Oklahoma Firefighter May/June/July 2021 magazine

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 1

Museum adds Fire Trucks to its Collection

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

Change Service Requested

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage U.S. Postage PAID PAID Okla.

City, OK Permit No.OK 570 Okla.

City, Permit No. 570

Logan County FDs are like Family ALSO INSIDE:

127th OSFA CONVENTION

June 9 - 12

Official publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association

Hosted By Guthrie FD May/June/July 2021

THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA SALE

TRADE TRADEUP LIMITED TIME OFFER

Big savings on FLIR K53, K55 & K65 TICs with TIC trade-in – any brand or condition!

Valid Until June 30, 2021

GET SPECIAL PRICING ON K1, K2, K33 & K45 TICS & SELECT ACCESSORIES Valid Until June 30, 2021

©ON-FIRE MARKETING F210501_OKL050_FLI140_POM_EH_rev1

Contact your NAFECO sales representative or customer service to place your order today!

NAFECO.com/FLIR

info@nafeco.com • 800-628-6233

2 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

Contents

May/June/July 2021

klahoma Firefighter

Volume 38, Issue 1

Official Publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association 2716 N.E. 50th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111 (405) 424-1452 • Fax (405) 424-1032 osfa@osfa.info • www.osfa.info

Cover Photo - Brett Conner, Night Owl Media

Published quarterly for members of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association to educate its membership, to improve the fire service and to enhance the value and dignity of their profession, either paid or volunteer.

10 - New Fire Trucks at Museum

Editor in Chief Tippy Pierce tippy@osfa.info Co-Editor Sheri Nickel sherin@osfa.info Managing Editor Penelope Soldan penelopes@osfa.info Get your Oklahoma Firefighter magazine the minute it goes to press!

Read it on your smart phone, laptop or other digital device!

It’s an easy & convenient way to stay on top of what’s happening at OSFA!

22-23 - Convention I 33-35 - Resolutions I 36 - Oklahoma Fire Spotlight: Guthrie FD

Simply call (405-424-1452) or email the OSFA office (osfa@osfa.info) and request digital editions!

Please provide your name and address for verification.

Advertiser’s Index

25 - Logan County Firefighters OSFA / ORFA UPDATES 5-7 - OSFA Executive Board 8-9 - OSFA Directors 10 - Museum Report 12 - ORFA Resolutions 13 - ORFA President 14 - Women’s Auxiliary 14 - OSFA Staff Report OSFA COMMITTEES 14 - Educational Advisory 15 - Volunteer Fire Service 18 - Safety & Health 20 - Public Education 34 - Legislative

Shelly Oliphant

37-42 - OFCA News FEATURES 19 - Question & Answers 16 - Volunteer Firefighter: Shelly Oliphant 16 - Volunteer Caucus Photos 24 - OSFA Conventions Through the Years 30-31 - In Memoriam FIRE SERVICE REPORTS 21 - Oklahoma Firefighters Pension System 26 - Firefighter Near-Miss 28 - National Fire Protection Assoc. (NFPA) 28 - Oklahoma Fire Service Chaplains (OFSC) 29 - Fire Service Instructors of Okla. (FSIO) 42 - Assistant State Fire Marshal 42 - OSU Fire Service Training (OSU-FST) 42 - Fire Protection Publications (FPP)

29 -- Bruckner’s Truck & Equip.

28 -- Casco Industries 27 -- Conrad Fire Equipment 11 -- DACO Fire Equipment 20 -- FPP Wildland Book 43 -- ITE Fire & Rescue 9 -- Jason Farley Golf Tourn.

20 -- MASA 15 -- Moore Norman Tech 2 -- NAFECO 17 -- NVFC 28 -- OAEVT 13 -- ORFA Health Plans 31 -- Phillips Murrah P.C. 31 -- Roberts Testing 27 -- Sharp Testing 19 -- SOS Fire Equipment 39 -- Sourcewell CONTACT osfa@osfa.info to place an ad in this magazine

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 3

FIRE APPARATUS PARADE

June 10, 2021

ASSEMBLE

WHEN: WHERE:

5:00 PM Guthrie, Oklahoma

:

4 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

3:30PM Scottish Rite Temple on E. Oklahoma St.

ROUTE E. Oklahoma Street to 2nd 2nd to Mineral Wells Park

Eric Harlow: OSFA President’s Report Greetings Oklahoma Firefighters!

Welcome to our new quarterly magazine. This is the culmination of a lot of Guthrie FD thoughts, ideas and hard work by the board and staff to come up with a more modern, attractive look for our organization. We hope you all enjoy it as much as we think you will.

Our plans are to be able to offer more opportunities to feature our members and their departments, as well as offer more advertising potential for our current and potential vendors.

A huge thank you to Tippy, Sheri, Penelope and staff for the work put in on what truly modernizes the look of our communications with our membership.

It’s hard to believe, but our 127th annual convention is almost here! The OSFA staff, members of my fire department, as well as the other firefighters here in Logan County, are hard at work preparing what I hope to be a memorable convention here in Historic Guthrie.

We are finalizing the agenda as we speak, but please read up on the convention events in this edition to ensure you’re signed up ahead of time. We plan to have fishing, shotgun shooting activities, the bar crawl and our new event, the fire apparatus parade. This is something that’s done all over the country as part of many states’ annual firefighters conventions. We think it will be a hit and are looking forward to your participation in it.

This year’s convention will be held at the historic Dominion House. It was originally constructed in 1923 as the Masonic Children’s Home.

The Masons have always had a strong presence here in Guthrie and this structure stands as a true testament to their involvement in the community, state and region. It remained serving in this capacity until 1978. It was closed due to changes in Dominion House in Guthrie

state laws dealing with foster care. It was sold to the current owner in 2000 and millions of dollars were spent renovating it into what it is now.

Dominion House is the host to dozens of weddings and special events annually. We hope you enjoy its historic architecture and charm.

Another thing on convention: If you haven’t booked your hotel rooms yet, I believe our host hotel, the Hampton Inn, is full. The overflow hotel is the Holiday Inn Express right down the street. If it happens to fill up, we have a few other fine hotels in the immediate area that should be able to accommodate you.

We plan to have the Wednesday night hospitality event at the Hampton Inn, and it will be in the parking lot in a tailgate party-style fashion.

By now, most of you that chose to have been vaccinated. I truly think we are on the road to getting back to normal from this Covid mess. I’m excited about this, as I hope our attendance this year at convention is back to usual numbers and hopefully exceeds them!

Even though we are on the path to getting past the Covid pandemic, we still must remain vigilant in good hygiene and disinfecting procedures.

If nothing else, this event reminded us how important it is in our line of work to always practice cleanliness and always disinfect our trucks and equipment.

From the Executive Board side of the house, we’ve solicited applications and resumes for a permanent Executive Director to replace retired ED Steve Lumry. By the time you all read this, we will have interviewed the applicants and we hope to have a decision made soon with the announcement to be made by this year’s convention. We appreciate the interest of all those who applied, as well as those of you who have helped us in the interim with ensuring the OSFA continued to run seamlessly.

Until next time, please stay safe and get ready for convention! We will see you in June!

2020-21 OSFA Executive Board PRESIDENT Eric Harlow

405-520-2893

ericharlow200@gmail.com 1ST VICE PRESIDENT Cliff Davidson 580-554-1886

davidsoncliff@yahoo.com 2ND VICE PRESIDENT Jim Ed Nimmo 918-557-8379

jimnimmo7@gmail.com 3RD VICE PRESIDENT Tony Lopez

405-739-1343

tlopez@midwestcityok.org PAST PRESIDENT Mike Kelley

405-623-4338

mkelley@local157.org

O K L A H O M A S T A T E F I R E F I G H T E R S A S S O C I A T I O N

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 5

O K L A H O M A S T A T E F I R E F I G H T E R S A S S O C I A T I O N

Cliff Davidson: OSFA 1st Vice President’s Report I hope everyone is enjoying the weather as Spring is upon us.

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for summer and warmer Ringwood FD weather.

It seems as though this winter has just lasted for ever. I am ready to get out and do some golfing and go to the lake and enjoy the family.

I hope the OSFA Convention isn’t the first time I get to golf this season. But the way work is shaping up, it probably will be.

I don’t enjoy playing golf unless its above at least 68 degrees. My joints don’t work very well when it’s cooler. I guess it’s from working in the elements all the years past. I am not a winter person.

I hope to see as many as possible at State Fire School and Convention. I myself am ready to get back to some type of normalcy, as I am sure that all of you are, too.

From what I have seen so far, all the events that have been scheduled lately have all had a great turnout. Everyone is ready to get out and enjoy visiting and socializing again because it is hard to keep people locked down for any length of time. We as a society just are not programed that way.

The Museum and the OSFA office had been closed since the pandemic started.

The staff has used that time to work on the

building and Memorial to get everything spruced back up, and they have all done a great job. If you haven’t visited the Memorial or the Museum for a time, I encourage you to do so.

The Museum staff were also able to complete work on a Ward LaFrance and got a really good start on another truck.

As usual, my memory has failed me on the model of that truck, but both are looking great. One of the benefits of being a Board member is getting to see the progress of things moving forward.

I will admit that when I decided to run for office, I didn’t have a full understanding of everything involved. I would probably say that not many do. Every meeting or event seems to present something new.

I believe that is what makes it interesting.

I have enjoyed almost every minute of it so far.

Sometimes there are some tough decisions that have to be made, and fortunately you get to serve with four other members to help guide through the tough decisions.

It is an honor and a privilege to work with the other board members, as everyone brings a different viewpoint to the task at hand and, amazingly enough, we work through it to reach a decision. We are all working to move the organization forward. It makes it easier when you have a staff with the same goal.

There are some tough decisions to be made in the coming year that will take

every member to help. One is raising the dues. I know no one is looking forward to that, but we all know everything cost more these days. It is something we are all struggling with from the food we put on the table to the fuel we put in our cars.

The organization hasn’t seen a dues increase since 2005. With that said, it is time for each and everyone of us to work together and make the decisions that need to be made.

The proposals will be presented to you at convention this year and it will be up to you to vote on.

We have a great organization that works for every firefighter in the State of Oklahoma. I know that as members, we will all make the correct decision to keep the organization strong and working for all of us.

I forgot to mention the new construction that is fixing to start at the OSFA facility. The shop building that is part of the Expansion Project will be starting soon.

This will give the Museum staff a place to work on those truck projects besides in the middle of the museum.

It’s been a process with getting all the permits and everything needed with the city, but they have removed the trees and started the dirt work. I want to thank Tippy and Gene for their work on getting everything in order and getting it started.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to seeing you all at Fire School and Convention.

Mike Kelley: OSFA Past President’s Report I hope everyone likes the new format of your magazine.

We want to provide a quality product and content to our membership. If there is something that you would like to see, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

Ret. OKC FD We have also eliminated the App and have a new website that we feel will better serve our membership. The new website is designed to have full functionality on smart phones and tablets.

As the chairman of the Financial Advisory Committee, I want to let you know that we have been working as directed at the last convention on examining our dues structure. When I say we, I mean mainly Dick Cagle. Dick has put in a ton of work, examining past dues increases and the needs of the organization.

We will be putting forth a plan at this year’s convention outlining a proposed three-year implementation. While no one likes the thought of a dues increase, it is necessary to continue to provide the level of service that each and every member deserves.

There are a couple of ways that you can assist outside of your dues. First, show your pride in being a firefighter by getting a Firefighter’s License Plate on every vehicle and motorcycle you own. Here’s the link: www.ok.gov/tax/documents/741-A.pdf.

Secondly, if you shop on Amazon, set up an Amazon Smile Account and use “Oklahoma State Firemens Museum Inc.” as

6 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

your charity. This won’t cost you anything, and Amazon Smile donates a portion of every purchase to your museum. Thanks to Joe Marlow for suggesting this avenue.

We reopened your museum on March 1 with social distancing and a mask requirement.

The mask requirement will expire in Oklahoma City before you get this issue.

Committees have been meeting and the work has been getting done. Thanks to all who serve on a committee. This organization can only continue to be effective with your efforts!

Please check out the website at osfa.info/events for all the upcoming events.

This has been an interesting legislative session, to say the least.

We have had to defend against a bunch of bad legislation. There are several components that make this possible -- our lobbyists, our professional paid brothers and sisters contributing to PAC Funds, individual contributions and, most importantly, you!

You, the member, speaking directly to your representative is a powerful voice. If you’re uncomfortable, we’ll provide talking points and help shape the message. Together we will continue to make the fire service in Oklahoma a leader! Blessings to you and yours! You make a difference in your community!

Jim Ed Nimmo: OSFA 2nd Vice President’s Report

Tony Lopez: OSFA 3rd Vice O

President’s Report K

Well, I hope everyone likes the I was discussing an “emergency of the new look of our publication. The staff day” with a colleague a few days ago. worked hard on getting the changes Well, maybe it had been the emergency made.

They have also been working on of the week. It revolved around the approa new website that is live now. I hope priate use of social media at work. In my these changes will better serve the mind, the discussion focused on our lack (the membership.

Tulsa FD royal “our”) to recognize the changing world Midwest City FD I attended the Volunteer Caucus around us. back in February, and there was a That caused me to think about the “Always use Sunscreen” tremendous turnout.

They came up with really good speech. Full disclosure, it has been a while, but I still like hearing resolutions to bring to the membership. The equipment it. I’ve tried to take that speech to heart. exchange was also a huge success. I hope Since we are easing into graduation time, thinkwe can continue the exchange every year. ing about that speech led me to think about another The board interviewed for the OSFA graduation speech that made its rounds on social Executive Director position on April 13. media given by a Naval Officer, possibly to the Naval We had three very fine candidates and it’s Here’s a bit of history Academy, titled something to the effect of “Start by going to be a difficult decision. But I know you may or may not know making your bed.” whoever is chosen will do a great job. about your association: I have found that the latter is difficult to achieve As you know, I sit on the Safety and at the house, since my wife usually doesn’t get up for Health Committee. They continue to do OSFA is the second oldest work until another hour and a half after I leave. I have good work and have a lot of good ideas organization in the also found that she does not appreciate me trying to and are working on getting them implestate of Oklahoma. make the bed with her in it. Once I’m at the firehouse, mented. If anyone has any issues that you It was formed on Feb. 21, on the other hand, it just comes naturally. would like them to look at, please contact 1894 and is 13 years Anyway, that ties into situational awareness. Not one of the members or myself. older than statehood. everyone is gifted in this area, and even more don’t Is this Covid thing ever going to go really care, but neither of those matter because real Oklahoma’s oldest away?

It seems that we are starting to see changes happen whether we recognize them or not, organization? a little decline in the numbers. I think the and whether or not they are deliberate or just a conThe group that organized vaccine rollout has maybe helped with sequence of time, circumstance, culture, attitude and the Land Rush of 1889. it. I know that receiving the vaccine is a any of a litany of other variables. personal choice but I did go ahead and get I think it is possible that the longer you do someAssociation Name Changes one. I know there are a lot of private comthing, the less aware you become of what actually Through the Years panies requiring their employees to get it. changes around you. The ability to adapt is key if We reopened the museum back in 1894:

Oklahoma Territorial you want to stay relevant. I’m not implying that I’m March and Gene said we have had a good Firemen’s Association a master at this, but a good portion of that battle is number of people coming in. I hope the 1902: Oklahoma & Indian Territory recognizing it exists in the first place. numbers stay steady. I know I’ve been Firemen’s Association Our organization is there. The world and, more tired of staying in and I’m ready to get out 1908: Oklahoma State Firemen’s importantly the people who make up the organizaAssociation and do more things like a vacation. tion, have changed. I’m not talking about attitudes on Convention is right around the corner 1969: Oklahoma State Firefighters nozzle types, transitional attacks and flow paths and Association and I know President Harlow and the whatever other age-old argument is being renamed, Guthrie firefighters have been working regenerated and rehad for the 20th time over the hard to make it a great event. course of the history of the fire service.

On a personal note, I had a little physiI’m talking about how people think about, receive cal set back but I’m on the road to recovery and process information. I’m talking about how you and hope to be back to work soon. “grab people in their chest” to quote brother Foster Like always, if you have any questions from the volunteer caucus. I’m talking about how we or needs, please reach out to me. Stay safe as an organization capture the attention of a new genand God bless. eration and influence them, so they will be engaged.

I’ll give one example, be it irrelevant to the fire service, to illustrate my point: Kobe Bryant. scandal, the public had come to view him differBefore last year, I had not given him a thought since his ently. A whole generation had grown up looking scandal in the mid 2000s. In general, I thought people viewed at him as folks my age looked up to MJ. I missed the him as a great basketball player but a dirtbag. Then he died in a change. I was not situationally aware. helicopter crash that tragically claimed the life of his daughter There is a whole generation out there that could be engaged. and several others, as well.

The truth is they may already be engaged. It could be that I am I expected to see an outpouring of sympathy as usually hapjust not savvy enough to know where engagement lives these pens when pop icons die, but this was different. I was amazed by days. Either way, I hope over the next few years we can help the broad cross section of people who idolized him in a positive facilitate that engagement instead of scratching our heads in way. hindsight. If that all seems like a little much, just remember to I am not here to debate the value of his legacy. I am simwear sunscreen and start with making your bed. ply stating I had missed the change. In the 16 years since his

OSFA ARCHIVE

L A H O M A S T A T E F I R E F I G H T E R S A S S O C I A T I O N

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 7

O K L A H O M A S T A T E F I R E F I G H T E R S A S S O C I A T I O N

Tippy Pierce: OSFA Executive Director’s Report Greetings from the Interim Executive Director! The OSFA has finally broken new ground with this being the first edition of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association’s magazine.

This full color magazine will be a much better product, and that will make it much easier to Ret. Moore FD get people to advertise in this magazine. It will be printed four times a year, and we will be adding new information to this magazine that was not in the old OFSA newspaper.

The new OSFA web site, www.osfa.info is up and running as of the end of March. The old phone app is no longer needed so you can delete it from your phone. The OSFA board minutes are under OSFA Meetings. Oklahoma Firefighter Pension and Retirement System information will now be on the OSFA web site. Please login and look around to get familiar with the new site. We will continue to get information added to the site and be able to keep you informed with social media.

We are getting closer to building the 1st phase of the Museum Expansion. This has taken several more months to get started due to getting a building permit. If you come by the museum, you will see where the trees have been mulched. Work has begun on the area where the building pad is to be! This will be a 7,200 square foot storage building on the east side of the museum complex. This will give us room to move apparatus in and out of the museum. And we can add other exhibits to the museum for the children to enjoy.

