August 2019 Volume 36, Issue 6
Official publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association
Oklahoma State Firefighters Association’s 125th OSFA Convention
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Held June 5-8 in Ponca City
Members from approximately 50 Oklahoma Fire Departments attended the OSFA Convention to receive their FD’s award for at least 100 continuous years of membership in the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association More Photos on Pages 18 & 19
38th ORFA Retired Firefighters Convention
87th OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Convention
More Photos Page 21
Q&A with Past Presidents Pages 16 & 17
I N S I D E
OSFA Executive Board Members’ Comments............................................................. 5-6 OSFA Executive Director’s Report - Steve Lumry ......................................................... 7 SAFER Grant Report - Sheri Nickel ................................................................................ 8 ORFA Report - President Tippy Pierce ........................................................................... 9 Firefighter Near-Miss Report - Greg Lindsay ............................................................... 10 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Report - Kenda Engle......................................................... 12 Chaplain’s Corner - Gary Lillie .......................................................................................12 Museum News - Gene Brown .........................................................................................13 Executive Board Meeting Highlights ............................................................................. 31 In Memoriam .................................................................................................................. 32 Oklahoma Fire Spotlight -- Yukon FD .......................................................................... 35
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Oklahoma FirefighterAugust 20193
II N N S S II D D E E
2019 OSFA Convention Details .......................................................................................4 2019 OSFA Convention Details .......................................................................................4 OSFA Executive Board Members’ Comments ............................................................5-6 OSFA Executive Board Members’ Comments ............................................................5-6 OSFA Executive Director’s Report - Steve Lumry ..........................................................7 OSFA Executive Director’s Report - Steve Lumry ..........................................................7 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Report -Marti Carpenter ......................................................8 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Report -Marti Carpenter ......................................................8 Firefighter Near-Miss Report - Greg Lindsay ............................................................... 10 Firefighter Near-Miss Report - Greg Lindsay ............................................................... 10 Museum News - Gene Brown ........................................................................................13 Museum News - Gene Brown ........................................................................................13 ORFA Report - President Juan Rodriguez ....................................................................15 ORFA Report - President Juan Rodriguez ....................................................................15 House Passes Firefighter Bills ............................................................................... 18-19 House Passes Firefighter Bills ............................................................................... 18-19 Chaplain’s Corner - Kim Hayes .....................................................................................19 Chaplain’s Corner - Kim Hayes .....................................................................................19 Executive Board Meeting Highlights ............................................................................ 24 Executive Board Meeting Highlights ............................................................................ 24 Oklahoma Fire Spotlight -- Ft. Towson FD .................................................................. 26 Oklahoma Fire Spotlight -- Ft. Towson FD .................................................................. 26
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Oklahoma FirefighterAugust 20195
1st vice PresidenT
PresidenT n
Mike Kelley
OKC FD
mkelley@local157.org • 405-623-4338
I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer to date! We kicked off the summer in grand fashion with the 125th Annual OSFA Convention in Ponca City. Dereck and the Ponca City Fire Department worked extremely hard to provide a top-notch convention for all. The staff of your OSFA, the Ladies Auxiliary, and the retirees also gave it their all to make sure that everyone enjoyed the convention. I am honored to serve an organization with such dedicated individuals! Your board is in the process of setting committees for the upcoming year, so if you didn’t get a chance at convention to fill out a committee form and want to serve, please call the OSFA office at 405-424-1452. Our organization is built upon the efforts of many and we are certainly stronger together! Speaking of the efforts of many, there are numerous people working behind the scenes to accomplish our number one legislative goal. Securing a COLA for our retirees has and will continue to be our first legislative priority. This effort, if it is to be successful, needs to be supported by everyone. We will be corresponding with you in the near future on how you can assist that effort and be part of the solution. This effort is too important to leave to chance or leave the heavy lift to someone else. I’ve often heard “Everyone loves Firefighters.” I have probably said it or at least hoped that it’s true myself. I have heard
Q & A with Mike Kelley OSFA’s new President was born and raised in Bethany. He graduated from Putnam West High School and attended OSU/OKC, OU and OSU. August 2019 marks his 33rd anniversary with the Oklahoma City Fire Department, where he has held all positions in Suppression and is currently Shift Commander for A-shift. Additionally, he served on special assignments in Safety and as the department’s PIO. In a question-and-answer session with Oklahoma Firefighter, Kelley, 57, shared the following: Other jobs/titles/positions? Currently serve as Secretary/Treasurer (CFO) of Oklahoma City Firefighters IAFF Local 157 and the Oklahoma City Firefighters VEBA (Insurance Trust). Serve on the Supervisory Committee for Allegiance Credit Union and numerous committees on the Oklahoma City FD. How’d you go about getting into the fire service? My wife worked at a bank and all of the bank guards were retired firefighters. So every time OKC took applications, they would recruit the husbands and boyfriends of the bank employees. I finally applied the fifth time I was asked, and I started getting excited about the opportunity halfway through the process.
people say that all we have to do is ask, and if the current politicians don’t support us then replace them. I wish it was that easy -- it’s not! The truth is that for the most part everyone respects us. That’s a far cry from love or unconditional support. Legislators, like anyone else, have competing priorities and a lot of people trying to push their narrative or agenda. That being said, let me outline a couple of hurdles that we have that are unique to our situation that we will have to overcome. First, despite great investment returns in recent years (Number two ranked nationally last year), we are currently the lowest funded system of the state systems. And secondly, we are the only system in our state that is currently being sued by some of our own members. Those are facts that are well known at the Capitol and we will have to overcome the stigma of both. That is why it is imperative that every member when called to action in support of a COLA for our brothers and sisters answers the call. I spoke last article about a leaders’ greatest aspiration is to leave everything better than they found it! I truly believe that to be true! I challenge every one of you to be a leader in the Oklahoma Fire Service! When we hang up our bunkers for the last time, I want us all to be able to look ourselves in the mirror and know that we did everything in our power to leave it better than we found it! Stay safe! Nas fhea`rr na lorg thu e (better than you found it)! The issue then was taking a 50% pay cut with a wife that was eight months pregnant. After significant prayer, I knew it was the right choice. God has richly blessed that decision. What do you like best about being a Firefighter? The opportunity to help people and problem solve. No two days are alike, and I get to serve with the greatest group of people imaginable. Firefighters are truly family and I am blessed to be a part of that family. What have been some highlights of your fire service career so far? The highlights of my career have been seeing people around me succeed. I love the people that I serve with and it is awesome to see them reach their potential. Why did you decide to run for the OSFA Executive Board? I truly love my firefighting family, and I saw the opportunity to serve the OSFA as a chance to give back to that family. What are your hopes for the future? In short, to leave it better than I found it. To secure a long overdue COLA for our retirees and continue the fight to make sure that every member has a retirement that they can count on for the sacrifice that they and their families have made.
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Eric Harlow
Guthrie FD
ericharlow200@gmail.com • 405-520-2893 Greetings Oklahoma Firefighters! I hope you’re enjoying the heat, because I think it’s here to stay. First off, I want to say congratulations and welcome to our new 3rd Vice President, Jim Ed Nimmo of the Tulsa Fire Department. I think he will be a great addition to the group and I look forward to the opportunity to serve with him. A huge atta-boy is in order for Past President Dereck Cassady, his convention co-chairmen Jerry Burtner and Chad Cunningham, as well as the entire Ponca City Fire Department. This year’s convention was nothing short of phenomenal, even when it was presented with some unforeseen hiccups. I had a great time and I think everyone I talked to enjoyed themselves. Your executive board has been busy scrutinizing committee applications and we’d love to see more of you put your name in to serve this amazing association. We are still accepting applications for our various committees, so if you have a desire to be a part of one, or if you know another firefighter that is, please jump on the OSFA website and get your application turned into the office so you can be considered. Our committees truly are the “boots on the ground” workers for our association. They represent a wide range of the Oklahoma fire service and their ideas and input are what keeps our association moving forward. We cannot do it without the hard work of each and every committee member. Our pension system continues to do well, and we believe that this next year should prove to be a good one based on the country’s financial outlook. We will continue to work with our state legislators during the upcoming actuarial study, researching the possibility of a COLA for our retirees. Based on the results of this study, we will work into the next legislative session and continue to fight for this long overdue increase for our brothers and sisters that paved the way for benefits we have today. I will keep it relatively short this month, but please remember to stay hydrated. The heat we are experiencing is the kind that can seriously hurt or even kill you. Keep an eye on each other and be aware of the signs of heat-related injuries. Stay safe!
2nd vice PresidenT n
Cliff Davidson
Ringwood FD
580-554-1886 • davidsoncliff@yahoo.com Hello Everyone! I hope you all are enjoying the summer. It’s getting hot! If you missed the OSFA Convention, you missed a good one. I would like to thank the Ponca City Fire Department for their great hospitality. Also a big thank you to the city of Ponca City for their hospitality. You all did an excellent job in hosting the OSFA Convention. Ponca City was dealt several different challenges that week and managed to adapt and overcome all of them. Mother nature was relentless that week, not to mention Ponca had dealt with flooding pretty much the whole month before. Great job by all involved, including the OSFA staff. You guys rolled with the punches and still delivered a great convention. I hope everyone enjoyed the convention. There is a ton of work involved in preparing for the convention -- by the host city and fire department, as well as the OSFA staff. It takes hours and hours of planning, and some things are taken care of two years ahead of time. So thanks to all involved! Great show! I would also like to welcome your new 3rd Vice President Jim Ed Nimmo to the OSFA Executive Board. I hope you all will put next year’s convention on your calendar and try to attend. It’s a great opportunity to meet with your brothers and sisters of the fire service to share stories, learn from one another or just have a great time. Until next month, everyone enjoy the rest of the summer. And be sure to keep hydrated. With this heat and not much rain in sight, I am sure the vegetation will begin to dry out very soon and we will be called on. Stay cool, my friends, and stay safe.
6August 2019Oklahoma Firefighter
3rd vice PresidenT n
Jim Ed Nimmo 918-557-8379
The OSFA has always been an interesting organization to me. In the spring following the November I was hired in Muskogee, the call was put out for potential delegates for the convention that June. A driver at that time there by the name of Earnie Sturgeon encouraged me to sign up and I did and some how ended up on the delegate list. At that time the delegations were usually full and I can’t remember for sure, but I was most likely an alternate. Either way, I attended my first convention that year and had a good time. I remember walking into the lobby of what I thought at the time was a huge hotel out on 41st & Garnett in Tulsa. It was shoulder to shoulder with firefighters. There were tons of folks from OKC and Tulsa there, and there were also lots of others from all over the state. If I remember correctly, it was actually a guy from Claremore’s convention. Claremore hadn’t quite blown up into the community it is today, and I don’t think there were really any options hotel wise for a delegation that size in Claremore. What has stuck with me over the years was the social nature of the organization. That aspect of the organization was brought to the forefront for me when Mike Duncan was elected to the board a few years ago. At the last hour, an opponent emerged against Mike. I can’t remember his name now, but before I get into this story, I’ll say that this is in no way a dig against him. The year Mike was elected was what I have always heard termed as the “year of the volunteer.” Anyone reading who has any experience with the OSFA is familiar with this concept. Anyway, at the last hour some players affiliated with paid departments in the state put forward a gentleman as a candidate against Mike who was a volunteer fireman and a paid federal fireman. I can’t remember where, but I believe an Air Force base in the state. For career guys, this offered what they perceived as some advantages, primarily having a volunteer on the board who would be career-minded in the decisions they made. I was a delegate at that convention, and I’ll admit that as a paid guy, it made sense to me from a career standpoint. It wasn’t until the Tulsa caucus just before the 3rd Vice vote that I realized that maybe that wasn’t the best option. Both candidates had spoken individually to the group with little fanfare. I did feel a little guilty that I was about to vote for a guy that I didn’t really know based purely on the fact that he was a career fireman. Mike, on the other hand, I did know, although he didn’t know me. Mike was an instructor at FST several years prior to that convention, when I was a vollie. He showed a small but significant kindness while I was testing out that I’ve never forgotten, even 20 years later.
Tulsa FD
• jimnimmo7@gmail.com
I’ve told Mike the story. I’m not sure he really heard me over the beer and the bagpipes though. I won’t share it now, not that I have any problem with telling it, but I probably wouldn’t have passed FFI if not for him. I had a decision to make. Vote for someone I didn’t know based on the possibility that it might be good for my career or the paid side of the Oklahoma fire service as a whole, if extrapolated out somewhere down the line. Or vote for someone that had demonstrated to me that they could walk into the black and white area of policy and protocol and use their own judgement to bend those rules toward the side of a just outcome. I don’t think Mike would be mad if I said that at that time he wasn’t quite the polished public speaker he has become today! Needless to say, the Tulsa delegation was leaning hard towards Mike’s opponent when a couple of Tulsa guys, one by the name of Matt Lay, and the other being my friend Yogi Cole, stepped forward to make a case for Mike. I don’t remember everything they said, but what did stick with me was a reference to the importance of OSFA as a social, rather than a labor organization. It was enough to remind me what I think is important in life. Money is nice, it can buy you comfort and it can buy you relationships, but it can’t buy the kind of relationships and comfort you get from knowing what someone will do when they are under no obligation to help you, when they’ll receive no benefit from helping you, and when they aren’t on a stage in front of a crowd to recognize them for their effort. I voted for Mike. If you have taken the time to read this article, I hope it has given you some insight into what I think is important in this organization, and any organization for that matter. We can and do spend a lot of time and resources building relationships outside the OSFA. Let me be clear, building those external relationships is critically important, but we are, and will continue to do that. What we do less of, at least from my vantage point, is getting to know each other from the inside and on a less formal level. That isn’t to say we don’t know each other. I think the core group who have been involved over the last 30 years know each other pretty well. But that is a pretty small group, relatively speaking. I plan on spending time getting to know the membership better over the next five years. I have a few members in my part of the state who are also interested in the same. Our group isn’t a formal one, but each of us feel like we have a message to take to the membership. And more importantly, we want to meet you as members, where you serve, and hear your message. The reality is we won’t be able to make it everywhere. Like you, we have lives and families that we are dedicated to, as well, But I hope the effort will inspire others to do the same. I am looking forward to this adventure and meeting those of you I can where you serve.
Past PREsident n
Dereck Cassady
Ponca City FD
IAFFLocal2479@ yahoo.com • 580-761-5338
I would like to start by saying thank you to those of you who attended the 125th Annual Convention in Ponca City. I would also like to thank the members of Ponca City Fire Department that helped make the convention successful. Those of you who didn’t attend missed out on some good times. I would also like to thank the OSFA staff for the great job they did. Congratulations to the departments that were recognized for being members of the OSFA for 100 years. For those of you who were unable to attend, I want to give you a brief OSFA report for the last year. Membership consists of about 440 cities and towns making up about 14,200 members. During the past year, we added Julia Jernigan-Smith as a lobbyist to help Don Armes; these two do an outstanding job for us at the Capitol. Legislatively, we had 4 out of 5 bills that passed. The fifth bill is our COLA bill which has been sent to the actuary for a study to be completed before next session. In the pool at the Memorial, we have had some granite tiles come loose and break. We have hired a contractor to fix this. Repairs are going to cost nearly $50,000 to get them fixed correctly. While I’m talking about the Memorial, I want to remind everyone to get their firefighter car tags. About $20 from each tag goes to the Museum and Memorial. We will not be doing any engraving this year. If you haven’t been to the Museum or Memorial, I encourage you to get to OKC and see them. The Memorial was a stop on this year’s Ride to Remember Poker Run. There were 1,278 motorcycles and over 2,000 participants in this year’s ride. This event brought in $15,000 for the Memorial. Once again, parking for the College Softball World Series was a good fundraiser. And an upcoming fundraiser is the David Bain Memorial Golf Tournament Sept. 18 at Lincoln Park in OKC. The Educational Advisory Committee did a great job with the OSFA State Fire School. We had approximately 800 students from over 200 departments and 4 different states. This year, there were 2,350 certificates issued to those who attended. All fire entities in Oklahoma participated in this year’s school. We are currently looking at legislation that would allow Native American Tribal Departments to be in the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System. This year, we set-up a Training and Benevolent Foundation as a 501(c) (3), which will allow tax deductible donations for fire school and benevolent purposes. We’ve added supplemental insurance policies as one of the benefits for being an OSFA member. If you have any questions concerning these policies call the OSFA office. In closing I would like to thank the OSFA Staff, OSFA Committee members, the rest of the OSFA Board, the OFCA Board and the ORFA Board for the work they have put in to enhance the lives of all Oklahoma firefighters.
