Oklahoma FD Fundraisers
March 2025: Pancake Supper
Fish Fry
2025: Spaghetti Dinner
2025: Dinner & Raffle
Oct 2024: Haunted Morgue April 2025: Open House
17: Golf Tournament July 2025: Bingo & Raffle Day Oct. 11: Lainey Wilson Raffle
April 2025: 16th Fund Raiser
Oct. 12: Bar-B-Q
June 2025: Breakfast & Bake Sale
Jan. 2025: Annual Dinner
Sept. 2024: Semi-Annual BBQ May 2025: Semi-Annual BBQ
Dec. 2024: Barrel Race
Jan. 2025: Coyote Hunt
Dec. 7: Craft Show
Jan. 2025: Predator Calling Contest
3: Project Life 5K
Nov. 14: Beaver County Fire Department Fundraiser
2025: Coyote Calling Contest March 2025: Raccoon Hunt
Clifford Lewis & Larry Bogges
130th OSFA CONVENTION
243 attendees representing 55 cities & towns
June 12 - 15, 2024
in Midwest City
130th OSFA CONVENTION Meetings
Convention Photos by Greg Roberts, Norman FD Retired
130th OSFA CONVENTION
Convention Photos by Greg Roberts, Norman FD Retired
Donnie Bennett: OSFA President’s Report
Greetings everyone!
I appreciate the trust that you have placed in me by electing me to serve as the OSFA President. I am thankful for the opportunity to give back to the fire service in this role.
As we navigate the remainder of the year; be kind to one another, be safe, and stay ready.
Q&A with Donnie Bennett
OSFA’s new President was born in Oklahoma City and raised in Del City.
He attended Oklahoma State University and earned a Bachelor of Technology – Emergency Responder Administration, as well as an Associate in Applied Science – Municipal Fire Protection.
Bennett is now earning a Master of Public Administration at the University of Central Oklahoma and is a Fall 2025 Graduate Candidate.
He has been in the fire service for 16 years -the first four at Broken Arrow FD and the rest at Oklahoma City FD, where he currently serves as Battalion Chief of Community Risk Reduction. Outside of the fire service, he is a family man, serial hobbyist, Mason, Shriner and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
In a recent question-and-answer session with Oklahoma Firefighter, Bennett, 38, shared the following:
When did you know you wanted to be a firefighter?
I knew that I wanted to be a firefighter as a child, but I solidified my decision in high school.
How’d you go about getting into the fire service?
I obtained an EMT-B License, FF-1 Certification, and an associate degree in Municipal Fire Protection to separate myself from other candidates during the hiring process. During this time, I tested with Broken Arrow, the EOC Consortium,
Edmond, and Moore.
What do you like best about being a Firefighter?
I enjoy working in a team environment while serving the community. I like the “people” aspect of the job the most about being a firefighter.
What have been some highlights of your fire service career so far?
Reflecting on it, my entire career seems like a highlight reel because of the great people I’ve worked with over the years. Many highlights come from my time with the Station 6 crew in Broken Arrow and the Original Doghouse crew at 31’s in Oklahoma City.
Getting accepted to serve on the Oklahoma Task Force-1 USAR team was a big deal to me as a young firefighter. Having a cousin who passed away in the OKC Bombing played a part in my interest in the fire service. Specializing in rescue was quietly my nod to him and the victims of the April 19, 1995 tragedy.
What are your hopes for the future?
I look forward to enjoying the rest of my career and everything that I love outside of the fire service. Time truly flies by when you’re having fun.
What was the highlight of the 2024 OSFA Convention for you?
Having a good time and taking care of business is always a highlight for me during the OSFA convention. Past President Tony Lopez, the Midwest City Fire Department, and all OSFA Personnel did a phenomenal job in making it a success.
Vehicle Extrication Training
Helping out at 10th annual OKCFD Project Life 5K
OCFD Fire Station 31 (Doghouse)
130th OSFA Golf Tournament
130th OSFA CONVENTION Presentations
Also receiving plaques for over 100 years with the OSFA were Haileyville FD and Jenks FD
2024 First In Last Out Award • Brian Christy, Midwest City FD
2024 Shey P. Francis Award
• Stan May, Tulsa FD
Convention Photos by Greg Roberts, Norman FD Retired
2024 Stavros Scholarship Recipients
Above with their families
Below with members of the OSFA Executive Board
100 Years Plaque • Marlow FD
Meet the 2024 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, six $2,500 scholarships were awarded. The deserving six were picked from a total of 61 applicants.
Carissa Bailey Reydon High School
Niece of Shayane Carter & Travis Carter, Cheyenne Volunteer FD
Granddaughter of Wayne Carter, Cheyenne Volunteer FD Ret.
Major: Business at Southwestern Oklahoma State University
“My grandpa was and both my uncles are firefighters. I am extremely thankful for their selflessness and willingness to provide aid to those in need and to provide such a service to our community.”
Caveryn Foster Henryetta High School
Son of Brad A. Foster, Tulsa FD
Major: Fine Arts in Musical Theatre at Oklahoma State University
“I am so proud to be able to say my father is an Oklahoma Firefighter. There are truly no words to describe how grateful I am that he risks his life for the safety of others. And I am proud of the musicals and shows I have been blessed with being a part of in my school. It is what truly has brought me joy.”
Hunter Ford Tahlequah High School
Nephew of David J. Merrill, Tulsa FD
Major: Environmental Health & Safety Management at Northeastern State University
“My uncle has been an encouragement to me and a hero to many, and it’s an honor to be able to say that I’m associated with the OFSA. My plan for the future is to gain my bachelor’s and master’s degree and work for the Grand River Dam Authority.
Caleb Greenwood Blanchard High School
Grandson of Clinton G. Greenwood, OKC FD Retired; and Jonathon Herndon, Midwest City FD
Major: Fire Science at Oklahoma State University-OKC
“I am incredibly proud to have multiple ties to the Oklahoma Fire Service, as both my grandfathers have served. And they are both my inspiration for wanting to be a fireman.”
Kathleen Rice Southmoore High School
Daughter of Bryan M. Rice, Oklahoma City FD
Major: Business at University of Oklahoma
“I am extremely proud of my father and all he has accomplished with the Oklahoma City Fire Department. His devotion and sacrifice has set the best example for me and how I am supposed to live my life. Our family and our community are better because of him.”
Benjamin Switzer Arapaho Butler High School
Son of Mark Switzer, Clinton FD
Major: Business at Oklahoma State University
“As a son whose father started as a volunteer and is now an assistant chief, I feel immense pride in my ties to the Oklahoma Fire Service. Witnessing my father’s dedication and rise through the ranks has deeply ingrained the values of commitment, service and family in my life. The term ‘fire family’ truly resonates.”
Question & Answers
Oklahoma Firefighter asked last issue’s readers this question: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met?
Here is what they said:
w Richard Kelley, Oklahoma City: The most interesting person I have met is President Barack Obama. Although we did not have a lot of time to chat, it was interesting to meet a sitting President of the Greatest Country in the world.
w Kara Owens, Piedmont: The late Baxter Black. He was a veterinarian turned cowboy poet. His humor and outlook on life is comical. He puts things into perspective with humor. I had the opportunity to visit with him several times and was always enlightened with his conversations.
PS - Go listen to the one about the car wash (a true story from Oklahoma) and the vegetarian’s nightmare. They are on YouTube.
w Dan Little, Ret. Tulsa: I met Ms. Kate Hepburn on many occasions in the town of my youth (Old Saybrook, Conn., where the Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound). She was a friend of the Old Saybrook Fire Department, donated our first aerial truck and allowed us to gather seaweed from her breakwater for our annual lobster bake.
w Jared Williams, Lawton: For me, that would be my grandfather, Truman Williams. He passed away several years ago, but he taught me so much. He lived to be over 90 years old, and just thinking about all he saw and experienced, I would love to have one more conversation with him.
w Bert Norton, Midwest City: The most interesting person I have met is probably Terry Bradshaw.
w Darren Alexander, Cedar Country: Bob Dole. My wife grew up in Russell, Kan., and her best friend was Bob’s niece. We went to his brother Kenny’s funeral and spent some time with them. Had a great sense of humor and bought ice cream for everyone.
w Greg Lindsay, Oklahoma City: Probably my GrandPa. He shared a lot about life from the perspective of experience. I miss him.
w Marshall Dunnam, Ret. OKC: Actually there are two. The first was the 44th Vice President Dan Quayle (1989 to 1993). While working for OCFD, my day-off job was driving charter buses. In 1988 while Senator Quayle was running for Vice President with President George H W Bush, I was selected to drive Senator Quayle in Stillwater for two days. Very nice man!
The second one was Cowboy Western actor Ben Johnson (born in 1918, died in 1996). I met him at the Lazy E arena around 1989. One of the friendliest and personal people I’ve ever met.
w Donnie Bennett, Oklahoma City: Sam Presti, OKC Thunder General Manager.
w Jeremy Goodrich, Moore: Coach Prime (Deon Sanders). I was assigned to officiate his game one afternoon. Of course, we don’t get to visit with coaches that long before the game but during the game, we got to know each other pretty well. LOL. Honestly, just a passionate guy and coach.
w Terry Essary, Stillwater: The most interesting person that I’ve ever met is Chief Bobby Halton.
w Ray Hammons, Stillwater: I’ve met some extraordinarily interesting people in my life, however, I am positive the most interesting of all would be DeAnna, my wife. Out of all the folks I’ve met, she alone has kept my interest and attention for 38 years without distraction! Other than the fire service, who she refers to as the other woman!
Next Issue’s Question --
“If you could have a lifetime supply of anything, what would it be? Everyone is Welcome to Participate!
Email Your Response to penelopes@osfa.info
130th OSFA CONVENTION Fun & Fashion
Convention Photos by Greg Roberts, Norman FD Retired
OSFA ARCHIVE
Softball Parking Benefits Memorial
At the 93rd OSFA Convention held June 3-6, 1987, in Woodward, Museum Curator Sam Oruch gave an update on the race track and softball diamond construction in the area.
And he projected that visitors to the Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum would increase by 10 percent.
But little did he know that the softball stadium would be an even bigger asset to OSFA, especially each year on the week of convention.
The same time firefighters are gathering for their annual convention, softball fans converge at the stadium across from the OSFA complex for the Women’s College World Series (WCWS).
And since parking is at a premium, the OSFA offers its property as a place to park and, in return, receives a donation that goes in the Memorial Fund.
Parking cars for the WCWS brought in more than $45,000 for the Memorial Fund in 2011 and 2012 combined.
This year, a total of $109,000 was made parking cars during the WCWS (the University of Oklahoma won its fourth consecutive championship).
And if you add in donations received parking cars during other high school and college softball games this season, the total earned for 2024 climbs to $131,000.
OSFA Convention Activities: 2024 vs. 1910
At the 130th OSFA Convention held June 12-15 in Midwest City, five activities were held for attendees -- Golf Tournament, Skeet Shoot, Cornhole Tournament, Poker Run and Bowling. Those activities aren’t anything like the nine held during the 17th Convention of the Oklahoma State Firemen’s Association. That convention in 1910, which was the first to be held in Tulsa, featured the following competitions:
• Ladder Climbing: 1. Ed Nelson, Guthrie.