The OSFA Legislative Reception was held March 31, and it was a success. I would like to thank the Legislative Committee and OSFA Women’s Auxiliary (OSFWA) for all their help. We cannot do these types of events without your help in setting up tables, moving fire equipment and taking registration. Thanks to all who made this event happen.

The Ride To Remember was held April 10. We had 704 motorcycles and people everywhere! This is always a fun time and, once again, we relied on many groups to help. The Volunteer Fire Service Committee, OSFWA and staff of the OSFA who came and gave of their time to make this event a success.

This has been a very strange year at the Oklahoma Capitol where we had some bills that would have negatively affected the fire service with the changes that were in these bills. We were able to keep some from being heard. Some made it to the floor in House or Senate, but through the help of many, we were successful in them not becoming law. This shows that when we team up and work together, we can be successful.

The OSFA Convention is next month in Guthrie at the Dominion House (602 E. College Street). The host hotel is the Hampton Inn (401 Cimarron Blvd.) and the overflow is the Holiday Inn Express, (2227 E. Oklahoma Ave).

It all starts with the ORFA Convention on June 8, the OSFA Golf Tournament June 9 and the OSFA Convention June 10-12.

We are looking forward to the parade of the old Guthrie fire equipment and all others that come and participate. I am looking forward to seeing all the retired and active firefighters from across the state at the Guthrie convention!

OSFA & Museum Staff

Executive Director (Interim) Tippy Pierce tippy@osfa.info

Administrative Assistant Shelby NeSmith 8 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter shelbyn@osfa.info

OSFA Presents Awards to Heroic Individuals OSFA Heroism Award On Oct. 18, 2020, Jesse Baker and his wife Sarah witnessed a collision between two vehicles on Hwy 11.

Jesse told his wife to call 9-1-1 and went to check on the occupants of the collision.

When Jesse ran to the truck that was heading east, he could hear a child crying. There was a small grass fire around the vehicle, so he broke out the back glass, crawled in the pick-up and was able to grab a little girl.

He carried her to his vehicle, where Sarah could care for her.

Jesse then ran back to the vehicle, which was now on fire and surrounded by flames from the grass that had caught fire around the vehicle, ran through those flames and was able to free a man from the vehicle.

Thank you to Captain Eddie Schultz with Ponca City Fire Department for nominating Jesse and Sarah for this well-deserved recognition!

OSFA Award of Merit Eight-year-old Reese Hall was presented with the prestigious OSFA Award of Merit by OSFA’s Interim Executive Director Tippy Pierce and President, Eric Harlow in front of her classmates at Morris Elementary school.

In August of 2019, Reese was swimming at a public pool and noticed that a toddler was possibly drowning in the shallow end. She quickly alerted adults who were able to rescue the toddler and perform life saving techniques. Without Reece’s heroic call for help, it may have ended as a grim situation.

OSFA Meritorious Award On April 14, three very deserving emergency responders in Woods County were presented with the Meritorious Award by the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association for going above and beyond their normal realms of duty during the tragic happenings in Waynoka back in January.

Alva Fire Chief Bryan Miller, Emergency Management Director Ethan Feidler and 911 Supervisor Ashley Woodall stepped in and helped keep structure amidst the chaos caused by two volunteer firefighters losing their lives in the line of duty during a structure fire in the small town.

Administrative Director Sheri Nickel sherin@osfa.info

Events & Promotions Trisha Chain trishac@osfa.info

Museum Director Gene Brown geneb@osfa.info

Administrative Assistant Madelyn Roth madelynr@osfa.info

Publications Penelope Soldan penelopes@osfa.info

Museum Assistant Quintin James quintinj@osfa.info

Museum Assistant Bob Noll bobn@osfa.info

Museum Assistant Brendon Pierce brendonp@osfa.info

Sheri Nickel: OSFA Administrative Director’s Report As I was driving into work this morning (April 19), the guys on my favorite morning radio show pointed out that today was the anniversary of the OKC bombing.

I remember that day like Orlando FD it was yesterday. The cold and dreary day, the feeling of fear of what else was to come.

I wasn’t yet involved in the fire service; I was a new mother with a little girl who was sick at home with her daddy while I was working at the Moto Photo in Enid.

It was a terrible day, and aside from the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889, it is probably the most significant event in Oklahoma history.

Ironically, this morning while listening to the guys on radio, I was driving into view of the Oklahoma City downtown skyline and I was able to reflect on what it must have looked like that morning versus what it looked like today.

I grew up in Oklahoma City. I remember the lackluster feeling of having to go down there. My high school graduation was at the Myriad and everyone complained.

Nowadays, the effulgent skyline of Oklahoma City draws me in, and I love the jovial sense of pride that I get from living in a state that always rises above and becomes bigger and better when it is just as easy to remain status quo.

Twenty-six years later, I am blessed to be surrounded by some the heroes of the OKC bombing.

Very rarely does it even come up, and I can respect that.

I have heard A LOT of stories about A LOT of calls but the bombing just isn’t something anyone talks about. However, when it does come up, it is to point out the changes that it caused -- policy, attitude and leadership, to name just a few.

Since 1993, a lot of things have changed in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Standard has been born out of not only the Murrah tragedy, but from all of the other tribulations that we have had to overcome. It has taught us to unite, come together and overcome any obstacle that we are handed.

Fortunately, through the years, the members of the OSFA board, the directors and lobbyists have followed the Oklahoma Standard and worked hard to protect and improve our firefighter’s benefits to be the best in the nation.

One thing that has remained status quo is some of the membership benefits, and this year’s board has recognized that it is time to improve some of the antiquated resources.

That is why you are now holding this shiny new magazine in your hands as you read this article. Unfortunately, you no longer have a newspaper to line your bird cage with but surely you can still come up with one from somewhere.

This first edition of the Oklahoma Firefighter magazine may not awe you in the way that we hope, but give it some time and embrace the change through this transition.

If you are looking for the records that are typically provided in the pension report, you won’t find those here any longer. However, you can see everything on the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System’s website at www.ok.gov/fprs/ or simply follow the link that you will find on the OSFA’s website. The staff at the pension office is very diligent in keeping those records on the website so that everyone has access to them.

Along with the new magazine, the OSFA has incorporated a new and improved website in this year’s changes. Again, bear with us as we identify the problems that this transition presents.

Trisha has been working with our web developer and getting everything transferred over and adding additional resources. It is easier to navigate, and if you want to read minutes from the board meetings or if you serve on a committee and want to look through minutes of the previous meetings, it is all now accessible online at www.osfa.info. As time progresses, so will the features on this website.

The Oklahoma Fire Service is the best.

Whether career or volunteer, I challenge you to find anything better than what you have here, and we want you to feel the same when it comes to being a member of the OSFA. We know that change is hard for some, but the sooner you can start accepting, embracing and seeking change, the sooner you can start enjoying the opportunities that are out there waiting for you to discover.

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 9

Gene Brown: Oklahoma Firefighters Museum Report

Hollis FD 1928 Seagrave Suburbanite

Stuart FD 1954 Ward LaFrance

Before

Before

10 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

After

After

Greetings from your museum! It’s been a while since I have reported to you all. There is a lot going on here at the museum.

We have been fighting COVID and winning. It has been trying at Ret. The Village FD times, but we are moving forward.

The museum opened back up on March 1. The attendance has been good. We are happy to see everyone getting out again. We are looking to have a great summer. Please make plans to come see us.

The 1954 Ward LaFrance is looking great. While we were closed, we got it running. It was a great day when it was taken on her maiden voyage. Bob Noll got to be the first one to take her out.

We are very proud to have such a great piece for display. Thanks again to Stuart FD for a great truck.

We received a 1928 Seagrave Suburbanite engine from Hollis FD. It also is great addition to the museum. We are working on the restoration now.

Bob Noll, Quinten James, Brenden Pierce and I are moving along restoring it to its former glory. We are almost finished with the engine.

It runs, but it’s not ready for the road.

This has been a labor of love. Thank you Hollis FD for your donation of this piece of Oklahoma history.

We have begun the construction on phase one of the expansion -- the new shop. It will be used to house some of our trucks to make room in the museum for improved displays. This will also allow us to move our restorations to a better area to complete repairs without taking up space in the museum. The new shop will be 60 feet by 120 feet.

The Ride To Remember was held April 10. We had a great turnout On Display at Oklahoma here at the museum, with approxiFirefighters Museum mately 1,000 in attendance. This is a great fundraiser for the memorial.

The riders were so great to get to talk to.

Everyone had a wonderful time.

Big thanks to all who came to support our memorial. This would not be possible without the help from the Memorial Committee and Volunteer Fire Service Committee. And all our staff. Great job!

We are gearing up for the Women’s College World Series. This also is a very big fundraiser. It will be held June 3-9. We missed out last year due to COVID. So this year is very important for us. We are looking forward to this opportunity.

Don’t forget to buy your chances for the ORFA Kubota side by side.

All the proceeds go to the expansion.

Help make the dream a reality. We will draw the winner at convention in June. You need not be there to win.

Vintage Badges from FDs Thank you for your support! See around Oklahoma you at convention!

DACO FIRE EQUIPMENT YOUR TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA ROSENBAUER DEALER WWW.DACOFIRE.COM 1-800-727-0808

The legendary ability of Rosenbauer aerials is no myth. A 115’ vertical reach, auto-leveling turntables, platform collision protection and extremely stable short jacking capabilities ensure our aerials are up for any challenge.

ROSENBAUER GROUP

@ROSYFIRE

ROSENBAUERFIRE

ROSENBAUERUS

ROSENBAUERAMERICA.COM

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 11

ORFA Constitutional Resolution 21-01 WHEREAS on February 21, 1894, ten (10) pioneer Oklahoma City, El Reno and Guthrie firemen, met and formed the “The Territorial Firemen’s Association” of the new Oklahoma Territory. One of these Firemen, Tom E. Dowell of El Reno, our Association’s First President became recognized as “The Father of our Association.” A man respected and revered by all members for his stalwart leadership contribution.

These ten (10) men survive in the benefits we share today and should never be forgotten by Firefighters of the State of Oklahoma: Oklahoma City - John Marriman, G.W. Tackett, Mert Hollingshead, Charles E. McDonald, John Colleton and L.D. Woods; El Reno – Tom E. Dowell, S. A. Stream, L. Hamilton and Herman Trusten. Their foresight at a time when fire departments were dominated by politics and firemen looked were upon as roughnecks and undesirables, began lifting firefighting to the respected profession it is today.

Within months our Constitution and By-laws were written, the Association was chartered under the Oklahoma Territorial Governor and Wednesday, May 9, 1894, held the Association’s First Annual Convention in El Reno. Our Constitution and By-laws were cornerstoned with five (5) objectives: 1) Supply mutual benefits for members. 2) Develop and encourage effective firefighting skills and efficiencies. 3) Establish and maintain uniformity of dress, apparatus and drills. 4) Initiate plans to relieve wounded and disabled firemen and the widow of such as die. 5) Do all things necessary to enhance the interest, efficiency and usefulness of fire companies connected with the Association.

In 1918, no convention was held as World War I was paramount. That said, the Association’s Legislative Committee successfully lobbied passage of the Two Platoon Law at the state legislature.

In 1900, the Association became aware that various fire insurance companies had made profits of $200,000 largely due to the success of firemen and by lobbying the coming territorial legislature to provide the Association with 2% of fire insurance profits for the purchase of fire apparatus, supplies and a relief fund for firemen disabled in the line of actual service.

At Statehood in 1907, the First Oklahoma State Constitution had two (2) sections vital to the Association: a) The legislature may enact laws authorizing cities to pension meritorious and disabled firemen. b) Provisions whereby fire insurance companies in Oklahoma shall pay a 2% premium tax to fund, the 1908 city’s fire pension plans. As the mismanaged city fire pension systems began to fail, the Association successfully lobbied the State Legislature and in 1981 Oklahoma Firefighter Pension and Retirement System (OFPRS) was established. The OFPRS administers the pension system but this Association continued its leadership role to protect and enhance firefighter pension benefits. Further, our Association’s five-member Executive Board and the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association President serves on the OFPRS thirteen (13) member Pension Board and the Oklahoma Firefighters Association’s President serves as the Chairman of the Pension Board.

The Oklahoma Retired Firefighter Association has operated under shoestring budgeting constraints for the past forty years. The Association objectives make it paramount; its funding source be adequate and stable.

This member dues increase starts an ideological paradigm shift in the Association’s funding. It is necessary and overdue if we are to most effectually move our Association forward; and WHEREAS the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association’s objective is to assist the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association in pursuit of their goals, and to cooperate with the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association and its Executive Director in serving the best interest of the active firefighters of the state, and members of this Association; and

ORFA Past Presidents Luncheon / Meeting held March 20 at Oklahoma Firefighters Museum -- 15 Presidents (present and past) attended WHEREAS the Association’s participating members annual dues haven’t increased since 2005, resulting in a 25% inflationary increase in operational expenses, the Association’s Financial Advisory Committee has reviewed the Association’s financials, determined obstacles and recommendations to stabilize the Association’s fiscal house; and Whereas Association participating members are “Pension Members” of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association. Their annual dues are set by the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association, are paid from this Association’s participating member annual dues, which have not been increased since 2000; and WHEREAS the Association’s success will be determined by its ability to fund its objectives, manage, attract and sustain dedicated staff, and until and unless Oklahoma Firefighters, Volunteer and Paid, understand “The Oklahoma State Firefighters Association” has and will continue to provide “All Things Oklahoma Firefighters Pension”, we will not become a most successful, informed and involved membership; and WHEREAS the Association member dues, ad hoc fundraising coupled with long-term inflation have proven to be an inconstant, inadequate funding sources to adequately to meet Oklahoma State Firefighters Association supplements and advance its Association member initiatives.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED delegates at the 40th Annual ORFA Convention approve the Associations thirty-six dollar ($36.00) annual participating member dues and 2021 amended, Association Constitution Article Vlll Section l. as follows: The 2021 as amended. ORFA Constitution Article VIII, The Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association ARTICLE VIII – DUES Section 1. Active participating members are also OSFA pension members and pay Association dues annually of thirty-six dollars ($36.00) from which OSFA Pension Member dues are paid as described in OSFA Constitution Article 8, Sect. 2, and the remainder to be placed in the Association’s account.

Section 2. No change. Section 3. No change.

Section 4. No change.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Constitutional Resolution 2021-01 and supporting Association By-laws resolutions. By-laws must be approved by separate vote.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Association utilize/ fund its Committee’s to enhance the Association’s objects and member services.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED “OSFA Pension Member” dues dollar amount and method of calculation as set for forth in the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association 2021, as amended By-laws Article 4, Section 4, Section 7 and Constitution Article 8, as follows:

12 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

OSFA Constitution Article 8 – MEMBERSHIP DUES Section 1. Active members as defined in Article 2 of this constitution and Active Non-Pension Member as defined in Article 2, Section 3 of this constitution shall submit annual dues in the sum of eighty-eight dollars ($88.00) per member of which four dollars ($4.00) will be placed in the Association Firemen’s Museum and Memorial account to be used for continued maintenance and possible future expansions of the Memorial and/or Museum.

Section 2. Pension Member of the association as defined in Article 2, Section 6 of the Association Constitution, shall submit annual pension member dues in the amount of twenty-one dollars ($21.00) from the ORFA member dues as set forth in 2021, amended Oklahoma Retired Firefighter Association Constitution Article VIII Section 1, of which $4.00 dollars ($4.00) will be placed in the to the Museum and Memorial account to be used for continued maintenance and possible future expansions of the Memorial and /or Museum, and seventeen dollars ($17.00) will be deposited with the Association account. The remainder to be placed in the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters account. *The Pension Member dues calculation method is set forth in the Oklahoma State Firefighters Associations, 2021 Bylaws Article 4 Section 1.

Section 3. No change. Section 4. No change.

Section 5. No change. Section 6. No change.

Section 7. No change Respectfully Submitted: The Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Executive Board -- President George Fina, Oklahoma City; 1st Vice President Yogi Cole, Tulsa; 2nd Vice President James Fullingim, Norman; 3rd Vice President Mike Duncan, Dewey; Past President Tippy Pierce, Moore

ORFA By-Laws Resolution 21-01 2021, as amended, ORFA By-Laws Article l, Order of Business - No change.

Article ll, Rules of Order - No change.

Article lll, Amendments - No change.

Article IV, 2021, as amended Constitution Article Vlll Section I, Article IV, Section 1.

The 2021. As amended. ORFA Constitution Article VIII – DUES Section 1. Active Participating Members are also OSFA Pension Members and pay Association dues annually of thirty-six dollars ($36.00), from which OSFA Pension Member dues are paid as described in OSFA Constitution Article 8, Sect 2, the remainder to be placed in the Association’s account.

George Fina: ORFA Report What a new day. I hope 2020-21 ORFA you will enjoy the new OSFA magazine. I think it will make Executive Board firefighters look more professional.

PRESIDENT George Fina, OKC We are currently going Ret. OKC FD gomsoc38@gmail.com from lock down to open air.

This past year has taken a toll on all of us -from zoom meeting to open meetings.

1ST VICE PRESIDENT We will continue to have zoom meetings.

A.K. “Yogi” Cole, Tulsa ycole@ipa.net They are a good way to call a meeting in a short period of time. Our board members are firefighters from across the state, so everyone 2ND VICE PRESIDENT can attend in person or by zoom.

James Fullingim, Norman The Wednesday group (Oklahoma Firenfdchief@hotmail.com fighters Capitol Caucus) are continuing meetings. We cannot meet at the Capitol. Presently, 3RD VICE PRESIDENT we are located at the AFL-CIO office which is Mike Duncan, Dewey close by. A good group is there every Wednesmduncan51@aol.com day.

The big loss of this past year are in-line of PAST PRESIDENT duty deaths and Covid related. No one can Tippy Pierce, Moore take their place. We are left with a hole in our fftip@swbell.net hearts and our ranks. We are left with taking up the slack, so we continue making ORFA stronger by building chapters and taking part in activities.

Let us know what you are doing in your communities. We are part of a team. And being firefighters, we help each other.

We need a dues increase. It will not be a large increase, but it is necessary. The convention will be in Guthrie and ORFA members need to make a showing. You are important and a large part of the firefighter family. Be there and stay safe. Get your shots for the virus! I will see you there!

40th ORFA CONVENTION Tuesday, June 8 • Dominion House, Guthrie The Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association Convention will start at 1 p.m.

Registration opens at 10 a.m.

Lunch will be provided at noon.

Registration is FREE and available online at www.osfa.info or by calling the OSFA office at 405-424-1452 A hospitality room will be available at the conclusion of the Convention in the lobby of the main host hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites

Firefighters Museum Expansion Fundraiser Organized by ORFA Grand Prize: Kubota RTV-XG850 1 Ticket for $25 5 Tickets for $100

Tickets: www.osfa.info/gift-shop/donations/

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 13

Courtney Thompson: OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Report Hello Ladies! Convention is coming up and we would love to have you join us for the OSFA Women’s Auxiliary activities!

