3 and Type 6 Task Force Capable Equipped Vehicles to be purchased by the state, including the equipment and maintenance for those vehicles and to be done similar to the FEMA trailers. 2) Resolution 18-2, would like for OSFA to take the lead in finding or changing the law where off duty paid firefighters or retired firefighters can serve as volunteers in their community. 3) Recommendation to the OSFA Board to consider establishing a liaison between the OSFA and the Oil & Gas Industry. That would be somebody who would be able to attend different meetings in the Oil & Gas Industry and develop working relationships with those leaders to attempt to bring or direct some of those contributions that the Oil & Gas Industry might make to local fire departments. EMS Committee: Lumry The EMS Committee had a great meeting at EMSA Headquarters. They had a guest there by the name of Greg Reed, who is the top guy for the React Ambulance in Shawnee and he has been in the service for a long time. He is on the Advisory Board for the Oklahoma Department of Health, EMS Division, has been on some of their Advisory Committees and is the President of the Oklahoma Ambulance Association. He has a lot of ties and was very helpful and informative to the EMS Committee and gave them some partnership ideas like on GEMT. They already have a lot of background knowledge that our group did not have. They paid for research, and they are ready to introduce legislation on GEMT and would like to do it this year. They would like to have our support on it. They do not have a bill out there yet, it is going to have to be a substitution in a shell bill. We have to get a copy of it, review it and see if it works for us. The Committee would like to recommend to the Board to add Greg Reed to the EMS Committee. Benevolent Committee: Lumry Benevolent Committee have not met in quite some time and we need to schedule a meeting with them before too much longer. Ostrander asked Nickel if that was her committee and if she has reached out to Cagle about scheduling a meeting. Lumry stated that in 2017 American Income life paid out one claim and so far in 2018 they have paid two claims with two pending. That does not include Chief Reese Morrison from Midwest City. His was not an accidental death but if we would have been a little further along with the Benevolent Committee we could have helped these departments out a whole lot more. The other thing is that the Board has talked about tying in the Brent Hatcher with the Benevolent Committee at some point and that is work that needs to be done. Currently, the Brent Hatcher membership is at 126 at $5 a person that is $630 benefit, which the Board has always said they would round up to $1000. However, remember that we are early in the annual membership drive and had almost 500 members last year. Membership Committee: Lumry The Membership Committee has done an outstanding job and they met Jan. 30. They are doing a Membership Benefit Survey, started for the first time at the Volunteer Caucus and had an outstanding response. They have not compiled all of that information yet but they are planning on doing it at Fire School as well. They are looking at some of those benefit packages that you can get by being part of different groups like SAVIC, AMBA and TransUnion Smart. They have not been able to identify a package specific to fire as of yet. At their next meeting, Bartram is going to be contacting some of these representatives from those benefit packages to have them come in, give a presentation to the committee and for them to make a decision and recommendation back to the Board. They would like to do a professional video telling


Oklahoma FirefighterApril 201827

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OSFA Executive Board Highlights