• Rope Climbing: 1. Carl McNally, Sapulpa.
• 100-Yard Dash: 1. Floyd Cherry, Fairview.
• 25-Yard Dash for Women: 1. Mrs. Geo. Gelder, Stillwater.
• Egg and Spoon Race: 1. Mrs. E.R. Staff, Sapulpa (although there was suspicion that chewing gum helped her win the race).
• Ugliest Fireman: 1. Jake Marcus, Chandler.
• 400-Yard Hose Wagon Race: 1. Claremore; 2. Sapulpa; 3. Guthrie.
• 200-Yard Race to Plug, Throw Water, Replace Section & Throw Water: 1. Chandler; 2. Stillwater; 3. Guthrie.
• 100-Yard Hand Reel: 1. Fairview, 2. Duncan.
Also at the 1910 OSFA Convention, a Silver Cup from the Manhattan Rubber Company of St. Louis was awarded to Purcell for earning nine points in the tournament.
Others earning points: Sapulpa 8, Stillwater 7, Chandler 6, Fairview 6, Guthrie 4, Tulsa 4, Duncan 4, Kiefer 2, El Reno 2, Enid 2.
2024 Convention Activities Results
• Golf-AM Flight 1: OFCA Past President’s Team (Bert Norton, Kent Lagaly, James Fullingim, Keith Bryant); 2. Sponsors’ Team (Ben Brady, Doug Anderson, Blair Humphreys); 3. Alert 360 Team (Justin Miller, Bryan Jackson, Charlie Cleary, Brian Dewberry).
• Golf-AM Flight 2: 1. Taylor Hicks, Jaeden Hume, Jeremy Hume, Jason Munier; 2. Ret. MWC Team (Mike Dickson, Jody Williams, Rex McGee, Ronnie Fielder); 3. Brent Weaver, Toni Auteri, Cory Proctor, Tyler Payne.
• Golf-PM: 1. Daniel Morton, Dustin Andrews, Dakota Andrews, Ryan Reeves; 2. MWC Team (Josh Lane, Brooks Freeman, Micah Horner, Chris Hudson); 3. El Reno Team (Parker Crosby, Zac Kay, Kyle Dotson, Trent Bryan).
• Cornhole: 1. Team Foster Child.
• Poker Run: 1. Chris Hudson, MWC; 2. Toby Shores, MWC; 3. 3. Andrea Miller, Spouse of Kenneth Miller, Ret. The Village.
Mike Kelley: OSFA Executive Director’s Report
I hope that all of my Brothers and Sisters of the Oklahoma Fire Service are having a great summer!
Thanks to those of you who took the time to attend our 130th Annual OSFA Convention in Midwest City. President Lopez and his convention committee did an amazing job!
Your OSFA staff worked extremely hard not only preparing for and working at the convention, but also handled the WCWS parking the two weeks prior which was the biggest Museum/Memorial fundraiser ever.
We are truly blessed to have such dedicated hard-working people representing our organization!
An extremely active legislative session came to a close.
We had success and passed SB 1524 by Senator Green allowing volunteer FF’s to retire after achieving max pension benefit (30 Years of credited service) and continue volunteering and working as a FF.
We also worked to pass HB 4051 by Rep. Stan May to allow our veteran members to purchase up to 5 years of military service to count toward their pension.
We unfortunately came up short on an increase in the volunteer multiplier, SB 453 which was vetoed by the governor and the COLA bills which failed to get hearings in the Senate
after overwhelming approval in the House. Thanks to our lobbyists Don Armes and Julia Jernigan-Smith; Chase Rankin, the Executive Director of our pension system; and the host of retirees and others who worked on all of our bills tirelessly at the Capitol. With their efforts, we were able to defend against some legislation that would have been extremely detrimental to our pension system, as well as pass several that will benefit our members in various ways.
The OSFA Board will be choosing 202425 committees soon. If you have any interest in serving on one of our committees please check our website at www.osfa.info/osfa/ meetings and fill out the application for the
committee or committees that interest you.
Meetings are held virtually to allow for more participation from around the state.
Visit www.osfa.info for upcoming events, information, and resources. You can also update your contact and beneficiary info (Recommended), and get a copy of your membership card right from the site.
We have several upcoming events this fall, including the OSFA Public Education Summit, David Bain Memorial Golf Tournament, the annual Statewide Memorial Service and OSFA State Fire School.
While elections are ongoing and some of your state representatives have already been chosen, please remember that the men and women selected will be deciding matters that directly affect you and your ability to protect your community. We are privileged in our country to have the ability to select our leadership. I encourage each of you to take advantage of this opportunity and vote!
Blessings to you and yours!
Sheri Nickel: OSFA Deputy Director
Hello and welcome to the last half of 2024. Our fire departments have been busy. People have lost homes, cattle, and farm ground because of fire and wind storms.
Towns in Oklahoma have been wiped out because of tornadoes, and lives have been lost because of a variety of tragedies.
But one thing remains -- our fire departments never stop responding.
As the state association for more than half of the fire departments in our state, it is our job to do what we can to make your lives better and safer.
We worked hard at the Capitol this year. Our lobbyists Don Armes and Julia Jernigan-Smith, along with our Executive Director, Mike Kelley, a lot of our members and the retirees group that meet there on Wednesday mornings, spent many hours beating on doors and explaining to legislators why our bills were so important to our community.
We won some and lost some, but nonetheless, our fire service was well represented. We often times give praise to our board and staff but I would like to give an extra shout to our lobbyists who don’t get the recognition that they deserve. Thanks Don and Julia for your dedication to firefighters.
Amidst all of the events that we put on in the first six months of the year, we have also managed to continue our training classes for volunteer firefighters.
We were awarded another $2.6 million in federal funding through the 2022 SAFER grant program funded by FEMA. This is the third time we have been awarded since I began working here in 2016.
This money is used to pay for Firefighter-1, Firefighter-2, leadership and career training, and new this year, EMR and EMT classes, as well.
It also pays for physicals and PPE for new members who meet the requirements.
This is a big deal for our volunteer fire departments since training funds are limited in our state and small departments don’t have the budget to pay for training.
Since the beginning of this year, we have delivered four hybrid Firefighter-1 classes and have two more scheduled and one Hybrid EMT class with another scheduled for December.
We are partnering with OSU-OKC and Heartland EMS on these classes and have been very successful with the pass rates, and we are looking forward to at least three more years of getting firefighters trained.
If your area is interested in hosting one of
these classes, reach out to me and let’s see if we can make it work.
The future of the SAFER grants in the United States was on the rocks for most of this year, but with many hours of lobbying at the national level, congress finally voted to reauthorize these grants through 2028.
So for those of you who don’t understand how fire organizations like PFFO or NVFC benefit you, this is a prime example. Losing this type of funding would have been detrimental to our state.
Another potential problem that has been looming around is the proposed OSHA emergency response standard.
While many of the proposed provisions would be helpful and improve the safety of emergency responders, many of the new requirements would be very burdensome, and, in many cases, impossible for volunteer fire and emergency service departments to comply with. We know that Oklahoma isn’t regulated by OSHA, but it has come to light that non-profit fire departments (Title 18) and private EMS agencies currently are. If new standards are put into place, Oklahoma will have to reconsider current standards and we could all potentially be impacted or else operate outside of the federal standard.
OSFA has submitted its opposition to these standards and has asked OSHA for reconsideration of their intentions.
Our state association works hard for firefighters, and if you have any doubt that we aren’t, I encourage you to go to www.osfa. info and check out all of the events and take a peek at the 2023-2024 annual report and follow our Facebook page @OklahomaStateFirefightersAssn
And finally, mark your calendars for the OSFA State Fire School. We moved the event to Oct. 25-26. Enrollment for some great classes will be open soon.
As always, remain safe!
Orlando FD
Student of the Ratliff City class working on forcible entry skill for FF1
Ratliff City class working on ventilation techniques
Valley View FF1 class
OSFA & MUSEUM STAFF
Executive Director
Mike Kelley mkelley@osfa.info
Membership Coordinator
Madelyn Roth madelynr@osfa.info
Publications
Penelope Soldan penelopes@osfa.info
Museum
Museum
Museum Archivist
Greg Roberts groberts1960@gmail.com
Museum
Deputy Director Sheri Nickel sherin@osfa.info
Events Coordinator
Raegan Layne raeganl@osfa.info
Firefighters Serving Firefighters
85 ORFA Members Registered
June 11, 2024 in Midwest City
Convention Photos by Greg Roberts, Norman FD Retired
Dr. Erick Reynolds: ORFA President’s Report
On the edge of each British two-pound piece is an inscription that reads, “Standing on the shoulders of Giants.”
As the leadership of ORFA and OSFA we are, in fact, doing just that. Please allow me to publicly call out these giants, the individuals who have served as both the OSFA president and ORFA president, as follows.
E.H. Miller, George H. Stewart, Sid Bean, Andy Bean, Ray Catlin, Philip Reese, T.W. “Blackie” Oliver, Louis Bunch, Wendall Gilliam, Bill McCawley, Haskell Starbuck, T. Dick Cagle, Mike Bower, Paul Gallahar, Tom Smith, John A. Soos, Dana Cramer, Juan Rodriguez, A.K. “Yogi” Cole.
These esteemed people took time out of their lives to serve both of these organizations and give much of themselves to support OSFA and ORFA. They set examples to be followed.
Those examples include such things as honor, courage, empathy, service to others, grace, and tenacity, just to name a few.
They were also able to see the collective good for the memberships of both organizations and made tough decisions when needed to move both organizations forward in a positive manner.
Somewhere along the way, we have lost some of what these folks sacrificed for ALL of us, ALL members, of both organizations.
We are on the edge of a precipice here. If WE don’t fix the issues we have between the two organizations, NOW, we may go down roads that should not be traveled, EVER!!
This must happen for the good of all Oklahoma firefighters!! We must endeavor to disagree without being disagreeable. We must show grace to all with whom we interact.
That is sometimes a very tough thing to do. I have always said that “I try to give a lot of grace, because I need a lot of grace myself.”
What has been built for all Oklahoma firefighters through both the ORFA and OSFA organizations is a good thing. It is in the best interest to preserve this in perpetuity. The time to begin this process is now!!
The ORFA board are members of OSFA. The expectations are that we be treated as such with all the rights and responsibilities that come with membership.
We took an oath to support the membership of both OSFA and ORFA and when we couldn’t agree, then we would act based on the oath that we publicly took to support the membership of ORFA based upon our constitution. That will not change.
The ORFA board WILL NOT be treated in any less than a professional and cordial manner!! The ORFA board WILL NOT be treated like step children!! We started down this road 5 years ago. It is time to fix the issues now!!
The time to come together is now!! We are all brothers and sisters here. It is time that we remember what the title “Brother” and “Sister” means to all members of both organizations. If it is just words, quit saying it now. If not, start living it now!!
2024-25 ORFA EXECUTIVE BOARD
PRESIDENT
Dr. Erick Reynolds, Milfay FD Ret. rerick@osufpp.org
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
Marshall Dunnam, OKC FD Ret. dunnamm@yahoo.com
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
Gordon Gingrich, Tulsa FD Ret. gordongingrich@gmail.com
3RD VICE PRESIDENT
Gene Brown, The Village FD Ret. villfire14@yahoo.com
PAST PRESIDENT
Mike Duncan, Dewey FD Ret. mduncan51@aol.com
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Tippy Pierce, Moore FD Ret. fftip@swbell.net
Q&A with Dr. Erick Reynolds
ORFA’s new President was born and raised in Emporia, Kan., and attended NOC and OSU.