What a wonderful spring we have had after a very challenging winter! School is quickly coming to a close and the temperatures are warming. And with that, convention is right around the corner!

How wonderful it would be to have some new faces join us for all the fun activities that are planned.

Please keep in mind that although we would love for you to join the Oklahoma State Firefighters Women’s Auxiliary (OSFWA), you do not have to be a member to participate at convention.

We have meetings Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning where we get together and discuss the agenda, the fundraising, where our funds will be spent and a few other business PRESIDENT matters.

Michele Cole The meetings are not lengthy, momachel@aol.com and it is a fun time of catching

up with the friends from last VICE PRESIDENT year and getting to know the Ashley Corbett new faces that have just joined ashleyc814@att.net us.

Friday is “Red, White, & Blue SECRETARY/TREASURER Kendra Engle Day” so remember to dress in kedamo10@yahoo.com patriotic colors for the meeting and luncheon. Tickets for the JR BD MEMBER ladies luncheon will be available Courtney Thompson at the OSFWA registration table. courtneythompson524 Friday night before the ban@gmail.com quet, the OSFWA has a silent

auction and 50/50 fundraiser PAST PRESIDENT and we would greatly appreciate Susan Walker donated items to be auctioned. sw233821@gmail.com Remember to bring three (3) door prizes for the meetings and you can drop them off at registration when you purchase your ladies luncheon ticket!

It has been an honor to serve as your Junior Board Member this past year. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the board and a member of the state auxiliary. The wisdom that has been shared from those who have served before me has been enlightening and invaluable.

I look forward to seeing each of you at convention June 9-12 in Guthrie!

Trent Bryan: Educational Committee Report May is finally here. Storm season is in full swing, and the effects of the “pandemic” are still lingering.

Although the restrictions caused the Educational Advisory Committee to change many aspects of State Fire School, the El Reno FD committee was able to put an impressive school together. I want to commend everyone involved in the planning process for thinking outside the box and finding a way to meet as many training needs as we can. The event has also been shortened to 3 days (May 13-15).

If you have attended State Fire School in the past, it will be more spread out than before. Tulsa will be the main site, with other sites hosting some classes. Four fire departments have stepped up to the plate in a big way to help ensure the fire school is as good as it can be, given the circumstances.

Tulsa FD, Broken Arrow FD, Owasso FD and Sand Springs FD have all opened up areas for classes. They have been actively working with the committee to ensure a safe and effective environment for training.

Sponsors and vendors have been vital, and because of them, we are able to facilitate this training.

There will also be evening events during State Fire School. Join us for the welcome event on Thursday night where we will gather for cold drinks and see some products and services available through vendors. Jason Hoevelmann will also give a keynote address.

On Friday night, the Tulsa FOOLS bash will be at Fassler Hall in downtown Tulsa. You will not want to miss this one! I hope this update finds you well, and I hope you will be able to attend a class or an event at this year’s State Fire School.

Trisha Chain: OSFA Staff Report If there’s one constant I OSFA Event Attendance Totals know, it’s that everything changes.

125 at Volunteer Caucus The bunker gear exchange was very I think that’s one of the lessons we’ve all learned and popular and appreciated dealt with this past year.

121 at Legislative Reception Sometimes we’re part of 63 were legislators the change and sometimes we deal with the outcome of the change. Sometimes it’s for the better, and sometimes it’s not.

After all the changes you as the fire service have had to adapt to, and us as office workers and event coordinators have had to work around, it will be nice to get back to our “Plan A” again!

Check out our new website, and we hope to see you at our upcoming events. As always, if there’s anything we can help you out with, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Help support your Oklahoma Firefighters Museum Expansion and Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial PURCHASE AN OKLAHOMA FIREFIGHTER LICENSE TAG! Money received from the purchase of each tag goes directly to financing upkeep on the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial and Oklahoma Firefighters Museum.

Oklahoma Firefighter tags cost $40 a year (on top of regular tag fees) and $20 goes directly to the Museum/Memorial.

14 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

Tags can be purchased from local tag agents any time during the year -- not just with your regular plate.

And they can be customized to 6 letters as approved by the Tax Commission.

Forms for Oklahoma Firefighter tags can be downloaded from www.osfa.info.

Cory Beagles: Volunteer Fire Service Committee Report Another one in the books ... The OSFA Volunteer Fire Service Committee began meeting in August of 2020 to begin planning the 19th Annual Volunteer Deer Creek FPD Firefighter Caucus, which was held Feb. 6.

For the first time, the caucus was moved to Lawton and will now be rotated around the state each year.

Our goal for this was to bring new departments to the caucus, regardless of membership, and hopefully result in new ideas and discussion of issues facing the volunteer fire service in Oklahoma. That goal was obtained, as we had several new departments in attendance and set a record for overall attendance with 125.

The committee also decided to do away with the traditional “guest speaker” and opted to have department members present possible solutions to the usual topics brought up at the Caucus such as funding, recruitment/retention, leadership, safety/health, and training.

This idea led to further discussion in the breakout sessions and resulted in new topics being brought to the floor for the creation of the three resolutions for this year’s convention, which were: • Finding better and more stable funding

for OSU-FST. • Doubling the amount that volunteer firefighters can be paid (from roughly $3,600/ year to $7,200/year).

• Reverse the 2013 Pension rule requiring 11 years to be vested and 22 years to retire Overall, the 19th Annual Volunteer Firefighter Caucus was a great success, and we are looking forward to next year’s, as we have already had a department reach out that would like to host it in Atoka.

A work in progress … Another great idea to come out of the Volunteer Fire Service Committee this year was the “Volunteer Oklahoma Leadership Training – VOLT” program.

The original idea was to create a program similar to the “Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program – OALP,” where participants travel the state seeing how farmers and ranchers are successful in other portions of the state. Our goal will be to do a similar program but substitute the farms and ranches for fire departments.

Our committee will be doing a trial run this year to develop a more formal itinerary and determine the best way to build this program to be “volunteer friendly” as it will require multiple weekends and travel to get the full benefit. Once the program is developed and ready to be implemented, we will be seeking sponsors to help fund it in order to keep it as cost-friendly as possible for the participants.

If any vendors would be interested in

supporting this grassroots effort to promote leadership in the Oklahoma Volunteer Fire Service, please reach out to the OSFA and tell them you would like to help make the VOLT program successful.

On the horizon … Our Volunteer Fire Service Committee was asked to help form a new committee to assist new fire chiefs, especially volunteer chiefs, as they step into their new roles. The purpose of this committee is to create a list of resources such as “fill in the blank” Standard Operating Procedures, state & national fire service organizations, city-county-state government resources and contacts, etc…

The goal is to help newly promoted/elected fire chiefs take their first steps in leading their department seem a little less daunting, which will hopefully lead to the result of improving their department.

It has been an honor to serve as the Chair of this committee for this session. As this was my first year serving on this committee, I have nothing to compare it to, but I would venture to say we have one of the best committees ever assembled with regards to truly having a desire to see the Oklahoma Volunteer Fire Service succeed.

Thank you to all of the committee members and OSFA staff who have worked and will continue working for our Volunteers!

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 15

Freedom Firefighter Helps Get Conservation Going The Faces of a Volunteer Firefighter Shelly Oliphant grew up in the Norman Fire Department family, attending Halloween parties and Firefighter Balls.

And it was her dad, retired Norman firefighter Charles (Chuck) Oliphant, who inspired her to become a volunteer firefighter.

Shelly has been a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Freedom Fire and Ambulance service for 19 years.

Her full-time job is with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, where she has worked for 33 years and currently serves as the Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations in Oklahoma.

She oversees and supervises the Field Offices in western Oklahoma. She says she loves her job, the people she works with and enjoys helping producers get conservation put on the ground.

As far as working on the Freedom Fire Department, Shelly said the Anderson Creek Fire was probably one of the largest and one that will never be forgotten.

And that fire played into her role for the USDA as they worked with producers to pro-

vide technical and financial assistance to overcome the devastation on their land.

They provided assistance for Woody Residue removal of burnt Eastern red cedar, grazing deferment and helped to replace fences and watering facilities that were lost in the fire.

After that, Shelly said they have worked with producers over the years to incorporate prescribed burning into their operations to help eradicate cedars which provide fuel loads and make wildfires hard to manage.

Shelly says getting older challenges her the most physically, but she loves seeing new younger volunteers coming on to the service.

“It pretty much balances out the department with some of the older ones who have knowledge and experience and then having some of the newer guys who are learning and much more physically able,” Shelly said.

“Even though I am becoming one of the older ones on the department, I still enjoy learning new skills. And operating the tanker is my favorite spot to be in.”

Shelly said her dad Chuck was her hero, and she always wanted to be like him.

He still to this day gives her advise and shares stories of his firefighting days.

“I recall many of the Norman retirees, such as Neil Roberts, Dick McGehee, Jerry Loeffelholtz, Jack Steely, Jerry Rogers and many more who were a part of that big family back in the good old days,” Shelly said.

“Looking back over the years, I wouldn’t trade any of it, as the experiences that I have gained by being a volunteer have been worthwhile. I hope I am able to gain a few more years before retiring.”

OSFA Volunteer Caucus - Feb. 6 at Comanche County Fairgrounds in Lawton

16 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

w Pre .n vf pa c. rin or g/ g T pi o pe da lin y! es

w

St w art

IS YOUR DEPARTMENT

Millions of miles of pipelines stretch across the United States, transporting hazardous materials through thousands of communities. The National Volunteer Fire Council and the Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration are here to help fire departments prepare for pipeline incidents.

The Fire Department Pipeline Response Emergency Planning & Preparedness (FD PREPP) Toolkit is a FREE RESOURCE designed to help departments plan for, and safely respond to, pipeline incidents.

Make pipeline incident readiness a priority.

Access the FD PREPP Toolkit at

www.nvfc.org/pipelines

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 17

OSFA Safety & Health Committee Reports Brian Christy: Melanie Colvin: Live Long & Prosper Page to Ponder The Safety and Health Committee has been hard at work on several projects and initiatives.

One initiative is a PEER Support Network for our state. The resources for mental health Lexington FD and wellness for firefighters are limited, and we are working diligently on creating a network of trained firefighters for PEER Support that will be available across the state.

This is a long haul project but we are determined to make our mental and emotional health a priority.

Mental health for firefighters is usually a taboo subject. We are led to believe that speaking about it makes us weak in some way.

We are meant to be a support system to others, our community and our families. We are supposed to have all the answers and know what to do at a moment’s notice. The question is: What happens when the support system needs support?

Firefighters face so many different things at work and home that can affect our mental health. We often don’t realize the accumulative affect it can have on us, our co-workers and our families.

Seeking out mental health resources has many stigmas and biases. These stigmas and biases are far from the truth of what mental health provides. It is important to have the strength to seek help and receive it when we need it.

What is the purpose of PEER Support and how it would help you?

Peer support provides assistance by a trained individual or groups who answer the call when their brothers and sisters are in need, regardless of the need.

Peer supporters can provide a listening ear and be the bridge to other resources for firefighters in need. Issues may be work related, family issues, financial, depression, anxiety, burnout, PTSD, alcohol and substance use/abuse, and suicidal thoughts, among others.

Without a network of trained firefighters to be there for each other, we are not helping each other in the times of our greatest need. I can’t stress enough to reach out when you need it. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness.

We have coordinated training for PEER Support members through the Oklahoma State Mental Health Department and are developing resources with them and other sources.

Please look for a survey we will be making available so that we can gather information on possible resources across the state. Your help is vital to finding quality professionals.

Current resources available: • NVFC Share the Load Support Program for Fire and EMS. • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

• The National Helpline is available at 1-800-622 –HELP (4357).

• Text the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

• Responder REL8 is an app for PEER to PEER Support. The app is available 24/7 and allows you to choose from options of issues you are experiencing to pair you with another first responder that understands the highs, lows and in-betweens we experience in life. You may remain anonymous or share your name if you feel comfortable.

The Safety and Health Committee looks forward to sharing the PEER Support Network with you and no longer leaving each other behind when it comes to our mental and emotional health. If you have any questions or needs, please reach out.

18 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

Unopened Boxes Midwest City FD

We have a job to do. We have to be strong so that others can lean on us. Our job is to save others.

But what about when we are the ones that need saving? What do we do? Who do we lean on? How

do we seek help?

What do we do with trauma, stress, anxiety, worry, and fear? All of that is shoved into a box, taped down tight and stored away in the back of our mind. Call after call, we fill other boxes, being sure to store them away, hopefully forgotten.

One day, you come home or even get to the Fire house, and you are just angry. Not for any particular reason, something is on your mind, but it is something you cannot shake. You try to keep to yourself and act as if nothing is bothering you. “I’m OK,” “I’ll be fine,” “I’m just tired” all come to mind. Then it happens. You yell at your 10- year old, your wife, one of your brothers or sisters at work or a patient.

Signs/Symptoms to be aware of: Those are signs. And having those signs is OK. One of those • Anger, moodiness and irritability boxes that has been sealed tight • Becoming obsessive for so long has opened. The • Crying appearance of weakness is not an • Denial • Disbelief option, right? We, as a firefighter • Disinterest in previous activities family, have to get away from the • Emotional numbness stigma that mental health is a bad • Forgetfulness thing and not to be talked about.

• Grief My goal is for you to under• Guilt stand, realize or recognize that all • Increased use of alcohol and drugs we see day-in and day-out -- the • Isolation, withdrawal from others gruesome calls, sadness, helpless• Nightmares and sleep disturbances • Panic ness at times, alcohol and drug • Questioning faith or religion dependency -- it takes a toll.

• Sleeping too much It may take a year or it may • Social withdrawal take a career, but ultimately you may experience a level of cumulative trauma that hinders how you feel and function. It may cause damage to relationships. It may cause a difference in how you perform your job.

I’m letting you know that there is help. There are people working hard for mental health and PEER support. Local, state and national programs have been developed, and programs on a state level for all firefighters are in the process of being developed.

Some terms to think about: • Crisis - any serious interruption in the steady state of equilibrium of a person family or group.

• PEER support - A peer support specialist is a person with “lived experience” who has been trained to support those who struggle with mental health, psychological trauma or substance use.

• Hypervigilance - An enhanced state of sensory sensitivity accompanied by an exaggerated intensity of behaviors whose purpose is to detect activity. Hypervigilance may bring about a state of increased anxiety which can cause exhaustion. Other symptoms include abnormally increased arousal, a high responsiveness to stimuli and a constant scanning of the environment.

Firefighters of Oklahoma, we see you, we hear you.

Above all, we got you.

Question & Answers Oklahoma Firefighter asked last issue’s readers this question: What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?

w Tony Lopez, Midwest City: What makes my day is a smile.

w Donnie Bennett, Oklahoma City: A spontaneous date night with my Wife, or quality time with my Dad.

w Greg Herbster, Moore: My one year old granddaughter, Lily. She is always smiling and she instantly make me happy.

w Cliff Davidson, Ringwood: Just waking up is a plus. A good cup of coffee and conversation with the people around me pretty much does it for me.

w George Fina, Oklahoma City Ret.: Waking Up!

w Michael Pettey, Fort Supply: Seeing a smile on my children and/or my wife’s faces.

Here is what they said:

w Bryan West, OSU-FST: My day is best waking up on the shores of a beautiful lake with a cup of coffee and fish biting.

w Terrell Thompson, El Reno: Waking up at the firehouse and smelling fresh coffee first thing!

w Louis Marschik, Oklahoma City: A friendly smile.

w Steve Day, Woodward Ret.: Talking to an old friend who is genuinely glad to see you. w Bre Horn, Marshall: I would have to say my pup Bell. It doesn’t matter if I step out for 5 minutes or 5 hours, she greets me wiggling her whole body! She has a sense of humor, also, and has stepped on the scale when I weigh myself. w Jeremy Goodrich, Yukon: Waking up and seeing the beautiful sunshine off the lake with no wind, of course. w Darren Alexander, Cedar Country: My wife getting a Face Time call from my daughter and son-in-law (a Roberta Firefighter) where we can see our grandkids. We have a 6 year old grandson and 14 month old twins (a boy and a girl).

It’s usually controlled chaos at her house.

w Joel Bain, Midwest City Ret.: I would have to say that the one thing that instantly makes my day better is when I get a text from one of our three kids asking, “What’s for dinner?”

It just means that we look forward to hearing their daily stories over a good meal. Megan and I will cook every night to spend time with our babies, now 15,17 and 19. w Mike Kelley, Oklahoma City Ret.: Seeing my grandchildren!

w Melanie Colvin, Lexington: It always makes my day better when I get a good hug from my sons. They are the best!

w Chuck McDade, Midwest City Ret.: My wife smiling at me.

w Tom Marcum, Mooreland: Coffee! Coffee makes everything better! w Kara Owens, Piedmont: Waking up and being given another day with my family and love ones! w Eldon Henderson, Enid Ret.: After a hard day, coming home and being greeted with a big smile from my wife would instantly make my day better. w Rick Chisum, Okmulgee: My 17-year-old Grand Baby Haylee Jayd texting out of the blue ... “Love you Papa!”

Next Issue’s Question -“What’s the most annoying piece of equipment you deal with regularly?

Everyone is Welcome to Participate!

w Craig Carruth, Mustang: An encouraging word from a close friend!

Email Your Response to penelopes@osfa.info

The ONLY Used equipment dealer in Oklahoma Also offering NEW equipment at competitive prices Buying essential equipment should not sink your budget

USED Equipment Keith Gammel - Owner IAFF Local 33 Member Proudly Serving Oklahoma/Arkansas

Providing a “Service Over Self” Experience in Sales 918-984-0911 • sales@sosfirellc.com Calls/Texts answered 24/7

P.O. Box 185, Howe, OK 74940 www.sosfirellc.com www.facebook.com/oksurplusfire

SCBA’s (Scott & MSA) Nozzles • Adapters Appliances • Radios Hand Tools • Fire Hose Rescue Equipment Much, Much More USED INVENTORY CHANGES DAILY See website or contact us for availability

NEW Equipment Brands Snap-tite • FireQuip C&S Supply • Moon Lakeland • Vanguard, Black Diamond • FLIR Council Tool • Akron Nightstick • Hypres Majestic Hoods Flamefighter • Bullard, Elkhart • Firetech Many, Many Others

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 19

Louis Marschik: OSFA Public Education Committee Report Community Risk Reduction - CRR Some of you may have heard of these three words and others may not.