Q & A with Jim Ed Nimmo OSFA’s new 3rd Vice President was born in Ft. Smith, Ark., and raised around Sallisaw. He graduated from Sallisaw High School and Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. Nimmo began his firefighting career at Marble City VFD north of Sallisaw, then went to Brushy Mountain VFD south of Muskogee and joined Muskogee FD in November 1999. He joined Tulsa FD in July 2004 and is currently the Captain on Engine 7, C Platoon. In a question-and-answer session with Oklahoma Firefighter, Nimmo, 42, shared the following: Other Jobs, titles, positions: I’ve been a doctor, a lawyer, a movie star, an astronaut and I’ve owned a bar. On a serious note, I can’t remember a time I wasn’t expected to help out around my folks place, whether that was taking care of horses, mowing, brush hogging, or hauling square bales, but that isn’t a unique story in rural OK. In the short amount of time between when I started working for other outfits at 15 and becoming a career fireman at 22, I worked several different jobs including a decentsized working ranch in Sallisaw, breaking 2 year olds at Blue Ribbon Downs, fast food,
Walmart, and retail sales. The last outfit I worked for before being hired at Muskogee Fire was Muskogee Bridge (now part of Manhattan). I did enough to know what a blessing this job is and appreciate what others do to make a living in this state. When did you know you wanted to be a firefighter? Like most of us I always thought the fire department was cool, but I didn’t know much about it. I thought about it more and more seriously as I made my way through high school. College was a bit of a distraction, but I had a cousin who was going through the process in Wichita at the time. Listening to him talk about the job after he got hired is probably what really peaked my interest. Did I mention I worked for a Bridge construction company? After my first week of tying steel on a bridge deck, I really knew I wanted to be a fireman. How’d you go about getting into the fire service? Mainly just talked to people. The internet was in its infancy as we know it today, and it could be difficult to find good information. I can remember going to the public library in Sallisaw, using their computer to look up information about schools like OSU
Oklahoma FirefighterAugust 20197
OSFA executive director n
Steve Lumry Leave No One Behind!
Most of us did not become firefighters “just to be a hero.” We got into this business because of our desire to help those who needed us. As firefighters, we also live by the creed that we would never, ever leave anyone behind in an emergency. Now, what exactly does that mean? People call us when they are most vulnerable. We don’t want to miss the call and we respond to help. We work quickly to address their needs and get them on better footing. We meet the need. All of the folks that I know and have worked with never do it to be in front of the cameras and be a hero. In fact, most have to buy ice cream for the rest of the team if they end up on camera! Therefore, living on modest wages or volunteering, they don’t want to spend the money for that much ice cream, so they avoid the cameras. But, that doesn’t mean they don’t answer the call and take care of the problem. Further, no true firefighter that I know would ever, ever leave anyone behind that they had the slightest chance of saving. Did I say ever? I meant EVER! If we have any possible way of making that difference, we take it -- every time. There is not a worse feeling in the world than knowing we lost that battle. People are calling. They are in serious pain. They need your help. Will you miss the call? Will you leave someone behind and forgotten? Our Oklahoma Firefighter Retirees have asked for our help. YOUR HELP! They worked their butts off to make sure that
Q & A with Jim Ed Nimmo, continued and OSU-FST, and trying to find out what departments were paid, and which ones were hiring. Mike Tubbs, who was either the Chief or Fire Marshall in Sallisaw at the time, counselled several of us on what we needed to do. There were three of us that I can remember, one is a fireman in Van Buren, another is a Lieutenant in Broken Arrow, and me. As I mentioned earlier, I had a cousin who went through the process in Wichita and he gave me advice on what to do, as well. I went to a First Responder class locally, then went to FFI at FST in Stilly, volunteered locally, then started trying to get a job somewhere. What do you like best about being a firefighter? That is simple: fighting fires, fellowshipping around the table or in the bay, and going home. What have been some highlights of your fire service career so far? That’s a big question, and there have been a lot. Most highlights in my career make good stories, but they aren’t the type of stories you can share in a recorded format. I think most folks would agree that there isn’t any better feeling than when you are hired, and I got that feeling twice. After that, getting my 2nd “horn” and getting back to 7’s. Why did you decide to run for the OSFA board? I’m not going to act like this was a career long dream. Like all of us in the Fire Service, I’ve been an armchair expert when
stevel@osfa.info • 405-424-1452 YOU could enjoy the benefits that the Oklahoma Fire Service enjoys today. They worked hard to ensure pension benefits. They worked hard to ensure a living wage, Plan B, insurance, operating grants, resources, tax incentives and better training were all available to this generation. What have you done to help the cause? Have you left things better than they were when you became a firefighter; either volunteer or paid? They are asking so little of you. It has been almost 13 years since your Retirees have received a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The cost of living in that time has increased by over 19%. During that same time period, Social Security recipients have received increases of over 22% (most firefighters don’t get S.S. or only receive a small portion of what they earned due to automatic reductions for being a firefighter). All the retirees are asking is that you, as an active firefighter, take a few minutes out of your day to call, email or text your State Senator and State Representative to let them know our retirees MUST have a COLA. Our retirees are hurting. They are not making enough to pay their bills, purchase their prescriptions or feed themselves properly. This may not be true everywhere, as some in the largest cities or the upper ranks may not be hurting as badly, but the overwhelming majority are seriously hurting and need your help. Will you miss this call for help? Will you leave them behind? This is an emergency and YOUR help is required. Please don’t miss the call. Please don’t leave anyone behind. Please do your small part to make a difference. Your brothers and sisters are counting on you. Until next time, STAY SAFE! it comes to policies and decisions that affect us all, but are made outside our span of control. I’ve never known a fireman that wasn’t. At some point, the opportunity presented itself and I had to decide whether to continue to criticize and judge from the safety of the armchair or get in and try to make a difference. This is my effort to do that. What are your hopes for the future? I hope to see the weight this organization carries increased over the next five years. I hope that we no longer have to be on guard at all times and constantly reaching out to the political establishment for help in preventing legislation that has a negative impact on us. I hope that the organization is situated on such a footing that politicians at the capital come to us before even considering anything that might effect firefighters as a group, and that they will choose us over other powerful interests when a decision or stand must be made. I hope that they reach out to us to find out what we need rather than us reaching out to them. I hope to see more and younger faces at our conventions and events. And finally. I hope a changing of the guard is ushered in. I hope this younger guard is rooted in fire service traditions, with an eye to see and identify changes that are for the betterment of the Oklahoma fire service, but also the ability to filter out changes that are merely for the sake of change. I hope younger members are prepared to deal with the issues of the future, because they have experience and knowledge dealing with the issues of today.
OSFA Staff & Museum Staff Executive Director Steve Lumry stevel@osfa.info Special Projects Tim Bartram timb@osfa.info Administrative Assistant Kristen Horton kristenh@osfa.info Receptionist Leesa Black leesab@osfa.info
Administrative Director Sheri Nickel sherin@osfa.info
Museum Director Gene Brown geneb@osfa.info
Event & Promotions Coordinator Trisha Chain trishac@osfa.info
Museum Assistant Quintin James quintinj@osfa.info
Publications Penelope Soldan penelopes@osfa.info
Museum Assistant Bob Noll bobn@osfa.info
405-424-1452 • 800-308-5336 www.osfa.info
OSFA STAFF n
Leesa Black Receptionist leesab@osfa.info
I started at the OSFA two-and-a-half months ago, and it has been a busy and incredible experience. The week that I started at the OSFA was the John F. Futhey II OSFA State Fire School in Tulsa. I was given the job to capture moments of learning in the classroom and on the Tulsa Fire Training Grounds. A few of those moments were showcased in the June/July issue and gave the reader a glimpse into some of the training that occurs during fire school. Attending fire school is a great benefit for firefighters around the state wanting to broaden their knowledge and sharpen their skills. Fire School ended and the staff headed back to the OSFA office to put the final preparations together for the annual ORFA and OSFA Conventions hosted by Dereck Cassady and the Ponca City Fire Department. Mother Nature plagued Ponca with unfavorable weather prior to and during the convention, leaving Dereck and his Co-Chairs Chad Cunningham and Jerry Burtner to work endlessly to ensure the attendees would still have a great time and be able to enjoy all the events that were scheduled. The fishing and shooting competitions were rescheduled due to the weather and were held June 26th and June 29th, respectively. The shooting competition had a relatively small turnout, but overall everyone enjoyed a good competition and great camaraderie. I would like to thank all those who were involved in putting the events together this year and making them successful. I’m looking forward to being a bigger part of the events next year! Now that OSFA’s busy season is over, the office staff is working on the 2019-2020 ORFA and OFCA membership renewals, as well as final billing for 2019 OSFA memberships. I am now responsible for the ORFA memberships and have been working on getting renewals updated, new deducts sent to Pension, inviting new retirees, as well as getting new cards and packets sent out.
8August 2019Oklahoma Firefighter
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SAFER Grant Sheri Nickel
Happy Summer to my brothers and sisters of the Oklahoma Fire Service! We are so used to reading articles about how we need to train harder and become better, it sometimes kills our morale and makes us think that we aren’t appreciated. Not this time! I would like to take this opportunity to brag on volunteer firefighters that since November of 2017 have taken advantage of the great opportunity that OSFA has offered to improve the quality of volunteer firefighters in our state. Each one of these 154 volunteer firefighters (listed at right) have completed the training and passed the IFSAC test for Firefighter-1. As you look through these names, also notice the towns that they represent. Some of these men and woman are the first firefighter ever or the first one in many years to achieve this level of training because of being from an area that training isn’t feasibly obtainable. Not all of these 154 have acquired their certification by sitting in a classroom for 96 hours. A majority of them have taken advantage of the blended learning, or what we call “online” Firefighter 1. What that means is that we are now offering this curriculum in a web-based learning offered by Fire Protection
Oklahoma Volunteer Firefighters who have completed training and passed the IFSAC test for Firefighter-1
SAFER Grant Coordinator
Publications known as Resource Once. Students are allowed to watch the videos, take the quizzes and tests and read the Essentials book from their own homes, trucks, tractors or even in one case, toilet (you know who you are). They are required to hit benchmarks before reporting for one of the five required skills days. Once they have completed all of the coursework and required skills, they report for a weekend of testing and live burn. Perhaps this sounds too easy to you or you are skeptical because you don’t learn well on your own. Whatever excuse you have, that is all it is -- an excuse. Just remember that 99 % of failures come from people making excuses. This is a huge advancement for our state’s fire service and is being considered the new standard for volunteer training. This type of training has been successfully delivered in the areas of Duncan, Woodward, Drumright, Ardmore, Watonga and Altus. We are currently delivering one in Enid and Okmulgee and are planning three more -- in Okemah, Antlers and Elk City -- before the end of this grant year. We have one more year left in the grant, so you still have time to take advantage of this great opportunity. As always, if you have any questions, please contact me.
DID YOU KNOW … You could avoid paying income tax on your required minimum distribution (RMD) from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA). How you ask? By making a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from your IRA to a charitable organization endowment at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. By doing so, you can make a contribution to charity, avoid taxation on the withdrawal from the IRA and satisfy your RMD requirements.
3 Firefighter Funds Now Accepting Charitable Donations Through Oklahoma City Community Foundation (https://donate.occf.org)
• Pete and Lela Stavros Scholarship Fund • Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association’s Keith Bryan Memorial Scholarship Fund • Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum Endowment Fund
Justus Akers Jack Alexander Noah Allen Michael Ashlock David Averill Paden Bailey Andrew Baker Mike Baker Randall Baker Sketchley Baker Tyler Battershell Richard Beaty Miriam Boewe Cody Boggs Christine Booth Wyatt Bradbury Chance Bunch Connor Bunch Kyle Burkes Jeremy Burnett Daniel Burns CJ Burrow Paul Caldwell Jason Calhoun Tyler Calvert John Carathers Eric Carranza Landon Casey Christopher Cates Chris Chamberlain Aaron Chandler Michael Chmielewski Devon Comstock Seth Cook Bill Copeland Justin Copeland Derek Cotner Thomas Couch Dereck Crain Conner Crittenden Zachary Crow Richard Dennis Ron Dooling Dustin Douglas Russell Douthit Jamie DuBose Christopher Dugan Troy Ellefson Abraham Dyck Fehr Caleb Field Emmanuel Forbes Corby Fore Jacob Fore Branden Fry Joshua Fugate Christian Gardner Hunter Garrison Kyle Gatzman Victoria Getz Gregory Gilley Butch Green Wayne Green Cody Gregory Garrett Hagle Branden Hambright John Haneline Kale Haney Kevin Haney Marty Trent Hans Dylan Harbour Lane Heath Jacob Hendricks Clayton Hill Ashley Hillman Ricky Holland Koeby House Houston Huff
Olustee Mustang Deer Creek Buffalo Fairview Verdigris Richland Elmwood Chicken Creek Butler Pawnee Freedom Hill Westport Cashion Medicine Park Deer Creek Perkins Perkins Verdigris Richland Ratliff City Duncan Enos Walters Clinton Kellyville Springer Hominy Bethel Acres Richland Gage Helena Sharon Drumright Vinita Lakewood Tiawah Corum Fargo Chicken Creek Verdigris Olive Tiawah Freedom Hill Dickson Deer Creek Brushy Mtn Madill Hitchcock Addington Enos Ratliff City Fox-Graham Friendship Mounds Forest Park Brushy Mtn Corum Peninsula Hominy Tiawah Beaver Healdton Hominy Ratliff City Hogeye Kellyville Goodwell Illinois River Canton Luther Cashion Collinsville Valley View Seiling Tipton
Mitch Inman Daniel Jensen Joe Johnson Cameron Jones Joshua Jones Randy Jones Calvin Jordan Adam Koopman Tommy Lawley Jade Lebouef Brandon Long Zachary Long Rusty Lopez Jim Luckie Cody Maddox Robert Maddox Brent McReynolds Kelly Meier Thomas Mercer Nick Mueller Chris Mullins Kyle Nabors Aaron Nault Charles Newell Darrin Nickel Kara Owens Cody Parker Jay Patton Austin Payne Jay Pemberton Chase Pierce Korbin Polston Billy Powell Darren Price Ian Protzman Brianna Pruitt Joseph Pruitt Jeffrey Purvis Earl Reed Derek Richmond Mason Rickner Adam Riggs Matthew Saxon Dawn Scott Josh Scott Marc Scott Quentin Shelton Heather Simmons Kale Smith Wade Snelling Chris Sorrels Eric Spurlock Caleb Stebens Jordan Stebens Evan Stevens Wesley Stevens Ty Stover Cooper Sullivan Joni Swiontek Michael Swonger Noah Tabor Craig Tate Alex Temes Charles Thex Austin Thomas Daylan Tilghman Ace Ullrich Chase Wade David Walker Steven Walshak James Weygandt Aaron Wheeler Gavyn Wheeler Colby Williams Blaise Withrow Colton Wood Joshua Yanus
Mannford Perkins Fairview Sooner Deer Creek Clinton Buffalo Turley Berryhill Ravia Glenpool Kellyville Kellyville Okeene Sneed Sneed Empire Hitchcock Buffalo Perkins Okeene Silo Okeene Dickson Shattuck Piedmont Hitchcock Newalla Deer Creek Buffalo Enos Forest Park Velma Fargo Tiawah Perkins Kellyville Friendship Newcastle Mooreland Chandler Laverne Hauani Creek Lebanon Crescent Lebanon Hydro Hitchcock Laverne Bristow Healdton Marlow Mounds Loyal Tipton Tipton Okarche Eufaula Hogeye Fairview Tiawah Fox-Graham Yale Gate Fargo Marlow Owens & Co Oglesby Crescent Mounds Mounds Addington Addington Dewey Union City Hammon Collinsville
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ORFA REport Tippy Pierce
Moore FD Retired First off, I would like to say that I am humbled to serve you as President of the ORFA this year. I and the rest of the ORFA board are looking forward to a busy year with the events of the ORFA, cost of living increase bill and other things at the Capital. If you didn’t have the opportunity to attend the Convention for ORFA and OSFA in Ponca City, you missed a very good one. The Ponca City Fire Department, OSFA President and his Convention Committee did a wonderful job of moving and adapting to the weather and other things that came up. I would like to thank them for all they did for each and everyone at the Convention. I am asking every retiree (even if you don’t draw Social Security now) to write your U.S. Senator and U.S. House of Representative to support bills in both houses in Washington DC. The bills are Senate Bill 521 and House of Representatives Bill 141 which removes the Windfall Reduction on Social Security ORFA’s new President was born in Guymon for Firefighter’s in the State of Oklahoma and raised in Texhoma in the Panhandle of and other Government Workers. Oklahoma. In 1973, he joined the Texhoma Tell them this is how it is affecting you (Texas) Fire Department. In 1978, he moved and your wife now and in the future, if to the Texhoma (Oklahoma) FD where he this is not eliminated. served as Fire Chief from 1985-88. • My Social Security has been affected, He was hired by the Moore FD as a by it being reduced by around 60%. firefighter in 1988 and retired from there in • I can’t have mine adjusted to draw 2009. on my wife’s Social Security due to the Pierce has also been activly involved with Windfall Reduction Law. (If hers is bigger the OSFA for years. He served on the Eduthan mine). cational Advisory Committee from 1983-93; • When I pass away and my wife was on the Safety & Health Committee from draws my Oklahoma Firefighter Pension, its inception, to 1994, helping write the hers will be reduced by 60%. Mission Statement for the committee; and Here is another problem; the State of served on the Legislative Committee from Oklahoma has not given a raise since 2008 1994-2013. Pierce also worked for the OSFA from to Firefighters drawing a pension we are 1988-2005. He started out mowing the lawn now behind by 26% buying power from and helping out in the museum. By 1994, that time to present if you use Social Secuhe was taking care of all the accounts as rity raises. We have firefighters who were the comptroller and created the quickbooks killed in the line of duty that their penprogram that was used for bookkeeping by sion will not pay for the spouse’s medical the OSFA. insurance. We are hurting in this state, and In a recent question-and-answer session due to this Windfall Reduction Act, it is with Oklahoma Firefighter, Pierce, 68, killing our families financially. shared the following: If you do not know who your U.S. ConWhen did you know you wanted to gressman is, call me at 405-924-1104 and I be a firefighter? When I was 10, I loved will tell you who it is. Below are addresses playing with a Texaco Pumper that to send these letters. Do not send an email would squirt water, and I loved shootto them as they do not have the same ing water out. power as a letter. What did you like best about being • Senator Jim Inhofe: 205 Russell Senate a firefighter? Running light and sirens, Office Building, Washington DC 20510 helping people and putting wet stuff on • Senator James Lankford: 316 Hart Senate the red stuff. What were some highlights of your Office Building, Washington SC 20510 fire service career? Helping deliver 16 • HR Kevin Hern: 1019 Longworth House children into this world and pulling Office Building, Washington DC 20515 people out of a fire. • HR Markwayne Mullin: 2421 Rayburn Why did you decide to run for the House Office Bldg, Washington DC 20515 ORFA Executive Board? Wanted to be • HR Frank Lucas: 2405 Rayburn House involved to help my Retired Firefighters. Office Building, Washington DC 20515 What are your hopes for the future? • HR Tom Cole: 2207 Rayburn House OfCost of living raises, seeing the ORFA fice Building, Washington DC 20515 membership grow and helping OSFA • HR Kendra Horn: 415 Cannon House Museum Expansion come to reality. Office Building, Washington DC 20515
Q&A with Pierce
2019-20 ORFA Executive Board PRESIDENT Tippy Pierce, Moore • fftip@swbell.net • 405-924-1104 1ST VICE PRESIDENT George Fina, OKC • gomsc38@gmail.com • 405-373-2409 2ND VICE PRESIDENT A.K. “Yogi” Cole, Tulsa • ycole@ipa.net • 918-231-3591 3RD VICE PRESIDENT James Fullingim, Norman • nfdchief@hotmail.com PAST PRESIDENT Juan Rodriguez, Lawton • jrod911@gmail.com
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Oklahoma FirefighterAugust 20199
Q&A with ORFA’s NEW 3rd VP
James Fullingim, Norman FD Retired ORFA’s new 3rd Vice President James Fullingim was born in Ada and raised in south Oklahoma City. He graduated from Southeast High School, received an AAS in Municipal Fire Protection from OSU/OKC and a BA in Business and Ethics from Mid America Christian University. Fullingim joined the Norman FD in 1981 and served his first 22 years in the Suppression Division. He moved into Administration for his last 13 years, serving as Norman Fire Chief from 2006 to 2016. After retiring from Norman FD, he went to OSU/OKC and worked as a fulltime instructor for two years. In a question-and-answer session with Oklahoma Firefighter, Fullingim, 57, shared the following: When did you know you wanted to be a firefighter? I began to consider a career in the fire service late in high school. How’d you go about getting into the fire service? I had several friends that had fathers on the fire department, and many of them joined the fire ser-
vice, as well. What did you like best about being a Firefighter? I enjoyed being a part of an organization that I felt was making a meaningful difference for people. What were some highlights of your fire service career? It went so fast that it seems it was all a highlight. Why did you decide to run for the ORFA Executive Board? I wanted to be involved in an effort to be part of the solutions. I feel it is important to try to make a contribution instead of expecting the same people that have always taken care of things to continue alone. What are your hopes for the future? I hope enough selfless people continue to enter the Oklahoma Fire Service that we can maintain our reputation as servants and continue to be successful in meeting the needs of the citizens, thereby ensuring their support in meeting the needs of our active and retired Firefighters. Like all retired firefighters, I would like to see a consistent plan to provide COLAs, especially for those who are furthest behind.