He spent 12+ years in the fire service, both as a volunteer and a Fire Chief. He has also served as an Equipment Designer, Teacher and Administrator. In a recent question-and-answer session with Oklahoma Firefighter, Reynolds, 66, shared the following:
When did you know you wanted to be a firefighter? When I was in high school.
What did you like best about being a firefighter? The chance to serve those people around us.
What are your hopes for the future? Leave things better than I found them.
What was the highlight of the 2023 ORFA Convention for you? Chance to see people that I normally don’t get to see a lot.
Ret. Milfay FD
Tippy Pierce: ORFA Executive Director
I want to bring to all Oklahoma Retired Firefighters’ attention that were will be having a picnic at the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum on Sept. 28th at Noon. Bring your appetite and have a great time visiting with other retired firefighters. ORFA is supplying the food, Wind and Fire Motorcycle Club is cooking, and all you need to do is to come have a good time.
The ORFA Convention in Midwest City was a success. Many thanks to our speaker Ed Kirtley for his inspirational talk on his battling cancer. How his life has changed with cancer.
Thanks to Midwest City Fire Chief Bert Norton, the Midwest City Honor Guard, Mayor of Midwest City and Mike Bower, Retired Fire Chief of Midwest City, for his prayer.
Many thanks to Michele Cole for the job she did for us. She did the mixer which we had that evening after the ORFA Convention. We had it at the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum.
We did not have but one award this year. Normally we have two -- the T. Dick Cagle Fire Mark and the George Fina Flambeaux Award.
Larry Bogges was given the George Fina Flambeaux Award for 2024. You can see his name on the Flambeaux Award in the Hallway of the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum. Congratulation to Larry Bogges for his long service and commitment to the fire service in Oklahoma and Lawton.
Gene Brown was elected to the ORFA Board as the new 3rd Vice President. Congratulations to him. We thank him for the service which he has done over the years and for his stepping up here and in the future.
ORFA will be picking all the committees for 2024-2025. You will be receiving notification that your are asked to service on one of the four committees -- Cornerstone, Financial, Resolution and Constitution By Laws, and Legislative.
If you would like to serve on one, contact me and I will summit you name.
If you have anything that we can do for you, do not hesitate to contact me. My e-mail is fftip@swbell.net or my phone number is (405) 924-1104.
Have a great rest of your summer! God Bless you all.
Ret. Moore FD
ORFA members and their families enjoying activities during 2024 OSFA Convention
92nd OSFA WOMEN’S AUXILIARY CONVENTION
June
12-15,
2024, in Midwest City
Haley Thompson: OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Report
Greetings!
Firstly, I would like to thank Tony Lopez and the Midwest City Fire Department for hosting an incredible convention! A great time was had by everyone!
Secondly, I would like to thank OSFAWA membership for entrusting me to lead. It is an honor to be able to follow in the footsteps of many great women. I am looking forward to bringing new ideas into the organization while keeping our traditions alive.
One thing that I have found throughout my years on the auxiliary that truly encapsulates the heart of our organiza tion is our original mission statement from 1929.
“To promote un derstanding of the fire service thus enabling wives to grow in their position of helpmates, friendship among firefighter’s families,
educational social ideas, fire prevention, better public relations, and to raise the standards of the fire department, both active and civic.”
The verbage in our mission statement has definitely changed since the 1920s, but our goal to remain an active part of the fire service has very much stayed the same.
We have been able to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for multiple deserving organizations.
Women are making incredible strides in the fire service. Camp Fierce and Camp Inferno are changing the name of
changing we hold on to old traditions while also bringing the new traditions.
Last year, we had a successful volleyball tournament in September, and this year we hope to be more successful and raise even money for our organizations!
This year, we hope to make it more successful than last year. So save the date, it will be Sept. 28. Be on the lookout for more details. We welcome everyone to play or even just watch! It will be a great time and benefits our great organizations!
In closing, I thank my membership for allowing me to lead you. I hope that I meet all of your expectations! I am grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to growing the membership. I look forward to the fundraising and, as always, continuing the friendship that is always there and will always be there.
PHOTO
BELOW LEFT:
Kendall Taylor of Camp Fierce presented us this photo of the Class of 2023 when they were presenting at convention.
Camp Fierce is one of the organizations that we donate to. The camp is for girls looking to get into the fire service. They go to camp and are put through firefighter skills to get them prepared for firefighting.
FROM
Top Row (L-R): Arnold J. Langston, Oologah; Carl Lightner, Bethany; David Chitwood, Nichols Hills; Murrel Armer, Village; Ray Davidson, Instructor; Charles Shell, Stillwater; Donald Duckwall, Stillwater; Bill Williams, McAlester.
Second Row (L-R): Willie Walker, Seminole; George Orgain, Instructor; Zappy Ott, McAlester; James Wilson, Bethany; Dan Whitehouse, Sapulpa; Tom Jones, Station Master.
Bottow Row (L-R): Melvin Catron, Nichols Hills; William Burress, Norman; Bob Alberding, Sapulpa; Donald Todd, Drumright; Clyde Tevault, Norman.
Lance Gill: Oklahoma Firefighters Museum Report
Celebrating Safety Heroes: The Legacy of Smokey Bear in Oklahoma
As we reflect on the history of fire prevention, one iconic figure stands out: Smokey Bear. Known for his famous slogan, “Only you can prevent forest fires,” Smokey Bear has become a symbol of wildfire prevention and safety education.
What many might not know is that Smokey Bear’s message has a unique connection to Oklahoma, a state that has faced its share of wildfires.
Smokey Bear and Oklahoma’s Wildfire Legacy
Oklahoma’s diverse landscapes, from grasslands to forests, have made it susceptible to wildfires. Over the years, these fires have posed significant threats to both rural and urban areas, impacting communities and wildlife alike.
In response, Oklahoma has embraced Smokey Bear’s message, integrating it into local fire prevention programs and community outreach efforts.
Smokey Bear’s presence in Oklahoma is more than just symbolic; it’s a vital part of our state’s commitment to wildfire prevention. From educational programs in schools to public service announcements, Smokey Bear has been at the forefront of teaching Oklahomans about the importance of fire safety and prevention.
Upcoming Smokey Bear Exhibit and Birthday Celebration
In honor of Smokey Bear’s enduring legacy, the Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum is thrilled to announce a new exhibit in our “Safety Heroes” section, dedicated to this beloved icon. Located in the kids’ area, this exhibit will highlight Smokey Bear’s contributions to fire safety education and his special connection to Oklahoma.
To celebrate, we are hosting a free museum day “birthday party” for Smokey Bear on Aug. 9. This event promises to be a fun and educational experience for families and children, offering a unique opportunity to learn about wildfire prevention while celebrating Smokey Bear’s impact.
Earlier this year, we hosted a birthday party for Sparky the Fire Dog, which became our most attended museum day since at least 2005. We hope to replicate that success with Smokey Bear’s celebration, bringing the community together to honor these safety heroes.
Call for Memorabilia Donations
As we prepare for these exciting events, we invite our members and the public to contribute to our exhibits. We are seeking donations of Smokey Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog memorabilia, including pamphlets, knick-knacks, posters, toys, pins, patches, and more. Your contributions will help us create a comprehensive and engaging display that honors the legacy of these iconic figures.
Join us in celebrating Smokey Bear’s birthday and in preserving the history of fire safety heroes. Your donations will not only enrich our exhibits but also inspire future generations to embrace the importance of fire prevention and safety.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at the museum!
Oklahoma Fire Department Fundraisers
In July, OSFA put out a call via Facebook for Oklahoma Fire Department Fundraisers. Here is that compilation:
Beaver Volunteer Fire Department
Nov. 14: Beaver County FD Fundraiser
-- Benefits all 7 Beaver County FDs (Balko, Beaver, Elmwood, Forgan, Gate, Slapout, Turpin)
“Our biggest fundraiser is made for all seven departments in our county, and that is done by Beaver County Stockyards and Carmen’s restaurant,” said Beaver Fire Chief John Elfers. “That one generates about $10,000 per department.
“And Beaver FD does a fundraiser each year selling fireworks out of a stand. We generate approximately $7,000 out of our stand.”
Canute Fire Department
April/May 2025: Annual Benefit Dinner
-- Benefits Beckham County FDs Canute & Berlin
Capron Volunteer Fire Department
January 2025: 8th Annual Predator Calling Contest
-- The 7th annual event had its best turnout ever with a total of 116 contestants on 43 teams
Cloud Chief Fire Department
April 2025: 16th Annual Fund Raiser
-- Calf Fry & Catfish Dinner
Cordell Fire Department
October 2024: The Haunted Morgue
-- Follow Cordell FD’s Facebook page for updates
Corn Volunteer Fire Department
January 2025: Annual Dinner -- Fireman’s Fix, Bread, Dessert, Drink
Crescent Volunteer Fire Department
Aug. 17: 2nd Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament -- At Cimarron National Golf Club in Guthrie -- 4 Person Scramble -10 a.m. Shotgun Start -- $400 per team -- Call 405-473-7548
“Crescent FD’s first golf tournament went amazing, and things are looking good so far (for the August tourney),” said Crescent Fire Chief Grady Birchfield.
“And we also have a last Saturday of January training and equipment.”
Criner Hills Volunteer Oct. 12: 39th Annual Bat-B-Q — At Criner Hills VFD — Live Music, Live Dessert ed at the Door — Call 580-465-4403 or
“This event has been Hills Fire Chief Michael year with the live dessert competition can be fierce community.
“The highest price I cream pie that sold for $350.
“We will also host a April 12, 2025. We have ty. They come out to support enjoy the gathering to be friends and neighbors.
“These events have become ty.”
Fundraisers
Ham and Bean Supper fundraiser the January every year. The funds are used for equipment.”
Volunteer Fire Department
Bat-B-Q Fundraiser
VFD Station #1
Dessert Auction - Donations Acceptor email crinerhillsvfd@aol.com
a tradition since 1985,” said Criner Michael Campbell. “It is a huge success every dessert being a crowd favorite, as the bidding fierce among friends and neighbors of the can recall was for a homemade coconut $350.
hamburger cookout and live dessert on have been blessed with a giving communisupport both fundraisers, and they also be able to sit and visit with their fellow
become a staple for the whole communi-
Garber Fire Department
April 2025: Annual Dinner & Raffle
Healdton Fire Department
May 2025: Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
Keystone Volunteer Fire Department
June 2025: Breakfast Fundraiser & Bake Sale -- By donation
Lindsay Fire Department
January 2025: 11th Annual Coyote Hunt
Oklahoma City Fire Department
Aug. 3: 11th Annual Project Life 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
Ravia Fire Department
Sept. 2024: Semi-Annual BBQ
May 2025: Semi-Annual BBQ
Valley View Volunteer Fire Department
Dec. 7: Valley View VFD East Side Annual Craft Show
Hennessey Fire Department
Aug. 14: 3rd Annual Too Cool for School Water Wars!