It is something that will be part of the fire service for many years to Oklahoma City FD come.

Here are some of the basics that may help you understand this process called “CRR.” What is the definition of CRR? Community Risk Reduction (CRR) is a process to identify and prioritize local risks, followed by the integrated and strategic investment of resources (emergency response and prevention) to reduce their occurrence and impact.

Typically, Community Risk Reduction programs use a six-step approach towards development. (Vision 2020) • Step 1: Identify Risks • Step 2: Prioritize Risks • Step 3: Develop Strategies & Tactics to Mitigate Risks • Step 4: Prepare the CRR Plan • Step 5: Implement the CRR Plan • Step 6: Monitor, Evaluate, and Modify the CRR Plan Where did CRR originate? In the spring of 2008, the Vision 20/20 National Forum brought some of the brightest minds in fire

safety together. They convened in Washington DC to determine how best to achieve the goal of preventing fire loss. (Vision 2020) What is the first step in CRR? Performing a Community Risk Assessment to better understand your communities’ risk is where it all begins. Gathering accurate data is one of the most important steps.

Where can I go to learn more about CRR? The first place is https://strategicfire. org/ This is the Vision 2020 website that can answer all your questions. Secondly, our friends at NFPA are also supporters of CRR at https://nfpa.org/crr.

Is there a CRR standard? Yes. NFPA 1300, Standard on Community Risk Assessment and Community Risk Reduction Plan Development.

What is going on in Oklahoma, as it pertains to Community Risk Reduction?

• Our Vision 2020 State Representative is Cody Banks from the Tulsa FD. • We recently had three fire departments participate in the NFPA Community Risk Assessment Pilot Project. They are Edmond, Midwest City and Oklahoma City.

• Led by Cody Banks, Oklahoma is working on a “Statewide Collaboration and Engagement Framework (SCEF).” SCEF has a vision to build a national coalition of states utilizing best practices in Community Risk Reduction. Oklahoma is one of the original six states.

Example of a CRR program in action: Elk City FD serving homebound residents with vaccines It all began with two Elk City firefighter/paramedics assisting Beckham County Health Department with administering COVID vaccines. While serving the county, these two firefighters realized there was a great need to vaccinate the elderly and homebound in their community.

They also knew the Elk City FD was set up perfectly to help this underserved population. They utilized a modified ICS system to manage the finances, ordering of supplies, scheduling, planning and public relations.

Understanding that many older adults struggle with technology, they dedicated one phone line to carry out person-to-person communication.

As of March 9, they have provided 95 Johnson & Johnson vaccinations to the homebound population and provided an additional 75 vaccines to folks at business PODS. As Brian Pierce stated, “We have seen a huge support for this, and all the feedback has been unbelievably positive.” He also stated that they received strong support from the health department, as well as their city manager Tom Ivester.

Elk City FD saw a risk to their community and provided a program to reduce this risk. Multiple agencies supported and worked together to carry out this much needed program.

The bottom line is they saved lives by providing this great “Community Risk Reduction” program.

Great job Elk City Fire! Special thanks to the two firefighters, Kyle and Brian from ECFD that led this CRR program. Kyle Chervenka is the Chief Medical Officer, ECFD. Brian Pierce is the Assistant Medical Officer and PIO, ECFD

Check out our social media @IFSTA for more information and testimonial content!

Partnered / Endorsed by the OSFA 2020 WHAT WE DO:

MASA covers Any Ground, Any Air, Anywhere.

We’ve been in business since 1974 and now have 2+ million members.

MASA is a third party payer like AAA, meaning you can use any transport provider for ground or air.

WHO IS COVERED: Husband, wife, legally recognized domestic partner and dependent children until their 26th birthday.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Emergent Plus: United States and Canada • Platinum: Global coverage

GOOD NEWS:

Available Now! Leadership for the Wildland Fire Officer Leading in a Dangerous Profession SECOND Edition

The OSFA Executive Board has mandated that all firefighters -volunteer and paid -- get the same pricing across Oklahoma.

We are getting the word out to all Fire Departments across the state.

This is not for individual sale but through your individual department.

CONTACT US NOW: Have your Chief reach out to Les McGee at 918-630-3460 or email him at lmcgee@masamts.com

We look forward to getting you onboard!

20 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

•

Written to NWCG PMS 310-1

•

Chapters 1-5 address leadership tactics for ANY leader in ANY position

•

Don’t miss the Addendum – After Action Reports detailing some of the best known wildland fires and what could have gone differently.

ITEM# 36329

Available in the OSFA Museum!

Call to order 405-424-3440.

Visit the online gift shop at www.osfa.info

Chase Rankin: Firefighter’s Pension Executive Director When it comes to being a firefighter, age, health, and physical ability play a vital role.

I, for one, am still a young and healthy individual, but I certainly do not have the physical ability to do what each of you do day in and day out.

I admire and respect the fire service, and it is my honor to serve you as the Executive Director of the Pension System. It is my job to ensure you have a healthy pension when it is your turn to retire.

One key component to the health of your pension and the health of the fire service (which in turn protects the public) is to ensure only candidates that can safely perform the essential job functions of a firefighter are put to work.

The job functions of a firefighter are extreme and not everyone is physically and mentally able to perform these job functions. It is for this reason that we have in our statute the requirement to pass a pre-employment medical exam and physical ability test before becoming a firefighter.

Recently, the Board of Trustees of the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System underwent a large-scale review of the essential job functions of a firefighter, the medical exam requirements, and the physical ability test.

This resulted in the rule-making process opening and culminated in rule amendment adoption that will ensure we are in line with the process to best evaluate these important items for firefighter candidates.

You can review these adopted rule amendments, which will go into effect in September 2021, on our website at www.ok.gov/fprs/Pension_ Rules_and_IRS_Rulings/index.html.

In addition, the board reviewed the physician for the board and decided it was time to make a change from the Integris System we have been using for many years.

I am excited to introduce to you, the new physician MEET DR. ILAOA for the pension board, Dr. Isaac Ilaoa D.O., with Your Dr. Isaac Ilaoa is a true Health and Wellness.

“Okie from Muskogee.”

I am so excited about After finishing high school, the new partnership and he enlisted into the U.S. Navy I believe you will love Dr. as a Hospital Corpsman.

Ilaoa. (His name is proAfter completing five years in service, including a tour in nounced “Allow-uh” but I Iraq, he returned home to know from experience you continue his pursuit of practicing medicine. can call him Dr. I). They are He majored in Bio-medical Sciences at the set up and taking physical University of Oklahoma, and completed medical appointments as we speak, school at Oklahoma State University – College and I know they can’t wait of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa, Oklahoma. to serve the firefighters of Dr. Ilaoa went on to complete a residency in Oklahoma in this role.

Internal Medicine in San Diego, Ca., and reYou can schedule apcently finished his second stint in the Navy as a pointments to get candiLieutenant Commander at Naval Health Clinic dates evaluated by Dr. Ilaoa Corpus Christi. by calling 405-730-6990 or He is excited to be returning home, and is text 405-544-5152. looking forward to sharing life with his new As always, we are here community. to serve you. If you have Dr. Ilaoa spends the majority of his free time any questions, please do with his wife and two kids; typically involved, not hesitate to contact our are playing music, or outdoor activities. They are also active in working with underserved, office. Be safe and stay and underprivileged communities in the U.S. and healthy! abroad.

Fireman’s Convention in Guthrie Makes Front Page of The Daily Oklahoma State Capital newspaper on May 11, 1895 EXTINGUISHED

The Fireman’s Convention Adjourns and the Boys go Home -- A Parting Toast and Resolutions Complimentary to the Citizens of Guthrie Generally by the Visiting Members - A Profitable Three Day Session The three days session of the Territorial Firemen’s Association ended last night and the visiting members left for their respective homes.

On account of the bad sand storm, the ball for last night had to be given up; but in its place a general reception was given at the K.P.Hall in which the fire boys exchanged happy compliments before parting.

Speeches, music and songs were the order of the evening.

A committee composed of S.E. Clute, J.T. Farrell and L.W. Lay, appointed to draft resolutions, presented the following which were unanimously adopted: To the officers and members of the Oklahoma Firemen’s Association: Resolved, that the thanks of this convention be extended to his excellency Wm. C. Renfrow, governor of Oklahoma, in view of his taking so pronounced a stand in our behalf; and we further recommend that he be made an honorary member of the association.

Resolved, that this association highly appreciates the hospitality of the Leader and The State Capital and citizens of Guthrie during our sojourn here; and that this resolution be spread upon the records and published in the official organ of the association.

Resolved, that is view of the fact that we have been highly entertained through the painstaking and untiring efforts of Chief George W. Taylor of the Guthrie Fire Department, we extend our sincere thanks and brotherly love to this worthy chief; And be it further Resolved, that we congratulate the citizens of the city of Guthrie on their fortunate selection of this untiring chief.

Resolved, that this association extend to his hoor, Mayor Martin, our hearty appreciation of his efforts to make our sojourn while in this city one long to be remembered and cherished by us; And be it further Resolved, that we also thank and highly appreciate the cordial treatment of the honorable council and chief of police of the city of Guthrie.

Resolved, that this association thank the Guthrie Fire Department for the efficient manner in which they have entertained us while their guests and that this resolution be spread upon the records of this association.

Resolved, that in view of the able manner in which T.E. Dowell, president of this association, has exercised the prerogatives of his office, that this association desires to show our high appreciation of him as an honored president and brother fireman by thanking him most heartily for services rendered.

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 21

Oklahoma Firefighters Convene DUES: Membership in the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association will be forfeited if dues are not paid by May 11.

CREDENTIALS: Delegate registration must be on the credentials form with proper signature. Pre-registration may be mailed, but all credentials are due in the OSFA office no later than May 31.

REGISTRATION: Registration cost for delegates and members is $60.

Registration cost for spouses and guests is $50.

The OSFA encourages all members to attend convention, whether as a delegate or as an interested member.

Everyone should pre-register, including spouses and guests.

This allows the OSFA office to have your name tag pre-typed so the registration lines can move more quickly. You do not need to pre-pay to pre-register. You can also call the OSFA office to register members and guests.

Any volunteer department whose income to its general fund during a fiscal year is less than $25,000 may choose a one-day registration.

The one-day registration shall be for the voting session day only (Saturday) and the cost shall be one-third the cost of the normal convention ($20). Any delegate wishing to attend the convention under the authority of this section must be pre-registered for the convention.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Host hotel is Hampton Inn & Suites Guthrie.

Rooms are $96 per night (use group code “OFA”).

Hampton Inn is located at 401 Cimarron Blvd, Guthrie, OK 73044.

The hotel’s phone number is 405-293-9595.

Holiday Inn Express (405-293-6464) is also a host hotel offering $96 room rates for the OSFA Convention.

Additional Hotels in the area: La Quinta Inn & Suites (405-293-6000), Sleep Inn & Suites (405-260-1400).

MEETINGS: Daily meetings will be held at the Dominion House (602 E. College. Guthrie, OK 73044).

ACTIVITIES: Fishing Tournament is Saturday, June 5, at Lake McMurtry East Pavillion in Stillwater. 2-person teams (one must be active or retired firefighter). Registration starts at 6 a.m., fishing starts at 6:30 a.m., weigh-in at 3 p.m. Cost is $100 per boat (includes meal at weigh-in, T-shirt if registered by May 14).

Golf Tournament is Wednesday, June 9, at Cimarron National Golf Course (500 Duffy’s Way, Guthrie, OK 73044)). Tee times at 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cost is $80 per person or $320 per team (includes green fees, cart, lunch).

Shooting Tournament is Thursday, June 10, at Silverleaf Shotgun Sports (8513 S. Douglas Blvd., Guthrie, OK 73044). Begins at 12:30 p.m. Cost is $75 per person (includes T-shirt if registered by May 14).

Fire Apparatus Parade is Thursday, June 10, at 5 p.m. in Guthrie.

To participate, please contact the OSFA office.

Picnic will be at the end of the parade at Mineral Wells Park (901 S. Division, Guthrie, OK 73044).

MEMORIAL SERVICE: To honor those members who have passed since our last convention, a Memorial Service will be held Thursday, June 10, at 8:30 a.m. at Dominion House. The service will be virtual and will stream live on the OSFA Facebook page.

DOOR PRIZES: Each department is asked to bring three (3) door prizes. Please indicate who the door prizes are from and turn them in at the registration table. Grand door prizes will be given away Friday at the Dominion House ballroom, and you must be present to win.

ENTERTAINMENT: Scheduled for Friday, June 11, at the Dominion House ballroom in Guthrie.

BUSINESS MEETING: Reports from the State Fire Marshal, the Firefighters Pension and Retirement System and the OSFA Committees will be presented.

Written reports also will be made available from some of the different organizations in the fire service.

You will select the OSFA Third Vice President, who will represent you and serve on the State Pension Board for the next five years.

There will be detailed discussions and voting on legislative and constitutional resolutions that will affect the fire service over the next few years.

Questions? Call OSFA at 405-424-1452.

22 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

June 9-12 For OSFA Convention Be Mindful at Convention in Guthrie

By Penelope Soldan Oklahoma Firefighter Editor Eric Harlow loves Latin phrases.

So when it came time to pick a theme for the 127th OSFA Convention, he searched online for one that conveyed his message.

It is “Memores Acti Prudentes Futuri Mindful of what has been done, aware of what will be.”

“I knew I wanted to embrace our association’s history, especially with the historical significance our department has with the association,” said Harlow, OSFA President and Guthrie Fire Chief.

“But at the same time, I wanted to show that we are ever ready and always preparing for the future.

I added the English equivalent to the logo mainly to make sure everyone knew the meaning and there would be no doubt what our theme was!”

Sole credit for the convention logo design goes to Michelle Sheridan, Harlow’s mother-in-law.

“I told her what our theme was going to be and how it was embracing past, present and future, and she did the rest,” Harlow said. “She did an excellent job! Her creative talents never fail to amaze me, and I cannot thank her enough for her help!”

Guthrie FD and the OSFA

Only four fire departments were represented at the inaugural convention of the Territorial Firemen’s Association of Oklahoma held in 1894 in El Reno.

Those FDs were El Reno, Oklahoma City, Guthrie and Norman.

Guthrie, a charter member of the association that would later be called OSFA, then hosted the 2nd convention (1895), 6th convention (1899) and 11th convention (1904).

Now, 117 years later, the OSFA is bringing the convention back to Guthrie.

“It’s been before Oklahoma statehood since we hosted one here and it’s beyond time to bring it back,” Harlow said.

“Our department has played such an integral part in the creation of the OSFA. And I know myself, our department and our city are all very proud to be hosting the 127th convention here in Guthrie.”

Historically Speaking

• Guthrie was designated as the territorial capital after the Land Run of 1889 and named the first state capital of Oklahoma in 1907.

• In 1894, Guthrie Fire Chief G.W. Taylor secured a charter for the association from the governor of the Territory of Oklahoma.

Eric Harlow OSFA President and Guthrie Fire Chief • The Dominion House, built in 1923, will host this year’s OSFA convention meetings.

Originally constructed as the Masonic Children’s Home of Oklahoma, it served in this capacity well into the 1970s. It closed in 1978 and was sold in 1982 to a private developer.

In the early 2000s, Dominion House sold again to its current owner who undertook a massive remodeling project, making the building into what it is today.

Harlow on OSFA Conventions

What are your hopes for the 127th OSFA Convention? My biggest hope is that we show that we are strong as an association and as a fire service, coming out of the COVID mess and showing that we are a diverse, yet unified group of firefighters.

Anything you like better or worse from your first OSFA convention to your OSFA conventions as a board member? They’ve all been a lot of fun. It is always a great time to visit with old friends and network with new ones. It’s great to see the representation from across the entire state when it’s convention time.

And it is much more interesting being involved from the board side of things, especially this year as I get to be so involved with the coordination of the entire convention.

Your funniest convention memory? Well, every year it’s usually the same ... Marcus Koch!

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 23

OSFA Conventions Through the Years 10 YEARS AGO (2011) At the 117th convention, OSFA President Bert Norton had all the ambassadors from Midwest City and their families meet before the Mardi Gras themed banquet.

“Bert gave a speech about what it meant to be in the Midwest City fire department and how much he appreciated all the work we did,” said convention chairman Jarett Metheny. “It was pretty moving.”

And Bert, who picked “Fully Involved” as his convention theme, said: “Judging by the number of new people wanting 2011 OSFA President to be appointed to committees, I think firefighters are going to Bert Norton step up and get fully involved again.”

Also of note: • Kathy Cross, granddaughter of Retired Ada Fire Chief Gene Smith, read her grandmother’s poem during the Memorial Service. Mrs. Ruth Smith wrote “A Fire Fighter’s Wife” 30-plus years ago and has donated the copyrighted poem to Oklahoma Firefighters Museum.

• Retired Warr Acres Fire Chief Herb Bradshaw took over as OSFA Executive Director five months and nine days before convention.

25 YEARS AGO (1996) For the second year, exclusive invitations to the Memorial Service were sent to spouses of firefighters who were widowed since last convention. And almost half of the names read during the Memorial were represented at the ceremony.

Making it extra special were Warr Acres firefighters and the Honor Guard representing all of the host departments. Warr Acres firefighter Ken Koger knelt down in front of a wooden cross in full bunker gear while the names were read.

1996 OSFA President Herb Bradshaw Herb Bradshaw, host of the convention, sang “Amazing Grace.”

Also of note: • Membership unanimously voted to form a special committee to study the establishment of a fund from voluntary contributions to be paid to surviving families in the event of the death of a member firefighter.

The idea was hatched when OSFA Board members went to pay their respects for volunteer firefighter Brent Hatcher of Wayne and found that his family could not afford to buy him a suit to be buried in.

• This year’s theme was “Just Another Day” and featured a drawing of the Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial sculpture. Bradshaw hoped all the profit from convention would go to the Memorial fund.

50 YEARS AGO (1971) According to Executive Director Andy Miller, this marked the first time in the modern history of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association that the president was a volunteer firefighter. Miller even suggested to Nathan Stufflebean at the end of last year’s convention that the theme of the 77th event be “The Volunteer 1971 OSFA President Fire Services.”

Nathan Stufflebean

Miller also suggested that paid departments bring representatives from at least two volunteer cities to convention -- “even if you have to pay their expenses and get them to attend some way or other.”

In comparing the final reports of the Credentials Committees from 1970 and ‘71, there were 30 more non delegates attending this convention.

Also of note: • The day before convention, a storm rolled through Enid, toppling trees and causing other damage. Enid Police Chief Dale Moxley said that many of the firefighters attending convention offered assistance. “You don’t know what that means in a disaster time,” he said. “We do appreciate it.”

