Legislative

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

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

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

GUTHRIE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Fire Chief: Eric Harlow FD formed: 1889

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

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’

Medic 5 2000 Ford/Road Rescue Brush 3 1992 Freightliner/G&L 23 HP/200/1500

Rescue 1 2000 International/Swab

Truck 1 2018 Pierce Ascendant 2000/500/110’ Engine 3 1991 Pierce 1250 pump/750 tank

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

OFCA Membership is Open to ALL Active & Retired Fire Service Personnel

MEMBERSHIP FEES

(NOTE: Membership runs July 1 to June 30)

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

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.

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. It is the goal of the OFCA to educate and help build leaders Moore FD 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. 2021-22 OFCA Executive Board Mental health and cancer are still among our top

PRESIDENT Greg Herbster gregherbster@cityofmoore.com 3RD VICE PRESIDENT Craig Carruth ccarruth@cityofmustang.org priorities to help make changes in our state. I know this is 1ST VICE PRESIDENT James Heap PAST PRESIDENT Bert Norton going to be a great jrheap@pldi.net bnorton@midwestcityok.org year and we are going to make progress.2ND VICE PRESIDENT Richard Kelley OFCA DIRECTOR Kent Lagaly Until next time, richard.kelley@okc.gov klagaly@cityofelreno.com stay safe and stay involved.

99th OFCA Conference • April 22 in Midwest City

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 Greetings Brothers and Sisters! all firefighters across the state to be informed with what is happening in I hope you are doing well as the school year is endthe OFCA. ing and everyone is preparing for summer. I want to start out by mentioning to all of you that any firefighter in This last year has been extremely challenging Oklahoma may be a member of OFCA; however, only chief officers are as we have all faced a very difficult time in which able to vote and hold office. compromise and understanding of differences seem We welcome any of you to become a member. Membership is inexpen- to be an afterthought. sive. First-time members get the first year of membership free, chief offi- Throughout this difficult season, our service, cers $36/year, retired members $26/year, and sustaining members which which is steeped in tradition and born out of adare any active duty non chief officers $18/year. versity, once again rose to the challenge. I am very So join OFCA today and start taking advantage of the benefits of being honored to be a member of our proud and noble a member. profession, and I want to thank you for remembering One of those benefits is the OFCA’s Winter Workshop which was held our oath to protect and serve, no matter what the in Stillwater this past January. We had a great lineup of guest speakers circumstance or the occasion. and presenters. In returning to some sense of normalcy, we were The Winter Workshop consists of presentations and updates from able to once again have our annual Oklahoma State different organizations from across the state. We also try to have a good Fire Chiefs Conference in Midwest City. Thank you lineup of guest speakers to discuss leadership. to Chief Norton, the Midwest City Fire Department Participants this year had the opportunity to hear from Chief Rick and everyone who was able to attend. Lasky, retired Lewisville (TX) Fire Department; Training Chief Brian As we now shift gears in preparation for the OSFA Brush, Midwest City Fire Department; former U.S. Fire Administrator and Convention, it is time once again to come together Oklahoma City Fire Chief Keith Bryant; and many others. and support each other as we focus on protecting Planning and pulling off the workshop this year was a challenge with and improving our profession. I look forward to all the complications Covid-19 has created. I am thankful we were able seeing you in Guthrie for the 127th Annual OSFA to get together and enjoy the opportunity to network with our fire family Convention set for June 9-12. from across the state. To lead in today’s fire service, you must be a cou Even though the attendance wasn’t what we usually have, I think it rageous leader that is willing to put convictions of was a success. After reviewing the surveys from the Winter Workshop, what’s right in front of fear. Although on paper this it seems that most of the attendees were pleased with the speakers and seems to be the obvious choice, many times when topics. we are faced with this dilemma, the pain staking Hopefully, we will be back to a more normal situation next year. Chief decisions don’t always come easy. Richard Kelley is already at work putting together a stellar lineup for the As a leader you must prepare and recognize this next Winter Workshop. process in order to be ready when the opportunity We recently held the OFCA Conference in Midwest City. President Bert arises. First, be willing to leave your comfort zone Norton did a great job of putting the conference together with such short and bravely keep striving. notice. Even though the number attending was lower than years past, it Remember, what you permit you promote. Desire was nice to be able to get together. I enjoyed visiting with everyone. to see potential reached more than to see people Congratulations to Craig Carruth, Mustang Fire Chief, who was elected appeased. to serve as OFCA 3rd VP. I know Craig will do a great job. We welcome Finally, focus on those you are entrusted to lead, him to the board and I look forward to working with him for the next few because people don’t care how much you know until years. they know how much you care. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Past President Bruce An- If you strive to be the best leader, I encourage you thony for his service to the board. I have enjoyed getting to know Bruce to continue your leadership journey through trainand I wish him luck on his endeavors since retiring from the Tuttle Fire ing, education and thirst for knowledge. Department. Stay safe! 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.