— From 6-8 p.m. in Hennessey April 2025: Annual Open House
“Water Wars is not a fundraiser. It is an event that we started doing about two years ago the evening before school starts for the kids, and it has gotten the whole community involved,” said Hennessey Fire Chief Brandon Scott.
“We set out water balloon stations and drive up and down our streets for a super soaking time. Our firefighters get just as much enjoyment from it as the kids and they look forward to every year.
“I’ve had people from other communities and states ask about it from the All About Hennessey You.Tube videos! It definitely
has gotten bigger each year. People and businesses even bringing their own water tenders and trucks! It only lasts about two hours that evening so the kids can get to bed early for school the next morning, but it is an awesome time.”
“Our actual main fundraiser is usually the first Saturday in April, where we serve pork loin, baked beans and fried potatoes. That meal is by donation only, and it has amazing community support. We use that money for various gear, drip torches, thermal cameras and small diameter pressure hose for a brush truck.
“Also in October, we sell Ribeye Steak sandwiches during our community Wine and Chocolate Festival to assist with those funds and to get us out in the community. We sure love our small community and are involved in everything we can be.”
Richland FD
Lainey Wilson Raffle
— 2 Tickets to see Lainey Wilson in Concert Nov. 7 at Paycom Center — ALSO, Dinner for 2 in Downtown OKC (up to $175 value) — $10 per entry, winner announced at RFD’s annual cookout — Call 405-373-1555 - Email station@rfdok.org
Oct. 11: Annual Cookout
“The board of the fire department brainstormed and thought we would do something different, so we purchased the tickets that will be available through Ticketmaster transfer portal for the winner,” said Courtney McDaniel, Richland FD Secretary.
“We will have our annual Cookout with the community on Oct. 11 at the Express Ranch in Yukon. We will have burgers and hot dogs and all the fixins'. We have door prizes and we bring out the fire trucks and have the local law enforcement out for the kids. It's a fun time and a great way to get the community together.
“These fundraisers and raffles are always big for us. These donations go towards our daily operations and also helping us expand our station due to our growing community.”
Red River Volunteer Fire Department
April 2025: Annual Fish Fry -- Features Famous Dessert Auction
Ringwood Fire Department
March 2025: Pancake Supper
Tatums Volunteer Fire Department
July 2025: 2nd Annual Bingo & Raffle Day
Velma Volunteer Fire Department
December 2024: Barrel Race
-- Follow Velma VFD’s Facebook page for updates
Wakita Fire Department
January 2025: 4th Annual Coyote Calling Contest
March 2025: 2nd Annual Raccoon Hunt
July 21 (Age 19)
July 3 (Age 43)
July 22 (Age 48)
Evan Gonzales Frederick FD (2024) Died
Nic Guthrie Bixby FD (2001-2024) Died
Michael Wise Chickasha FD (2013-2024) Died
Caroline Reed: OSU Fire Service Training Director
Following is exciting news about our Inspector Program.
OSU-FST is thrilled to announce that our course Fire Inspector will launch on January 1, 2025.
Inspector 1 will no longer be available after mid-October due to the new NFPA 1030 standard for Fire Inspector.
reading assignments with tests and quizzes at the end of each assignment with a pass score of 80% on each assignment.
NFPA consolidated NFPA 1031, 1035, and 1037 into the new NFPA 1030 standard. This new standard NFPA 1030 consolidated Inspector 1, 2, and 3 into what will now be Fire Inspector.
The new standard also has a First Responder Inspector certification, however, there are no printed materials available to develop a curriculum for this certification.
OSU-FST plans on developing this curriculum as soon as the printed materials are available.
The new Fire Inspector certification will be approximately 90 hours and will be presented as a hybrid course.
Approximately 50 hours will be online through Resource One and must be completed before attending the onsite classroom portion of the remaining 40 hours. The online portion will consist of
The onsite classroom portion will consist of a short review of each reading assignment and 32 skills during the first four days. The last day of class will be the certification test. This test will consist of a random draw of 8 of the 32 skills that were covered during the week and a 100-question multiple choice test over the reading assignments.
If you are in the process of obtaining Inspector 1 through OSUFST you will need to have everything completed prior to December 31, 2024, including all written and skills retests.
If you do not complete the Inspector 1 certification prior to the above date you will have to take the new course.
Also, if you need Inspector 2 or 3 and do not obtain it prior to December 31, 2024, then you will need to take the new course.
Again, we are excited to be able to offer this course and look forward to your attendance in the course.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the program manager, Paddy Metcalf, at pmetcalf@osufst.org, or the accreditation manager, Tara Youngblood, at tyoungblood@osufst.org.
Kelly Ransdell: National Fire Protection Assoc. Report
As we enter Fall, we are looking forward to lots of exciting things. Save the date for the Oklahoma Fire Safety Summit scheduled for Sept. 10 in Tulsa.
NFPA announces “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” as official theme for Fire Prevention Week Oct. 6–12 at the NFPA Conference & Expo in Orlando, FL.
This year’s focus on working smoke alarms comes in response to NFPA data, which shows that the majority of U.S. home fire deaths continue to occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
Having working smoke alarms in the home reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). However, roughly three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.
Key messages for this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” include the following:
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
• Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or don’t respond when tested.
To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, visit fpw.org. Additional Fire Prevention Week resources for children, caregivers, and educators can be found at sparky. org and sparkyschoolhouse.org.
NFPA Honors Sylvia Peace
Sylvia Peace, Fire and Life Safety Educator for the Greenville FD in Texas, has been recognized as the 2024 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year.
Each year, NFPA presents this award to a dedicated educator who is employed by a local fire department or fire marshal’s office in the U.S. or Canada.
Peace has shown exceptional dedication and innovation in fire and life safety education, particularly in reaching vulnerable populations in her community. As an Educational Messaging Advisory Committee member, she uses NFPA programs to enhance her outreach efforts.
Regional Director
is honored to sponsor the
130th Annual OSFA Convention
We are proud of our longstanding partnership with the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System, spanning more than a decade. Together, we have been committed to protecting shareholder rights, recovering losses for injured investors, and holding wrongdoers accountable. We look forward to continuing our fruitful partnership for many years to come.
Craig Hannan: Fire Protection Publications Director’s Report
In addition to my role at FPP, I have the privilege of serving as the training officer for the Perkins Fire Department.
Recently, the department had a need for an in-house Firefighter 1 training class with a flexible schedule, for five or fewer students.
As you know, the need for a flexible schedule is critical for both volunteer students and instructors. A hybrid or blended classroom concept was the best option.
IFSTA’s ResourceOne LMS was used for the class. ResourceOne is a Moodle based learning management system.
The instructor contacts IFSTA/FPP to setup a FFI class in ResourceOne. Students are sent a link to the online class.
The instructor can post messages, make assignments, and share materials with the students at the appropriate time in the class. The instructor can also monitor student progress including the amount of time a student spends in the online LMS class.
For our class, a chapter reading assignment along with a chapter quiz was made with a deadline just prior to our next in person class. In class, the reading assignment and quiz was reviewed and the remaining class time was devoted to skills shown in the chapter.
We had multiple instructors teach the various skills based on expertise and availability. The students did an excellent job staying up-to-date with the reading assignments, quizzes and skills practice.
We were fortunate enough to join a Creek County class for additional skills practice
and final testing. (Thank you Creek County firefighters!)
Of the three PFD students that took the written and skills exam, all three passed on the first try! Obviously, we are very proud of their work and accomplishments.
Adding three new FFI’s to our department has a big impact on our departmental base skill level and to the safety of our community. Now, we are continuing to use ResourceOne as a continuing education tool, giving the students flexibility to read before class and practice skills in the often-limited face-toface time for departmental training.
ResourceOne is a great training tool for both career and volunteer departments of any size. There are both free and premium student learning items for any budget.
IFSTA’s instructor materials are free to instructors and include lesson outlines, skill sheet checklists, PowerPoint slides, quizzes and tests. Students have access to Essentials of Firefighting skills videos on ResourceOne and the Essentials 7 mobile app. ResourceOne is accessible via any device with internet access. If you have a need for a FFI class in your department, please contact us and see how we can help you. Tom Marcum is the Oklahoma training specialist and can be reached at tmarcum@ osufpp.org
Until next time, be safe, be well, be well trained.
Keith Bryant: Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Report
In this year’s legislative session, HB 4091 addressing fire districts in the state passed, was signed into law and became effective July 1. This bill amends the current language of Title 19 Section 351.1.
The current language allows the county commissioners of each county to enter into agreements with any municipality to provide for fire protection to include medical responses and vehicle accidents to areas of the county outside of the corporate limits of municipalities.
This statute also addresses payment for such ser vices and reciprocal agreements to provide emergency services. What the legislation added to the statute was a new section providing a means of settling disputes over service areas and who is responsible for providing services.
Section B specifically states:
“Should a disagreement over service areas arise between jurisdictions providing services, with or without an agreement as described in subsection A of this section, either entity may petition for arbitration by the Fire Marshal’s Commission to determine boundary lines for the entities involved.
“In making a determination, the Fire Marshal’s Commission shall consider, but is not limited to, the importance of a quick response time, the financial burden on both the service providers and the jurisdiction receiving services, and the capabilities of both jurisdictions to render services.”
Although it may be wise to have a prescribed method of settling any disputes of this nature, my contention is that everything should be done pro-actively to avoid such disputes at all costs. With that in mind, I would highly recommend that if your department has not reviewed your mutual aid agreements and response boundaries lately, it might be worth your while to take a fresh look at them.
Have you met with your neighboring departments and county commissioners to discuss these issues? Ensuring that everyone has a good understanding of their boundaries and response districts would not only avoid potential disputes but would also be in the best interests of the public’s safety which should always be the primary concern.
OKC FD Ret.
Corey Conrady: The Rural Firefighter
How AI and ChatGPT can help recruit volunteers
Revamping Fire Department Recruitment with AI and ChatGPT
Fire departments are essential for keeping our communities safe, but finding the right people to join their ranks can be tough. Luckily, new technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT can make the process easier and more appealing for potential recruits.
Here’s how these cutting-edge tools can help fire departments attract more awesome candidates.
How AI Can Supercharge Recruitment
1. Smart Targeting: AI can sift through social media, job boards, and other online spaces to find people who have the skills and interests that match what fire departments need. This means they can focus their efforts on folks who are likely to be a great fit.
2. Fast Screening: AI can quickly go through resumes and applications to pick out the top candidates. This speeds up the hiring process and ensures only the best applicants move forward.
3. Predicting Success: AI can look at data from past hires to figure out which candidates are most likely to do well in training and on the job. This helps fire departments make smarter hiring choices.
How ChatGPT Can Boost Engagement
1. Interactive Chatbots: ChatGPT-powered chatbots on recruitment websites can provide instant answers to questions about the fire service, how to apply, and what career opportunities are available. This 24/7 availability can spark more interest and applications.
2. Personalized Communication: ChatGPT can chat with candidates, answering their specific questions, addressing concerns, and giving personalized advice. This makes the whole process feel more welcoming and tailored to each individual.
3. Training Help: ChatGPT can also support new recruits by offering instant answers to their questions, providing training exercises, and acting as a learning resource throughout their training.