• Representative Tom Rogers Jr. from Enid told the delegation that he wanted to be a fireman when he grew up. “In a way, I have achieved that goal,” he said. “The Legislature fights more brush fires every year than any other volunteer group I can think of.

Sometimes we don’t go about it in a very intelligent way, however. Whoever heard of pouring oil and gas on a brush fire?”

75 YEARS AGO (1946) Tulsa hosted the 51st Convention of the Oklahoma State Firemen’s Association, and guest speaker R.C. Adler, Former Tulsa Fire Chief, shared the following: “In 1900 a bunch of us young fellows got together in a store and organized the volunteer fire department in Tulsa. We had a well down at First & Main with a pump on it and 300 feet of hose.

At that time, they were paying the boys 50 cents a night for a drill night and $2 or $2.50 for a fire. We never had any fires. In fact, we never had any fires until we got a paid fire department — that started our fires.”

1946 OSFA President

George P. Askew Also of note: • The Financial Report for 1946 included the purchase of four Series F War Bonds for the face value of $1,000 each.

• The Police Quartet sang “Rock of Ages” at the Memorial Services held at First Baptist Church.

100 YEARS AGO (1921) T. Alfred Flemming, Chairman of the Conservation Bureau of Fire Underwriters of New York, addressed the convention on the subject of “Fire Prevention.”

After his dynamic speech, it was suggested that the Resolutions Committee prepare a letter to U.S. President Warren G. Harding asking that October 9 be set aside as National Fire Prevention Day. On Sept. 21, 1922, President Harding issued a proclamation designating October 9 as National Fire Prevention Day. Also of note: • At the opening session for the 27th Annual Convention, presided over by OSFA President M.O. Crouch of Shawnee, there were some 100 delegates present with an expected 400 to be the final tabulation. Trains were all being met by firemen to bring the delegates to the convention.

• In the afternoon of the second day, the visitors were taken for an automobile ride, then to a ball game at Oklahoma Baptist University. Later, they attended a banquet and met at the convention hall to watch a boxing contest.

DR. ERICK “DOC E” REYNOLDS

For ORFA 3rd Vice President • Served as a volunteer firefighter several years in Oklahoma at 3 different FDs. My last stop was at Milfay, OK, where I served as a firefighter and fire chief.

• Been involved with the OSFA & ORFA for over 15 years.

Currently serving as a chairman on the Cornerstone Committee, specifically the Membership Committee.

• Spent the last 20+ years involved in fire training across the State of Oklahoma, both in CareerTech and at Oklahoma State University Fire Service Training.

24 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

Bre Horn: Spotlight on Logan County Fire Departments It is such a privilege to be a part of the fire service family, as we always have each other’s backs no matter where we are at.

I have the honor of my immediMarshall FD ate fire family being Logan County, though, and it is such a blessing to work with these men and women.

There are 14 departments that serve Logan county: Cashion, Coyle, Crescent, Deer Creek, Guthrie, Langston, Marshall, Meridian, Mulhall, Oak Cliff, Orlando, Sooner, Twin Lakes and Woodcrest.

Most departments also help serve the counties surrounding Logan County, as well, but we have truly become a close family in Logan County, working well as a whole. The men and women in Logan County truly pour their hearts into serving on our departments and county.

Most departments are completely volunteer, with 20 Years with Logan County FDs only Deer Creek and Oak Cliff being combination and Guthrie being the only fully paid department in Logan In 1999, OSFA President Eric Harlow County. became a volunteer firefighter in Ripley What is so wonderful, though, in our family is it when he was 18 and a freshman at Okladoesn’t matter whether you are a paid firefighter or a homa State University. volunteer because we are just that a family. We spend In 2001, he became a part-time paid many hours training together at different departments firefighter at Oak Cliff Fire Protection and at classes brought to Logan County so that when District and quickly moved up the ranks the call comes in, we know each other’s equipment and to the position of Training Officer. how to work together.

In 2002, Harlow accepted a full time It doesn’t matter what part of the county you are in Airport Firefighter position at Will Rogers -- North, East, South or West. We all train together and World Airport in Oklahoma City while work together as one. We spend time together not only still working at Oak Cliff FD. at calls and training, but we also attend many events In 2006, he left Oak Cliff to accept together in Logan County -- parades, Touch the Truck the Assistant Fire Chief position at and fundraisers at different departments, as well as neighboring Deer Creek Fire Protection other events across the state such as State Fire School, District. This developed into a full time the Memorial Service, OSFA Convention and the Volposition within a few years. unteer Caucus.

And in 2011, Harlow accepted the I have only been a member of the firefighter family Guthrie Fire Chief position where he’s since 2013, but I have watched the departments get been ever since. stronger and stronger with each year.

“We have a great department full of Our fire chiefs implemented something we call very hard working men, providing fire, W.A.R Plan (Wildland Automatic Response) after the rescue and Advanced Life Support transbig fire in 2014 south/southeast of Guthrie. What this port EMS for a large portion of Logan has set in place is that on our high fire danger days, County.” our dispatch will automatically send two additional departments to calls to try and help prevent that from happening again.

This is only possible because of how well the men and women work with each other and are willing to go assist our brothers and sisters in their time of need without a second thought on if we get along or not.

To me, this shows great leadership from our chiefs leading by example and working through things and always willing to help out.

Logan County has deployed a task force multiple times to other counties, and the chiefs all communicate through a Group Me app that helps coordinate who is going and what each one is taking in a short amount of time so we can gather and respond to assist other counties quickly.

Recently, one of our county departments suffered a great tragedy when Twin Lakes FD caught fire. They lost everything. So many departments across the USA stepped up to help them rebuild with us, and we also made sure that our surrounding departments kept them covered while they rebuild.

We are blessed that this year the OSFA Convention is coming to Logan County and is being hosted by the Guthrie Fire Department.

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 25

By Greg LindsayNear-Miss OKC Fire Department Greg Lindsay: Firefighter Report Working in the Trenches Have you ever responded to a call that is so out of the ordinary you must draw on every bit of training to begin Oklahoma City FD to formulate a plan of action?

These types of calls can leave us feeling unprepared and may give us the catalyst to look for additional training opportunities in the future.

When an elevated risk event appears in an article, it’s sure that we will get out a training folder and refamiliarize our protocols, but what if the event appears in your dispatch orders today instead?

The featured report this month talks about one of those types of calls. An incident of the kind that we don’t respond to regularly and can be particularly hazardous for anyone involved.

The report details something we refer to as a low occurrence event. In this case, we also add in the possibility of elevated risk, and now the stress level increases dramatically.

Consider while reading this report how you and other responders from your department would manage each element and what role you could assume given your training level. Imagining ourselves in these roles can personalize the lessons shared while also forming realistic expectations of our unique capabilities.

TRENCH COLLAPSE INJURES RESCUER Published: 11/10/2020

and a tag line.

The firefighter making entry into the trench approached from the east in the middle region and attempted to uncover the victim’s face. When the firefighter made it to the area where the victim was, a second trench collapse occurred, trapping the firefighter from the head down. We attempted immediate retrieval via tag line without success.

At the time of the collapse, a MAYDAY was called, and three firefighters entered the trench to rescue the trapped firefighter. The trapped firefighter was cleared of debris within 2 minutes and assessed in the trench, and with assistance, began spontaneous respirations. We lifted the firefighter from the trench, and paramedics rendered ALS care and transport.

Take a few moments to talk about this event and consider the following discussion points.

• This type of call is unfamiliar to many of our personnel. Share any personal experiences you or your crewmembers have had with this type of event.

• What procedures are in place in your department to manage a trench rescue? Do you have a field guide for reference?

• The survivability profile for someone trapped in a trench is specific. What are the physiological challenges faced during patient care?

• The report mentioned a firefighter with a tag line entering the trench. Discuss the pros and cons of this type of rescue attempt.

• What resources does your department have to manage a trench collapse?

These calls require a specific approach. The reporter shared these lessons learned from this event.

Event Narrative Size-up: The Acting Captain of the first arriving Lessons Learned Engine company identified the nature of the incident • NO personnel shall enter a trench deeper than as a trench rescue and secured the area.

5ft without shoring in place.

Event Description: We received a 911 call for • Apparatus placement shall be a minimum of “a man trapped under dirt” and “we can’t see the 75ft away from collapse zone. patient.” Units responded as a part of a Technical • Perimeter control to limit traffic movement Rescue Team with a full alarm. The incident scene within 300ft of collapse zone. consisted of a narrow trench excavated by a contrac• Determine rescue versus recovery to assess the tor in the parking lot’s east area flanked by commerscene and decide the type of work being conducted in cial occupancies and a roadway. The trench portion the trench to determine if the possibility exists that where the collapse occurred was approximately the victim could find refuge in 10ft-12ft deep, six feet wide, narrowing to four feet pipes, vaults, etc. wide, and 18ft-24ft long.

• Use appropriate flagging/ The initial trapped victim’s location was near a barrier tape to designate the “Hot planter overhang and asphalt adjacent to the collapse Zone.” zone. Workers from the contracted company entered • Turn off any unnecessary the trench to rescue their co-worker before the initial running vehicles to prevent crew’s arrival. vibrations.

The second arriving engine company noted a co-worker stating that the victim had just been What changes are being impleburied up to his head and was still alive. They were mented due to this event? unable to uncover him and that the victim was de• Conduct annual training on termined to be in a sitting or kneeling position before High-Risk, Low-Frequency incithe collapse occurred. The second arriving engine dents like trench rescue training. company prepared a firefighter with firefightingFirefighter PPE • Regular departmental review 26 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma

trench dynamics and understand types of collapses and other associated trench hazards.

This report is a reminder that low-frequency events can occur.

Occasionally, we respond to manage something that our brain doesn’t recognize. When that happens, we tend to fall back on a “try and evaluate” decision-making process.

There are many things to consider with each step. To be sure, if the trench sidewalls have already collapsed, it could likely happen again.

First, try to determine your goals. What do you hope to accomplish, and what do you want to avoid? In this case, removing the patient was the goal, but avoiding rescuer entrapment was a concern.

Other factors considered to prevent further collapse were the bystanders at the scene, equipment operating in the area, and determining the work zone perimeters. These are all functions the incident commander must address, even when assessing whether the incident involved a rescue or a recovery.

Experience can help with these decisions, but thoughtful deliberation may be the best tool you have initially.

Trench collapse rescues can be lengthy events. While different soils can have different weights, one cubic foot of soil can weigh up to 100 pounds. A victim buried in a trench may only have a few minutes from the initial collapse for survival. All of these considerations must go into the thought process. The possibility of a survivable space within the work area is always considered; however, collapses occur very quickly.

The decisions we make during a trench rescue have a vital impact on our personnel. While we have a duty to act, a risk-benefit analysis is essential. Providing required protection measures for personnel that enter the hazard zone is mandatory.

When field operations guides are not readily available, there are internet resources that can help. Search for “trench rescue firefighters field operations guide.”

Have you responded on a low-frequency event where the decision process was not as conclusive as possible or where a field guide could have added valuable information to the scene’s decisions? If this is the case, I would like to read about it. You can send the case study to www.Firefighternearmiss. com, where you can share your experiences and detail how you managed the event.

Any incident where the possibility of a nearmiss occurring is acceptable. Please include the potential hazard you recognized in the event details and the actions taken to resolve/ avoid those concerns in the lessons shared. How we come to the decisions we make is also a relevant lesson to share.

Firefighters Serving Firefighters

ROGER BROWN (785) 865-6941

RYAN REEVES (405) 269-3844

STEVE MARTIN (405) 620-1891

CARY PROVENCE (405) 623-8216

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

Exclusive Pierce Fire Apparatus Dealer in Oklahoma, Kansas and W. Missouri

@conradfire

@conradfireequipment

Conrad Fire Equipment would like to thank and congratulate the Oklahoma City Fire Department on its recent purchase of six 100’ Pierce Ascendant Towers

Fire

Fire

Ladder

Hose

Testing

We Offload, Test AND Reload

Testing

Let us show you why we are professionals at what we do

888-384-TEST n

sharptesting.com

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 27

Steven Harris: Fire Chaplain Report Focus on what matters.

Lately, I have been out preparing my yard for the coming summer, killing weeds, planting flowers and all that comes with yard keeping.

Oklahoma City FD While I was out, a couple of dogs in another yard must have seen something outside their fence.

They ran up and down the fence barking and jumping, determined to get out and attack whatever was bothering them. Soon other dogs in the neighborhood joined in.

As the noise escalated, I was becoming annoyed and frustrated.

Can’t someone tell them dogs to shut up?! My stresses started to increase as I worked in my yard. After a short while, I heard a lawnmower start. My neighbor was mowing his lawn unaffected by the loud annoyance of what was happening. Could he not hear all this noise? Where is the quiet solitude of my back yard, I thought as I looked down at my yard.

Then I noticed I needed to mow my grass as well, so that’s what I did. By the time I was finished, the dogs had settled down and I could sit and enjoy my freshly cut lawn with a glass of iced tea. My thoughts wandered. How many times do I get upset and angry about things outside of my control? I watch the news or read rants on social media and my attitude seems to slowly drop into despair. When really, I just need to take care of what’s in front of me.

God gave me a field to care for. I’m not talking about grass and flowers, but people! He puts people in our lives to care for and others to lift up. As I show love and grace to them, I find myself in the rest and comfort of a freshly manicured and watered yard.

I want to be less concerned about the world and more focused on what God has planned for me. My prayer is that the Lord would bless you and all those close to you with gratitude joy and love.

ATTENTION Fire Chiefs and Department Heads Need training for your mechanics?

Are the mechanics working on your equipment certified?

Think you cannot afford training?

The Oklahoma Association of Emergency Vehicle Technicians helps mechanics and departments find training, servicing and parts for emergency equipment.

oklahomaevt@gmail.com

wilkerson.robert@icloud.com

O.A.E.V.T. CAN HELP! O.A.E.V.T. can provide FREE TRANING that can be tailored to your department

28 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

Kelly Ransdell: NFPA Report Happy Spring! As we enter the spring, lets focus our attention on some safety for the fire service.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has launched free NFPA 1700, Guide for Structural Fire Fighting online training for firefighters to learn safer and more effective ways to handle fire incidents involving modern day materials and contents.

The all-new instructional course, centered around NFPA 1700, Guide for Structural Fire Fighting, is based on extensive scientific research and testing on contemporary structures from the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute.

Today’s home fires burn faster, reach flashover quicker, collapse sooner, and result in reduced escape times largely due to synthetic contents including furniture, plastics, rugs, and composite materials versus the wood-constructed legacy furnishings of days gone by.

These days, residences also tend to be constructed on smaller lots, include a second story, feature more open floor plans, and house all kinds of new technologies.

These components and evolving fuel loads have prompted changes to the tactics that firefighters have used for decades; and led to the November release of NFPA 1700, the first NFPA document connecting fire dynamics research to response strategy, tactics, and best practices.

The all-new instructional course is designed to help the fire service evolve the way it responds to incidents and provides evidence-based recommendations and methodologies so that first responders are operating with updated strategies. The course provides: • Guidance focused on interacting within a structure on-fire to achieve the most successful outcome based on documented fire investigations, research, and testing.

• Interactive modeling of residential structural firefighting with simulated training scenarios and coaching throughout exercises.

• Concepts based on NFPA 1700 principles and tactical advice for effective search, rescue, and fire suppression operations, as well as civilian and responder safety.

NFPA 1700 online training puts firefighters in an immersive digital environment that replicates in-person, hands-on learning.

Ideal for both new and seasoned structural firefighting personnel, the online program offers an introduction to NFPA 1700, followed by a series of interactive learning modules.

Each session offers a 360-degree, full-3D virtual experience featuring realistic scenarios and requires firefighters to make observations and decisions on how to respond and fight the fire.

The course covers how to enter buildings, where to apply hose streams, and when to stand down due to potential life-threatening situations; and culminates with a Capstone exam to help firefighters synthesize learning and put knowledge to the test.

Upon completion, members of the fire service should be able to: • Explain why firefighting tactics are changing based on modern construction, newer on-scene technology, and evolving fuel loads.

• Gain an understanding of how to assess and approach the scene of a fire based on the latest science-based fire dynamics research and testing.

• Be more prepared to assess a fire’s growth and spread, and consequently utilize up-to-date control methods.

The training takes into consideration fundamental occupancy, building construction, while addressing the health and safety of firefighters by reinforcing the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) and methodologies for contamination control.

Kara Owens: FSIO President’s Report Greetings from the Fire Service Instructors of Oklahoma Board!

First off, I would like to thank everyPiedmont FD one who attended and assisted with our annual conference this past October at OSU-OKC & Oklahoma City Fire Department Training grounds.

We had phenomenal speakers share their knowledge and expertise with us. Thank you to OSU-FST, the Oklahoma City Fire Department & OKC Metro FOOLS for assisting in making this a successful event in such a trying time.

This event provided an excellent opportunity to network and meet some great speakers. If I have missed anyone, I apologize.

Our motto for the year is “Don’t lose your fire!” This year marks the 40th anniversary for FSIO. What a huge accomplishment!

Over the course of this year, we are planning to visit several areas of the state and meet with fellow instructors and offer any assistance in training during these challenging times.

The board is looking at having at least one training or round table event in each quadrant of the state.

We would love to see you there!

If you would like us to come to your department and help with training or would like to attend a meeting just let us know. We are utilizing online meeting platform for our monthly meetings. Don’t forget to sign up as a member. You can follow us on Facebook to see what we are doing throughout the year.

As we all know, the responsibility of training and the obstacles we are facing with COVID can make it very challenging to accomplish training. It can be difficult, but not impossible, as the fire service industry has shown that perseverance and willingness to meet the challenge head on.

Get your nominations for the Ray Davison Instructor of the Year Award ready, as we will begin accepting nominations next month.

Watch our Facebook page, Fire Service Instructors of Oklahoma, for further details.

Be sure to mark your calendar for Sept. 30-Oct. 2 for the 40th Annual FSIO Conference. It’s going to be a great conference!

2021 FSIO Board President Kara Owens

NE Director Jason Philpot

1st VP Dean McFadden

SW Director Nancy Howell

2nd VP Joshua Brown

SE Director Randy Sullivan

Sec. / Treasurer Melanie Colvin

OKC Area Jamie Duboise

NW Director Jon Haight

Tulsa Area Brad Ashton

Firefighter-1 Class in Guymon

Past President Mark Murdock

Third attempt at training firefighters in the panhandle proves to be successful, as these students started their journey March 9 to become trained to the level of Firefighter-1 in Guymon.