10August 2019Oklahoma Firefighter
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NEAR-MISS REPORT
By Greg Lindsay
Safe Steps During Training Fire department training events usually begin with a short skills refresher and then the instructors start presenting the topic of the day. When the lesson is complex, multiple skills may be required. The one thing we should always keep in mind is that training is teaching and instructors must have a watchful eye on missed steps and safety concerns while the students become proficient. Monitoring each step is the basis for where training begins; however, our instructors should never neglect life safety concerns. Any time a human life is at risk, our policy should be to add additional protection; in many cases, state and federal worker safety regulations mandate it. No one wants to suffer an injury during training, and no instructor wants to have their technique result in an injured colleague. The featured article for this month highlights a confined-space training event. The unique nature of this event provided a challenge for everyone involved. While the crew performing the exercise were new to this environment, there were instructors and safety personnel on site and actively monitoring the evolution. With almost every precaution taken, a nearmiss still occurred. The safe practices in place from the beginning were all that prevented a significant accident.
Tripod Collapses During Confined Space Rescue Drill http://firefighternearmiss.com/Reports?id=15894
EVENT NARRATIVE Student rescuers were set up and operating at a confined space rescue exercise. This exercise was the third of six different rescue drills done this day. After making entry into a 20-foot deep vault with a 10-foot by 10-foot top opening, a simulated patient (mannequin) was packaged. The haul team began to lift the patient using a 4:1 haul system suspended from a rescue tripod placed at the corner of the top opening. A second rope system for belay was rigged, but not integrated into the tripod. Before the haul, a safety officer and the instructor inspected both rope systems, and they both agreed the systems were adequately assembled. As the haul team began lifting, the tripod tipped over and partially fell into the opening. The belay system, (tandem prusik knots on a separate 12.5 mm rope attached to a different anchor) immediately stopped the fall with limited shock load. The tied-off edge personnel uprighted the tripod and the entire retrieval system was re-inspected. Upon completion of a second inspection, no damage to either system or the tripod was observed. The extrication of the single person load was completed without further incident. The two rescuers safely exited the vault using these same rope systems. A debriefing was immediately conducted at the site. Contributing factors and resulting actions were discussed with all participants. LESSONS LEARNED 1. Most smaller confined space top openings don’t present a fall problem for tripods. The larger the opening, the more reason tag lines should be used for any equipment near the edge. 2. Requiring 100% fall protection following OSHA was a key factor. Rescuers move toward the problem regardless of safety concerns, i.e., the edge. 3. Using training mannequins whenever possible is the best practice. 4. If there is any possibility of the resulting force moving outside of the tripod legs, guy lines should be used or choose a different haul system. (Maybe with a change of direction pulley). 5. Using a separate belay rope NOT suspended from the tripod was vital in catching the falling load within a few inches. 6. Even with a briefing, direct supervision, and previous successful drills, constant supervision of specific tasks may be required during a rescue event or training. In this case, a minimum of two instructors was required when tasks are spread out. For the remainder of this Near-Miss, we will have to examine the contributing factors listed in the report details. First, consider the following discussion points. • One of the best practice models identified was using a training mannequin as a victim. When do your policies consider it necessary to forgo live bait and use a training mannequin? • During a large training evolution, having extra staff for monitoring the event
OKC Fire Department and incident safety is imperative. How do you consider safety monitoring during company level training? • The report mentioned a 4:1 haul system. Discuss with your crew how to rig this type of system. • Draw out the event to scale remembering the opening was 10X10, and a typical tripod has a base radius of about 40 inches. How much area was available within the footprint of the tripod? • What do you think occurred to cause the tripod to topple?
Combining a confined space exercise with a high angle rescue is very common. When the complications from the event become more complex, we have to reduce the pace of the event to be sure there are no errors. The term, “slow is smooth and smooth is fast” comes to mind. It’s even more important when the area needed for operation is small. According to the reporter, this was not only crowded with personnel; it was also complicated with ropes for edge personnel fall protection and people needed for the haul team. In the contributing factors, the author identified that the haul team moved outside of the tripod footprint, and the resulting force toppled the tripod. Because this factor was critical in the event, the department chose several changes to prevent any further occurrence. The most significant change made by this department is to share this event in the form of a lecture and demonstration about the resulting forces that caused the tripod to pull over. Additionally, future training events will have an instructor assigned to monitor the haul team’s location and prevent a similar occurrence. When the opening is larger than the width of the legs on the tripod, you must effectively operate from only two sides. The majority of the room under the tripod is needed to straddle one corner of the opening. The edge support team are there for the victim and attendants while the haul team can be crowded out. One suggestion from the report submitter is to use a change of direction pulley inside the footprint and relocate the haul team a safe distance from the opening. The National Near-Miss Reporting System has several case studies from the technical rescue field. Each report, sent from a firefighter that wanted to share an experience and how they decided to resolve their concerns, is stored for us to use. If you have had a situation where a lesson you learned has become the standard for your department, I would like to read about it. The national system, found at www.Firefighternearmiss.com is free to use and allows you to browse anonymously. Any report you share today could become the standard practice for another department tomorrow, and make those firefighters safer for years to come.
Best Wishes to OSFA on its 125th Convention
Oklahoma FirefighterAugust 201911
12August 2019Oklahoma Firefighter
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Chaplain’s Corner
Gary Lillie
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Bre Horn
Nash FD Chaplain
“Who’s got your back?” That is an old saying that originated in the old TV shows and movies where two people are in a dangerous situation (usually against the bad guys), and one of them is To post prayer requests going to venture forward. and find up-to-date inforThe other person stays behind and watches for mation on the Oklahoma any danger coming from behind or other direcFire Chaplains, go to tions that the first person is unlikely to see. www.okfirechaplains.org. In the Fire Service, that would usually be our “buddy” especially those on our crew, but really anyone in our department or a neighboring department. When we enter a dangerous situation, we want someone to “watch our back.” In the Bible, there is a similar story found in Exodus 20. The Israelites are at battle against the Amalekites. When Moses holds up his staff (the one that parted the Rea Sea), the Israelites push ahead, but when he lowers his staff, they begin to lose. Finally, Aaron and Hur help Moses hold up the staff and thus the battle is won. So how do we do that today? First, we need to encourage one another…especially when things get tough. This includes times of difficulty with our relationships, with our finances, with our health, and with life in general. Secondly, we need to pray for them. Our prayers are the most we can do for anyone. In prayer, we’re asking the God of creation to help. I can’t think of anyone better to “have my back.” As Jesus promised, “Ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened.” Learn to pray for others!
educational Advisory Marshall FD
Quick, save these dates now before you plan anything else! On May 7-9, 2020, will be the next State Fire School. No, that’s not a typo. This upcoming year, we are going to pack all the amazing FREE training into just 3 days. We just had our first committee meeting of the new season, and I have great feelings about the upcoming school with the amazing committee that we have this year. If you have never been to the OSFA State Fire School, you are missing out. As someone stated in our meeting, State Fire School is like Disney World for firefighters. Not only is there great training, but each evening there will be events you can attend and continue to network and have a great time with your brothers and sisters in the fire service. As always, we plan to find some great classes that you can’t usually find in one place for you to enjoy for FREE. If you are an instructor and teach any classes, we encourage you to reach out to the OSFA or an Educational Advisory Committee member and get a Call to Presentation packet to fill out. We will be gathering classes and deciding on what classes to bring to the school from now until December. So don’t dilly dally! Get your submissions in soon! Once we have the amazing classes selected and locked down, keep watch for when we open the registration so you can get in the class you want, as they can fill up quickly! It is our mission to bring and provide safe, excellent, and pertinent fire and emergency service training to firefighters throughout the State of Oklahoma and to remain diligent in identifying training needs for the Oklahoma Fire Service. Make sure you spread the word about the State Fire School like wildfire across the state!
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Women’s Aux report
Kendra Engle Greetings! I hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th of July. I would like to take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Kendra Engle and my husband Kyle is a firefighter/EMT at Ponca City FD. Kyle has been a firefighter/EMT for 16 years. We have 2 children, Kenley age 5, Kysen age 3 and a new baby coming in December. I currently serve as the President of
Jr Board Member
the Ponca City FD Women’s Auxiliary. I am looking forward to serving on the OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Board this year and am excited to meet several of you in the upcoming months. What a great time we had at the 125th OSFA Convention in Ponca City! Despite several obstacles, we were able to pull off the convention without a hitch. Dereck Cassady and his team did a fantastic job organizing the convention and banquet. If you weren’t able to attend, you really missed out!
2019-2020 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Executive Board PRESIDENT
Susan Walker • sw233821@gmail.com • (580) 351-4116
VICE PRESIDENT Michele Cole • momachel@aol.com • (918) 698-4488 SEC/TREASURER Marti Carpenter • marticarpenter@att.net • (405) 590-4608 JR BD MEMBER
Kendra Engle • kefd07@yahoo.com • (405) 630-8898
PAST PRESIDENT Erica Koch • ejv97@cox.net • (405) 308-2010
Oklahoma FirefighterAugust 201913
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LIVE LONG & PROSPER
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Donnie Bennett
Gene Brown
OKC FD Safety & Heath Committee Many of us come in to the fire service knowing about the inherent dangers of the job. We understand that our work can be physically and mentally demanding, and we are taught to be prepared for any and everything under the umbrella of fire, rescue, and EMS. There will always be an occasional extraordinary incident that we are unprepared for, but we have historically used these instances as learning tools to become better firefighters. Maintaining normalcy when extraordinary events happen in our personal lives is a task that we are getting better at, but we definitely have a lot of room for improvement. A difficult situation at home coupled with the demanding nature of the job can be over-
Museum Director
whelming. Discovering activities and people that allow you to positively decompress during your difficult time is extremely important, and will prevent you from picking up bad habits and negative energy. We spend a lot of time together, and we often know each other just as well as we know our own family. Pay attention to your fire family, and check on them when you know they’re dealing with a lot. Speak up if you respond on something “bad” -- chances are someone else is thinking the same thing. Talk about it the best way you can as a crew, and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance outside of your crew while debriefing after a difficult call.
geneb@osfa.info 405-424-3440 Hello everyone! The day has arrived that the repairs on the memorial have begun.They are moving along nicely. We are replacing eight panels of granite. We are resetting all the granite around the pool. This is a big job. It has taken awhile to get the granite matched and cut. Work should be complete in about four weeks. We are very excited to get it back up and running. We are through our busy time with all our events. So it’s back to working inside the museum. We are getting restarted on the 1954 Ward La France. I hope to get it running very soon. Please take time to visit your museum. Stay safe and hydrated this summer. See you soon!
ATTENTION Fire Chiefs and Department Heads
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Help support your Oklahoma Firefighters Museum Expansion and the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial PURCHASE AN OKLAHOMA FIREFIGHTER LICENSE TAG! Money received from the purchase of each tag goes directly to financing upkeep on the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial and Oklahoma Firefighters Museum. Oklahoma Firefighter tags cost $35 a year (on top of regular tag fees) and $20 goes directly to the Museum/Memorial. Tags can be purchased from local tag agents any time during the year -- not just with your regular plate. And they can be customized to 6 letters as approved by the Tax Commission.
14August 2019Oklahoma Firefighter
2019 CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS The bar was set high with this year’s convention!
The hospitality was above and beyond, the facilities were perfect and the food was excellent. The City of Ponca City, the Ponca City Fire Department, and the Ponca City Firefighters just went lights out to show the 254 registered folks in attendance a wonderful time.
On Tuesday, June 4, Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Associa-
tion members met for the 38th ORFA Convention. A total of 90 retirees and their spouses were in attendance. It began with a great lunch, followed by the business of the day and rounded out by a rousing speech given by outgoing ORFA President Juan Rodriguez. Juan thanked those who had helped in the effort to obtain a COLA and scolded those who sat back letting others do the work.
Wednesday saw a beautiful day to open the 125th Annual OSFA Convention at a golf course that rivaled many of the best private courses in Oklahoma. There were gorgeous views overlooking the Kaw Lake from the clubhouse, the fairways and greens were in excellent shape and it was a great day to fellowship with fellow firefighters and play some golf.
Thursday began as a rainy, dreary day which set the stage for the OSFA Memorial Service like no other. The service was held in the First Baptist Church directly across the street from the City Center meeting facility. The decorations were superb and right on point to set the mood for a somber, yet moving memorial service that honored all of those firefighters who went before us. The Ponca City Fire Department Honor Guard performed a precision posting of the Colors while the Oklahoma Fire Pipes and Drums played goosebump-raising music. We then heard the most beautiful rendition of the national anthem sung by Ponca City native Rachelann Colson. Ponca City Fire Captain Eddie Shultz led us in prayer asking for peace for each of the families present and those who couldn’t be with us. As each name was read, their picture was shown on the screens and a bell tolled an echoing, haunting ring in a humbling remembrance of each person. At the conclusion of the reading of the names, the bell sounded three sets of three rings each signifying the last alarm. It was a touching ceremony that left many family members in tears. The OSFA Women’s Auxiliary then held a small reception for the families, allowing them to mingle and speak with each other and with friends in the fire service.