Building Stronger Community Connections
Fire departments need strong community support, and AI and ChatGPT can help improve engagement in several ways:
1. Educational Outreach: AI can deliver custom educational content about fire safety and prevention. ChatGPT can host online workshops, Q&A sessions, and virtual fire station tours to educate the community.
2. Gathering Feedback: AI can analyze feedback from the community
to find out what’s working and what needs improvement. ChatGPT can help collect real-time feedback through surveys and direct chats, ensuring the fire department stays responsive to community needs.
3. Social Media Savvy: AI can help fire departments optimize their social media strategies to reach more people, while ChatGPT can manage interactions by providing quick and accurate responses to public inquiries.
AI can help identify the types of content that resonate most with the audience, the best times to post for maximum engagement and even predict trends that can inform future recruitment campaigns. This level of insight allows departments to adapt their strategies in real-time, ensuring they remain relevant and continue to attract diverse and talented recruits.
The Future of Fire Departments
Using AI and ChatGPT comes with some challenges, like ensuring data privacy and maintaining cybersecurity. However, the benefits are huge. By embracing these technologies, fire departments can attract more tech-savvy recruits, improve efficiency, and build stronger community relationships.
At the end of the day, AI and ChatGPT are game-changers for fire department recruitment and engagement. With these tools, fire departments can ensure they have a steady stream of dedicated and capable recruits ready to serve and protect our communities.
Sources
• NVFC - Volunteer View: Revolutionizing Recruitment with ChatGTP
• Quora - How can artificial intelligence be applied to firefighting?
• LinkedIn - Fueling the Fire: Revolutionizing Fire Department Recruitment with Social Media & AI in 2024
Drummond FD
PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE OKLAHOMA STATE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
For more than 60 years, Labaton Keller Sucharow LLP has been a trusted partner to public safety funds and retirement systems. Our services are custom-tailored to meet the needs of our clients, including portfolio monitoring and securities litigation. Billions of dollars have been returned to investors due to our fraud detection and successful recoveries.
Jacob Stangl: OSFA Public Education Committee Report
On Sept. 10, the OSFA Public Education Committee will host a pivotal summit at the Tulsa Technology Center, addressing the critical issue of youth fire setting.
This event aims to bring together educators, community leaders, fire safety leaders, and health professionals to discuss prevention and intervention strategies.
Keynote Speaker: Sylvia Peace
We proudly welcome Sylvia Peace from the Greenville Fire Department as our keynote speaker. With extensive experience in fire safety education and program development, she will offer valuable insights on effectively tackling youth fire setting.
Panel Discussion
The summit will also feature an interactive panel discussion with representatives from various fire departments across the state. These experts will share their experiences, successes, and challenges in managing youth fire setting programs, with a Q&A session for attendees.
Why Attend?
Youth fire setting is a significant concern with far-reaching consequences. By attending this summit, you will gain a deeper understanding of the issue and learn about proactive measures to protect our community.
Event Details
• Date: September 10, 2024
• Location: Tulsa Technology Center
• Keynote Speaker: Sylvia Peace, Greenville Fire Department
Years ago, John Vance, a car dealership in Guthrie, donated a truck to the OSFA to use for events and hauling a trailer.
With that, a partnership was created. And OSFA recently had the truck wrapped to showcase its partnership with John Vance.
Edmond FD
James Johnson: OSFA Educational Advisory Committee Report
For the 2024 OSFA State Fire School, we will be doing things a little bit different.
First off, the 2024 John F. Futhey II Oklahoma State Fire School will be held Oct. 25-26 in Tulsa. In past years, it was held in the spring.
And this year, we are hoping to offer ZOOM classes, as well as in-class opportunities. We will also be offering both HOT and COLD classes. If you’d like to be a part of this process next year, please fill out the forms with OSFA and join our team on the Educational Advisory Committee. We appreciate all the hard work of the OSFA staff and the OSFA Education Advisory Committee members.
Tuttle FD
Greg Lindsay: Firefighter Near-Miss Report
How did you sleep?
By Greg Lindsay OKC Fire Department
group pg 4).
Recent articles about the fire service include topics that deeply affect personnel working today. Issues that involve decision-making, staffing, and behavioral health tend to top the list.
Still, one topic that influences all of these is sleep. We have continued to supply our talents to fulfill many of the needs of our family and community. Still, while trying to assist those needing us, we may have borrowed the time from our sleep bank.
I remember hearing from childhood that we need eight hours of sleep in 24 hours. For me, I usually sleep about that long when I am left to wake without an alarm. And I can say that I feel better when I have had enough sleep.
Rarely is there a time at the station when sleep goes uninterrupted by an alarm. I also know I can be a little cranky by the end of the tour. A good night’s sleep usually helps.
The report highlighted in this article was one of the first submissions to the Nearmiss system. Though the report is a legacy report from 2005, the message still resonates.
Report 5-641 is written from a recruit’s perspective but with the knowledge acquired by a company officer. This officer’s 10 years of seasoning is apparent in the report’s presentation. However, reading this excerpt, you can still hear the enthusiasm of a recruit trading sleep for the experience.
REPORT NARRATIVE
We know that sleepiness is problematic for all of us, not just firefighters. Consider these points for a general discussion with your crew members.
• How do you combat sleepiness while working?
• How does caffeine figure into the awake strategy?
• Are you more likely to fight back with a stimulant or give in to a nap (Fight or Flight)?
• Do you have a standard bedtime the night before a shift?
In one shift, my partner and I ran 38 calls in 24 hours with a 3-hour fire around midnight. Call 30 of 38, shots were fired in our general direction, and we were only 80 feet from the shooter … the excitement of the fire and the shooting made it impossible to sleep. On the way home, I fell asleep at the wheel.
As reality steps in, enthusiasm fades. Talking with co-workers after shift change keeps us alert, but on the drive home, only our thoughts are available for company; reluctantly, our thoughts are as tired as we are.
Studies published in the Working Group Report on Problem Sleepiness, 1997 from The National Center on Sleep Disorders Research and Office of Prevention, Education, and Control define this further by saying, “Higher rates of automobile crashes among patients with sleep disorders have been consistently reported, and laboratory assessments of simulated driving by patients have clearly shown impairment and its reversal with successful treatment (Pack et al., 1995; Roth et al., 1995a)” (Working Group pg 2).
From this, we conclude that impairment from sleepiness is reversible when we get adequate sleep.
This study also discusses shift work. The conclusion is that people who routinely work a night shift can adapt to a new schedule. However, “The major consequences of problem sleepiness for shift workers are impairment of life quality, a reduction in productivity, and a potential increase in the risk of accident and injury (Working
• Do you try to have the same sleep/wake schedule when not on duty?
Firefighters are unique in that we do not fit the traditional mold of a shift worker.
Our schedule is such that during a shift we may be busy all day with schools, emergency calls, and errands, slow down during irregular times, and then respond to several calls after midnight. These work practices are well known. Several podcasts discuss some of the unique challenges firefighters face during their shifts. Alerting systems are used in stations that help control how we are dispatched for a call. And regular rotations help prevent burnout.
Being sleepy has a toll on our emotional health, decision-making, and risk assessment. Some studies even equate sleep deprivation with impairment based on coordination and how we can make decisions.
Finally, from the Psychology Today article on sleepiness: “5 Signs You Need More Sleep.” Just being tired isn’t the only sign that you’re experiencing sleep loss. Sleep deprivation can affect the entire body, so if you have any of the following symptoms, you probably need more sleep.
1. You fall asleep almost immediately.
2. You have a low sex drive.
3. You’re dehydrated.
4. You crave junk food.
5. You feel anxious.
-- (Breus, 2021)
Getting enough sleep can be the deciding factor between having a safe shift or a shift full of trouble.
Thank you for reading.
Works Cited
Breus, M.J., 5 Signs That You Need More Sleep, Lack of sleep can impact your health in surprising ways. 2021.
Pack, A.I., Pack, A.M., Rodgman, E., Cucchiara, A., Dinges, D.F., Schwab, C.W. Characteristics of crashes attributed to the driver having fallen asleep. Accident Analysis and Prevention 27(6):769-775, 1995.
Roth, T., Roehrs, T.A., Rosenthal, L. Hypersomnolence and neurocognitive performance in sleep apnea. Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine 1:488-490, 1995a.
Working Group Report on Problem Sleepiness. The National Center on Sleep Disorders Research and Office of Prevention, Education, and Control 1997.
n
MEETING
(April 19, 2024)
Bradley N. Davis/Broken Arrow –Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective April 1, 2024: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Baggett to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective April 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Duncan, Cramer, Laws Nimmo, Bryant, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
David J. Thomas/MuskogeeApplication For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective July 3, 2023: Motion was made by Baggett seconded by Cramer to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line Duty”, effective July 3, 2023. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Duncan, Nimmo, Bryant, Cramer, Laws and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Jimmie W. Travis/Oklahoma City –Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective April 1, 2024: Motion was made by Bennett and seconded by Lay to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective April 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Duncan, Nimmo, Bryant, Laws and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Spencer Manier/Tulsa - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective April 1, 2024: Motion was made by Bennett and seconded by Lay to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective April 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Duncan, Nimmo, Bryant, Laws and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Terry Sivadon/Tulsa - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective April 1, 2024: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Bennett to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective April 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Duncan, Nimmo, Bryant, Laws and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
n MEETING (May 17, 2024)
Andrew J. Whimple/Broken Arrow – Application For “Disability Not In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective November 21, 2019: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Bennett to deny the Application for “Disability Not in the Line of Duty”, effective November 21, 2019. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Duncan, Cramer, Provence, Nimmo, Marcum, Bryant, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Andrew S. Wall/Enid - Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective May 1, 2024: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Cramer to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line Duty”, effective May 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Duncan, Nimmo, Bryant, Cramer, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
James Drain/Harrah – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective October 27, 2022: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Provence to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective April 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Duncan, Nimmo, Bryant, Provence, Marcum and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Carl S. Smith/Norman - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective December 17, 2022: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Baggett to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective December 17, 2022. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Duncan, Nimmo, Bryant, Provence, Marcum and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Baggett and seconded by Lay to send Smith to Dr Ilaoa get a fit for duty examination. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Duncan, Nimmo, Bryant, Provence, Marcum and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Samuel J. Redenius/Oklahoma City - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective March 1, 2024: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Baggett to approve the Application
6601 Broadway Ext., OKC, OK 73116
405-522-4600 • 1-800-525-7461
405-522-4643 fax www.okfirepen.state.ok.us
for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective March 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Duncan, Nimmo, Bryant, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Dustin Starr/Broken Arrow –Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Cramer to approve the request of Starr to modify his pension from “Service” to “Disability in the Line of Duty”
Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Duncan, Nimmo, Bryant, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Scott Osban/Oklahoma City –Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Bennett and seconded by Lay to approve the request of Starr to modify his pension from “Service” to “Disability in the Line of Duty”
Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Duncan, Nimmo, Bryant, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
n MEETING (June 21, 2024)
Michael J. Bussell/Norman – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2024: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Baggett to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Ostrander, Cramer, Provence, Acosta, Marcum, Bryant, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
James S. Armitage/Oklahoma City - Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2024: Motion was made by Baggett and seconded by Lay to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line Duty”, effective June 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Ostrander, Acosta, Bryant, Cramer, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Chris E. Blankenship/Oklahoma City – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2024: Motion was made by Bennett and seconded by
Chase Rankin Executive Director
Lay to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Ostrander, Acosta, Bryant, Provence, Marcum and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Robert Coleman Jr./Oklahoma City - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2024: Motion was made by Bennett and seconded by Bryant to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Ostrander, Acosta, Bryant, Provence, Marcum and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Joseph E. Eddy III/Oklahoma CityApplication For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2024: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Baggett to modify the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty” to Service, effective June 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Ostrander, Acosta, Bryant, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
James Fish/Oklahoma City - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2024: Motion was made by Bennett and seconded by Lay to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Ostrander, Acosta, Bryant, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Delonna K. Fowser/Oklahoma City - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2024: Motion was made by Bennett and seconded by Lay to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Ostrander, Acosta, Bryant, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Matthew H. Hobson/Oklahoma City - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2024: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Bennett to approve the Application
for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Ostrander, Acosta, Bryant, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Frederick Pais/Oklahoma CityApplication For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2024: Motion was made by Bennett and seconded by Lay to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Ostrander, Acosta, Bryant, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Timothy Shook/Oklahoma City - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2024: Motion was made by Baggett and seconded by Benett to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Ostrander, Acosta, Bryant, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
William M. Sparks/Oklahoma City - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2024: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Bennett to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Ostrander, Acosta, Bryant, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Eric Stark/Oklahoma City - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2024: Motion was made by Bennett and seconded by Lay to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Ostrander, Acosta, Bryant, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Harold J. Thompson/Oklahoma City - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2024: Motion was made by Bennett and seconded by Baggett to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Ostrander, Acosta, Bryant, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Dante P. Viviani/Oklahoma CityApplication For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 1, 2024: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Bennett to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Ostrander, Acosta, Bryant, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Chuck L. Williamson/SkiatookApplication For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective April 1, 2024: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Bennett to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective June 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Ostrander, Acosta, Bryant, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Tyler Shriver/Broken ArrowApplication For “Disability Not In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective May 28, 2024: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Lay to approve the Application for “Disability Not in the Line of Duty”, effective May 28, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Ostrander, Acosta, Bryant, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Kent Lagaly/El Reno – Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: No action was taken.