OSU FST Rodney Foster OSU Colby Cagle Historian Mike Duncan

THE TRUCKS, TRAILERS, PARTS AND SERVICE TO KEEP YOU

ROAD READY

COMPLETED RURAL TANKERS AVAILABLE Chassis and frame modification Chassis component addition or removal Chassis component modification Component swapping between chassis

AGRICULTURE | OIL FIELD | FIRE DEPT | INDUSTRIAL | CONSTRUCTION | GOVERNMENT | PERSONAL

BRUCKNER’S OF ENID 5913 E. Owen K. Garriott, E. Hwy 412 Enid, Oklahoma 73701 877.601.1236 enid-fab@brucknertruck.com brucknertruck.com

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 29

In Memoriam Chad Hyde, Oklahoma City FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Oklahoma City firefighter Chad Hyde on April 1. He was 32.

Just two weeks after his birthday, Chad died after crashing his motorcycle at an on ramp to Interstate 35 in Moore.

He loved his family -- wife Brittany and two small childen, Emery and Everett, and he served the community of Oklahoma City with distinction.

A post by OCFD said, “We were honored by his dedication to the job and humbled by his passion to serve. Our prayers are with the entire Hyde family.”

R.B. Ellis, Tulsa FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Tulsa firefighter R.B. Ellis on Feb. 24. He was 60.

R.B. joined the Tulsa Fire Department in 1989 and spent most of his career at Station 4. He was committed to his roles on the Tulsa FD, USAR Task Force 1, serving as longtime president of Tulsa Metro FOOLs and training with Tech Resq.

A post by OSFA said, “We are very grateful for his service to our state fire school, and there are numerous reviews of his class from students that express the same sentiment.”

Jake Riner, Tulsa FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Tulsa firefighter Jake Riner on Jan. 30. He was 35.

Jake’s career path included several stops, all under the heading of service to others. He received his fire and emergency medical services certificate from Tulsa Community College, then served as an EMT for EMSA and as a firefighter with Bartlesville Fire and then Tulsa Fire.

He was deeply loyal, led from the back without stepping on those ahead, the heart of the fire station, and the instigator of shenanigans.

He was admired for being a “Jake of all trades” knowing something about everything and creating meals for his family or the firehouse.

Lonnie Bolar, Waynoka FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Waynoka Fire Chief Lonnie Bolar on Jan. 29. He was 45.

Lonnie became a member of the Waynoka Fire Department on Jan. 23, 2006. He had a passion for fighting fires, and he thoroughly enjoyed attending fire trainings.

In addition to serving as the Waynoka fire chief, Lonnie was also foreman for Woods County District 3, owner of Scoob’s Tavern, weekend heavy equipment operator for Frontier Rodeo and Luddington Cattle.

He passed away while heroically trying to save the lives of others.

Tayler Bradford, Waynoka FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Waynoka firefighter Tayler Bradford on Jan. 29. He was 28.

Tayler always had a love for all sports but track was a favorite. He attended state track meets all four years of high school and was proud to hold the school record for long jump and being tied for high jump.

Later in life Tayler had many hobbies including jeeping, racing and being an aquarist.

He tragically left this world while heroically doing what he loved.

Jacob Pack, Wetumka FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Wetumka firefighter Jacob Pack on Jan. 20. He was 40.

Jacob spent 16 years with the Wetumka Volunteer Fire Department and also worked with Enable Gas Company.

A post by Wetumka FD said, “You were a brother, always the life of any party, making joke and seeing the light in any situation! You were a tremendous asset to the department and the2021Oklahoma community! You will be forever missed!

30 May/June/July Firefighter

Chalk Norton, Shawnee FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for

retired Shawnee firefighter Chalk Norton on Jan. 17. He was 71.

Chalk was a firefighter with the Shawnee Fire Department from 1973-2007, rising to the rank of Battalion Chief.

He was the Legislative Director of the Professional Fire Fighters of Oklahoma from 1977-2020. He was instrumental in passing the Fire and Police Arbitration Act in 1994, enhancing the livelihoods of career firefighters and police officers across Oklahoma.

Ricky Straub, Granite FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Granite Assistant Fire Chief Ricky Straub on Jan. 5. He was 59.

Ricky went to school and graduated from Hobart High School Class of 1979. He attended Western Oklahoma State College in Altus for a few semesters.

Ricky volunteered and was the assistant fire chief at Granite FD for a number of years. He retired after 29 years of service from Kiowa County as a heavy equipment operator.

He was a talker and never met a stranger. Ricky especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Larry Moore, Katie FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Katie firefighter Larry Moore on Jan. 1. He was 64.

Larry grew up West of Pauls Valley and attended White Bead Schools. He loved farming and worked as a farm hand all of his life.

Living and being a part of a farming community, he served as a volunteer fireman for the Katie Volunteer FD for the past 14 years. Throughout his life he enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family and friends.

Andy Davis, Oklahoma City FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Oklahoma City firefighter Andy Davis on Dec. 24. He was 45.

Andy was a 20-year veteran with OKCFD and was with Fire Station 10-C near downtown. He was the son of retired Capt. Johnny Davis, brother of Deputy Chief Tony Davis and Maj. Scott Davis and uncle of Cpl. A.J. Davis.

Andy loved the job and serving the residents of Oklahoma City. His jovial approach to life endeared him to all who knew him, and his work ethic was an example of excellence. Andy loved watching his kids play sports.

Melvin Whitten, Okeene FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for retired Okeene firefighter Melvin Whitten on Dec. 24. He was 81.

In 1971, Melvin started work at the Sooner Co-op, and he became a farmstore manager at the Co-op before retiring in 1999 after 27 years. He was a part of the Okeene Volunteer FD for 18 years.

He was a kind man with a heart of gold, and it only took talking to him once to see that. He never knew a stranger, and his love for his family was endless. No matter where he was, no matter who he was with, he always had a smile, and greeted everyone as if they were a friend.

Frank Van Buskirk, Ringling FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Ringling firefighter Frank Van Buskirk on Dec. 17. He was 47.

Frank worked alongside his family in their ranching and fertilizer business. He was also a member of the Ringling Volunteer FD for more than 10 years.

He learned to rope from his dad, Lyndal, and loved to compete, he passed that love and knowledge on to his son.

Frank excelled at youth and high school rodeo.

In Memoriam John Knuppel, Oklahoma City FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for retired Oklahoma City firefighter John Knuppel on Dec 13. He was 93.

Before graduation from high school,, he and a group of young men enlisted in the Navy.

He served on the USS Parris Island as ship’s fireman. After the Navy, he returned to Oklahoma and completed high school.

He then went to work for the ZP Meyers Photography Shop in OKC. In 1951, John joined the Oklahoma City FD. He served at several stations, later becoming the first official photographer for the OCFD. At the time of retirement, he was a Captain in the Fire Prevention Bureau.

John then helped establish the Oklahoma Firefighter’s Museum in OKC, being the first curator. Many of his photographs are on display at the museum along with some of his firefighting memorabilia.

Dewayne Blevins, Muskogee FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for retired Muskogee firefighter Dewayne Blevins on Dec. 9. He was 63.

The following is a tribute to Dewayne Blevins by Jim Ed Nimmo, Tulsa FD, OSFA 2nd Vice President Captain Dewayne Blevins or “Blev” as he was affectionately known was one of the good guys.

He began his career at Muskogee Fire in 1979 and retired in 2012 with 33 years on the job. In addition, his wife Johnette, was the long time secretary at MFD, keeping the machine running for many years.

I had not seen Blev in about 15 years, but I was fortunate enough to run into him at the retiree’s convention a couple of years ago and visit with him a few times over the last year.

He was still the same funny, easy going and likable guy with a self deprecating sense of humor I had known at the beginning of my career.

I’d like to share a story and one piece of advice I received from Blev while I was still at MFD that I’ve never forgotten.

Clifton Williamson, Wetumka FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Wetumka firefighter Clifton Williamson on Dec. 15. He was 34.

Clifton and his family settled in Okfuskee County in 2014. He worked as an electrician for the City of Wetumka, as well as a machinist with his father. He also spent several years on the Wetumka Volunteer Fire Department.

He enjoyed motorcycles and loved to buy and sell cars. He also enjoyed hunting and being outdoors. He is remembered as a very giving person and he always had a big smile.

Ben Brown, Mooreland FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Mooreland firefighter Ben Brown on Dec. 4. He was 19.

Ben attended Mooreland High School where he was set to graduate in the spring of 2021 and planned to attend Oklahoma State University in the fall.

He was a diesel tech at his brother’s company while also working as a farm hand and a proud Mooreland firefighter (badge #247). Ben also competed in track & field and cross country, taking back-to-back state titles the last two years.

Dewayne’s son, Brandon, would occasionally come around the station. Over the five or so years I was there, I’d seen him grow from a small kid to a teenager.

I’m certain Brandon doesn’t remember me, but I won’t forget his haircut at the time. The easiest way to describe this haircut would be to say he looked like a member of the old punk rock band The Ramone’s, if you’re familiar with them, but with blonde hair and dressed in Abercrombie & Fitch.

Like most firemen, I wasn’t going to miss a chance to gig Blev a little on his son’s haircut.

As we all know, nothing is really off limits at the firehouse.

It didn’t phase Blev a bit, and he gave me a little advice. He said, that with teenagers you have to pick your battles and if that was the worst thing he ever had to deal with, he was just fine with it.

I walked away with a different perspective on parenting, even though I wasn’t a parent at the time, and I’ve never forgot it.

Sixteen years later, the kid I remember with the funny haircut is a grown man, and like his father, a fireman in Muskogee. The haircut is consider-

ably tighter now. Legacies live on.

On behalf of the OSFA Board and Staff, I’d like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Johnette, Brandon, Brandy and the Muskogee Fire family for the unexpected loss of a good father, husband, fireman and friend.

Dewayne Blevins with wife Johnette and son Brandon

Roberts Testing

Pump Testing in your Community 405-834-5975 • groberts1960@gmail.com

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 31

OSFA By-Laws Resolution 21-01 2021 amended Association By-laws By-laws Article 4 –Clarification Section 1. 2022 Association Active Member Dues Implementation: (Chart at right).

Section 2. 2005-2019 Inflationary Off-Set 1) Identifying appropriate OSFA Funding/Expense and Distribution levels, based on the following criteria The BLS July 2019 South Region Urban-CPIU Index (all items, not seasonally adjusted) “Round” used here, is an inflation percentage of 25.000% used here to offset the period’s lost buying power increase to a higher whole number. Hereafter referred to as the “Index round”.

2) The 2005 -2019 OSFA budget funding expense - distributions experience.

The 2005 OSFA “total expense” of $600,449 was projected by the “Index round” to increase to $750,561 (25%).

From 2005 -2019 the OSFA’s “total expense” actually increased $458,727 (76.397%) to $1,059,176.

The 2019, “total expense” of $1,059,176 outpaced the “Index rounded” projection by $234,358 (39.03%).

Section 3. Association “Income Budget Reserve” The dues increase is the first of a two-part, 8-year Plan to stabilize the OSFA’s “fundraising income reserve” to underpin OSFA finances as follows: Part 1: The annual $32.00 dues increase is accomplished over 3 years as follows: FY2022, dues go to $70.00 ($14 increase); FY2022, to $80 ($10 increase); and 2024 to*$88.00 ($8.00 increase).

Part 2: The 8-year Plan: 1) FY 2022, OSFA Active Member Annual Dues go to $70.00 ($5.83/mo.).

The Association will create a “fundraising reserve account” and dedicated an annual budget supplement of $10.503, ($1.00 active membership dues equivalent) is directed to the “fundraising reserve account”.

2) FY 2023, the “reserve budget accounts” dedicated budget supplement is increased to $31,143 ($3 active member dues equivalent) and to be provided through FY2030.

FY 2023, OSFA Active Member annual Dues go to $80.00 (round $6.66/mo.).

FY 2024 Active Member Dues go to $88.00 annually (round $7.33/mo.)

FY 2031, the “fundraising income reserve” balance will be $231,066 + and should be sufficient to supply a 2-year window of funds, should future “fundraising income” be disrupted. The plan will stabilize the budget and underpinning the Association’s financials. Hopefully, in time for a FY 2030 OSFA Dues Study.

See the following “Fundraising Income Reserve”Budget Distribution Schedule Table.

32 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

Section 4. Staff Benefit Package Enhancement Committed quality staffer can only afford OSFA employment till they find better employment. By improving the staff benefit package, we can stop the revolving door. By attracting and rewarding quality employees, the Association will elevate its performance. By developing a trial employment period, with satisfactory performance, staffers may qualify for up to $250 per month cost-sharing (healthcare) supplement or the monetary equivalent.

The 2021, to cost the seven (7) member staff quality family healthcare coverage or the monetary equivalent of would be approximately $1,500 per month.

The dedicated $2/member dues commitment should provide $21,006.

Section 5. In-Line of Death and Not In-line of Duty Death Benefits.

Firefighting has inherent loss of life hazards. Many of Firefighter family budgets are ill prepared for loss of their Firefighter much less their burial expenses. The Association recommends combining the existing three (3) Association Death Benefits and provide a meaningful In-Line of Duty Death and a Not In-Line of Duty Death Benefit, as set forth in Association FY 2021 Constitution Article 14 as follows; OSFA Article 14, Section 2.

Article 14 – IN-LINE OF DUTY DEATH AND NOT IN-LINE OF DUTY DEATH BENEFITS Section 1. Benefit Requirements: a) All active (dues paid members) of the Association are eligible for a death benefits from The Brent Hatcher Fund, as follows: b) The applicable In-line of Duty Death benefits shall be paid to an Association’s active member’s eligible surviving spouse, if the surviving spouse has been married to the Firefighter for the thirty (30) continuous months preceding the member’s death, provide the surviving spouse of a member who died while in, or as a consequence of, the performance of the members duty for a participating Fire Department and shall not be subject to the marriage limitations for an above-mentioned death benefit. Otherwise, the Association will pay to the members living designated recipient(s), otherwise to the estate of the member.

Not In-Line of Duty Death benefits shall be paid to an Association’s active member’s eligible surviving spouse, if the surviving spouse has been married the member for the thirty (30) continuous months preceding the member’s death. Otherwise, the Association will pay to the members living designated recipient(s), otherwise to the estate of the member. c) No change d) This benefit is not an insurance policy but an immediate benefit available to the Association’s active members.

Section 2. Terms a) Effective July 1, 2022, The Association shall deposit four dollars ($4.00) per member per year into The Brent Hatcher Fund for payment of the Associate active member death benefits In-Line of Duty Death or Not In-Line of Duty Death Benefits.

OSFA By-Laws Resolution 21-01, continued

OSFA Legislative Resolution 21-01

Effective July 1, 2023, The Association shall deposit nine dollars ($9.00) per member per year into The Brent Hatcher Fund for payment of the active (dues paid) member death benefit whether In-Line of Duty Death or Not In-Line of Duty Death.

Effective July 1,2024, the Association shall deposit thirteen dollars ($13.00) per member per year into The Brent Hatcher Fund for payment of active member death benefits whether In-Line of Duty or Not In-Line of Duty.

1) In-Line of Duty Death Benefit (ILD) and 2) Not In-Line of Duty (NILD), will have the following three-year implementation schedule: July 1, 2022 - $4.00 per member, per year, Benefits ILD $2,500, NILD $1,500, July 1, 2023 -$9.00 per member, per year, Benefits ILD $4,500, NILD $3,000, July 1, 2024 - $13.00 per member, per year, Benefits ILD $6,000, NILD $4,000,

"

Section 6. Pension Member dues shall be calculated as follows: a. Calculate the previous five-year average (FYA) of the OSFA active members and the OFRA participating member. b. Total the OSFA and ORFA FYA to provide Total OSFA dues members FYA. c. To find the ORFA’s participating members “percentage” of the Total OSFA active and pension members FYA: Total OSFA Dues members FYA is divided by the ORFA’s participating Members FYA. d. To find the pension member dues amount: Multiply the ORFA’s member FYA “percentage” times the OSFA dues operation portion (this excludes the ($13.00 OSFA active member death benefit cost, i.e., $88.00 -$13.00 = $75.00 operation portion).

Pension Member dues calculation example: 1) ORFA Member FYA 3,679+ OSFA active members FYA 10.054=Total OSFA dues members 3,679/13,733=.26789 (26.79%) 2) OSFA operations portion dues ($88-$13= $75) Calculation-13,733/3,679 = 26.79% * $75 = $20.06 round $21.00 Association By-laws changes require their separate vote of approval. Requiring only a majority of the delegate votes (50% majority plus 1), as per Association By-laws Article 2. Section 2.

Section 7. OSFA Constitution Article 8–MEMBERSHIP DUES Section 1. Active members as defined in Article 2 of this constitution and Active Non-Pension Member as defined in Article 2, Section 3, of this constitution shall submit annual dues in the sum of eighty-eight dollars ($88.00) per member of which four dollars ($4.00) will be placed in the Association Firemen’s Museum and Memorial account to be used for continued maintenance and possible future expansions of the Memorial and/or Museum.

Section 2. Pension Member of the association as defined in Article 2 Section 6 of the Association Constitution, shall submit annual Pension Member dues in the amount of twenty-one dollars ($21.00) from the ORFA member dues as set forth in 2021, amended Oklahoma Retired Firefighter Association Constitution Article VIII Section 1, of which $4.00 dollars ($4.00) will be placed in the to the Museum and Memorial account to be used for continued maintenance and possible future expansions of the Memorial and /or Museum, and seventeen dollars ($17.00) will be deposited with the Association account. The remainder to be placed in the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters account. *The Pension Member dues calculation method is set forth in the Oklahoma State Firefighters Associations, 2021 Bylaws Article 4 Section 1.

Respectfully Submitted: The Oklahoma Firefighters State Association Executive Board -- President Eric Harlow, Guthrie; 1st Vice President Cliff Davidson, Ringwood; 2nd Vice President Jim Ed Nimmo, Tulsa; 3rd Vice President Tony Lopez, Midwest City; Past President Mike Kelly, OKC

WHEREAS volunteer members of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association gathered for caucus in Lawton on February 6th to identify and discuss important issues facing the volunteer fire service; and WHEREAS after much discussion and debate the issues were narrowed to the top three issues affecting Oklahoma volunteer firefighters; and WHEREAS the OSFA is the largest representative organization for volunteer firefighters in Oklahoma; and WHEREAS a state funded pension for volunteer firefighters is a benefit that is not taken lightly and is earned by dedicated men and women of Oklahoma’s volunteer fire service; and WHEREAS the pension benefit is earned through years of service with participating departments and the amount is based on the total number of years; and WHEREAS these firefighters respond to emergencies in POV’s, utilizing fuel, training and equipment often purchased out of pocket; and WHEREAS this modest pension benefit is one way of repaying a small amount of the personal funds these brave men and women expend over years of service; and WHEREAS in recent years the vesting period for a firefighter’s pension was changed through legislation from 10 years to 11 years for firefighters who first become a member of the pension system after November 1, 2013; and WHEREAS the years of service for a firefighter to become eligible to retire was also changed through legislation from 20 years to 22 years for firefighters who first become a member of the pension system after November 1, 2013; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates at the 127th Annual OSFA Convention show the overall support of the organization toward our volunteer members; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Volunteer Fire Services Committee and the Legislative Committee, research, develop, and propose legislation for the purpose of reinstating a 10-year vesting period for all members of the pension system; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Volunteer Fire Services Committee and the Legislative Committee, research, develop, and propose legislation for the purpose of reinstating 20 years of service to retire for all members of the pension system; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these committees report back to the 2022 Volunteer Caucus and the 2022 OSFA Convention on their recommendations.