President Dereck Cassady then called the 125th Annual OSFA Convention to order back across the street at the City Center Building by ringing the original cow bell that started the first 25 OSFA Conventions, as well as the 50th, 75th and 100th conventions. The clanging of that cow bell sure got everyone’s attention as they wondered what the heck was going on. The Fire Chief and City Manager welcomed us to Ponca City followed by an address by Governor Kevin Stitt. Governor Stitt praised the fire service and the responses to the many natural disasters around the state that had occurred over the previous three weeks. He also pledged his support for firefighters and outlined several of the ways he plans to restore Oklahoma to a top 10 state. Senator Bill Coleman and Representative Ken Luttrell both spoke following the Governor, each adding their support and congratulations on 125 years of serving firefighters. Thursday afternoon brought more rain and quite a scramble
by the Ponca City folks. The shooting event had to be postponed due to weather. However, the poker run went on as scheduled. It was the first time we believe that one stop on the poker run required a provided boat ride to access the stop. That was quite unique. The original location for the MDA picnic was the scenic Duck Ponds at Kaw Lake, but it, too, was unfortunately rained out. Instead the Ponca City committee quickly re-routed everyone to the scenic, although in a different manner, Marland
Mansion for the picnic. It was so seamless that most people didn’t even realize that it was a last minute change.
Friday opened with the business of the day and many informative reports from fire-related agencies around the state, including a report by acting State Fire Marshal Sam Schafnitt and Pension Director Chase Rankin, among many others. Almost 100 departments were awarded the OSFA 100 continuous year member awards. Many had representatives present to accept the awards and it was great to see them there participating 100 years after their departments first started with the OSFA. The Tulsa Fire Department won the OSFA Unit/Department Citation for their assistance with the OSFA John F. Futhey II State Fire School. Clifford Lewis (retired OKC) won the First in/Last Out Award. T. Dick Cagle (retired Tulsa) won the Shey P. Francis Award. Jim Minx (retired OKC and past OSFA Executive Director) won OSFA’s highest award, the David Bain Award. Don Armes and Julia Jernigan provided the OSFA Legislative report that was positive with 4 out of 5 bills that OSFA introduced being signed into law and the 5th being sent to an actuarial study for consideration next year. You can’t get much more successful than that.
The OSFA Women’s Auxiliary held their annual luncheon at the cottage at the Marland Mansion along with an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the mansion on Friday afternoon. The banquet on Friday evening was scheduled to take place at the Osage Casino. But, as it seems to go sometimes, the Ponca City committee was notified that morning that the water main that fed the casino had ruptured and there was no water and therefore no banquet at the casino. However, the Osage Casino staff scrambled and booked the original convention meeting facility at the City Center Building, found three local restaurant kitchens in which to cook, and set up, transported, and served an excellent banquet meal to all of the convention attendees. The annual auctions at the banquet brought in over $7,000 for the Women’s Auxiliary and the newly announced OSFA Training and Benevolent Fund. The Training and Benevolent Fund is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization to benefit firefighter training and provide relief for firefighters affected by disasters. Finally, the Time Machine band played into the evening with a great mixture of music that was enjoyed by all. During the last break for the band, President Cassady announced the winner of the grand door prize which was a Kawasaki side by side that was fittingly won by convention co-chair Jerry Burtner in a random drawing of all attendees. Saturday morning ushered in the convention business meet-
ing. There was one resolution voted on that passed unanimously and added the Public Safety Protection Districts to the OSFA Legislative Agenda for the next legislative session. Jim Ed Nimmo from Tulsa was elected by acclimation to the OSFA Executive Board as the new 3rd Vice President and Guthrie was selected to host the 2021 convention. Executive Director Steve Lumry challenged the members to participate in the COLA effort for the retirees and to “Leave No One Behind.” “We wouldn’t leave a firefighter in distress at any other time and this effort is no exception,” Lumry said. “It will take everyone’s help to make it happen. Start contacting your Senator and Representative during the summer break.” Matt Lay was honored for his service on the Executive Board and Mike Kelley invited everyone to come to Oklahoma City next year for convention. President Cassady adjourned the meeting sine die and proceeded to give out some more of the best door prizes to be seen at convention in years, including 65-inch 4K TVs, drones and much, much more. By all accounts, the convention was a huge success thanks to Dereck, Chad Cunningham, Jerry Burtner, and all of the Ponca City folks who stepped up to set the bar high for future conventions!
MEMORIAL SERVICE Posted on OSFA’s COMMENTS Facebook Page w Melanie Colvin: I sat here today for the
memorial service for the fallen firefighters of Oklahoma and had tears in my eyes as usual. What wasn’t usual was that I also knew that I could have been one with family in the audience while they called my name this year. I am humbled and grateful for the second chance on life I have received. I know not to take the little things for granted. I have learned a lot about myself in this journey and know that it isn’t over. I still have more to fight for and gain back. I’m lucky. I’m blessed with a prognosis that I should be able to have a full recovery. Others aren’t so blessed or lucky. I have had several say if you need anything let me know. I appreciate all of the love and offers that have been shown to me and my family. Now having said all of that, I want to say that we need to do better at taking care of ourselves. OSFA has a partnership with the Oklahoma Heart Hospital for scans and health screenings for the OSFA members. Take time to look at your health! Eat better. Get rest. Get screened! Prevention is key! Do the little things that can help you and your health in the long run before your world changes in an instant and you have to stop and realize changes you have to make. If we can’t take care of ourselves then how are we truly going to be there for others?!? My hope is that hearing about my situation can encourage someone else to make changes and take better care of themselves. You are the most valuable thing you have! Be brave with your life and take care of yourself!
w Marissa Davis: We were blessed to be in
attendance for our dad Jerry Rice from Mustang. Very humbling experience!
w Sara Hyer: Was a lovely memorial, thank you so much!
w Crystal Lyn: I miss my dad Capt.Jimmy
Ayers, OKC 21. Thank you all for this beautiful ceremony.
w Shandi Thompson: From the family of
Retired Tulsa Fire Department Deputy Fire Marshal Ronald M. Collins, thank you for such a beautiful ceremony! The fire brotherhood is like none other.
w Denise Baker Thompson: Was a beautiful
ceremony today, thank you from the family of Miles R. Baker, Bartlesville.
w Melanie Williams: Thank you to all the
brave men and women who put their lives on the line everyday for others. What a special tribute to those who sacrificed everything.
w Karrie Lee: I was there for my dad in 2010.
This is such a moving and respectful ceremony. Thank you for continuing this.
w Sandra Garrison Clinton: Thank you for doing this for the families.
w Danny Brewer: All our brothers will be greatly missed. RIP.
Oklahoma FirefighterAugust 201915
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OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Past Presidents
16August 2019Oklahoma Firefighter
1973 Women’s Auxiliary Board
L to R (top): Marjorie Lafleur, Lucy Hardin, Treesia Hughes; L to R (bottom): Winona Akin, Glenna Herren, Glenda Oruch
1974 Women’s Auxiliary Board
L to R (top): Cleda Hawkins, Glenna Herren, Lucy Hardin L to R (bottom): Donna Froese, Wynona Akin, Glenda Oruch
1975 Women’s Auxiliary Board
L to R (top): Cleda Hawkins, Wynona Akin, Mary Ann Berryhill; L to R: Lucy Hardin, Glenda Oruch, Glenna Herren
1928 - Mrs. Charles Slemp, Blackwell* 1928-29 - Mrs. E.H. Miller, McAlester* 1930 - Mrs. A.B. Corkille, Tulsa* 1931 - Mrs. E.H. Miller, McAlester* 1932 - Mrs. J.C. Osborne, Oklahoma City* 1933 - Mrs. Frank Scott, Sapulpa* 1934 - Mrs. George Burke, McAlester* 1935 - Mrs. Phil Carmen, Tulsa* 1936 - Mrs. F.W. Marshall, Sapulpa* 1937 - Mrs. Harold Pitt, Oklahoma City* 1938 - Mrs. Jay Weisinger, Enid* 1939 - Mrs. Gene Cook, Blackwell* 1940 - Mrs. J.W. Holbrook, McAlester* 1941-46 - Mrs. George Stewart, Tulsa* 1947 - Mrs. V.E. (Rose) Pittman, Tulsa* 1948 - Mrs. Yale Taplin, Clinton* 1949 - Mrs. Gene Cook, Blackwell* 1950 - Mrs. Garvin Martin, Tulsa* 1951 - Mrs. Luke Chenoweth, OKC* 1952 - Mrs. Andy Payne, Oklahoma City* 1953 - Mrs. E.O. Sherrick, Tulsa* 1954 - Mrs. Ed Apelt, Oklahoma City* 1955-56 - Mrs. H.O. Whittenton, Sapulpa* 1957 - Mrs. Andy T. Miller, Oklahoma City* 1958 - Mrs. Karl Kautz, Cushing* 1959 - Mrs. Austin Pricer, Oklahoma City* 1960 - Mrs. WD (Dyena) Woolbridge, Tulsa* 1961 - Mrs. T.R. Tinker, Tulsa* 1962 - Mrs. Andy Lang, Enid* 1963 - Mrs. Charles (Ruth Ann) Thomas, OKC 1964 - Mrs. Phillip (Geneva) Reese, Bartlesville
1977 Women’s Auxiliary Board L to R: Glenna Herren, Cleda Jawkins, Lucy Hardin, Pat Holler, Susan Abraham, Betty Ayers
n www.CONRADFIRE.com
1965 - Mrs. John F. (Doreen) Nidiffer, Miami* 1966-67 - Mrs. Leo Wilmott, Tulsa* 1968 - Mrs. Tom (Virginia) Perkins, Lawton* 1969 - Mrs. Don (Donna) Froese, Enid* 1970 - Mrs. Louis (Doris) Bunch, OKC 1971 - Mrs. Jim (Carol) Rambo, Lawton 1972 - Mrs. John (Marjorie) LaFleur, Wooward* 1973 - Mrs. Doug (Glenna) Herren, MWC 1974 - Mrs. Gene (Wynona) Akin, Norman 1975 - Mrs. Gene (Glenda) Oruch, OKC* 1976 - Mrs. Doug (Glenna) Herren, MWC 1977 - Mrs. John (Lucy) Hardin, Bethany* 1978 - Mrs. E. Stanley (Cleta) Hawkins, Tulsa* 1979 - Mrs. John (Lucy) Hardin, Bethany* 1980 - Mrs. Ray (Pat) Holler, Dewey* 1981 - Mrs. Jerry (Susan) Abraham, Lawton* 1982 - Mrs. Tom (Sharon) Tollison, Del City 1983 - Mrs Joe (Watha) Gage, Midwest City* 1984 - Mrs. Mike (Dixie) Howerton, Fairview 1985 - Mrs. Dariel (Lynda) Mathews, Frederick 1986 - Mrs. Archie (Debbie) Clark, Norman 1987 - Mrs. Claude (Brenda) Rex, OKC 1988 - Mrs. Bill (Judy) McCawley, Moore* 1989 - Mrs Everette (Marilyn) Brewer, Enid* 1990 - Mrs. Jim (Ruby) Eppler, Dewey 1991 - Mrs. J.D. (Pamela) LaFleur, Clinton 1992 - Mrs. Ronald (Susie) Burks, McAlester 1993 - Mrs. Bill (Jana) Kifer, Stillwater 1994 - Mrs. Tippy (Martha) Pierce, Moore 1995 - Mrs. Herb (Ada) Allison, Tulsa 1996 - Mrs. Marshall (Atonie) Dunnam, OKC
1978 Women’s Auxiliary Board
1997 - Mrs. Billy (Cheri) McCawley, Norman 1998 - Mrs. Eldon (Linda) Forrester, MWC 1999 - Mrs. Jackie (Shari) Ames, Warr Acres 2000 - Mrs. A.K. “Yogi” (Joan) Cole, Tulsa 2001 - Mrs. Phillip (Connie) Foster, OKC 2002 - Mrs. Bud (Vonda) Shepherd, Slaughterville 2003 - Mrs. Thomas (Linda) Hendricks, Moore 2004 - Mrs. Dana (Diana) Cramer, Norman 2005 - Mrs. David “Chigger” (Diane) Burch, Lawton 2006 - Mrs. David (Sandy) Thompson, Slaughterville 2007 - Mrs. Tom (Pam) Smith, Dewey * 2008 - Mrs. Steve (Cheryl) Lumry, OKC 2009 - Mrs. Jack (Ginger) Ellington, Bridge Creek 2010 - Mrs. Billy (Amanda) Claxton, Ada 2011 - Mrs. Jerry (Susan) Abraham, Lawton* 2012 - Mrs. Tippy (Martha) Pierce, Moore 2013 - Mrs. Michael (Ashley) Corbett, OKC 2014 - Mrs. Yogi (Michele) Cole, Tulsa 2015 - Mrs. Brian (Susan) Foughty, Moore 2016 - Mrs. Julian (JeanAnn) Gaona, OKC 2017 - Mrs. Dana (Diana) Cramer, Norman 2018 - Mrs. Paul (Tennie) Green, Dewey 2019 - Mrs. Marcus (Erica) Koch, OKC
2013 Women’s Auxiliary Board
L to R: Ashley Corbett, Michele Cole, Susan Foughty, JeanAnn Gaona, Martha Pierce
1985 Women’s Auxiliary Board
Dixie Howerton, Lynda Mathews, Debbie Clark, Brenda Rex, Judy McCawley, Marilyn Brewer (not in order)
* Deceased Pictured are Women’s Auxiliary Board photos from the 1970s, 1980s and 2013. If you have any photos to share, please email to osfa@osfa.info.
1979 Women’s Auxiliary Board
1982 Women’s Auxiliary Board
L to R: Watha Gage, Lynda Mathews, Dixie Howerton, Sharon Tollison, Susan Abraham
1980 Women’s Auxiliary Board
Doris Bunch, Sharon Tollison, S. Abraham, P. Holler, Lucy Hardin, C. Hawkins L. Hardin, Pat Holler, S. Abraham, S. Tollison, Janna Lindsay, Cleda Hawkins
L to R: Pat Holler, Susan Abraham, Sharon Tollison, Watha Gage, Dixie Howerton; Lucy Hardin
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Oklahoma FirefighterAugust 201917 Q&A with OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Past Presidents & Current Board
At the 34th OSFA Convention in 1928, a women’s meet-
but we got the lid across the line.
ing was held regarding the formation of a Women’s Auxiliary to the OSFA. A committee was appointed to go before the association and ask to become so affiliated. The next day, their request was unanimously granted.
In 2015, the Executive Board of the OSFA Women’s Auxiliary was asked if they thought the women from 1928 would be proud to see the results of what they started, and what they thought of their accomplishments ever since. The board members -- Susan Foughty, JeanAnn Gaona, Marci Stager, Tennie Green and Michele Cole -- said the following: “We think they would be proud to see that the auxiliary still exists. They would also be startled that some of our discussions center around legislative trends considering that women back then did not have the right to vote. “We are very proud of our auxiliary’s support of such endeavors as the burn camp for injured children, burn apartment for injured firefighters and their families, donations to college scholarship funds and donations to the Oklahoma State Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial. “The board also helps with the Annual Memorial Reception, Legislative Reception and other activities at the OSFA. “And we have continued to find a way to work statewide as a support system for our firefighters. Our organization welcomes all members from the firefighter family.” The last two months, the Oklahoma Firefighter has been in
contact with Past Presidents and current board members of the OSFA Women’s Auxiliary to get their answers to these two questions: n What do you see as the mission of the OSFA Women’s Auxiliary? n What is your fondest OSFA Women’s Auxiliary moment? Here is what they said:
MARTHA PIERCE (1994 & 2012) Mission: The mission of the OSFAWA shall be to bring its members into closer communication for acquaintance, mutual helpfulness and the promotion of higher and social ideas; to conserve life and property by teaching and encouraging fire prevention at every opportunity. Memory: My fondest memory is when I served as president during the 100th celebration of the OSFA Convention in 1994. It was our 62nd Ladies Convention, and it was one of the most eventful I can remember. And the groundbreaking for the Firefighters Memorial took place that same convention. It was a great privilege to have served my board that year and also again in 2012. I continue to attend convention every year and I will always cherish them and the lives I have crossed with. The most heartfelt moment was when I was Past President in 2013 and I presented the memorial service for our ladies who passed on the previous year. They were Susan Abraham from Lawton (1-31-2013); Judy McCawley from Moore (4-19-2013); and Marilyn Brewer from Enid (8-15-2013). These ladies were all Past Presidents and icons to this board, and I had served on the board with them all. I would like to encourage the wives to attend convention and join in our activities at least once in your lifetime -- you won’t regret it. CHERYL LUMRY (2008) Mission: I feel the mission of the OSFA Women’s Auxiliary is to be able to increase our membership by having every fire department in Oklahoma that is a member of OSFA be represented as members of the OSFA Women’s Auxiliary. Memory: I have several fond memories of being involved with the OSFA Women’s Auxiliary -- from serving on the OSFA Women’s Auxiliary board, receiving the Woman of the Year
DORIS BUNCH (1970) Mission: I always felt it was to support the men. Memory: It was a long time ago -- I was there about 30 years. Just being a part of it to me was the thing, and I always enjoyed being a part of it. CAROL RAMBO (1971) Mission: To support the firefighters and their activities Memory: I guess the silliest moment is when I was running for office and my campaign manager Puddin McKenzie, wife of Lawton firefighter Albert McKenzie, used an old TV commercial slogan. In the ad, there was a person with a black eye who said, “I’d rather fight than switch.” I think the ad was for cigarettes. That was a memory that stuck.