the story of our benefits and our Association. CableOne in Vinita is willing to work with us on that and Tim will be contacting them. Museum Report: Gene Brown Brown discussed that they now have a new hire, Joe Thompson, and he is doing a great job. Brown has been working for a while on coming up with a layout for the expansion. They are getting the lawn equipment ready for the spring and try to get a head start. The Oklahoma City Recruit class has 55 cadets coming tomorrow to pump the Hunniman. The Museum staff continues to work on ladders and their handy work they do every day in upkeep and maintenance. Museum Expansion Committee: Lumry Lumry stated that a small group met with Clark Construction since the last Board meeting. They went over the plans and made some changes. They talked about getting renderings for the fundraising efforts. That is all in the works but has not been completed yet. The architect and the rendering artist have to come out here and meet with Brown, Lumry and Ostrander to make sure they have everything the way it needs to be and after that is done we will get the updated cost estimate to get us to where we need to be. One of the things they discussed in the updated plan is to include a barn that will be off to the east side. It will be for apparatus that is normally displayed in the event center to be stored during events so it is protected from the weather and give us more flexibility with displaying. It will also have a work room built into it so we can have volunteers that will be able to do some restoration on some of these trucks. That will be built into the budget now as well. Lumry discussed that Ostrander, Minx and himself, met with Art Cotton and the contact is signed. Lumry has met with Art Cotton since then and went over a lengthy list of potential donors that they were able to put together. He left Lumry a packet as a guide to use when putting our handout together as a “leave behind” when raising funds. Cramer asked Lumry about the donations from the Museum Board that Art Cotton requested. There has been about 10-13 of the Museum Board members that have already donated to the expansion fund. Sometime after the first of March, we will send out a follow up to those that have not sent in their donation yet. Bartram presented the video he has been working on to help the funding project along for the expansion. Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Report: Nickel Nickel stated that she has a lot going on. She said that Caroline Reed is using three students to help compile the organizational data dump from OSFA, OSU, Pension, the old COFT records and put them in the OSU System. The students are organizing all those records, so we can get a better snapshot on the map. Nickel posted on Facebook all the organizations that have received the grant so far, that post alone has just under 30,000 views and she has probably received over 300 phone calls off of that. She feels that is a very effective way to put information out there. Her interview on the channel 9 News generated another 100 phone calls. There are still several more applications that she has to approve and she thinks that we are up to 15 or 16 that are approved at this time. Those people are either going to be starting Firefighter I in April in Stillwater or they are in the class right now and about to finish up. Nickel will be trying to attend those graduations as they occur. There is money left over in the budget for 288 more physicals and they have discussed getting the word out to the departments that their new hire can get a physical through the grant. There was discussion by the Board. NVFC Report: Lumry Lumry stated that Mike Duncan could not be here but asked us to put on the agenda that he and Nickel be able

February 15, 2018 MEETING

n FUNDRAISERS Cloud Chief FD 9th Annual Calf Fry & Catfish Dinner Fundraiser April 15 at Washita County Activity Center in Cordell. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adults $10, Children 12 & Under $6. Ride to Remember - Oklahoma’s First Responders April 21 around Oklahoma City. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at Papa’s Leather Barn. All proceeds benefit three charities:Oklahoma Fallen & Living Firefighters Memorial, Oklahoma Law Enforcement Memorial & ERAP. For more info: 405-6032850 or www.margaritaislandok.com. Moore Firefighter’s Santa Express 9th Annual charity Golf Tournament April 30 at Moore Athletic Golf Club. Shotgun start at 9 a.m. Cost is $280 per team or $70 per individual. Proceeds will be used by our Santa Express Program to provide gifts for underprivileged children. For more info: See ad on Page 8. 31st Annual Wildflower Run May 12 in Bristow. Free for all firefighters who run in full gear. This year’s event recognizes Oklahoma firefighter James Mitchell, who has been running 5Ks in full gear for over 25 years. For more info: Tonya Miller, 918-3673343 or tmiller@cbbristow.com. Calumet FD Annual Dinner & Auction May 12 in Calumet. Dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. with auction starting afterwards. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Contact your favorite Calumet firefighter for a chance to win a Traeger Timberline 1300 Pellet Grill or Coleman CT200U-EX 196cc Extreme Mini Bike. Yukon Fire Fighters Golf Tournament 2018 June 22 at Winter Creek in Blanchard. Shotgun Start at 9 a.m. Cost is $300 per team or $75 per individual. Free lunch, free range, cash prizes, raffles, door prizes. For more info: Jeremy Goodrich, 405-7601795. to attend the NVFC Spring meeting in Alexandra, VA and also go to the CFSI dinner at that same time. Duncan also requested that he and Nickel be able to attend the Training Summit in Concord, NC, June 1-2 to fly out the day before and return the day after. OFCA Report: Dewayne Burk Oklahoma Fire Chief’s Conference will be held April 4, 5 & 6th. They have a pretty interesting keynote speaker Mike Boettcher and Burk is excited about it. Mike Boettcher is a War Correspondent; he was captured in 1985 in El Salvador and almost executed. He survived IEDs, a roadside bomb, a suicide bomb attack and he has quite a story. He is also a native Oklahoman from Ponca City. The other speaker will be discussing “Saving Those Who Save Others” the mental health aspect of what we do. Burk thought his connection with PTSD and dealing with those things kind of tie it all together. ORFA Report: Dana Cramer The Oklahoma Retirees have not met since the last Board meeting. Cramer said that Brown has been doing things for their Convention. The ORFA Board will be having a meeting soon. Cramer stated that he was at a gathering yesterday and the COLAs are a hot topic right now. The rumor of a stipend does not taste well with them. Trying to get everybody on the same page, fighting for the same thing will be rough.