Bruce Anthony addresses attendees at the 99th OFCA Conference

Richard Kelley: OFCA 2nd Vice President’s Report

Oklahoma City FD

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

Mustang FD the executive board as the 3rd Vice-President. 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 wantQ&A with Craig Carruth ed the opportunity to serve the members, executive board OFCA’s new 3rd Vice President Craig and the association in the way

Carruth was born in Oklahoma City and raised in which I have been served. in the Oklahoma City area. This organization is essen He graduated from El Reno High School tial to the education, growth and attended Redlands Community College, and support of Chief Fire

OSU-FST and the National Fire Academy. Officers and the development Carruth started as a volunteer with Mustang of Fire Officers within this

Fire Department nearly 23 years ago, and was great state. I would like to blessed to get hired two months later full-time. encourage those who may not

He became the first full-time paramedic for be members to become mem-

MFD in May 2000. bers. Allow the association He worked his way up through the ranks, and the members within it to spending 14 years as a company officer and invest in you as a fire service serving as the City of Mustang and Mustang leader.

Fire Department EMS coordinator for 14 years. As the wise adage goes, Nearly four years ago, Carruth was promoted “It takes a village.” The same to Fire Chief. concept can be applied to In a question-and-answer session, Carruth, leading any organization. 44, shared the following: It takes the support and encouragement from all who

When did you know you wanted to be a understand the weight and firefighter? When I was working in downtown challenges faced when lead-

OKC and saw an OCFD fire truck drive by head- ing an organization. So, let us ed to a working fire. work together to help train 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.

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.

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

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 Midwest City FD to do with the conference, and I think the oneday 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 As late as January of this year, we were focus on the purpose of this organization have been a challenge, not sure if we were going to be able to set forth by the Constitution and By-Laws to say the least, for the hold this year’s conference or not. adopted by the members -- to provide Fire Service. Nevertheless, thanks to Chief Norton educational, networking, coordination Never before have and his staff this year’s conference was and support opportunities to all of our

El Reno FD we as Chief Officers a success. Adapt and overcome, that members. had to deal with so is exactly what they did. Although the We are going to continue to collaborate many issues on a day-to-day basis. How- conference was only one day, it was well with all of the other fire service organizaever, as always, we help each other to attended and everyone was able to get tions, as well as new partners, to provide adapt and overcome to keep our depart- out and network. educational opportunities for professional ments strong and moving forward. I hope Congratulations to Chief Carruth on leadership for volunteer, combination and that we are seeing a trend in getting back being selected as your new 3rd VP. Craig career officers. to normal, whatever that new normal is. will no doubt be a great addition to the Check the web page often and make As we entered the pandemic last year, Executive Board. sure you are on the e-mail list so you the OFCA had to cancel the 2020 Confer- Over the next 12 months, the Executive don’t miss any of these. Until next time ... ence just weeks before it was scheduled. Board plans to continue our efforts to

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!

Fire Chief: They all had nuggets to take away.

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