ASHLEY CORBETT (2013) Mission: I believe the mission of the OSFAWA is to support and encourage firefighters both on and off duty. We raise money to assist financially with programs specifically for firefighters and their families, as well as assist in different events throughout the year. Our mission is to build a support system that is statewide for all departments. Memory: The fondest memories are the ones I make every year at convention. It’s hard to pick just one memory. Every year is different. So many of us live so far apart that when we get together it feels like very little time has passed. MICHELE COLE (2014 & 2021) Mission: We are a special group of people living in a unique environment of a firefighters life. We live and see things different than other occupations. The OSFAWA is there to help support and give back to friends and families when needed. It takes a small village to help ones along after a tragedy, illness or something stressful like our firefighters taking tests to advance themselves. We should be a supportive group. Memory: My fondest moment would be getting ready for my convention and making a quilt for our live auction. TENNIE GREEN (2018) Mission: To support the guys as needed and to raise money for differed benefits, such as the museum, burn apartments, burn camp, Stavros scholarship and to help put on the next year’s convention for the ladies. Memory: Being able to meet new people and building those family friendships! ERICA KOCH (2019) Mission: The mission of the ladies auxiliary is to support all the auxiliaries and organizations that help the state firefighters. Memory: My fondest moment is meeting up with all the ladies that I only get to see once a year.
Members enjoying activities during 2019 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Convention
GLENNA HERREN (1973 & 1976) Mission: To support our husbands because it’s such a dangerous job. Whenever they leave the station, they don’t know if they are coming back or not. As the auxiliary, we need to not only support our husbands, but also provide help as a group of people. Memory: The year I was voted Woman of the Year in June 1967. And one year at convention, we had pumper races that brought the auxiliary together for some fun. We got on the back of a fire truck and when they blew the whistle, we jumped off the truck, grabbed the hose and hooked it to the fire plug. Whoever got water the quickest won. Former Midwest City Fire Chief John Ferrish (1968-75) wrote an article in support of the women’s auxiliary titled “If You Haven’t Got One, Get One.” RUBY EPPLER (1990) Mission: When I was president, I like to think we assisted our fellow firefighters and promoted fire safety. We did have a little local when I was first elected. My husband Jim was into everything, so I had my hands full. Memory: They used to have firefighter games and we had our girls there trying to take the fire hose and shoot a trash can lid. We didn’t get first,
award, unanimously voting to present the Woman of the Year award to Past President of the OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Pam Smith before she sadly passed away to lots of great memories made with great friends.
2018-19 Women’s Auxiliary Board
SUSAN WALKER (2020) Mission: I really go back to the mission stated in the original by-laws established in 1929: 1) To promote understanding of fire service thus enabling wives to grow in their position of helpmates. 2) To promote friendship among firemen’s families. 3) To promote educational and social ideas. 4) To promote fire prevention. 5) To promote better public relations. 6) To raise the standards of the fire department, both active and civic. While the language may be a little outdated, the ideas are still very applicable to our organization. Memory: I have many great memories of get-togethers, fun at convention and having the privilege of participating in making charitable donations. However, I think my favorite memory will be of the memorial service held this year during convention. It was the most moving and personal experience for family and friends.
Tennie Green, Susan Walker, Michele Cole, Marti Carpenter, Kendra Engle, Erica Koch
MARTI CARPENTER (2022) Mission: Personally, I believe the mission of the women’s auxiliary is to form relationships while being all inclusive, making everyone feel valued and heard while raising funds to give back to organizations that support the fire service and fire families. Memory: My fondest memory is when the auxiliary was confident enough in me to elect me to the board. KENDRA ENGLE (2023) Mission: To bring together like-minded women across the state to support our firefighters to the best of our ability. Memory: The new friendships I’ve made. There are several really great women, and each have so much to offer the auxiliary that it makes being a part of it so much fun.
18ď źAugust 2019ď źOklahoma Firefighter
n
125th convention of the oklahoma state firefighters association Photos By Greg Roberts, Norman Ret.
association
n
June 5-8, 2019
Oklahoma FirefighterAugust 201919
n
Hosted by PONCA CITY fire department
Season’s Greetings
20August 2019Oklahoma Firefighter
Meet the 2019 Stavros Scholarship Recipients The Pete and Lela Stavros Scholarship Foundation was established in 2002. And when the first scholarships were awarded in 2004, five recipients received $500 to help with college expenses. This year, five $1,000 scholarships were awarded. The deserving five were picked from a total of 78 applicants.
Kennedy Killingsworth • Checotah HS • Daughter of Jeff Killingsworth, Checotah FD • Major: Engineering at OU “I am proud of the amount of selflessness and love my father has extended in our community for the Oklahoma Fire Service. Growing up with my father being a firefighter has taught me to be more appreciative of everyone and everything in my life.”
Dason Morris • Vici HS • Son of Larry Morris, Vici FD • Major: Mechanics & Repair at OSU-IT in Okmulgee “In April 2018 when the Rhae Fire was burning, I helped by working on the fire truck as they needed repairs. In May 2018, I turned 18 and joined Vici FD. It means a lot when my dad and I can go on fire calls together.”
Sara Young • Lone Grove HS
• Daughter of Rodney Young, Lone Grove FD • Major: Psychology at OSU
Logan Palomino • Caney HS • Stepson of Richard Bess, Caney FD • Major: Parmaceutical Sciences at SWOSU in Weatherford
2005 (51 applicants) -- • Jaclyn M. Cosgrove, McAlester (Dad Henry Cosgrove, McAlester FD) • Chad A. Gassett, Yukon (Dad Bryant Gassett, Yukon FD) • Nikole L. Kelley, Oklahoma City (Dad Michael Kelley, Oklahoma City FD) • Tanner K. Stewart, Vici (Dad Keith Stewart, Vici FD) • Dannie H. Whitehouse, Sapulpa (Dad Dannie Whitehouse, Sapulpa FD) 2006 (30 applicants) -- • Kyle D. Brown, Broken Arrow (Dad David Brown, Tulsa FD) • Torie A. Fuller, Carl Albert (Dad Mark Fuller, Ret. Midwest City FD) • Celina D. Haney, Ketchum (Dad Robert Haney, Ketchum FD) • Casidy Hawkins, Mount St. Mary (Dad Kirk Hawkins, Oklahoma City FD) • Patrick A. VerSteeg, Oklahoma School of Science & Math (Dad Fujio VerSteeg, Cheyenne FD) 2007 (31 applicants) -- • Angela Bell, Lawton (Dad Russell Bell, Lawrton FD) • Cody Cramer, Norman (Dad Dana Cramer, Norman FD) • Guy Evans, Spiro (Dad Philip Evans, Spiro FD) • Michael Willingham, Broken Bow (Dad Russ Willingham, Broken Bow FD) • Kyle Wood, Stratford (Dad Jay Wood, Oklahoma City FD) 2008 (30 applicants) -- • Brandon D. Blevins, Hilldale (Dad Henry Blevins, Muskogee FD) • Bryce W. Davis, Duncan (Dad Brent Davis, Lawton FD) • Amy N. Harper, Spiro (Dad B.J. Harper, Spiro FD) • Bradley A. Levescy, U.S. Grant (Granddad David Levescy Sr, OKC FD) • Kolton W. Pratt, Valliant (Uncle Paul Kurtis, Broken Bow FD) 2009 (30 applicants) -- • Miranda Claxton, Ada (Dad Billy Claxton, Ada FD) • Justus Davenport, Harrah (Dad Jeffrey Davenport, Oklahoma City FD) • Jacklyne Manning, Sayre (Dad James Manning, Sayre FD) • Diane Scheuerman, Broken Arrow (Dad Dane Scheuerman, Ret. Tulsa FD) • Benjamin Tripp, Watonga (Dad Mark Huff, Watonga FD) 2010 (35 applicants) -- • Joseph Boak, Beggs (Dad Evert Boak, Ret. Beggs FD) • Tyler Iago, Newcastle (Dad Thomas Iago, Oklahoma City FD) • Bradley Lowden, Fort Supply (Dad Michael
• Davis HS • Daughter of Greg Merrell, OKC FD • Major: Nursing at OU
cannot remember a time Wishing you a joyous“Iwhen season I was not part of the
“My grandfather was fire chief for the Lone Grove FD, and my father also serves as a volunteer firefighter. When I complete my college career, I hope to become a licensed therapist. I want to help others and be able to be a shoulder to lean on.”
and a prosperous new year “My stepdad is a volunteer firefighter, and he risks his life for the safety of others. I am very proud of him and all of the firefighters that service our community and state.”
Oklahoma Fire Service family. I have grown up with a sense of pride and responsibility. I’ve learned the value of family, the desire to make a difference and the importance of being a contributing member of a team.”
from all of us here at
Wayest Safety
PAST STAVROS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 2004 (79 applicants) -- • Lance Williams, Carnegie (Dad Orval Williams, Carnegie FD) • Sean McMahon, Yukon (Dad Michael Burris, Ret. OKC FD) • Leanna McNally, Guthrie (Dad Thomas McNally, Ret. Guthrie FD) • Madison Clark, Carl Albert (Dad James Clark, Midwest City LODD; Step-Dad Charles Killgore, Norman FD) • Rachel Winters, Konawa (Dad Richard Winters, Konawa FD)
Sydni Merrell
Lowden, Fort Supply FD) • Jodie Neal, Stroud (Dad Randy Neal, The Village FD) • Jarred Stockton, Mangum (Step-Dad Kent Gambill, Mangum FD)
2011 (34 applicants) -- • Graham Billeg, Newcastle (Dad Robert Billeg, Oklahoma City FD) • Jordan Gaither, Davidson (Dad James Gaither Jr., Frederick FD) • Danielle Logan, Fort Supply (Dad Marty Logan, Ret. Woodward FD) • Holly Wilson, Broken Arrow (Dad Brian Wilson, Broken Arrow FD) • Jacey Wallace, Hugo (Dad Patrick Wallace, Hugo FD)
2012 (17 applicants) -- • Taylor N. Cypert, Purcell (Dad Gregory Cypert, Purcell FD) • Erica L. Garcia, Covington-Douglas (Dad Benito Mike Garcia, Marshall FD) • Emily Lehman, Mooreland (Dad Todd Finley, Woodward FD) • Jillian F. Rider, Newcastle (Dad Tracy Rider, Oklahoma City FD) • Ciarra D. Stapleton, Norman North (GrandDad Donald Stapleton, Bartlesville FD)
Pete & Lela Stavros Scholarship Foundation
From Oklahoma City Community Foundation To Make Secure Donation With Credit Card: www.occf.org/stavros To make contribution with check, call OSFA office at 405-424-1452 for donation card & return envelope
There is no time more fitting for us t
2013 (36 applicants) -- • Jenna McManus, Choctaw (Dad James McManus, Del City FD) • Haley Sparks, Davidson (Dad Gary Sparks, Davidson FD) • Preston Williams, Edmond North (Dad James Williams, Oklahoma City FD) • Riley Wilson, Davis (Dad Shane Hale, Ret. Dougherty FD) • Lain Wright, Tahlequah (Dad Mark Wright, Tulsa FD) • Candice Yochum, Wister (Dad Dennis Yochum, Ret. Poteau FD)
thank
Tell your Seniors-to-be to apply online next year for sincerity and appreciation 2020 Stavros Scholarships!
2014 (86 applicants) -- • Marissa Adams, Lawton MacArthur (Dad Raanon Adams, Lawton FD) • Kati Boshers, Bixby (Dad Keith Boshers, Vian FD) • Andrew Daniel, Byng (Dad Joe Keith Daniel, Byng FD) • Austin Fielder, Tuttle (Dad Ronald Fielder, Midwest City FD) • Barrett Karlin, Weatherford (Dad Mike Karlin, Weatherford FD) • Casandra Rider, Newcastle (Dad Tracy Rider, OKC FD) 2015 (75 applicants) -- • Easton Fenton, Piedmont (Dad Evan Fenton, Oklahoma City FD) • Kristen Fullbright, Sallisaw (Dad Mike Fullbright, Sallsaw FD) • Blair Peoples, Vici (Dad Eric Peoples, Ret. Vici FD) • Kylie Vanderslice, Pryor (Dad Kevin Marlin, NW Fire Protection District) • Jacob Wallace, Hugo (Dad Patrick Wallace, Ret. Hugo FD) 2016 (95 applicants) -- • Brianna Bush, Coweta (Dad Daniel Bush, Broken Arrow FD) • Tucker Clem, Big Pasture (Step-Dad Wade Lewis, Randlett FD) • Makenna Downing, Deer Creek-Edmond (Brother Tyler Downing, Elk City FD) • Dylan Melton, Morris
(Dad James Henry Melton, Ret. Okmulgee FD) • Brant Wade, Stratford (Dad Santee R. Wade, Stratford FD)
2017 (67 applicants) -- • Seth Davis, Altus (Dad Kyle Davis, Altus FD) • Chason Hurt, Carnegie (Dad P.K. Hurt, Ret. Carnegie FD) • Ashley Martinez, Westmoore (Dad Steve Martinez, OKC FD) • Ava Park, Bartlesville (Brother Cole Park, Tulsa FD) • Tailor Schwab, El Reno (Dad Bryan Schwab, Calumet FD) 2018 (75 applicants) -- • Tristan Adams, Lawton MacArthur (Dad Raanon Adams, Lawton FD) • Brynnan Duncan, Edmond North (Dad Shane Duncan, OKC FD) • Madison Goff, Tulsa Union (Dad Wesley Goff, Tulsa FD) • Bailey McCuistion, Blanche Thomas (Uncle Rider Campbell, New Cordell FD) • Parker Schmidt, Fairview (Grandfather Jimmie Dale Schmidt, Fairview FD Ret.)
800.256.1003 www.wayest.com
Oklahoma Firefighterď źAugust 2019ď ź21
n 38th convention of the oklahoma retired firefighters association Photos By Greg Roberts, Norman Ret.
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22August 2019Oklahoma Firefighter
Tulsa FD Adds 29 New Recruits
Photo Contributors for Q&A at Right Photo By Bert Norton
Photo By Jim Ed Nimmo
Photo By Michele Cole
Photo By Leesa Black
OSFA Staff captured these photos at the Tulsa FD Recruit Graduation on June 27. Pictured are the new recruits, Tulsa Admin. Staff and current Tulsa firefighters.
FDs Display OSFA 100 Years Plaques
Proudly displaying plaques presented for 100 years of continued membership in the OSFA. Pictured are Cushing FD’s Dalton Novotny, Captain Mark Beitz and Tyler Morris (top left); OSFA staff delivering plaque to Okeene FD (top right); and Perry FD sharing how its plaque is displayed.
Photo By Richard Waltz
Photo By Ted Wilson
Photo By Audra Cox
Photo By Juan Rodriguez
Waukomis Fire Station Stands Out
Waukomis firefighters did most of the work on their fire station, using a lot of resources they already had.