Executive Director/Legislative Report: Ostrander / Lumry Ostrander stated that he can brag on the staff all day and even wrote an article last month in the Oklahoma Firefighter newspaper about how the OSFA has the “Dream Team” now. He wanted to thank the Board for allowing them to pick and choose the right people for the jobs because it truly is a pleasure to work with this group. Ostrander discussed the stipend issue and provided the Board an update on the political situation at the Capitol. Ostrander is not completely sold on the idea in the stipend plan that Rep. Randy McDaniel put forward. He believes that for the stipend to work for us it would need to be different and that he will be working with them to change it such that it would help benefit our members more. Ostrander discussed that as written now the amount each retired firefighter would get with this stipend is minimal or in the volunteer firefighters case it would be nominal. He said if he got that stipend, he would donate it to the Benevolent Committee or something here in OSFA to help those guys who need it more. Ostrander said that here in about a month or so, he may be coming back to the Board about creating some sort of a fund to demonstrate to legislators that we care about our members and that they are not being fair to our members. The Step-Up Plan failed on Monday, the Step-Up Group is through. They will not be participating anymore. Rep. Jon Echols said they are going to start looking at cuts to the budget starting this week. Regarding the Hunting and Fishing License, they worked and talked and he does not believe the department of Wildlife is going to be able to support it. The Subscription Legislation is still moving. Armes asked Ostrander to go with him to discuss the language with Senator Pederson and Ostrander recommended to him that he ask Bartram to go, since he is more familiar with it. At the Volunteer Caucus, the members voted overwhelmingly to oppose legislation on red lights on personal vehicles. Ostrander went to talk to the author of legislation on this issue and found that DPS had also already spoken to him. Ostrander stated they have spent an extremely large amount of time over at the Capitol and they are trying to help them on some of their budget issues. He also discussed that he has been talking with the lobbyist for Career Tech. The Career Techs have asked about some of the things that are going on. They know that we are looking for training funding over the next couple of years and if we can find funding for firefighter training, they want to be a part of it and will assist in requesting that funding. The Membership summaries are coming in now and most departments have already paid. We are still waiting on a few. Membership is up again this year and we will be sending out the second notice at the end of March. Lumry stated that past Executive Director Chris Bain’s father Wes Bain passed away and the funeral is on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. Wes Bain had done a lot over the years for the Museum and the OSFA. We also just found out that Midwest City Assistant Chief Reese Morrison’s funeral will be Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the Life Church in Midwest City. The Waggoner County Emergency Management Expo is March 31 and we already signed up to be an event sponsor. Old Business: The Smoke and Guns Sponsorship was discussed by the Board. New Business: The 6th Annual OSU-FST Golf Tournament is Wednesday, May 2 at Page Belcher Golf Course in Tulsa. Next meeting: March 15, 2018


28April 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN

Explosion, Fire in June 1954 Level Three OCU Buildings

OSFA

The David Bain Award recognizes any individual who has provided service both to community and to OSFA, and who possesses attributes that coincide with involvement in youth programs through church, school, and/or community, provides a role model for other leaders, and has proven to be a person of courage and impeccable character

Award

Oklahoma City FD has a ton of history. And everyone is familiar with the big stuff like the Murrah Building, tornadoes, etc. So I selected this story about a fire at OCU to go along with the Oklahoma Fire Spotlight on the Oklahom City Fire Department. This was a huge, devastating fire that’s been largely forgotten. There are only a few retired OKC firemen left that participated in this incident. Along with the photo (at right), I found the original article from The Daily Oklahoman that was in an old scrapbook in the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum. -- Greg Roberts A raging fire fanned by a stiff south wind swept uncontrolled through three Oklahoma City University buildings in the heart of the schools campus Wednesday afternoon (June 16, 1954), causing damage estimated at $675,000. The three-alarm blaze destroyed the schools Student Union building, cafeteria, gymnasium, automotive repair shop, maintenance shops and power plant. Another building that houses the electronics and business education schools was saved only by the heroic efforts of the firemen.