Respectfully submitted: By unanimous vote of the members present at the OSFA 19th Annual Volunteer Caucus, Chair Cory Beagles

OSFA Legislative Resolution 21-02 WHEREAS volunteer members of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association gathered for caucus in Lawton on February 6th to identify and discuss important issues facing the volunteer fire service; and WHEREAS after much discussion and debate the issues were narrowed to the top three issues affecting Oklahoma volunteer firefighters; and WHEREAS the OSFA is the largest representative organization for volunteer firefighters in Oklahoma; and WHEREAS a state funded pension for volunteer firefighters is a benefit that is not taken lightly and is earned by dedicated men and women of Oklahoma’s volunteer fire service; and WHEREAS the pension benefit is earned through years of service with participating departments and the departments pension contribution for its volunteers is designed to be an affordable cost for most volunteer departments; and WHEREAS these firefighters respond to emergencies in POV’s, utilizing fuel, training and equipment often purchased out of pocket; and WHEREAS there is a very modest earning cap on how much a volunteer firefighter can be compensated by his/her department before they are no longer considered a volunteer firefighter for the purposes of his/her pension and if that amount is exceeded, pension contributions would grow beyond the budget constraints of most volunteer departments;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates at the 127th Annual OSFA Convention show the overall support of the organization toward our volunteer members; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Volunteer Fire Services Committee and the Legislative Committee, research, develop, and propose legislation for the purpose of increasing the amount a volunteer firefighter can be compensated before they are considered a paid firefighter; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these committees report back to the 2022 Volunteer Caucus and the 2022 OSFA Convention on their recommendations.

Respectfully submitted: By unanimous vote of the members present at the OSFA 19th Annual Volunteer Caucus, Chair Cory Beagles

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 33

OSFA Legislative Resolution 21-03 WHEREAS volunteer members of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association gathered for caucus in Lawton on February 6th to identify and discuss important issues facing the volunteer fire service; and WHEREAS after much discussion and debate the issues were narrowed to the top three issues affecting Oklahoma volunteer firefighters; and WHEREAS the OSFA is the largest representative organization for volunteer firefighters in Oklahoma; and WHEREAS it is universally accepted that access to affordable and adequate training for firefighters is necessary for not only the safety of the courageous men and women of the fire service but also for the safety of the public we serve; and WHEREAS Oklahoma is home to one of the nation’s premier firefighter training programs located in Stillwater at Oklahoma State University and; WHEREAS the attendees at this year’s volunteer caucus recognize that OSUFST does not have a dedicated source of funding; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates at the 127th Annual OSFA Convention show the overall support of the organization toward our volunteer members; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Volunteer Fire Services Committee, Legislative Committee and Safety and Health Committee, research the possibilities of working with OSUFST to develop, and propose legislation for the purpose of providing a dedicated source of revenue for OSUFST so that Oklahoma firefighters can obtain the needed training to help us accomplish our missions in a safe, professional and affordable manner; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these committees report back to the 2022 Volunteer Caucus and the 2022 OSFA Convention on their recommendations.

Respectfully submitted: By unanimous vote of the members present at the OSFA 19th Annual Volunteer Caucus, Chair Cory Beagles

OSFA Legislative Resolution 21-04 WHEREAS the delegates present at the 126th Annual OSFA Convention voted unanimously to allow the Volunteer Fire Services Committee, the Legislative Committee and the Safety and Health Committee to all research, develop and propose implementation of additional funding and the sources for the funding to help provide proper resources for all fire departments in Oklahoma.

WHEREAS the vehicle response billing sub-committee was derived from the Legislative Committee and met periodically over several years to determine the best approach to resolve issues; and WHEREAS many fire departments of all sizes and types across the state are not fully funded and have a need for additional funding sources; and WHEREAS these same fire departments are responding to motor vehicle accidents providing an essential service to their citizens with no dedicated coverage by Insurance Companies to help recover the cost of providing the seservices;and WHEREAS most motor vehicle insurance policies cover the response fees of both an ambulance and a wrecker service; and WHEREAS recovering the cost of providing these services would help make it possible for fire departments to purchase and upgrade equipment and provide training for its members, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates at the 127th Annual OSFA Convention show the overall support of the organization toward our members; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a change of the definition of motor vehicle liability insurance property damage to include “the insurer of a motor vehicle that is involved in an accident shall be liable for the cost of a Fire Department Response to that vehicle”; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED if the vehicle has no liability insurance coverage then the owner and or the driver of the vehicle is responsible for the charges.

Respectfully submitted: A.K. “Yogi” Cole, Chairman, Vehicle Response Billing Sub-Committee; Brady Bond, Chairman, OSFA Legislative Committee; and Eric Harlow, President, OSFA Executive Board

34 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

Brady Bond: OSFA Legislative Committee Report It has been a busy legislative session this year, where at one time we were monitoring over 250 bills.

I would like to personally thank all of the Legislative Committee members for their input this year. I would also like to thank Don Armes, Garber FD Julie Jernigan-Smith, Chase Rankin and all of the OSFA staff for their help, as well.

The Legislative Committee met six times throughout the year and still have more planned.

We were also able to have our annual Legislative Reception on March 31. It was a great turnout, and we would like to thank those that attended, as well the legislators. It was mentioned several times throughout the evening by legislators that they appreciated the event and enjoyed attending.

The Legislative Committee will be presenting two resolutions to the members at the OSFA Convention in June. These will help some of our smaller, underfunded departments in our state with additional funding.

We also worked on increasing the death benefit from $5,000 to $15,000. This has been sent for an actuary study and will be further discussed next year.

We have also supported a bill that would create public safety protection districts for police fire, and 911 services. This allows local communities to decide how they would like to fund their public safety. Below are the Legislative Committee’s resolutions that will be presented at convention.

OSFA Legislative Resolution 21-05 WHEREAS the delegates present at the 126th Annual OSFA Convention voted unanimously to allow the Volunteer Fire Services Committee, the Legislative Committee and the Safety and Health Committee to all research, develop and propose implementation of additional funding and the sources for the funding to help provide proper resources for all fire departments in Oklahoma.

WHEREAS the vehicle response billing sub-committee was derived from the Legislative Committee and met periodically over several years to determine the best approach to resolve issues; and WHEREAS many fire departments of all sizes and types across the state are not fully funded and have a need for additional funding sources; and WHEREAS billing for a fire department response to structure fires outside of city limits has been practiced for many years; and WHEREAS the current language in a property insurance policy states: Fire Department Service Charge –“We” pay for charges assumed by “you” under a contract or agreement when a fire department is called to save or protect covered property from a peril insured against. The most “we” pay is $500.00 per occurrence unless a higher “limit”is shown on the declarations; and WHEREAS the $500.00 limit has not been changed in over 40 years but the cost of providing a fire department response certainly has; and WHEREAS a fire department service charge will not fully fund a fire department by itself but it will help offset expenses that occur during a response to a property; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates at the 127th AnnualOSFA Convention show the overall support of the organization toward our volunteer members; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that property insurance coverage be changed to state: The most “we” pay is 1% of the limit on Coverage A, dwelling coverage unless a higher “limit” is shown on the “declarations”.

Respectfully submitted: A.K. “Yogi” Cole, Chairman, Vehicle Response Billing Sub-Committee; Brady Bond, Chairman, OSFA Legislative Committee; and Eric Harlow, President, OSFA Executive Board

OSFA Constitution Resolution 21-01 WHEREAS on February 21, 1894, ten (10) pioneer Oklahoma City, El Reno and Guthrie firemen met and formed the “The Territorial Firemen’s Association of the new Oklahoma Territory. One of these Firemen, Tom E. Dowell of El Reno, our Association’s First President became recognized as “The Father of our Association.” A man respected and revered by all members for his stalwart vision and leadership contribution. These ten (10) men survive in the benefits we share today and should never be forgotten by Firefighters of the State of Oklahoma: Oklahoma City - John Marriman, G.W. Tackett, Mert Hollingshead, Charles E. McDonald John Colleton and L.D. Woods; El Reno –Tom E. Dowell, S.A. Stream, L. Hamilton and Herman Trusten. Their foresight at a time when, fire departments were dominated by politics and firemen were looked upon as roughnecks and undesirables, began lifting firefighting to the respected profession we hold today.

Within months our Constitution and By-laws were written, the Association was chartered under the Oklahoma Territorial Governor and Wednesday, May 9, 1984, held the Association’s First Annual Convention in El Reno.

Our Constitution and By-laws were cornerstoned with five (5) objectives: 1) Supply mutual benefits for members. 2) Develop and encourage effective firefighting skills and efficiencies. 3) Establish and maintain uniformity of dress, apparatus and drills.

4) Initiate plans to relieve wounded and disabled firemen and the widow of such as die. 5) Do all things necessary to enhance the interest, efficiency and usefulness of fire companies connected with the association.

In 1900, the Association became aware that various fire insurance companies had made profits of $200,000 largely due to the success of firemen and by resolution ask the coming territorial legislature to provide the Association 2% of fire insurance profits for the purchase of fire apparatus, supplies and a relief fund for firemen disabled in the line of actual service.

At Statehood in 1907, the 1st Oklahoma State Constitution had two (2) sections vital to the Association: a) The legislature may enact laws authorizing cities to pension meritorious and disabled firemen. b) Provisions whereby fire insurance companies in Oklahoma shall pay a 2% premium tax to fund the 1908 city’s fire pension plans. In 1918, no convention was held as our country was in the grip of World War l. That said, our Legislative Committee successfully lobbied passage of the Two Platoon Law at the State Legislature. As mismanaged City Fire pension systems began to fail, the Association successfully lobbied the State Legislature and, in 1981, Oklahoma Firefighter Pension and Retirement System (OFPRS) was established.

The OFPRS administers the pension system but this Association continued its leadership role to protect and enhances Firefighter Pension benefits.

Further, our Association’s five-member Executive Board and the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association President serves on the OFPRS thirteen (13) member Pension Board and the Association’s President serves as the Chairman of the Pension Board.

In 1989, the Association studied and developed Plan B, and we successfully lobbied the Oklahoma Legislature and passed our Deferred Option Plan (Forward DROP). By 2003, we, the Association realized Plan B’s financial safety net wasn’t complete and we (the Association) developed the

Back DROP and it was legislated in 2003. We (the Association) further improved the DROP in 2007, by providing “at the death of member, eligible for the DROP, their eligible spouse, the OFPRS member shall have the ability to select the Back DROP Option or other eligible pension options. The term “we” is used here because the Association is Oklahoma Firefighters, Volunteer and Paid, it isn’t third-party entity. It’s we, Firefighters.

As we walk in the shadows of Giants, let us, the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association be ever aware “Our Bond of Dependency, Protects Our Common Necessity”and may that “Bond” inspire us to deliver the highest achievable fruits. Because “The Common Necessity, is We/Firefighter’s Quality of Life”; and The Association has operated on shoe-string budget constrains for one hundred and twenty-seven years. The Association objectives make it paramount; its funding source be adequate and reliable. The recommended 2022 member dues increase starts an ideological paradigm shift in the Association’s funding. It is necessary and overdue, to most effectually move our Association forward; and WHEREAS, since the FY 2005 the Association’s operations have expanded and cost have seen a 25% inflationary increase. The Association Financial Advisory Committee, reviewed the Association’s financials, determined and identified the hurdles and solutions necessary to begin stabilizing the Association’s fiscal house; and WHEREAS our Association’s success will be determined by an ability to fund its objectives, manage, attract and sustain dedicated staff, and until and unless Oklahoma Firefighters, volunteer and paid, understand “The Oklahoma State Firefighters Association” has and will continue to be “All Things Oklahoma Firefighter’s Pension”, we will not deliver a most successful, informed or involved membership; and WHEREAS our Association’s oldest and most solemn objective to an active member’s family, is to provide relief to wounded Firefighters and the widows of such as die; we will increase our relief,upon an active member’s death and moreover when In-Line of Duty; and WHEREAS the Association member dues, ad hoc fundraising coupled with long-term inflation have proven to be an inconstant, unstable and inadequate funding sources; and in recent years, the Association found it necessary to use reserves and required additional ORFA supplementals to meet year end expenses.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The delegates at the 127th Annual OSFA Convention approve the recommended eighty-eight dollar ($88.00) Association Active Member Dues to provide a reliable funding stream for the Association and 2021, amended Constitution and By-laws. The increase will utilize a three-year implementation schedule: FY 2022 - $70.00, FY 2023 - $80.00, and FY 2024 - $88.00, as set forth in the 2021, amended, Association By-Laws Article 4, Section 1; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED as provided in the Association Active Member annual eighty-eight dollar ($88.00) dues, be considered little more than a catch-up increase with the addition of the following four (4) Association initiatives and new dedicated dues funding: 1) $14.00 per member, per year, to “offset 16 years (2005-2020) of inflation,“as set forth in the 2021, amended, Association Bylaws Article 4, Section 2; and 2) $3.00 per member, per year, to provide a “$230,000 min. Budget Reserve,” as set forth in the 2021, amended, Association Bylaws Article

4,Section3; 3) $2.00 per member, per year, “Staff Benefit Package healthcare enhancement,” as set forth in the 2021, amended, Association Bylaws Resolution Article 4, Section; 4) $13.00 per member, per year, to be combined with existing Association death benefit funding to restructure the Association’s current three (3) Death Benefits Plans and provide a meaningful In-line of Duty Death and Not In-Line of Duty Death Benefits, as set forth in the 2021, amended, Association Bylaws Resolution Article 4,Section 5; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Association “Pension Member” dues and their method of calculation be coupled with future Association member dues increases, as set forth in the Association Bylaws Article 4, Section 6.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Association Constitutional Resolution 2021-01, and supporting Association By-laws resolutions be approved. The By-laws must be voted on separately.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Association “Limited Member” submit dues of one hundred twenty-five dollar ($125.00) dues, as set forth in Association Constitution Article 8, Section 4 below.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Association FY 2021, amended Constitution Article 8-MEMBERSHIP DUES be amended as per 2021 Association amended By-laws Article 4, Section 7, to read as follows: OSFA Constitution Article 8–MEMBERSHIP DUES Section 1. Active members as defined in Article 2 of this constitution and Active Non-Pension Member as defined in Article 2, Section 3, of this constitution shall submit annual dues in the sum of eighty-eight dollars ($88) per member of which four dollars ($4) will be placed in the Association Firemen’s Museum and Memorial account to be used for continued maintenance and possible future expansions of the Memorial and/or Museum.

Section 2. Pension Member of the association as defined in Article 2 Section 6 of the Association Constitution, shall submit annual Pension Member dues in the amount of twenty-one dollars ($21.00) from the ORFA member dues as set forth in FY 2021, amended Oklahoma Retired Firefighter Association Constitution Article VIII Section 1, of which four dollars ($4.00) will be placed in the to the Museum and Memorial account to be used for continued maintenance and possible future expansions of the Memorial and /or Museum, and seventeen dollars ($17.00) will be deposited with the Association account and the remainder to be placed in the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters account. The Pension Member dues calculation method is defined in Association’s 2021, amended, Bylaws Article 4 Section 1.

Section 3, No change.

Section 4, Limited Members: All Limited Members as defined in Article 2, Section 9 of this constitution shall submit annual dues in the amount of one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00) per department and shall have all privileges as set forth in FY 2021amended Article 2, Section 8 of this Constitution.

Section 5, No change. Section 6, No change.

Section 7, No change.

Respectfully Submitted: The Oklahoma Firefighter State Association Executive Board -President Eric Harlow, Guthrie; 1st Vice President Cliff Davidson, Ringwood; 2nd Vice President Jim Ed Nimmo, Tulsa; 3rd Vice President Tony Lopez, Midwest City; Past President Mike Kelly, OKC

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 35

BY GREG ROBERTS n OKLAHOMA FIRE SPOTLIGHT

Ret. Norman FD

GUTHRIE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Brush 4 1998 Stewart-Stevenson/Blanchat 23 HP/200/500

Medic 5 2000 Ford/Road Rescue

Rescue 1 2000 International/Swab Truck 1 2018 Pierce Ascendant 2000/500/110’

36 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

Fire Chief: Eric Harlow FD formed: 1889 Joined OSFA: 1894 ISO rating: 4/4Y Personnel: 28 Population: 11,300 (Approx.)

Square Miles Covered (Fire): 165 Square Miles Covered (EMS): 500 Calls Per Year: 3,300 (Average) Number of Stations: 1 Number of Engines: 3 Number of Ladders: 1 Number of Tankers: 1 Number of Brushpumpers: 4 Number of Rescue Vehicles: 2 Number of Ambulances: 5

Engine 2 1997 Spartan/Ferrara 1500/500/65’

Brush 3 1992 Freightliner/G&L 23 HP/200/1500

Engine 3 1991 Pierce 1250 pump/750 tank

Tanker 1 2008 Freightliner/Blanchat 35 HP/250/3000

Greg Herbster: OFCA President’s Report

OFCA Membership is Open to ALL Active & Retired Fire Service Personnel MEMBERSHIP FEES (NOTE: Membership runs July 1 to June 30)

2021-22 OFCA Executive Board

First-Time Members: Free for first year Chief Officers / Shift Commanders: $36 per year Retired Members: $26 per year *Sustaining Members: $18 per year *Sustaining Members include all active members of a fire department -- public, private or military -or fire service agency.

Sustaining Members are entitled to all privileges and benefits except voting and holding office.

PURPOSE OF OFCA

Greetings! I am very excited about this year and all it has to offer.

I know it’s not going to take much to be better than last year, but there are a lot of things to be excited about.

First, I love that we are joining forces with OSFA’s Oklahoma Firefighter magazine. This will help our organizations have a more unified front, working together to make our state fire service the best it can be.

Moore FD It is the goal of the OFCA to educate and help build leaders in the fire service. By combining our publications, the OFCA will be able to reach most of the state’s fire service and show them what we have to offer.