Casey Morrison/Claremore –Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Cramer to approve the request of Morrison to modify his pension from “Service” to “Disability in the Line of Duty” Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Ostrander, Acosta, Bryant, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Carl Smith/Norman – Request To Return To Full-Time Active Duty: Motion was made by Baggett and seconded by Lay to approve Smith’s request to return to full-time active duty. Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Ostrander, Acosta, Bryant, Provence, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
n CONSENT AGENDA (May 17, 2024)
CHECKS TERMINATED IN APRIL 2024 (Deceased):
Arnett Clarence Dodd
Bartlesville Patricia L. Gilliland
Blackwell Carol E. Moyer
Byron Bobby G. Resler
Calera Mary F. Hill
Davis Ernestine Atchley
Gore Kennth G. Simeroth
OKC Gerald W. Wright
Pink Jimmy Gibson
$5,000.00 DEATH BENEFIT:
Rattan D. Lavonne Tollett
Seminole Louise M. Moore
Sulphur Dennis Stacy
Tonkawa Deana Bringham
Tonkawa Doris J. Morgan
Tulsa Mary L. Creekmore
Tulsa Donna L. Jordan
Tulsa Suzanne Reeves
Wanette Earl M. Jones
Wewoka Mary Ann Norman
Atoka Brown’s Funeral Service On Behalf Of Mark A. Manion
Blackwell Roberts & Son Funeral Home On Behalf Of Howard L. Wayman
Canton Fairview Funeral Home On Behalf Of Arnold L. Lanning
Cement Ferguson Funeral Home On Ebahlf Of Jason B. Stamper
Edmond Travis J. Smith, Child Of Jon K. Smith
Eufaula Hunn Black & Merritt Funeral On Behalf Of Allen D. Mayhar
Grove Heritage Funeral Home On Behalf Of Uriah R. Sholl
Helena Ladus-Evans Funeral Home On Behaf Of Dennis K. Nichols
Lawton Shelley L. Goddard, Child Of Richard L. Goddard
Muskogee Shipman Funeral Home On Behalf Of Thomas R. McKinney
OKC John M. Ireland Funeral Home On Behalf Of D.C. Cantrell
OKC Vicki L. Seeley, Widow Of Michael D. Seeley
Oktaha Karen Crossland, Widow Of Jimmy L. Crossland
Ponca City Trout Funeral Home On Behalf Of Lawrence D. Shelton
Sulphur Dearman Funeral Home On Behalf Of Dennis Stacy
Talihina Janet M. Massey, Widow Of Paul D. Massey
Temple Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home On Behalf Of Frank K. Tucker
Tulsa Jill L. Stein, Widow Of Mark A. Stein
Tulsa Chapman Black Funeral On Behalf Of William H. Turner
Union City Huber-Benson Funeral Home On Behalf Of Larry B. Maples
Yukon Yanda & Son Funeral Home On Behalf Of Ralph W. Corr, Jr.
APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE PENSION SYSTEM:
Alva Bentley Tomberlin
Coweta Chandler Suddath
Durant Dylan Hamilton
Durant Bryce Steele
Jenks Matthew Chapman
Miami Ashley Snell
Mustang Quyntana Bateson
Mustang Dakota Head
Norman Scott Jones
Pawhuska Brandon Walker
Ponca City Bryan Jordan
Sand Springs Jesse Leslie
Sand Springs John Miller
Sand Springs Ethan Nunn
Sand Springs Jacob Shields
Sand Springs Cooper Thomas
Tulsa William Ader
Tulsa Jared Baughn
Tulsa Bryce Beall
APPLICATION FOR VESTED BENEFIT:
05/01/2021 Country Corner
01/04/2031 Grady
Tulsa Jayson Campbell
Tulsa Chance Deitz
Tulsa Bianka Diaz
Tulsa Jake Enzbrenner
Tulsa Richard Hartman
Tulsa Keston Hatchette
Tulsa Jesse James
Tulsa Nate Keim
Tulsa Rosario Lopez
Tulsa Cole Maxey
Tulsa Bryson McGuire
Tulsa Trey Reynolds
Tulsa Carson Savage
Tulsa Jace Starling
Tulsa Jacob Sutherland
Tulsa Alejandro Trejo
Tulsa Cole Woods
Watonga Shawn Casey
APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE FOR CONTINUATION:
05/01/2024 Ardmore Rene’ A Transue, Widow Of Willard D. Huges
05/01/2024 Blackwell Kristina Wayman, Widow Of Howard Wayman
05/01/2024 Dover Deborah Benson, Widow Of Kenneth Benson
05/01/2024 Ft Gibson Velma Crittenden, Widow Of Arthur Crittenden
05/01/2024 Jenks Terry Douglas, Widow Of Robert E. Douglas
05/01/2024 Lindsay Betty J. Hudson, Widow Of Vernon Hudson
05/01/2024 Maysville Bobby L. Williams, Widow Of John R. Williams
05/01/2024 OKC Brenda D. Baker, Widow Of David L. Baker
05/01/2024 OKC Delores Robinson, Widow Of Donald E. Robinson
05/01/2024 Tulsa Pauline F. Walker, Widow of Gary J. Walker
05/01/2024 Wainwright Paula Myers, Widow Of Barry E. Myers
APPLICATION FOR SERVICE PENSION:
05/02/2024 Del City Brandon L. Pursell
05/01/2024 Elk City Marlin W. Poole Jr.
05/01/2024 Inola Kenneth B. Anderson
05/01/2024 Lula Rfd Benny C. Davis
05/01/2024 Macomb Walter J. Mayfield
05/01/2024 Reagan Eric G. Coll
05/03/2024 Sumner Bud Patterson
05/01/2024 Wagoner Jeff D. Hamilton
05/01/2024 Wilburton Brian M. Crockett
REFUND OF CONTRIBUTIONS:
Michael W. Smith
Charles B. Thompson
05/01/2024 Salina Jefferson Littledave
n CONSENT AGENDA (June 21, 2024)
CHECKS TERMINATED IN MAY 2024 (Deceased):
Bartlesville Ronald G. Ketchum
Fairfax Carol E. Irons
Freedom Gary N. Bradt
Mangum Juanita Pierson
Marietta Jerry Lynn Hill
Midwest City Wayne H. Hubers
$5,000.00 DEATH BENEFIT:
Morris Margaret Wainwright
OKC Rae Bland
OKC David T. Darby
OKC Wanda Young
Shawnee James R. Brown
Terral Mary E. Lewis
Yukon Ralph W. Corr, Jr.
Ardmore Rene’ A. Transue, Widow Of Willard D. Hughes
Bartlesville Stumpff Funeral Home On Behalf Of Ronald G. Ketchum
Bokoshe Jade Cosgrove, Adult Child Of Carl Cosgrove
Dover Deborah K. Benson, Widow Of Kenneth K. Benson Fort Cobb Velma S. Crittenden, Widow Of Arthur G. Crittenden
Gore Lescher-Millsap Funeral Home On Behalf Of Kenneth Simeroth
Guymon Bunch-Roberts Funeral Home On Behalf Of Billie S. Dawes
Lamar Billy Keith McCoy, Adult Child Of Billy D. McCoy
Lindsay Winans Funeral Home On Behalf Of Vernon Hudson
Maysville Winans Funeral Home On Ebhalf Of John R. Williams
Midwest City Dinan Davidson, Adult Child Of Wayne H. Hubers
Midwest City Barbara Stevens, Adult Child Of Wayne H. Hubers
OKC Parks Brothers Funeral Home On Behalf Of David L. Baker
OKC Hart Funeral Home On Behalf Of David T. Darby
OKC Locktone Funeral Home On Behalf Of Donald E. Robinson
Shawnee Cooper Funeral Home On Behalf Of James R. Brown
Tahlequah Green Country Funeral Home On Behalf Of Tommie L. Heaton
Tulsa Mowery Funeral Home On Behalf Of Gary J. Walker
Wainwright Paula Myers, Widow Of Barry E. Myers
APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE PENSION SYSTEM:
Bartlesville Daniel Barham
Catoosa Erick Esparza
Collinsville Richard Teehee
Elk City Brandon Roland
Elk City Clay Underhill
Grove Kelly Hannaford
Grove Andrew Sparks
Idabel Bradley Robertson
Lawton Cooper Compton
Lawton Joseph Oberle
Limestone Anthony Rodriguez
Poteau Michael W. Twyman
Tuttle Jonah Bagg
APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE:
06/01/2024 Covington Stanley Anglemyer, Widower Of Christy L. Anglemyer (Deceased 5/8/2024)
APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE FOR CONTINUATION:
06/01/2024 Carney Maida Tyler, Widow Of Kenneth Tyler, Jr.