Nominations must be received by April 20, 2018 For a nomination form, go to www.osfa.info For more information: 1-800-308-5336 • 405-424-1452 stevel@osfa.info

One school official said it may cost in excess of $1 million dollars to replace the buildings and equipment destroyed in the fire. Flames leaped more than 100 feet into the air at the height of the blaze, and the smoke could be seen for miles. A brisk south wind carried sparks and embers as far as three miles. Several residents of Nichols Hills reported pieces of charred debris in their yards. Unthinking motorists and excited spectators hampered the efforts of firemen to work efficiently in battling the OCU blaze as scores of unattended automobiles blocked driveways and streets and slowed the arrival of fire trucks needed at the scene. Police estimated at least 10,000 persons gathered in the vicinity of the blaze. “We have tried time and again to discourage persons from parking their automobiles in lanes used by fire trucks,” Oklahoma City Fire Chief George McAlpine declared. NW 23rd St. was blocked as far away as Classen to the east and N. Pennsylvania to the west. By 7:30 pm, the main body of the fire was under control and firemen were extinguishing hotspots.

SAY “YES” TO

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OKLAHOMA FIRE SPOTLIGHT

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Oklahoma FirefighterApril 201829

BY GREG ROBERTS Norman FD Retired

OKLAHOMA CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Chief: Richard Kelley

Number of Engines: 36

Number of employees: Approximately 990 uniformed personnel and 30 civilian employees.

Number of Ladders: 13

Number of stations: 36 stations providing coverage for 600,000+ citizens and 621 square miles.

Number of Brush Pumpers: 15 Number of Heavy Tankers: 5 The OCFD also staffs a Heavy Rescue unit and a Haz-Mat unit.

Historic footnote: OCFD was founded in 1889. In 1894, Oklahoma City, along with El Reno and Guthrie, formed the Oklahoma Territorial Firemen’s Association. In later years, this group became known as the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association.

If you would like to see your FD featured in a future issue, please contact Greg Roberts at groberts1960@gmail.com or 405-424-1452

OCU fire on June 16, 1954

Station 8 with Engine 8 and Rescue 8

Station 27 with Tanker 27 and Engine 27

Engine 25 2017 Pierce 1500 pump 500 tank

Rescue-Ladder 25 2014 Pierce 75’ ladder No pump or tank Engine 19 2016 Pierce 1500 pump 500 tank 55’ boom

10 New Pierce engines that arrived in June 2017


30April 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

OSFA Snapshots

Got something going on at your Fire Department? Share the news! Email photos to osfa@osfa.info

The OSFA welcomes Greenleaf FD to the membership. This is a Title 18 department in Woods County. Classroom shot from the Bob Smith Wildland Roundup in Atoka.

Congrats to Marty Hans, J.J. Palacios, and Mike Baker (above L-R), and the Guymon FD Firefighter-1 Class (below) that completed the course recently. Hans (Goodwell FD), Baker (Elmwood FD) and Palacios (Guymon FD) are the first SAFER Grant recipients to complete the course. (Thanks to Paddy Metcalf for the photos.)

Congrats to the Lawton FD, Water Distribution Division and Emergency Communication Division for earning a “Class 1” Citation of Recognition from the Insurance Services Office -- one of only three Oklahoma communities to attain this status.

OCFD’s Mike Kelley enjoying a day on the job.

Poteau FD Meeting & Shrimp Boil. OKC Metro Chiefs Meeting at Oklahoma Firefighters Museum. OKC National Memorial Exec. Director Kerri Watkins addresses the group.

Congrats to the Cherokee County-Tahlequah Firefighter-1 students. Several will qualify for the OSFA Safer grant reimbursement.


Oklahoma FirefighterApril 201831

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