We have multiple training opportunities throughout the year that we would love to have more participation in. And some of you may not know that you don’t have to be a chief officer to join our organization.

I am also very excited that we were able to have a conference this year. Although it was condensed, it is great that we were able to fellowship and learn. Thank you, Chief Norton, for putting together a great conference during these difficult times.

I also want to give a BIG shout out to Retired Chief Bruce Anthony for his five years of service on this board and his many years of service to the communities in which he served.

During the last 18 months or so, our focus has primarily been on COVID. It has been a very daunting task for all of us.

As this pandemic gets under control, we need to continue to focus on other pressing issues in the fire service.

Mental health and cancer are still among our top PRESIDENT 3RD VICE PRESIDENT priorities to help Craig Carruth Greg Herbster make changes in gregherbster@cityofmoore.com ccarruth@cityofmustang.org our state.

I know this is 1ST VICE PRESIDENT PAST PRESIDENT going to be a great James Heap Bert Norton year and we are jrheap@pldi.net bnorton@midwestcityok.org going to make progress.

2ND VICE PRESIDENT OFCA DIRECTOR Until next time, Richard Kelley Kent Lagaly stay safe and stay klagaly@cityofelreno.com richard.kelley@okc.gov involved.

99th OFCA Conference • April 22 in Midwest City

O K L A H O M A F I R E C H I E F S A S S O C I A T I O N

To improve fire department administration, fire prevention, fire suppression and fire services delivery throughout the State of Oklahoma by providing educational, networking, coordination and support opportunities to its members.

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 37

Richard Kelley: OFCA 2nd Vice President’s Report

James Heap: OFCA 1st Vice President’s Report O K L A H O M A F I R E C H I E F S A S S O C I A T I O N

Greetings Oklahoma Firefighters! We have decided to combine our OFCA News with the OSFA Oklahoma Firefighter magazine.

Frederick FD I want to welcome those of you who aren’t members of the Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association. This will allow all firefighters across the state to be informed with what is happening in the OFCA. I want to start out by mentioning to all of you that any firefighter in Oklahoma may be a member of OFCA; however, only chief officers are able to vote and hold office.

We welcome any of you to become a member. Membership is inexpensive. First-time members get the first year of membership free, chief officers $36/year, retired members $26/year, and sustaining members which are any active duty non chief officers $18/year.

So join OFCA today and start taking advantage of the benefits of being a member.

One of those benefits is the OFCA’s Winter Workshop which was held in Stillwater this past January. We had a great lineup of guest speakers and presenters.

The Winter Workshop consists of presentations and updates from different organizations from across the state. We also try to have a good lineup of guest speakers to discuss leadership.

Participants this year had the opportunity to hear from Chief Rick Lasky, retired Lewisville (TX) Fire Department; Training Chief Brian Brush, Midwest City Fire Department; former U.S. Fire Administrator and Oklahoma City Fire Chief Keith Bryant; and many others.

Planning and pulling off the workshop this year was a challenge with all the complications Covid-19 has created. I am thankful we were able to get together and enjoy the opportunity to network with our fire family from across the state.

Even though the attendance wasn’t what we usually have, I think it was a success. After reviewing the surveys from the Winter Workshop, it seems that most of the attendees were pleased with the speakers and topics.

Hopefully, we will be back to a more normal situation next year. Chief Richard Kelley is already at work putting together a stellar lineup for the next Winter Workshop.

We recently held the OFCA Conference in Midwest City. President Bert Norton did a great job of putting the conference together with such short notice. Even though the number attending was lower than years past, it was nice to be able to get together. I enjoyed visiting with everyone.

Congratulations to Craig Carruth, Mustang Fire Chief, who was elected to serve as OFCA 3rd VP. I know Craig will do a great job. We welcome him to the board and I look forward to working with him for the next few years.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Past President Bruce Anthony for his service to the board. I have enjoyed getting to know Bruce and I wish him luck on his endeavors since retiring from the Tuttle Fire Department. Stay safe!

Bruce Anthony addresses attendees at the 99th OFCA Conference

38 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

Oklahoma City FD

Greetings Brothers and Sisters!

I hope you are doing well as the school year is ending and everyone is preparing for summer.

This last year has been extremely challenging as we have all faced a very difficult time in which compromise and understanding of differences seem to be an afterthought.

Throughout this difficult season, our service, which is steeped in tradition and born out of adversity, once again rose to the challenge. I am very honored to be a member of our proud and noble profession, and I want to thank you for remembering our oath to protect and serve, no matter what the circumstance or the occasion.

In returning to some sense of normalcy, we were able to once again have our annual Oklahoma State Fire Chiefs Conference in Midwest City. Thank you to Chief Norton, the Midwest City Fire Department and everyone who was able to attend.

As we now shift gears in preparation for the OSFA Convention, it is time once again to come together and support each other as we focus on protecting and improving our profession. I look forward to seeing you in Guthrie for the 127th Annual OSFA Convention set for June 9-12.

To lead in today’s fire service, you must be a courageous leader that is willing to put convictions of what’s right in front of fear. Although on paper this seems to be the obvious choice, many times when we are faced with this dilemma, the pain staking decisions don’t always come easy.

As a leader you must prepare and recognize this process in order to be ready when the opportunity arises. First, be willing to leave your comfort zone and bravely keep striving.

Remember, what you permit you promote. Desire to see potential reached more than to see people appeased.

Finally, focus on those you are entrusted to lead, because people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

If you strive to be the best leader, I encourage you to continue your leadership journey through training, education and thirst for knowledge.

One way you can continue that knowledge base is the annual Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Winter Workshop.

In January 2022 we will once again host this event in Stillwater.

In order to meet your expectations, please use the QR code to take a brief survey which will assist in our preparations for the upcoming Winter Workshop.

Until next time, strive for excellence because Leaders are not born, they are made.

Craig Carruth: OFCA 3rd Vice President’s Report Greetings everyone! I am writing this article to introduce myself and to express my appreciation and gratitude to the members of the OFCA for allowing me the opportunity and the privilege to serve on the executive board as the 3rd Vice-President.

Mustang FD My name is Craig Carruth and I have been in the fire service for nearly 23 years. I have now been the Fire Chief for the City of Mustang for nearly four years.

I have had a desire to serve this organization for some time now. Since I became chief, retired members and active members of the OFCA have played a vital role in my growth as a Chief Fire Officer.

These members have shared their wisdom and support, investing countless hours of mentorship which has left an immeasurable and lasting imprint on me.

Therefore, I desired to seek election to the board. I wanted the opportunity to serve Q&A with Craig Carruth the members, executive board and the association in the way OFCA’s new 3rd Vice President Craig in which I have been served.

Carruth was born in Oklahoma City and raised This organization is essenin the Oklahoma City area. tial to the education, growth He graduated from El Reno High School and support of Chief Fire and attended Redlands Community College, Officers and the development OSU-FST and the National Fire Academy. of Fire Officers within this Carruth started as a volunteer with Mustang great state. I would like to Fire Department nearly 23 years ago, and was encourage those who may not blessed to get hired two months later full-time. be members to become memHe became the first full-time paramedic for bers. Allow the association MFD in May 2000. and the members within it to He worked his way up through the ranks, invest in you as a fire service spending 14 years as a company officer and leader. serving as the City of Mustang and Mustang As the wise adage goes, Fire Department EMS coordinator for 14 years.

“It takes a village.” The same Nearly four years ago, Carruth was promoted concept can be applied to to Fire Chief. leading any organization.

In a question-and-answer session, Carruth, It takes the support and 44, shared the following: encouragement from all who understand the weight and When did you know you wanted to be a challenges faced when leadfirefighter? When I was working in downtown ing an organization. So, let us OKC and saw an OCFD fire truck drive by headwork together to help train ed to a working fire. each other as we work to lead How did you go about getting into the fire our communities in the best service? I went to night school to get my EMT way possible. and moved to Mustang to serve as a volunteer.

Mustang Fire Department is where I started my fire service career and where I will hopefully finish my career.

What do you like best about being in the Oklahoma Fire Service? I like serving those whom I have been entrusted to give care.

What have been some highlights of your fire service career so far? Being able to serve at every capacity in the fire service and to develop lifelong friendships along the way.

SCHOLARSHIPS BENEFITTING FIREFIGHTERS From Oklahoma City Community Foundation

Keith Bryan Memorial Scholarship Fund Established in 2012 to provide scholarship opportunities for aspiring and/or current Oklahoma Fire Officers in leadership and management training education.

Pete & Lela Stavros Scholarship Foundation Awarding scholarships to high school seniors -- all with ties to Oklahoma Firefighters -- since 2004.

To Make Secure Donation With Credit Card: https://donate.occf.org

O K L A H O M A F I R E C H I E F S A S S O C I A T I O N

What are your hopes for the future? To gain wisdom and knowledge from those around me and to that information to better serve my department and the Oklahoma Fire Service.

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 39

Bert Norton: OFCA Past President’s Report O K L A H O M A F I R E C H I E F S A S S O C I A T I O N

Installation of Officers at the 99th OFCA Conference

Greetings Oklahoma Fire Service leaders!

I want to start by saying thanks to all who attended the 99th annual OFCA Conference in Midwest City. It was good to get together again.

The board struggled with the decision what to do with the conference, and I think the oneMidwest City FD day conference was a good deal and we were able to fulfill the constitution and by laws for our annual meeting.

This year was filled with many challenges and we were able to get several things in with the Winter Workshop and Conference.

I am looking forward to the next year and celebrating our 10th year will the regular conference schedule.

By now, we are winding down our budget planning and I hope that everyone is able to fair well this year. I know that in lean times we often reduce training -- I know we did last year. But I encourage you to find ways to keep training and get out there and get involved.

This last year forced us to do things a little different and this year we are hoping to open training back up.

The State Capitol scene was tough this year. There were several bills out there that had an impact on our organizations and us.

I would like to encourage you to make sure that you are in contact with your state representatives and develop a relationship with them. Also, take the time to send them a message when they support you on the vote.

Many times our information helps them decided what direction to vote. We are the education on legislation.

In closing, I would like to encourage you to make plans to attend the International Association of Fire Chiefs Southwestern Division Conference Oct. 6-8 in Midwest City.

If you are not a member, we will have registration for that conference. But I would encourage you to join the IAFC and the Southwestern Division. This is a great networking group, as well, and the information on the IAFC available to members is great. Until next time, Stay Safe and Get Involved.

LEFT: Mike Karlin, Weatherford Fire Chief, presented with the 2021 J. Ray Pence Leadership Award BELOW: Kent Lagaly, former El Reno Fire Chief, presented with the 2020 J. Ray Pence Leadership Award

Kent Lagaly: OFCA Director’s Report The last 12 months have been a challenge, to say the least, for the Fire Service.

Never before have we as Chief Officers El Reno FD had to deal with so many issues on a day-to-day basis. However, as always, we help each other to adapt and overcome to keep our departments strong and moving forward. I hope that we are seeing a trend in getting back to normal, whatever that new normal is.

As we entered the pandemic last year, the OFCA had to cancel the 2020 Conference just weeks before it was scheduled.

40 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

As late as January of this year, we were not sure if we were going to be able to hold this year’s conference or not.

Nevertheless, thanks to Chief Norton and his staff this year’s conference was a success. Adapt and overcome, that is exactly what they did. Although the conference was only one day, it was well attended and everyone was able to get out and network.

Congratulations to Chief Carruth on being selected as your new 3rd VP. Craig will no doubt be a great addition to the Executive Board.

Over the next 12 months, the Executive Board plans to continue our efforts to

focus on the purpose of this organization set forth by the Constitution and By-Laws adopted by the members -- to provide educational, networking, coordination and support opportunities to all of our members.

We are going to continue to collaborate with all of the other fire service organizations, as well as new partners, to provide educational opportunities for professional leadership for volunteer, combination and career officers.

Check the web page often and make sure you are on the e-mail list so you don’t miss any of these. Until next time ...

2021 OFCA WORSHOPS

Pre-Conference Workshop Jan. 20 • 41 attendees

Chief officers honed their leadership skills at the OFCA Workshops, and feedback was very positive.

Attendees enjoyed the speakers, especially Chief Rick Lasky, Ret. Lewisville (TX) FD and Brian Brush, Midwest City FD. Lasky, who spoke at the Pre-Conference, was named in 11 participant surveys as having the most beneficial topic.

In a survey for the Winter Workshop, a Battalion Chief said, “Chief Brush did an amazing job on his leadership training. He is very motivational and interesting.

Here are a few other comments from the OFCA Workshops: Fire Chief: Chief (Richard) Kelley and Chief (Keith) Bryant are always popular speakers and appreciated.

Battalion Chief: Great workshop. Enjoy it every year.

Captain Shift Leader: I don’t think you can have enough leadership speakers. Everyone has different ways of leading and it’s good to hear everyone’s ideas and take those ideas back to your department.

Keep up the good work.

Major: Core values and integrity. Rick (Lasky) is an excellent speaker!

Fire Chief: Brian Brush did an amazing job and made the week.

Fire Chief: I have enjoyed the emphasis on leadership, so keep that up. The more we as chiefs can focus and learn about investing in our guys and inspiring them, the better the FD across the state will be.

Deputy Chief: I’ve been to three Winter Workshops now and I think this was the best so far!

OFCA Workshop Jan. 21-22 • 48 attendees

O K L A H O M A F I R E C H I E F S A S S O C I A T I O N

Fire Chief: They all had nuggets to take away.

Battalion Chief: Very enjoyable. Thank you or all your time and hard work.

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 41

Caroline Reed: OSU FST Director O K L A H O M A F I R E C H I E F S A S S O C I A T I O N

Working together to make Oklahoma Stronger

OFCA Ex Officio

Greetings everyone! I just wanted to take a moment a to expand on how the state agencies and organizations are working together to provide quality training for your depart-

ment.

Oklahoma State University Fire Service Training is currently working with Homeland Security, Department of Health and Oklahoma Emergency Management and Career Technology Centers to provide training programs at no cost to the attendees.

We also are working with OSFA to assist them with their Safer grant to provide training to volunteer departments. To date, we have held 17 full Firefighter I academies that provided opportunity for 434 firefighters to pass the Firefighter I exam.

We used this same partnership to provide opportunities for Firefighters to take the Fire Fighter II academy and we are proud

to report that these classes are filling up.

To date we have completed 5 Firefighters II academies which gave 119 Oklahoma firefighters the opportunity to complete their Firefighter II certification exam.

I realize that there has been a lot of discussion in the past few years about whether or not volunteers would sign up for Firefighter II, but I have the proof that they will sign up and they can pass. We are working hard to provide the Oklahoma Fire Service opportunities to train.

Recently, Oklahoma has suffered several tragedies. These losses are devastating but we must use these losses to encourage folks to train.

Opportunities are available on our training calendar located at OSUFST.org sign up today. If you cannot find what you are looking for on the calendar, then email our coordinators or call our rural specialists. We are willing to help. Together we are stronger.

Craig Hannan: Fire Protection Publications Director Introduction to FPP and IFSTA Training Manuals Greetings Oklahoma Firefighters!

I hope you are well. I would like to OFCA Ex Officio take this opportunity to tell a little about our organization and what we do.

Fire Protection Publications (FPP) is an extension unit within the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University.

FPP serves as the headquarters for the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) and our primary function is to publish and disseminate fire service training manuals as proposed and validated by IFSTA. IFSTA manuals are based on NFPA standards and go through the IFSTA validation process. FPP also produces and publishes learning and teaching manuals by subject matter experts and industry leaders. However, FPP manuals do not go through the IFSTA validation process and are generally not based on an NFPA standard.

Since IFSTA manuals are based on NFPA standards, if you think the information in a manual should be changed, the NFPA standard is the source that needs to be updated first. NFPA standards are reviewed by NFPA committees and updated approximately every five years. The NFPA committees seek public input on needed changes for each standard.

Our physical location is on the OSU campus in Stillwater. If you are in the area, please stop by and visit. We would love to meet you and show you around our facility. If you have a question or comment about any of our training materials, please reach out to us.

If you have ever considered serving on an IFSTA validation committee, we are currently taking applications for two upcoming IFSTA manual revisions: Fire and Emergency Services Company Officer, 6th Edition; and Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, 6th Edition. Details and applications can be found here: www.ifsta.org/ about-us/ifsta-validation-committees.

Applications are due June 15. Until next time, be safe, be well, be well trained.

James Fullingim: Assistant State Fire Marshal

OFCA Ex Officio

Smoke alarms have saved thousands of lives in the United States since their introduction and widespread use.

According to NFPA, 74% of reported home fires in the United States during the period of 2014-2018 had at least one smoke alarm present. The bad news is that 57% of the fire deaths in homes occurred when no working smoke

alarm was present.

In on-site surveys of homes with smoke alarms, one study indicated 25% to 30% of the alarms did not work. Some failures were due to malfunction of the alarm itself, some were due to a dead battery and some did not function because the battery had been removed.

In Oklahoma, the risk of dying in a house fire is twice the national average, and we rank 49th in fire deaths nationally.

Most of the fires investigated by the State Fire Marshal’s Office are in smaller towns and rural areas. Our statistics indicate an even

42 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter

grimmer picture for rural Oklahomans. Over the past 15 months, our agency has investigated residential fires across the state resulting in 72 fire fatalities, including two firefighter line of duty deaths.

Only two of these fatalities occurred in homes that had a working smoke alarm.

These statistics are too significant to ignore. In response, our agency is working on a smoke alarm distribution program focused primarily on rural areas.

As with any such endeavor, the most difficult hurdle to clear is the financial issue. We intend to look toward grant funding to solve this problem long-term but that avenue takes a substantial amount of time. Meanwhile, we are looking at corporate sponsors to help get the program started.

We want to encourage all Fire Departments to do what they can to ensure all homes in their response districts have working smoke alarms.

Fire - Rescue - Ambulance Crash Repair

We Repair All Manufacturer Brands

Osage Unit was hit hard in the passenger door and body corner.

Bed was removed, corner and complete side was replaced along with a new pass side door.

Warranty Insurance Claims Non Warranty

FREE ESTIMATES E-One Pierce Seagrave Rosenbauer Spence Midwest SVI Bulldog Frazier Braun Leader Life Line

KME Sutphen Ferrara Spartan Smeal Alexis HME Osage Heiman Horton Arrow Demers

LARRY ROSE I.T.E. Companies

larry@iteok.com 405-520-5438

When It Needs To Look, Feel and Function Like New

EXAMPLES OF OUR WORK ...

Before Photo

After Photo

www.iteok.com

Oklahoma FirefighterMay/June/July 2021 43

44 May/June/July 2021Oklahoma Firefighter