Oklahoma FirefighterAugust 201923
Question & Answers Oklahoma Firefighter asked last issue’s readers this question: “What was the last photo you took with your cell phone?” Here is what they said: w Jim Ed Nimmo, Tulsa: A prototypical mask for one of my guys. (Photo at Left)
Photo By Greg Roberts
w Juan Rodriguez, Lawton Ret.: On the way home from the OSFA Convention, I saw some “standing cypress” in the Wichita Mountains wildlife refuge. A beautiful and tough plant. (Photo at Left)
Owner Chris Hayes is a Retired Volunteer Fire Fighter and has been rebuilding Transmissions for more than 30 years.
w Bre Horn, Marshall: Picture of my daughter’s wall. Grandma and the girls painted tulips on it! w Bert Norton, Midwest City: Shrimp and grits. Homemade, too! (Photo at Left) w Jeremy Goodrich, Yukon: The Great Oklahoma Flood. Not sure how those 35mm film rolls work anymore. w Ted Wilson, Oklahoma City: My last cell pics were of the powerful precession from OKC sending Claremore Fire Department’s Battalion Chief Marty Osborne home. His wife Carolyn and children Cole, Amanda and Faith road in his command vehicle. An honorable tribute for a Fire Fighter’s Chief Officer and a Godly Husband and Father now safe in the arms of the Lord. Today pray for his family. (Photo at Left) w S.R. Hunter, Bethany: Water levels that I had never experienced prior to the recent rains in central Oklahoma! w Cliff Davidon, Ringwood: A picture of a part number for my lawn mower. w Leesa Black, OSFA Staff: The roses in my garden. (Photo at Left) w Donnie Bennett, OKC: A picture of a “for sale by owner” sign. w Audra Cox, President of Ladies Auxiliary & Firefighter at McCurtain FD: Weather has always been a passion, and clouds always amuse me! Last year, I took a weather class with NWS at Kiamichi Tech and learned the basics on how to know what could develop and how things can form and warn our community. (Photo at Left) w Gary Lillie, Nash: The Vacation Bible School at our local church. It shows the kids having fun at VBS.
w Greg Roberts, Norman Ret.: This was at the Marland Mansion in Ponca City, where we had the OSFA picnic. I snuck past the gate and went upstairs to get this photo, LOL. (Photo Above) w Michele Cole, OSFA Women’s Auxiliary: It was on the plane to DC when the condensation was coming out of the vents and looked like smoke. That was a first for me, and I just wanted someone else to have some evidence if the plane was to not make it. I know I’m a dork, but I was not the only one with the weird scared face. (Photo at Left) w Bryan West, OSU-FST: This question for me may be boring because I use my phone camera for everything. The last picture was the new logos on one of our trailers, but it could easily have been the last bolt that I needed to get from the hardware store. w Mike Weinkauf, Orlando: Pics at the Marland Mansion during the MDA picnic. w Richard Waltz, Fort Sill Ret.: I announced at the convention, first to the board members, and then Steve announced it to everyone of my health condition. I have been stricken with fibromyalge and a brain tumor. Just say a little prayer. Steve and some others will keep track and share what and when they can. CLEAR THE HALLS! (Sent photo from OSFA Memorial Service, pictured at left)
Next Month’s Question --
“What’s the most outdated piece of tech you still use?”
Everyone is Welcome to Participate! Email Your Response to penelopes@osfa.info
HHH Transmission diagnoses and rebuilds brush truck heavy duty transmissions. We welcome the opportunity to work with your fire boards and purchasing departments!
Oklahoma’s Source for Service and Repair for All Transmissions
The ONLY Shop in Oklahoma that has Transmission Dyno Test Equipment!
9726 E 46th Place Tulsa, OK 74146 (918) 665-7229 • 9726 E 46th Place, Tulsa, OK 74146 www.hhhtransmissionheavyduty.com
24August 2019Oklahoma Firefighter
www.osufst.org
1723 West Tyler, Stillwater, OK 74078 • (800) 304-5727 • (405) 744-5727 • Fax: (405) 744-7377
August 2019 CLASS SCHEDULE Current as of July 20, 2019
Courses are subject to change • Call or check online for changes in courses
All courses are FREE unless otherwise noted
Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (71347) Aug. 1 (8 hours) Sapulpa Fire Department
Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (71377) Aug. 6 (8 hours) Muskogee Fire Department
NFA Strategy & Tactics for Initial Company Operations (F0455) (71248) Aug. 12-13 (16 hours) Stillwater Community Center
Hazard Communication for Grain Handling Facilities - Awareness (74843) Aug. 1 (4 hours) Oklahoma Panhandle Research and Extension Center at Goodwell
NIMS ICS 400 (EMI) Advanced Incident Command System (73659) Aug. 6-7 (16 hours) Southwest Tech Center - Altus
Hazardous Materials Operations: Core Competencies (72421) Aug. 12-14 (24 hours) Norman Fire Dept Training Center
Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (71363) Aug. 7 (8 hours) Great Plains Tech Center - Lawton
Fire Officer I: NFPA 1021, 2014 Edition (72965) Aug. 12-16 (48 hours) • $3000 - All Participants Sand Springs Public Safety Center
Hazard Communication for Grain Handling Facilities - Awareness (74662) Aug. 1 (4 hours) Oklahoma Panhandle Research and Extension Center at Goodwell Hazard Communication for Grain Handling Facilities - Operations (74663) Aug. 2 (8 hours) Oklahoma Panhandle Research and Extension Center at Goodwell Rope Rescue Technician Level II Part B (73608) Aug. 3-4 (16 hours) Blackwell Fire Department Swiftwater Rescue Operations (74578) Aug. 3-4 (16 hours) • $3200 - All Participants Broken Bow Fire Department Oklahoma Emergency Vehicle Drivers Training (74829) Aug. 3 (8 hours) Alex Fire Department - Grady Co. Hazard Communication for Grain Handling Facilities - Operations (74844) Aug. 3 (8 hours) Oklahoma Panhandle Research and Extension Center at Goodwell Hazardous Materials Operations Certification (73970) Aug. 4 (8 hours) Central Tech Center - Drumright Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (71360) Aug. 5 (8 hours) Great Plains Tech Center - Lawton Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (71376) Aug. 5 (8 hours) Muskogee Fire Department Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (71361) Aug. 6 (8 hours) Great Plains Tech Center - Lawton
Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (71378) Aug. 7 (8 hours) Muskogee Fire Department Industrial Rescue: 16 Hour Confined Space Rescue Operations Training (73988) Aug. 7-8 (16 hours) Good Year Fire Brigade - Lawton Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies (72418) Aug. 8 (8 hours) Norman Fire Dept Training Center Pipeline Awareness for Emergency Responders (74725) Aug. 8 (4 hours) Tulsa City Safety Training Center Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies Certification (72419) Aug. 9 (1 hour) Norman Fire Dept Training Center Rope Rescue Technician Level I Part B (72909) Aug. 10-11 (16 hours) Eufaula Fire Department Wildland Fire Fighting: Fundamentals (74571) Aug. 10-11 (16 hours) Turley Fire & Rescue - Sperry AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Provider (74819) Aug. 10 (8 hours) • $1750 - All Participants OSU-FST Classroom - Stillwater Pipeline Awareness for Emergency Responders (74727) Aug. 10 (4 hours) Western Tech Center - Elk City
Emergency Services Instructor (Instructor I) (74574) Aug. 12-15 (32 hours) • $3000 - All Participants Chickasha Fire Department
Fire Officer I: NFPA 1021, 2014 Edition (70759) Aug. 19-23 (48 hours) • $3000 - All Participants Clinton Fire Department NFA - Leadership in Supervision: Perspectives in Thinking F0647 (74492) Aug. 19-20 (16 hours) EOC Tech Center - Choctaw Industrial Rescue: 16 Hour Confined Space Rescue Operations Training (73990) Aug. 21-22 (16 hours) Good Year Fire Brigade - Lawton AHIMT - Staging Area Manager (STAM) (74918) Aug. 21-22 (12 hours) OKC Police Training Center
Pipeline Awareness for Emergency Responders (74954) Aug. 12 (4 hours) Chandler Fire Department
Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (71385) Aug. 23 (8 hours) Stillwater Fire Department
Industrial Rescue: 16 Hour Confined Space Rescue Operations Training (73989) Aug. 14-15 (16 hours) Good Year Fire Brigade - Lawton
Exterior Offensive Fire Attack / Structural Fire Scene Size Up (73129) Aug. 24 (8 hours) Cox’s Store Vol. FD - Lawton
NFA Strategy & Tactics for Initial Company Operations (F0455) (74621) Aug. 14-15 (16 hours) Stillwater Community Center Pipeline Awareness for Emergency Responders (74953) Aug. 15 (4 hours) Hinton Fire Department
Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies (74551) Aug. 24 (8 hours) Cleveland Fire Department Rope Rescue Technician Level I Part B (74717) Aug. 24-25 (16 hours) Kiamichi Tech Center - Durant
NFA Strategy & Tactics for Initial Company Operations (F0455) (74622) Aug. 16-17 (16 hours) Stillwater Community Center
Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies Certification (74552) Aug. 24 (1 hour) Cleveland Fire Department
Hazardous Materials Operations Certification (72423) Aug. 16 (8 hours) Norman Fire Dept Training Center
NFA - Leadership in Supervision: Frameworks to Success F0648 (74812) Aug. 26-27 (16 hours) EOC Tech Center - Choctaw
Rope Rescue Technician Level I Part A (74716) Aug. 17-18 (16 hours) Kiamichi Tech Center - Durant
AHIMT - Command and General Staff Functions for Local IMTs (74922) Aug. 26-30 (40 hours) OKC Police Training Center
AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Instructor (74821) Aug. 18 (8 hours) • $1750 - All Participants OSU-FST Classroom - Stillwater
Industrial Rescue: 16 Hour Confined Space Rescue Operations Training (73991) Aug. 28-29 (16 hours) Good Year Fire Brigade - Lawton
Oklahoma FirefighterAugust 201925
n
fire service training Dr. Erick Reynolds OSU FST Director erick.reynolds@osufst.org 405-744-5727 (W) 405-409-0961 (C)
Hello Oklahoma’s Finest! Heat warnings are out at this writing. Please take appropriate precautions to prepare for these conditions. And check on your brothers and sisters often to prevent unwanted medical events! Let’s talk leadership this month. Leaders are many things and are required to wear many hats from day to day! One of my favorite sayings is: “If everyone is in charge, then no one is in charge.” Jim Rohn offers the following. “The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.” These are concepts that many of us struggle with on a daily basis because we, as leaders, are dealing with people and people’s lives. And sometimes, folks, that is just hard! We must be all those things listed above and do it with a smile on our face 98% of the time! We must, when needed, be able to have difficult conversations and make difficult decisions. No getting around it! I would encourage all up-and- coming fire officers in the State of Oklahoma to attend and embrace the Oklahoma EFO program. That opportunity will greatly enhance officer’s skills and abilities to have these kind of conversations and make these kinds of decisions. Sam Walton, an Oklahoma native, said the following: “Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.” Take care of your people. That can mean a 1,000 different things to all of us who occupy this planet. When people feel like they are valued, they will always produce more, care more, buy in more, etc. Pat Riley said: “To have long term success as a coach or in any position of leadership, you have to be obsessed in some way.” In our profession, it can be downright dangerous if we do not buy in to the job and learn, go, and expand at every turn! Somebody wrote once, “You cannot train too much for a job that can kill you!” Truer words have never been spoken! If this profession doesn’t make you want to jump out of bed each morning and seize the day, then go find out what does offer that motivation to you and pursue that with great passion! I have always considered that a leader should try and do three things: 1) Stand beside their people when the work needs to be completed; 2) Stand in front of their people when the arrows are headed our direction; 3) Stand behind their people when the praise is headed our way! The people are and always will be the greatest asset that we ever leave the station with on any given call! Come see us in Stillwater. Be safe out there! Fall and football are less than 50 days away!
n
NFPA REPORT Bob Sullivan
National Fire Protection Assoc. SW Regional Director bsullivan@nfpa.org • 720-237-1752
Residential Sprinklers (Part 1) Hello OSFA! Great to see you at your Convention in Ponca City, and thanks again for allowing me to provide an NFPA Update while there. I wanted to follow-up regarding one of the items that we discussed. There is a way to help make your job safer, and to help save more lives from fire in Oklahoma every year. And it’s also a way that can help to reduce cancer in the Fire Service. We’re talking about residential fire sprinklers in new homes, and we are exploring the possibility of starting a Fire Sprinkler Coalition in OK to help educate the public about this, and we are seeking your support. Having been a firefighter myself for 31 years prior to coming to NFPA, I know that sometimes firefighters express concerns that more sprinklered buildings could potentially put the Fire Service out of business, and that is a very valid concern when firefighting is your passion and career! The best place I can point to help alleviate this
concern is Scottsdale, Arizona, which has had a residential sprinkler ordinance in place since 1985 (more info at www.scottsdaleaz.gov/fire/ residential-sprinkler). Since then, the Scottsdale Fire Department has continued to grow significantly to keep pace with the growth of their city. Here is a link to our NFPA website, to a video from the Scottsdale FD: www.nfpa.org/PublicEducation/Staying-safe/Safety-equipment/Homefire-sprinklers/Fire-Sprinkler-Initiative/Fire-sprinkler-coalitions/Arizona-Fire-Sprinkler-Coalition . On the page that comes up, scroll down to the video titled “The Scottsdale Experience: Video Highlights Benefits of a 30-Year Sprinkler Ordinance.” In today’s environment of Fire Departments providing “All Hazards” services, there will always be a need for the Fire Service. And we’ll still be responding to fire calls in sprinklered homes, as well. I’ll be back next issue for Part 2 in a series of articles about this topic. In the meantime, feel free to contact me with any questions.
26ď źAugust 2019ď źOklahoma Firefighter
Honoring excellence, hard work, and dedication.
PIMCO, a global provider of market insights and investment solutions, is proud to support the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association and to honor the dedication and service of its active and retired members.
Application Period Open for CHEMTREC HELP (Hazmat Emergency Local Preparedness) Award CHEMTREC, the world’s leading source of 24/7 call center support and information during hazardous materials incidents, has partnered with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to offer the CHEMTREC HELP (Hazmat Emergency Local Preparedness) Award. Through this program, two volunteer fire departments will be awarded $7,500 to help enhance their response capabilities and increase local readiness to respond to and prepare for hazardous materials incidents. To be eligible to apply for the CHEMTREC HELP Award, departments must meet the following criteria: • Department must be all-volunteer or mostly-volunteer (over 50%). • Department must serve a population of 25,000 or less. • Department must be located in the United States and be legally organized under state law. • Department or individual applying on behalf of the department must be a member of the NVFC. Learn about member benefits and join at www.nvfc.org/BeYourBest. • Department must demonstrate their need to receive the $7,500 award and in the application essay must explain how they would use the award.
• The departments that receive the award must use the money to increase their department’s hazmat response capabilities and not for any other purpose. View full criteria and access the application at: https://www.chemtrec.com/emergency-responders/help-award. The application deadline is October 1, 2019. Award recipients will be announced by December 1. If you have any questions, please contact Erica Bernstein, Director of Outreach, at ebernstein@chemtrec.com or 703-741-5524.
Oklahoma FirefighterAugust 201927
n FUNDRAISERS
n FREE TRAINING
Weatherford FD 4th Annual Golf Tournament Aug. 30 at Prairie West Golf Club. 4-man scramble, Tee-time 8 a.m. Cash payout and chances to will additional prizes. For more info, call 580-772-5345.
Recruitment & Retention Certification Course Sept. 21-22 at Missouri’s Battlefield Fire Training Center. Free interactive 2-day course being offered through the IAFC for volunteer and combination Fire Chiefs. You do not have to be IAFC members to participate. Fore more info, visit iafc.org/vals.
Green Country FOOLS 4th annual Benefit Golf Tournament Sept. 20 at Heritage Hills Golf Course. Shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $300 for 4-person team. Proceeds benefit local fire departments or firefighters in need. For more info, email GreenCountryFOOLS@ yahoo.com.
NEW SERVICES AVAILABLE TO OSFA MEMBERS
OSFA is constantly looking for valuable services to make available to our members. And these unique and valuable services have been added. These services are available whenever you are. No high pressure, no commitment to check them out. Just like firefighters, they are there when you need them. Go to the OSFA Benefits of membership page at www.osfa.info to see what all is available.
Chautauqua Capital Management would like to thank the Oklahoma State Firefighters for their years of service to the community.