06/01/2024 Edmond Joan Curtis, Widow Of Todd M. Curtis
06/01/2024 Guymon Vonalene Dawes, Widow Of Bill S. Dawes
06/01/2024 Haworth Sharon Lincoln, Widow Of Bob G. Lincoln
06/01/2024 Pauls Valley Ann E. Ruster, Widow Of James S. Ruster
06/01/2024 Redland Kathryn A. Rogers, Widow Of Michael J. Rogers
06/01/2024 Red Oak Donna J. Hiatt, Widow Of Vince E. Hiatt
06/01/2024 Watonga Cindy Rice, Widow Of Leslie C. Rice
APPLICATION FOR DISABILITY IN THE LINE OF DUTY –MODIFY TO SERVICE PENSION:
06/01/2024 Bartlesville Eric L. Munday
06/01/2024 Broken Arrow Robert L. Goode
06/01/2024 Oklahoma City Alan R. Brown
06/01/2024 Oklahoma City Christopher Burgess
06/01/2024
Oklahoma City John D. Evans
06/01/2024 Oklahoma City Lance T. Hansen
06/01/2024
06/01/2024
Oklahoma City Jason K. Smith
Oklahoma City Frank L. Stubbs
06/01/2024 Sand Springs Justin D. Melton
NEW COUNTYAND/OR
APPLICATION FOR SERVICE PENSION:
06/01/2024 Bartlesville Harold Brown
06/01/2024 Bartlesville Robert D. Harris
06/01/2024 Bartlesville David R. Topping
06/01/2024 Billings Linda S. Stoll
05/01/2024 Corn Bart L. Gossen
06/01/2024 Duncan Keith L. Pemberton
05/01/2024 Gore Jonathon C. Sheffield
05/01/2024 Hulbert Danny A. Darrow
02/01/2024 Indiahoma William J. Nadeau
06/01/2024 Leedey Brian C. Dowdle
05/01/2024 Lucien Rick D. Cook
01/01/2024 New Hope Kenneth M. Myers
02/14/2024 Ramona Dewey A. Floyd
06/01/2024 Tulsa Chris Fremen
06/01/2024 Tulsa William D. French
01/01/2024 Weatherford Hal J. Penner
06/01/2024 Wewoka Kevin D. Green
APPLICATION FOR VESTED BENEFIT:
06/01/2021 Adair John F. Cramer Jr.
11/22/2024 Manitou James L. Nobles
REFUND OF CONTRIBUTIONS: Hire
Conner D. Sisson Cushing 10/03/2022 03/05/2024
Braiden Jarvis-Beck Elk City 04/24/2022 01/05/2024
Robert T. Chaney Elk City 04/03/2017 04/21/2024
Richard Vermillion Guthrie 12/06/2005 09/13/2019
Benjamin Wood Holdenville 09/23/1996 07/07/2020
Matthew A. Bryan Idabel 03/04/2015 02/02/2022
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LEADING WITH FORESIGHT TM
n
CONSENT
AGENDA
(July 19, 2024)
CHECKS TERMINATED IN JUNE 2024 (Deceased):
Afton Pamela A. Countryman
Broken Arrow Ronald H. Childress
Carter Ronnie G. Easter
Carnegie William G. Baker
Cheyenne Ruby M. Martin
Clinton Oneta F. Coleman
Crescent Barbara Bailey
Cyril Suzanne M. Snider
Cyril Jerry J. Wass
$5,000.00 DEATH BENEFIT:
Ft. Gibson Jimmy W. Raynor
Ft. Gibson Jason E. Todd
Geary Patsy Wright
Glencoe Elizabeth Rathburn
Hooker Weldene Burge
OKC Lee Roy C. Harding
OKC Gary L. Konechney
OKC Leonard M. Weldon
The Village Carole L. Thompson
Warner Richard L. Ralls
Carnegie Ray & Martha’s Funeral On Behalf Of Marion Kenneth Tyler Jr.
Covington Stanley Anglemyer, Spouse Of Christy L. Anglemyer
Edmond Matthews Funeral Home On Behalf Of Todd M. Curtis
Ft. Gibson Cornerstone Funeral Home On Behalf Of Jimmy W. Raynor
Ft. Gibson Clifford D. Garrett Family Funeral On Behalf Of Jason E. Todd
Haworth Sharon Lincoln, Widow Of Bob G. Lincoln
Jenks Floral Haven Funeral Home On Behalf Of Robert E. Douglas
Lawton Becker Funeral Home On Behalf Of Lemonte F. Merritt
Pauls Valley Wooser Funeral Home One Behalf Of James S. Ruster
Red Oak Donna J. Hiatt, Widow Of Vince E. Hiatt
Redland Kathryn A. Rogers, Widow Of Michael J. Rogers
Warner Clifford D. Garrett, Family Funeral On Behalf Of Richard Ralls
Watonga Turner Funeral Home On Behalf Of Leslie C. Rice
Wilburton Jones Harkins Funeral On Behalf of Jimmie (Jim) E. Roberts
APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE PENSION SYSTEM:
Anadarko Austin Elam
Anadarko Nathan Lapointe
Bixby Joshua Spinardi
Blackwell Keegan Goff
Coweta Matthew Weldin
Coweta Triston Willis
Cushing Jared Brown
Durant Kolby Blake
Durant Justin Hendricks
Durant Cody Hughes
Ft. Gibson Gabriel Carter
Lawton Grant Burton
Lawton Carlton Clark
Lawton Beau Paul
Lawton Thomas Peter
Lawton Bradford Reeves
Lawton Steven Watson
Lone Grove Michael Hicks
McAlester Aaron Lebs
Monkey Island Tyler Kilmer
Moore Silas Elliott
Moore Caleb Lewis
Moore D’Anthony Perkins
Moore Frank Troy
Moore Ryan Weller
Moore Hudson Williams
Muskogee Caleb Cox
Muskogee Levi Peck
Muskogee Colten Walker
Noble Nathan Schoelen
Holdenville Tye D. Rambo
Ponca City Hunter Walker
Tahlequah Sarah Swayze
Tuttle Clayton Frazier
Tuttle Isaac McDouleytt
Tuttle Drake Rumbaugh
Tuttle Jayden Seebold
APPLICATION FOR SERVICE PENSION:
07/01/2024 Antlers Delbert W. Gay
07/01/2024 Ardmore Cary L. Williamson
07/01/2024 Bromide Floyd R. Ross
07/01/2024 Central High Christopher Kennedy
07/01/2024 Colony Marvin D. Misak
05/01/2024 Grady Dale E. Seibold
07/01/2024 Haileyville Timmie D. Colbert
07/01/2024 Kooeba-Sickles Cory W. Gathers
07/01/2024 Morrison Danny W. Caldwell
07/01/2024 Muskogee Matthew J. Sheets
07/01/2024 Mustang Buddy J. Corbin
07/01/2024 Noble Phillip D. Scott
APPLICATION FOR DISABILITY IN THE LINE OF DUTY –MODIFY TO SERVICE PENSION:
07/01/2024 Broken Arrow James E. Suddath
07/01/2024 Tulsa Benjamin Weaver
APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE FOR CONTINUATION:
07/01/2024 Bluejacket Bernice I. Nigh, Widow Of Chancie G. Nigh
07/01/2024 Caney Beth Golden, Widow Of Michael R. Golden
07/01/2024 Commerce Connie Mccorkell, Widow Of Jimmy Mccorkell
07/01/2024 Coweta Kim Ginn, Widow Of James A. Ginn
07/01/2024 Eakly Rebecca A. Moore, Widow Of Roger Moore
07/01/2024 Fairfax Montalu Renfron, Widow Of Raymond Renfro
07/01/2024 Hastings Ray Griffin, Widower Of E. Lynette Griffin
07/01/2024 Lamont Birdie D. Goodale, Widow Of Jerry E. Goodale
07/01/2024 Lawton Karen K. Merritt, Widow Of Lemonte F. Merritt
07/01/2024 Marlow Sharon Kizarr, Widow Of James R. Kizarr
07/01/2024 Meeker Melva Buckhanon, Widow Of John Buckhanon
07/01/2024 Nicoma Park Pauline Coleman, Widow Of Roger D. Coleman
07/01/2024 Putnam Karen Robertson, Widow Of Bill B. Robertson
07/01/2024 Shawnee Sharon Barnard, Widow Of Clyde A. Barnard
07/01/2024 Tulsa Pamela K. Ward, Widow Of Jimmy D. Ward
07/01/2024 Wlburton Dorothy Roberts, Widow Of Jimmy E. Roberts
APPLICATION FOR VESTED BENEFIT:
07/01/2021 Westville Jimmy W. Christian
REFUND OF CONTRIBUTIONS:
Dalton J. Thompson Coalgate 11/24/2019
03/11/2022 Eric L. Denissen Coweta 01/27/2016 05/04/2024 Erik Sykes Hugo 08/13/2023 06/16/2024
n OKLAHOMA FIRE SPOTLIGHT
BY GREG ROBERTS Ret. Norman FD
EMPIRE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief: Randall Allen
Empire FD formed: 1983
Joined OSFA: 1986
ISO rating: 4
Population: 700 (approx)
Square Miles Covered: 100
Firefighters: 24
Calls Per Year: 125 (approx)
Stations: 2
Engines: 3
Brushpumpers: 4
Tankers: 4
Rescue Units: 1
A classic Oklahoma oilboom town, Empire City started in the late 1910s as drilling activity in Stephens County mushroomed. At its peak, its estimated population was about 3000. The original post office was established in February 1921 and discontinued in December 1934.
With the boom long gone, the population by 1980 dwindled to just 13 people. But with the expansion of neighboring Duncan, the town began to rebound in the mid-1980s, though no post office has been reestablished.
In the past few decades, the town has become known as Empire. Next door to Fire Station #1 is the Empire Public Schools, K-12, home of the Bulldogs.
Empire VFD Fleet
Empire VFD Station #2
Craig Carruth: OFCA President’s Report
Greetings Everyone!
I hope this finds everyone doing well and managing to stay cool in the summer heat! We experienced increased rainfall early in the season, followed now by a prolonged hot and dry spell.
With many outdoor activities still in full swing, I encourage everyone to remember the importance of drinking plenty of fluids to remain hydrated. In order to maintain quality service delivery, we need to keep in mind the value of self-preparation.
I hope everyone had a great time at the OSFA Convention. President Tony Lopez and the Midwest City Fire Department did an excellent job ensuring everyone had a great time. Congratulations to Eric Acosta on being elected as the Third Vice President of the OSFA Executive Board.
As the new school year begins, along with additional school functions and sporting activities, it’s also time to prepare for NFPA Fire Prevention Week (FPW). This provides fire departments with an opportunity to collaborate with local school staff and administration to educate students on fire safety.
This year’s theme is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” Let’s prioritize participation within our communities and
join the campaign.
October, also offers an opportunity to attend the Southwestern Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs Annual Conference scheduled for Oct. 22-24, 2024 in Denton, Texas. This conference is an excellent chance to network with fire chiefs from our division and hear from distinguished guest speakers. For more information and registration, please visit the SWD-IAFC website.
Although it may seem early, please mark your calendars for the Fire Chiefs Winter Workshop in Stillwater this January. Chief Essary is diligently preparing an incredible event with great speakers and networking opportunities.
As leaders, we must continually seek opportunities to learn and expand our knowledge to better serve our members, departments and communities. We are fortunate to have a wealth of fire service knowledge available to us, but it requires individual action to pursue our full potential. So, please plan to attend these events to enhance your knowledge and expand your circle of influence. Stay Safe.