“Building and developing partnerships with our clients and within our firm is at the core of our activities. We strive to exceed expectations through hard and honest work.” Executive Management Team, LGT Capital Partners PROUD TO SUPPORT THE OKLAHOMA STATE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
28August 2019Oklahoma 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
n MEETING (June 21, 2019) Jody G. Johnson/Cushing - Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 14, 2019: Motion was made by Kelley and seconded by Harlow to modify Application for “Disability in Line of Duty”, to “Service” effective June 14, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Lay, Nimmo, Davidson, Cramer, Harlow and Pierce. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Lonnie Sparks/Moore – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2019: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Davidson to modify Application for “Disability in Line of Duty”, to “Service” effective June 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Davidson, Lay, Cramer, Harlow, Nimmo and Pierce. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Matthew M. Schwettmann/Edmond – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective January 12, 2019: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Harlow to approve Application for “Disability in Line of Duty”, effective January 12, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Davidson, Lay, Cramer, Harlow, Nimmo, and Pierce. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Jeffrey L. Weathers/Moore – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2019: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Harlow to approve Application for “Disability in Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Davidson, Lay, Cramer, Nimmo, Harlow and Pierce. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Michael D. Clark/Lawton - Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2019: Motion was made by Kelley and seconded by Cramer to modify Application for “Disability in Line of Duty”, to “Service” effective June 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Davidson, Lay, Cramer, Harlow, Nimmo, and Pierce. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Brian J. Prater/Norman – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 21, 2019: Motion was made by Harlow and seconded by Lay to modify Application for “Disability in Line of Duty”, to “Disability Not in Line of Duty” effective June 1, 2019 and send Prater to Dr. Ardis. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Davidson, Lay, Cramer, Nimmo, Harlow and Pierce. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Jacob S. Cooper/Lawton – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective May 28, 2019: Motion was made by Davidson and seconded by Lay to approve Application for “Disability in Line of Duty”, effective May 28, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Davidson, Lay, Cramer, Nimmo, Harlow and Pierce. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Eric A. Troutman/Lawton – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2019: Motion was made by Harlow and seconded by Kelly to modify Application for “Disability in Line of Duty”, to “Service”, effective June 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Davidson, Lay, Cramer, Nimmo, Harlow and Pierce. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Gregory N. Vernon/Midwest City – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2019: Motion was made by Davidson and seconded by Harlow to approve Application for “Disability in Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Pierce, Cassady, Davidson, Nimmo, Cramer, Lay, and Harlow. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Gary L. Bird/Moore – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2019: Motion was made by Harlow and seconded by Kelley to approve Application for “Disability in Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Davidson, Lay, Cramer, Nimmo, Harlow and Pierce. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Ronnie M. Rawson /Moore – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2019: Motion was made by Harlow and seconded by Lay to approve Application for “Disability in Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Davidson, Lay, Cramer, Harlow, Nimmo and Pierce. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
John T. Haynes/Tulsa – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2019: Motion was made by Harlow and seconded by Davidson to modify Application for “Disability in Line of Duty”, to “Service”, effective June 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Davidson, Lay, Cramer, Nimmo, Harlow and Pierce. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Scott Rutherford/Tulsa – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2019: Motion was made by Harlow and seconded by Lay to approve Application for “Disability in Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Davidson, Lay, Cramer, Nimmo, Harlow and Pierce. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Kerry Nemecek/Oklahoma City - Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Davidson and seconded by Harlow to approve request of Nemecek to modify from “Service” to “Disability in Line of Duty”. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Davidson, Nimmo, Lay, Cramer, Harlow, and Pierce. Nayes: None. Motion carried. William L. Woodard/Oklahoma City – Request To Modify Pension From “Disability Not In Line Of Duty” To “Disability In Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Davidson and seconded by Harlow to approve request of Woodard to modify from “Service” to “Disability in Line of Duty”. Ayes: Cassady, Davidson, Lay, Kelley, Cramer, Nimmo, Harlow and Pierce. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Terry Starling/Tulsa – Request To Modify Pension From “Disability Not In Line Of Duty” To “Disability In Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Cramer to approve Request of Starling to modify from “Service” to “Disability in Line of Duty”. Ayes: Cassady, Davidson, Lay, Kelley, Cramer, Nimmo, Harlow and Pierce. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Terri Williams Executive Secretary
Than Dinh
Assistant Director (COO)
Controller
Tim Van Horn
Keely Swonger
Assistant Director (CFO)
Martha Pierce Member Services Coordinator
Vicki Mulbery
Accounts Payable Administrator
Thelisha Clark
Records Administrator
Assistant Controller
Latoya Battle Data Processor
n MEETING (May 17, 2019) David Tomlinson/Ardmore - Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective May 1, 2019: Motion Was Made By Cramer And Seconded By Kelley To Modify Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty”, To “Service” Effective May 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Manek, Kohls, Combs, Lay, Cramer, Bryant, Harlow And Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. Johnathan L. Graham/Broken Arrow – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective April 13, 2019: Motion Was Made By Lay And Seconded By Cramer To Approve Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty”, Effective April 13, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Manek, Lay, Cramer, Kohls, Combs, Bryant, Harlow And Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. Paul E. Krager/Chouteau - Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective April 1, 2019: Motion Was Made By Cramer And Seconded By Ms. Manek To Modify Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty”, To “Disability Not In Line Of Duty” Effective April 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Combs, Lay, Cramer, Bryant, Manek, Kohls, Harlow And Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. Dewayne Burk/Lawton – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective May 1, 2019: Motion Was Made By Rodriguez And Seconded By Harlow To Approve Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty”, Effective May 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Combs, Lay, Cramer, Bryant, Manek, Kohls, Harlow And Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. Michael Hessee/Miami – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective May 1, 2019: Motion Was Made By Cramer And Seconded By Ms. Kohls To Modify Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty”, To “Service”, Effective May 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Combs, Lay, Cramer, Bryant, Manek, Kohls, Harlow And Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. Timothy Chism/Oklahoma City – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective May 1, 2019: Motion Was Made By Cramer And Seconded By Vanhorn To Approve Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty”, Effective May 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, And Rodriguez, Davidson, Cramer, Bryant, Manek, Kohls, Vanhorn Harlow And Combs. Nayes: None. Motion Approved. Kerry Nemecek/Oklahoma City – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective May 1, 2019: Motion Was Made By Cramer And Seconded By Rodriguez To Modify Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty”, To “Service” Effective May 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Combs, Lay, Cramer, Bryant, Manek, Kohls, Harlow And Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. Eric R. Thomsen/Oklahoma City – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective May 1, 2019: Motion Was Made By Vanhorn And Seconded By Cramer To Approve Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty”, Effective May 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Combs, Lay, Cramer, Bryant, Manek, Kohls, Harlow And Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. J. Dewayne Torres/Oklahoma City – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective May 1, 2019: Motion Was Made By Kelley And Seconded By Rodriguez To Modify Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty”, To “Service” Effective May 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Combs, Lay, Cramer, Bryant, Manek, Kohls, Harlow And Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. Jeffrey P. Walker/Owasso – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective April 14, 2019: Motion Was Made By Rodriguez And Seconded By Vanhorn To Approve Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty”, Effective May 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Combs, Lay, Cramer, Bryant, Manek, Kohls, Harlow And
Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. Robert C. Holly/Tulsa – Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective May 1, 2019: Motion Was Made By Rodriguez And Seconded By Ms. Kohls To Modify Application For “Disability In Line Of Duty”, To “Service” Effective May 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Combs, Lay, Cramer, Bryant, Manek, Kohls, Harlow And Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. Jerald D. Lovell Sr./Kellyville – Application For “Disability Not In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective May 1, 2019: Motion Was Made By Lay And Seconded By Rodriguez To Approve Application For “Disability Not In Line Of Duty”, Effective May 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Combs, Lay, Cramer, Bryant, Manek, Kohls, Harlow And Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. Brian Weatherford/Norman – Application For “Disability Not In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective May 1, 2019: Motion Was Made By Vanhorn And Seconded By Harlow To Approve Application For “Disability Not In Line Of Duty”, Effective May 1, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Combs, Lay, Cramer, Bryant, Manek, Kohls, Harlow And Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. Donald W. Foster/Wainwright – Application For “Disability Not In Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective March 1, 2016: Motion Was Made By Rodriguez And Seconded By Lay To Approve Application For “Disability Not In Line Of Duty”, Effective March 1, 2016. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Combs, Lay, Cramer, Bryant, Manek, Kohls, Harlow And Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. Douglas Owens/Broken Arrow - Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In Line Of Duty”: Motion Was Made By Cramer And Seconded By Vanhorn To Deny Request Of Owens To Modify From “Service” To “Disability In Line Of Duty”. Ayes: Kelley, Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Lay, Combs, Cramer, Bryant, Manek, Kohls, Harlow, And Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. Hugh L. Crawford/Norman – Request To Modify Pension From “Disability Not In Line Of Duty” To “Disability In Line Of Duty”: Motion Was Made By Cramer And Seconded By Harlow To Approve Request Of Crawford To Modify From “Service” To “Disability In Line Of Duty”. Ayes: Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Combs, Manek, Kohls, Lay, Kelley, Cramer, Bryant, Harlow And Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. William Fulton/Oklahoma City – Request To Modify Pension From “Disability Not In Line Of Duty” To “Disability In Line Of Duty”: Motion Was Made By Cramer And Seconded By Vanhorn To Approve Request Of Fulton To Modify From “Service” To “Disability In Line Of Duty”. Ayes: Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Combs, Manek, Kohls, Lay, Kelley, Cramer, Bryant, Harlow And Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. Timothy Long/Oklahoma City – Request To Modify Pension From “Disability Not In Line Of Duty” To “Disability In Line Of Duty”: Motion Was Made By Vanhorn And Seconded By Harlow To Approve Request Of Crawford To Modify From “Service” To “Disability In Line Of Duty”. Ayes: Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Combs, Manek, Kohls, Lay, Kelley, Cramer, Bryant, Harlow And Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. Stephen Bozarth/Tulsa – Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In Line Of Duty”: Motion Was Made By Davidson And Seconded By Vanhorn To Approve Request Of Bozarth To Modify From “Service” To “Disability In Line Of Duty”. Ayes: Cassady, Vanhorn, Davidson, Combs, Manek, Kohls, Lay, Kelley, Cramer, Bryant, Harlow And Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion Carried.
Oklahoma FirefighterAugust 201929
n CONSENT AGENDA (June 21, 2019) CHECKS TERMINATED IN MAY 2019 (Deceased):
APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCE INTO PENSION SYSTEM:
Altus Patsy W. White Chandler Richard L. Key Chelsea Mary H. Merroitt Chickasha Wilma Coryne Staton Clayton Evelyn S. Tackett Crescent Forrest P. Yenzer Edmond Phillip R. Witcher Gage Ethen P. Miller Hammon Jack S. Warner Lone Wolf Robert G. Reeves Macomb Glenn W. Bunch Mt. View Michael Davis Muskogee Lena Reehling Norman Walter L. Turner OKC Donald W. Miller OKC Cleo M. Davenport Temple Nelda Dowlen Tonkawa Margarette Sanders Wynnewood David W, Mallow $5,000.00 DEATH BENEFIT:
Alva Jacob Cox Chandler Jared Puckett Coweta Austin Addington Coweta Zachary Bush Coweta Clay Watts Cushing Tommy Lawley Deer Creek Nicholas Dean Deer Creek Josh Stine Guymon Evan Walsh Guymon Clayton Pipes Holdenville Colton Thomas Norman Brandon Arnold Norman Tyson Cypert Norman Trevor Dugan Norman Jacob Garcia Norman Jose Gervacio Norman Brandon Hackney Norman Sean Jarrell Norman Conor Kinsey Norman Jacob Lynch Norman Justin McCaugh Norman Ely Sherman Nw Rogers Chaz Brewer Sapulpa Jared Stice Ponca City Shem Bernache Sand Springs Nicholas Wyke Sapulpa Matthew Carter Sapulpa Chad Davis Sapulpa Daniel Peralta Seminole John Jones
Bessie Keith Javorsky/Doug Rose For Estate Of Donald Buehler Br Arrow Floral Haven Home On Behalf Of Phillip C. Cagle Calvin Hudson-Phillips Home On Behalf Of Robert L. Jones Chandler Lehman Funeral Home On Behalf Of Richard Lee Key Edmond Matthews Home On Behalf Of Phillip R. Witcher El Reno Wilson Funeral Home On Behalf Of Billy R. Ludlow Empire City Jeremiah Whitten Admin. Of Kenneth Whitten Estate Erick Mary Vines, Parent Of Paul W. Vines Foss Whinery Funeral Home On Behalf Of Terry V. Price Idabel White Funeral Hom On Behalf Of Joe V. Brown Kiowa Bishop Funeral Service On Behalf Of Donald Batts, Sr. Lawton Fletcher Funeral On Behalf Of Merle W. Baughman Marietta Flanagan-Watts On Behalf Of Robert (Bob) Sharp MWC Turner Funeral Home On Behalf Of Joe C. Mcsparrin Norman Paul Turner, Child Of Walter L. Turner Norman Mark Turner, Child Of Walter L. Turner Norman Melissa Kirby, Child Of Walter L. Turner Norman Tammie Jones, Child Of Walter L. Turner OKC Robert/Reed-Culver On Behalf Of Donald W. Miller OKC Rogers Funeral Home, Inc. On Behalf Of Ernest Smith Talhina Dannie L. Reed, Death Recipient Of Dannie R. Reed Tulsa Leonard & Marker On Behalf Of Thomas G. Cox Tulsa Leonard & Marker On Behalf Of Don G. Cook
04/25/2019 04/1/2019
Ada Antlers Edmond Heavener Madill Moore Norman Norman Oil Center RFP Oklahoma City Weatherford Weatherford
Cherokee Nicole Allison, Widow Of Tate J. Allison (Deceased 04/24/2019) Wetumka Amber Hollins, Widow Of Jimmy Hollins (Deceased 3/30/2019)
APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE (CONTINUATION): 06/01/2019 Hammon 06/01/2019 Blackwell 06/01/2019 Blair 06/01/2019 Bokchito 06/01/2019 Covington 06/01/2019 El Reno 06/01/2019 Garber 06/01/2019 Grandfield 06/01/2019 Midwest City 06/01/2019 Okmulgee
Geraldine Baker, Widow Of Kenneth Baker Susan R. Pierce, Widow Of Donald R. Price Nelda J. Lankford, Widow Of Roland D. Lankford Martha L. Easter, Widow Of Bobby J. Easter Beverly A. Bigbey, Widow Of Thomas W. Bigbey Wilda M. Ludlow, Widow Of Billy R. Ludlow Opal M. Barber, Widow Of Kenneth E. Barber Shirley Weaver, Widow Of Glynn P. Weaver Gwen J. Joyner, Widow Of Charles C. Joyner Mary Ballard, Widow Of Terry Ballard
APPLICATION FOR VESTED BENEFIT:
APPLICATION FOR SERVICE PENSION: 06/01/2019 06/01/2019 06/01/2019 06/01/2019 05/21/2019 06/01/2019 06/01/2019 06/01/2019 06/17/2019 06/01/2019 06/01/2019 06/01/2019
APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE:
Daniel D. Manuel Ralph D. Alford Terry Hill Hank W. Stripling William R. Coleman Kevin H. Kidd Charles Copeland Jr. Timothy A. Terrel Sean P. Lackey Ronnie J. Sallee Stanley L. Barber Craig A. Price
Kansas Oktaha Silo Vian
06/01/2016 11/01/2028 08/30/2020 12/01/2022
Claud A. Wilson Michael L. Grace Jr. Michael J. West Herbert L. Hutchison
REFUND OF CONTRIBUTIONS: Hired David K. Francis Matt Stice Ryan Tyler Travis Craghead
Catoosa Coweta McLoud Miami
01/13/2016 06/01/2017 03/24/2014 12/04/2019
Terminated 07/01/2007 05/16/2019 07/27/2018 05/21/2019
n CONSENT AGENDA (July 19, 2019) CHECKS TERMINATED IN JUNE 2019 (Deceased): Catoosa Henry E. Russell Grove Gayle A. Potter Hinton Nola Crick Hinton Clarence R. Findley Sr. Laverne Verla Peetoom Lone Wolf Gracchus H. Feldmann Miami Ruth A. Garoutte Midwest City Ruth E. Tate Norman Gerald L. Fuzzell OKC Wakitha L. Loessin OKC Helen J. Weaver Owasso Ronald Stuckey Porter Edgar R. McCollough Sallisaw Tommie Quida Bond The Village Delbert Tabor Tulsa Clifford J. Douglass Tulsa Steven R. Johnson Tulsa Louis O. Ryan Tulsa Patty Zickefoose $5,000.00 DEATH BENEFIT: Beaver Blackwell Blair Bokchito Cherokee Commerce Covington Garber Gotebo Grandfield Hammon Lone Wolf MWC Okmulgee
Smith & Turner On Behalf Of Tommie D. Guffee Roberts & Son Funeral On Behalf Of Donald R. Pierce Nelda J. Lankford, Widow Of Ronald D. Lankford Martha L. Easter, Widow Of Bobby J. Easter Lanman Funeral Home On Behalf Of Tate J. Allison Lana Morgan, Widow Of Bruce W. Morgan Sr. Beverly A. Bigbey, Widow Of Thomas W. Bigbey Opal M. Barber, Widow Of Kenneth E. Barber Ray & Martha’s Home On Behalf Of Arandy Gonzalez Shirley M. Weaver, Widow Of Glynn P. Weaver Geraldine Baker, Widow Of Kenneth D. Baker Peoples Co-op. On Behalf Of Gracchus H. Feldmann Barnes Friederich On Behalf Of Charles C. Joyner McClendon-Winters On Behalf Of Terry Ballard
The Village Wilson Funeral Home On Behalf Of Delbert Tabor Tulsa Vickie L. Chamberlain, Child Of Clifford J. Douglass Tulsa Brent Douglass, Child Of Clifford J. Douglass Tulsa Greg Douglass, Child Of Clifford J. Douglass Tulsa Louis R. Ryan, Child Of Louis O. Ryan Tulsa Michael Ryan, Child Of Louis O. Ryan Wetumka Amber Hollins, Widow Of Jimmy Hollins APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE: 02/12/2019 06/08/219
Bristow Tiffany L. Sullivan, Widow Of Daniel R. Sullivan Jr. (Deceased 02/11/2019) Claremore Carolyn L. Osborne, Widow Of Marty Osborne (Deceased 6/7/2019)
APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE (CONTINUATION): 07/01/2019 Colony Ila B. Smith, Widow Of Truman E. Smith 07/01/2019 Jones Oweta Williams, Widow Of Dee Williams 07/01/2019 Lone Grove Barbara Rice, Widow Of Albert R. Rice 07/01/2019 Mt. View Frankie Jackson, Widow Of Lyle Jackson 07/01/2019 OKC Tonia Hollingsworth, Widow Of Jerry S. Hollingsworth 07/01/2019 Pauls Valley Frances A. Chaufty, Widow Of Raymond L. Chaufty 07/01/2019 Tulsa Jerry L. Hudson, Widow Of Paul Hudson 07/01/2019 Tulsa Wanda Wheaton, Widow Of Loyd Wheaton
APPLICATION FOR VESTED BENEFIT: 06/12/2027 Lone Grove Kelley Smith 05/16/2026 Ringwood Brian D. Frable APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCE INTO PENSION SYSTEM: Collinsville Rural Andrew Lunn Deer Creek Jamie E. Dubose Deer Creek Brett C. Zimdars Elk City Colton Wood Ponca City Andrew Bills Ponca City Katelyn Lawson Sand Springs Bobby Anderson Sapulpa Matthew Carter Sapulpa Chad Davis Sapulpa Daniel Peralta Warr Acres Payton Bishop APPLICATION FOR SERVICE PENSION: 06/29/2018 07/01/2019 05/01/2019 07/13/219 07/01/2019 06/01/2019 07/01/2019 07/01/2019 07/01/2019 07/01/2019
Altus Bluejacket Keota Lexington Macomb Mt. View Perry Ponca City So. Coffeyville Wapanucka
Kyle Davis Gary J. Steele Tracy A. Rust Jansen L. Idlett Sheri V. Mayfield Peter J. Fischer Jr. Clifford W. Emmons Philip A. Stewart Jimmy D. Wilhelms Bruce A. Reeder
REFUND OF CONTRIBUTIONS: Hired Garin Diedrich Blackwell 10/22/2012 Codie A. Dew Elk City 10/25/2012 Cole Reece Idabel 01/22/2018 Chris Dreyer Mangum 01/01/2017
Terminated 06/21/2019 03/08/2019 06/23/2019 07/01/2019
30August 2019Oklahoma Firefighter
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Oklahoma FirefighterAugust 201931
OSFA Executive Board Highlights
May 16, 2019 Roll Call: Dereck Cassady, present; Mike Kelley, present; Eric Harlow, present; Cliff Davidson, present; Matt Lay, present; Juan Rodriguez (ORFA) present. Others: Steve Lumry, Gene Brown, Sheri Nickel, Tim Bartram, Trisha Chain, Dr. Erick Reynolds, Don Armes, Eric Hamilton. Correspondence: Thank you notes from Julie Lynn and the Joyner family
Upcoming Dates to Remember: Sept. 18, 2019 23rd David Bain Memorial Golf Tournament Lincoln Park West Course in OKC Oct, 6, 2019 OSFA Statewide Memorial Service Oklahoma Firefighters Museum in OKC Oct. 9, 2019 ORFA Golf Tournament FireLake Golf Course in Shawnee
Fire Service Training Report: Reynolds New staff has been hired. The Weatherford Mid-Year Conference will be held July 25-26 and will feature keynote speaker Gordon Graham.
Fire Marshal Commission Report: Lay They are accepting applications for State Fire Marshal. COMMITTEE REPORTS: n Legislative: Armes The Lieutenant Governor is scheduled to speak at the OSFA Convention and Governor Stitt may attend, as well. The COLA was the only one of our presented bills that did not pass in the legislature this year. Armes discussed potential strategies to keep members engaged in legislative endeavors year-round. Lumry stated a representative from Keep Oklahoma’s Promises will be in attendance at the ORFA Convention and will be interviewing retirees. n Safety & Health: Nickel Committee met during the OSFA State Fire School and addressed cancer topics, PTSD treatment, and met with a representative from LifeShare to discuss the possibility of starting an organ donation campaign. Select committee members conducted a safety consultation by request of a city manager. n Educational Advisory: Nickel Committee met to discuss the outcome of this year’s State Fire School and set goals to improve record-keeping and marketing. Total number of students was 595 and total attendees was 800. n Public Education: Brown The Public Education Summit at the OSFA State Fire School was not attended well, but had high quality speakers and vendors. Those who attended the summit discussed making the Summit a stand-alone event. n Museum Expansion: Lumry Lumry updated Board on the list of organizations that have been contacted in regards to donating to the Firefighters Museum expansion. Museum Report: Brown Oklahoma City Fire Department will be able to donate their smoke trailer to
the Firefighters Museum, and it will be available for use to departments around the state, accompanied by curriculum developed by the Public Education Committee. Parts of the Museum flooded and cleanup is near completion, thanks to help from staff and the Edmond Fire Department; maintenance plans are being updated to prevent a similar event. The gift shop is well stocked in preparation for Convention and the summer busy season; and sales at the OSFA State Fire School went very well. Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Report: Nickel The Altus class is going well and the Blaine County class has graduated. An Enid class is opening enrollment June 27. The first two chapters of the Essentials 7 taudio extbook are completed and were sent to Nickel. FEMA grant award letters will be sent in July. NVFC Report: Nickel Nickel and Davidson went to Washington D.C. for the NVFC board meeting and also attended CFSI. Executive Directors Report: Lumry OSFA membership totals are at 430 departments and 9640 members, including Osage Nation and Springer as new departments. ORFA membership is at 4491 members, Brent Hatcher Benevolent Fund is at 181 members, and the digital subscription to the Oklahoma Firefighter is at 720 members. The OSFA State Fire School had 800 attendees, from 200 departments representing 4 states and 2351 certifications. OSU-FST is assembling a certification committee and requested an OSFA Board member to serve; Harlow volunteered. Lumry met with the Quapaw Nation to discuss ways to join the Pension System. A contract with Public Consulting Group has been received for review. New Business Selection of Credentials Committee: Chairman Rick Chisum, Mike Fitzgerald, Terrell Thompson, Billy Sizemore, Randal Sullivan, Joseph Russell, Toby Shores, Thomas Tharp, Andrew Zickefoose, and Jarrod Burton. Next meeting: June 3, 2019
Roll Call: Mike Kelley, present; Eric Harlow, present; Cliff Davidson, present; Jim Ed Nimmo, present; Dereck Cassady, present; Tippy Pierce (ORFA), present. Others: Steve Lumry, Gene Brown, Sheri Nickel, Tim Bartram-, Trisha Chain, Dr. Erick Reynolds, Caroline Reed, Eric Hamilton Correspondence: Thank you card from Kevin Harland Fire Marshal Commission Report: Lumry The application period for the State Fire Marshal position is closed, but the decision has not been announced. Fire Service Training Report: Reynolds The Weatherford Mid-Year Conference will be held July 25-26 and will feature keynote speaker Gordon Graham. COMMITTEE REPORTS: n Safety & Health: Nickel Committee met and discussed goals, including educating themselves on the PFA legislation and PTSD. n Educational Advisory: Lumry Committee met to discuss the outcome of this year’s State Fire School and set goals to improve record-keeping and earlier promotion of classes. n Membership: Lumry Will be looking into a possible new benefit for members. n Museum Expansion: Lumry Devon will not be contributing at this time. Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Report: Nickel A planning meeting for the online Firefighter-I class will be in Okmulgee, the Enid class will start July 11, and Nickel is working on a FEMA audit and delivering gear around the state. Museum Report: Brown The donation to the Museum from the Ride to Remember was $15,000 and the funds raised from parking for the Women’s College World Series was $35,159. Granite is being cut for the memorial and will be scheduled to be placed soon. NVFC Report: Nickel Two water drops have been awarded to Oklahoma departments, one being in Konawa, for the Anheuser Busch emergency drinking water for wildland firefighters campaign. The NVFC training summit was held in Oregon last week. OFCA Report: Lumry A Board meeting is scheduled for next month. President Bruce Anthony wished to express his appreciation to fellow Boards for flowers sent for his father’s funeral.
June 20, 2019
ORFA Report: Pierce Pierce would like to form a standing committee to assist each incoming 3rd Vice President with encouraging membership and develop a contact list throughout the state to help with grassroots campaigns. Executive Directors Report: Lumry OSFA membership totals: 450 departments with 10,600 members, including Hitchcock as a new department. ORFA membership: 4494 members, Brent Hatcher Benevolent Fund: 182 members, digital subscription to Oklahoma Firefighter: 721 members. ORFA Convention had 70 registered attendees, close to 120 with guests. OSFA Convention hosted 255 total attendees from 55 cities and towns. The Convention golf tournament had 164 players in 25 morning teams and 16 afternoon teams and the poker run had 35 participants. After the reschedules, the fishing tournament has 21 teams registered and the shooting tournament has 13 registered. The memorial service hosted 21 families. The Museum golf cart is in disrepair, Board reviewed quotes for repairs and for new carts. Lumry and Brown attended the Adventure District Board meeting and learned there are plans for a development in the district for residential, retail, restaurants, and hotels. The OSFA will signing a contract to sell grouped tickets at the Oklahoma City Zoo and possibly other attractions. The Governor has signed a bill to assign $1.1 million for wildfire mitigation and rural fire departments that is supposed to boost operational grants given through the Department of Forestry. Former Claremore Battalion Chief Marty Osborne’s funeral was well-attended. Brown requested the Board’s approval of his attendance of the Fire Museum Network Seminar September 26-29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. New Business Board discussed additional ways to show the OSFA’s support of the Oklahoma Fire Pipes and Drums. 2019-20 Educational Advisory Committee: Chairman Trent Bryan, El Reno; Vice Chair BreAnn Horn, Marshall; Dereck Cassady, Ponca City (OSFA Board); Eric Harlow, Guthrie (OSFA Board); Justin Beard, Oklahoma City; Donnie Bennett, Oklahoma City; Corey Conrady, Drummond; Jamie DuBose, Deer Creek; Mike Duncan, Dewey Ret.; Rodney Foster, Shawnee; David Friend, Broken Arrow; Ray Hammons, Tahlequah; Greta Hurt, Tulsa; Julie Lynn, Tulsa; David Macy, Oklahoma City; Cary Provence, Yukon; Randal Sullivan, Eufaula; Terrell Thompson, El Reno; Kendall Williams, Tulsa. Honorary Committee Members: Brian Stanaland, EOC Tech; Craig Hannan, IFSTA/FPP, Perkins; Bert Norton, OFCA Board, Midwest City; Caroline Reed, OSUFST; Chris Barton, PennWell; Rick Umstead, Red Cross; Sam Schafnitt, Fire Marshals. Next meeting: July 18, 2019
32August 2019Oklahoma Firefighter
n
in memoriam C. Roy Findley, Hinton FD
The Final Fire Alarm sounded for retired Hinton Fire Chief C. Roy Findley on May 31. He was 83. C. Roy served nine years as Hinton FD’s Assistant Chief and 11 years as Fire Chief. He also worked at the Hinton Sheriff Department as Auxiliary Officer and worked for Hinton Ambulance for several years. He also spent 26 years as a painter for Howard Motor Company; 35 years at the Hinton Fair; 3 years as Dog Catcher for the Town of Hinton; 10 years as President of the Hinton Arts & Crafts Show; owned and operated Findley Detail and Paint for 20 years; and mowed yards for 25-30 years.
James “Jake” Lee Selsor, Tulsa FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for retired Tulsa Firefighter James “Jake” Lee Selsor on June 5. He was 85. Jake spent the majority of his adult life in Oklahoma. He served 28 years as a firefighter for Tulsa FD and coached middle school football for over 40 years. Jake also served three years in the United States Navy on the USS Wisconsin, during which he received the Korean Service Medal.
Marty Osborne, Claremore FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Claremore Battalion Chief Marty Osborne on June 7. He was 53. His passion for more than 32 years was his work with Claremore FD, a career which officially began on April 29, 1987. Promotion came quickly for Marty, as he was always challenging himself to go to the next level of service. The rank of Driver was earned Nov. 18, 1993. He quickly made Captain on Dec. 9, 1994 and then moved up to the rank of Battalion Chief on July 1, 1999. At each new leadership role, he not only challenged himself to move forward; but also encouraged each individual under his supervision to seek their own new level of service -- just another example of his leadership qualities. After a prolonged fight for his life that began in March, Marty was escorted back to Claremore by the Claremore FD and other public safety organizations.
Photo By Ted Wilson
PROUD TO SUPPORT THE OSFA
Oklahoma FirefighterAugust 201933
MEETING YOUR NEEDS IN A BUDGET FRIENDLY WAY ROBERT SPYCHALSKI has joined the MES Team 918.314.5269 n rspychalski@mesfire.com TERESA ELLIS n Sales Representative n 405.202.4124 n tellis@mesfire.com DAVID MOORE n Scott / Hurst Service n 214.724.6989 n dmoore@mesfire.com
For over 45 years
Dedicated to the unsung heroes
and the all-around doers
of good deeds
KEY CAMERA SPECS 320 x 240 Thermal Sensor 32˚Field of View
Personal TIC for Firefighting. Affordable, High-REsolution Thermal IMaging Camera.
-4 to 1,022F Temperature Detection IP67 Rating Works Day or Night 300 Lumen LED Flashlight
34August 2019Oklahoma Firefighter
OSFA Snapshots
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Got something going on at your Fire Department? Share the news! Email photos to osfa@osfa.info
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OSFA Executive Director Steve Lumry receives Ride to Remember donation to the Oklahoma Fallen & Living Firefighters Memorial. From left are: David Dunn, Margarita Island; Lumry; Brian Wells, OKC Ret; Gene Brown, Oklahoma Firefighters Museum Director; and Willi Butler, OKC Ret. Wells and Butler are both with Wind and Fire Motorcycle Club.
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6 We had an outstanding attendance for the FF1 planning meeting in Okmulgee on June 20. Dates for this class will be posted soon.
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Congrats to the firefighters pictured for completing SAFER Grant requirements and earning new bunker gear: 1) Forest Park FD’s Hunter Garrison; 2) Deer Creek FD firefighters; 3) Chicken Creek FD’s Conner Crittenden; 4) Berryhill FD firefighters; 5) Collinsville FD firefighter with OSFA staff; 6) Buffalo FD firefighters; 7) Bethel Acres FD’s Christopher Cates; 8) Beaver FD’s Cody Gregory; 9) Gate FD’s Charlie Thex; 10) Gage FD’s Aaron Chandler; 11) Fairview FD firefighters.
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ABOVE: Springer Volunteer FD joins OSFA; LEFT: Osage Nation joins OSFA; BELOW: Lawton FD Retirees July meeting; BELOW MIDDLE: State Rep Stan May receives award from interim State Fire Marshal Sam Schafnitt; BELOW LEFT: Moore FD’s Gary Bird retires after 34 years of service (the last 8 as Fire Chief).
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n OKLAHOMA FIRE SPOTLIGHT
YUKON FIRE DEPARTMENT The Yukon Fire Department was organized in 1899 when a group of men volunteered their time to extinguish fires. It was formally organized as a part of city government on July 6, 1914. At that time, the Yukon City Council approved ordinance #66, which appointed members of the department and assigned duties. Early firefighters used buckets to fight fires and progressed to a hand drawn hose cart around 1900. The equipment was stored on the ground floor of a two-story bandstand at the intersection known today as 5th and
Main Street. Currently, the Yukon Fire Department is home to the first Blue Card Command Training Center in Oklahoma. The training center offers an impressive classroom environment for firefighters across the state to complete several hours of simulation training in incident management. The goal is to standardize emergency response actions by teaching the Blue Card Command training system, as well as provide a controlled environment to prepare for a wide variety of emergencies.
Oklahoma FirefighterAugust 201935
BY GREG ROBERTS Norman FD Retired
Fire Chief: Shawn Vogt YFD Formed: 1899
Joined OSFA: 1936
If you would like to see your FD featured in a future issue of Oklahoma Firefighter, please contact Greg Roberts at 405-424-1452 or groberts1960@gmail.com
Personnel: 40 (all paid) Number of engines: 3 Number of ladders: 1
Number of brushpumpers: 3 Number of tankers: 2 ISO Rating: 2
Population: Approx. 27,500 Square Miles Served: 27
Tanker 1 2013 Freightliner/Pierce 500 pump 2100 tank
Yukon Fire Station 1
Engine 1 2013 Pierce 1500 pump 500 tank
Ladder 1 2003 Pierce 1500 pump 500 tank 105’ ladder
Yukon Fire Station 2
Engine 2 2019 Pierce 1500 pump 750 tank
36August 2019Oklahoma Firefighter
ATHLETIX OKLAHOMA OFFICE 3601 N.W. 10th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Phone: 405-945-0400
800-749-3552
When you go in, we go in with you
TM