OFCA PRESIDENT Craig Carruth ccarruth@cityofmustang.org
1ST VICE PRESIDENT Michael Baker mbaker@cityoftulsa.org
2ND VICE PRESIDENT Terry Essary terry.essary@stillwater.org
3RD VICE PRESIDENT Jared Williams jared.williams@lawtonok.gov
OFCA PAST
Richard Kelley richard.kelley@okc.gov OFCA
Kent Lagaly klagaly901@gmail.com
Mustang FD
Michael Baker: OFCA 1st Vice President’s Report
Summertime in Oklahoma. I hope everyone is managing the recent 100 degree plus temperatures safety and staying hydrated.
One of the items the Tulsa Fire Department is working on this summer is the five-year renewal of our community’s Public Protection Classification (PPC) aka ISO rating. This renewal seems to be especially important to our city as we are experiencing some growth in both residential and commercial properties. Personally, it matters to me due to an increase in my home insurance rate. From what I can tell, we are all taking a rate hike hit.
In a July 15th Tulsa World article titled, “Oklahoma Homeowners Pay Among the Highest Premium Rates in the Nation. A Look At Why,”we were all reminded how our state is impacted by natural disasters such as tornadoes and wildfire.
The devastating tornado events this Spring in Barnsdall, Bartlesville and Claremore are tangible examples of why we pay more for property protection. In addition to the article’s discussion on natural disasters, it mentions the importance of a community’s PPC rating.
Tulsa and Oklahoma City are fortunate to be able to reach a PPC rating of one. As we review Tulsa’s rating this year, we find that we have areas that we can improve to help our residents benefit from lower insurance rates.
I know it is a struggle for many smaller communities to achieve a one PPC rating, however, there are steps that we can take as the Oklahoma Fire Service to do our part to keep insur-
ance rates under control.
Here are a few suggestions to consider.
First, if you have not completed a PPC for your jurisdiction, request some assistance from the Oklahoma Insurance Department. I have found that they are a great source of knowledge and are more than happy to have a discussion about how your department can improve its rating and service delivery.
Second, make sure you are working with your neighboring fire departments to collectively benefit from shared resources and responses. Tulsa’s ability to achieve a PPC of one is in part due to the assistance we are able to receive from our neighboring departments such as Oak Grove, Jenks and Rolling Hills. In return, these communities benefit from Tulsa’s rating. This shared benefit model helps everyone.
Finally, look over your existing PPC components on a frequent basis to ensure that training, communications and aid agreements are up-to-date. Every department can benefit from some improved documentation and record keeping, along with shared regional training with their neighboring departments.
It is the mission of the fire service to protect life and property. All departments can help their service area’s insurance rates by improving their PPC rating.
Our residents expect us to provide the best protection possible and now, more than ever, we can see that we have a direct impact on the money in their pocket.
Let’s do our part to keep our insurance rates as low as possible. The entire state will benefit from our efforts.
Jared Williams: OFCA 3rd Vice President’s Report
Greeting Oklahoma Fire Service! I hope everyone is enjoying the lovely hot weather.
As I write this article, I see only 162 shopping days until Christmas and cooler weather.
Recently, while on a recruiting trip with my son at an institution known for its leadership training, I had the opportunity to listen to a coach address his team.
He congratulated the team on being compliant but asked them if they wanted to be more. For the team, being compliant meant attending workouts, meetings, team activities, etc.
He then said it is easy to be compliant, but being compliant is the minimum. To be great, you must be more than compliant. He challenged the team to do more than the minimum.
As a Chief Officer, Battalion Chief, Company Officer, Driver, or Firefighter, to be great, we have to be more than compliant.
The citizens we serve deserve more than us just being compliant. The brothers
and sisters we serve beside deserve for us to be more than compliant.
Being a good firefighter is more than the minimum. It takes desire, drive and dedication. Every day is a training day; what can I do today to make myself better, not just compliant?
In the fire service, we have minimum standards for just about everything, and if we only aim for them, we will be compli-
ant but not great. My challenge to you all is to be great, not just compliant.
To finish the story, the coach I am referencing is Drew Thatcher, Offensive Coordinator at West Point.
My son loved his visit to West Point but felt more comfortable with the Navy Coaching staff and has committed to the Naval Academy.
Go Navy! Beat Army!!!
Tulsa FD
Lawton FD
Terry Essary: OFCA
2nd Vice President’s Report
Hi everyone. I hope you have had an amazing summer so far!
I want to start out by saying thank you to the OSFA board, the OSFA staff and MWC Fire Department for putting on a great convention in June. I’ve never seen so many flamingo-themed items in my life, and I have to admit it was pretty amazing.
I also want to congratulate Gene Brown on being elected to 3rd Vice President of ORFA, and Eric Acosta on being elected to 3rd Vice President of the OSFA.
We are working on building a great Chiefs Winter Workshop for everyone in January, and Chief Carruth is getting geared up to host an epic annual conference in April.
Also, there are a lot of other great events in the meantime, so be sure to be on the lookout for opportunities to connect and have a great time with other firefighters from across the state.
If you are like me, it seems that time is moving at 1.5 speed. The hours may drag, but the days and weeks fly by like a state trooper en route to a car wreck.
I’m not sure if our constant access to information or other factors are at play at making time seem like it’s moving at hyper speed, but I know it’s easy to find yourself just checking boxes and forgetting to breathe and enjoy the ride.
Also it’s really easy to fall into the trap of doing things to stay busy, but if were not careful we get caught in a trap of expending energy without really accomplishing anything.
The philosopher Seneca wrote, “It is not that we have a short amount of time to live, but that we waste a lot of it. Life is long enough, and a sufficiently generous amount has been given to us for the highest achievements if it were all well invested.”
I know that is easier said than done, but I think it’s something we should strive for every day.
As firefighters, we get to be a part of one of the greatest professions in the world, if not the best, and it would be a tragedy to not enjoy the ride, and waste the gift of time on things that don’t truly matter.
So, I encourage myself and all of you to go out there and use the time we have to build relationships, collaborate, laugh, try new things, love family and friends, love our brothers and sisters in the fire service and build a better Oklahoma Fire Service for those that will follow.
Truck 1 supporting the OSU Cowgirls Softball team
Sourcewell for Fire Departments: Purchasing Support for All Items - Big and Small
As fire departments face extended lead times and rising costs, cooperative purchasing through Sourcewell is emerging as a strategic approach to efficiently secure vital equipment and supplies for the largest career to the smallest volunteer departments.
Cooperative purchasing can be a highly effective tool for streamlining the purchasing process for everything from office supplies to large vehicles. Examples of products and services specific to the fire and emergency services include:
• Fire Apparatus and Ambulances
• Turnout Gear and SCBA
•Firefighting Tools and Equipment
• Software and Communications Equipment
• EMS Equipment including Cots, Cardiac Monitors, and Supplies
By using Sourcewell contracts, departments with specific requirements satisfy their procurement requirements, and others like volunteer departments can use Sourcewell contracts knowing they are getting competitive best value pricing. This ensures they are using the public money donated to them in the best way possible.
To view Public Safety contracts available through Sourcewell, visit www. sourcewell-mn.gov/contract-search.
To check your Sourcewell member status or to view all contracts available to you through Sourcewell, visit the Sourcewell website, email service@ sourcewell-mn.gov or call 877-585-9706.
Stillwater
Richard Kelley: OFCA Past President’s Report
Greetings Members of the Oklahoma Fire Service!
I hope this message finds you well after our recent gathering at the 130th Annual OSFA Convention in Midwest City. It was truly wonderful to see familiar faces and to connect with colleagues from across the state.
A heartfelt thank you to the Midwest City Fire Department for their exceptional hospitality in hosting us and ensuring a memorable event.
As we transition back into the upcoming school year, I trust everyone is gearing up for the changes and challenges that lie ahead. This time marks a crucial period for us as firefighters to reinvigorate our focus on fire prevention initiatives and recruitment programs.
These efforts are instrumental in shaping the future of our profession and ensuring the safety of our communities.
For those who have not yet joined, I encourage you to consider becoming a member of the Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association (OFCA).
Membership offers numerous benefits, including access to valuable resources, professional development opportunities, and a strong network of peers across the state.
Here’s a quick overview of membership dues:
• Chief Officers/Shift Commanders: $55 per year
• Retired Members: $40 per year
• Sustaining Members: $30 per year
• First-Time Members: FREE One-year membership
Your support not only strengthens our organization but also reinforces our collective voice in advocating for fire officer leadership and professional excellence throughout Oklahoma. Looking ahead, let’s continue to uphold the high standards of service and commitment that define our association. Together, we can make a significant impact in safeguarding our communities and supporting our fellow firefighters.
Thank you once again to everyone who contributed to making the 130th Annual OSFA a success. Your dedication and passion for our profession are truly commendable.
Stay safe, stay informed and let’s make this upcoming year one of continued growth and achievement for the Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association.
Jared Williams: Explanation of OFCA Membership Benefits
Greetings! I am writing to discuss the numerous benefits that you can gain from joining the Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association (OFCA) and the advantages of transitioning to a new digital membership system.
As a fire chief myself, I deeply understand the value that such opportunities and advancements can bring to our profession.
Firstly, joining OFCA provides chiefs and fire officers with exceptional professional development opportunities. The association organizes conferences, workshops, and seminars conducted by industry experts, allowing members to enhance their skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities, thus elevating the quality of emergency services provided across the state.
Networking and collaboration are vital aspects of professional growth, and the OFCA serves as an excellent platform for fostering these connections. By joining the association, members have the opportunity to connect with fire chiefs, officers, and firefighters from various departments throughout Oklahoma.
This networking provides a valuable space for collaboration, idea sharing, and mutual support during emergencies. It also allows members to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange experiences and learn from their peers, ultimately strengthening our collective knowledge and capabilities.
Furthermore, the OFCA serves as a strong advocate for chief officers in Oklahoma. The association actively engages with policymakers, legislators, and other stakeholders to advocate for issues important to our firefighting community. By becoming a member, you gain the chance to shape policies, influence decisions and promote our shared interests across the state.
This collective voice is invaluable in ensuring that our concerns and needs are addressed effectively.
In addition to the benefits of joining OFCA, I would like to highlight the advantages of going digital for membership processes.
Transitioning to digital membership offers convenience for firefighters. The online application and renewal process can be completed from anywhere at any time, eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork or physical visits to the association’s office.
This saves both time and effort for firefighters, allowing them to focus more on their critical duties.
Moreover, adopting digital membership systems brings significant efficiencies for the association. Administrative time associated with manual paperwork, printing and mailing can be reduced, allowing the resources to be invested in enhancing member benefits, organizing training programs or expanding advocacy efforts.
In conclusion, joining the Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association offers firefighters unparalleled professional development, networking, advocacy and access to valuable resources. Furthermore, embracing digital membership systems brings added convenience, efficiency, accessibility and environmental sustainability.
These advancements will undoubtedly elevate our profession and benefit firefighters across Oklahoma.
I wholeheartedly encourage every firefighter in our state to consider becoming a member of the Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association and embrace the advantages of digital membership. Together, we can strengthen our capabilities, amplify our collective voice and shape the future of firefighting in Oklahoma.
Thank you for your attention and consideration.
