129th OSFA Convention Features Many Firsts for 129th Convention

And the 2023 OSFA Convention Theme is ᎯᎠ VᏳ ᎤᎵᏍᎨᏓ

Yes, that’s the theme for the 129th OSFA Convention June 12-14 in Tahlequah. And here’s the backstory for picking the theme from OSFA President Jim Ed

Nimmo:

So we were throwing around ideas. There have been some pretty heavy ones in the past — biblical references, Latin phrases, country song titles, firefighting t-shirt slogans and so on.

The Latin route has been done, and honestly, I didn’t want to be struck by lightning with a biblical reference.

Pretty much all the old Hank Jr. song titles have been used. I had thought of using the old John Prine song title “In Spite of Ourselves.” But for starters, I doubt many of our members have heard that song.

I wanted it to be light and humorous. I settled on something I thought was funny with a little double entendre to it. Anyone who has seen me speak at an event has probably heard me rip off the Ron Burgundy bit from “Anchorman,” saying “I’m Kind of a Big Deal” and tag it with “In Tahlequah.” The truth is I’m not a big deal, and I only say so in irony. But I do want the convention to be a big deal, and I do believe the firefighters in Oklahoma are a big deal.

I also wanted to tie the convention back to the Cherokee Nation and Reservation, of which Tahlequah is the Capital and my wife and children are members.

I thought that if we’ve used Latin, why not use Cherokee. Our convention committee reached out to the language department at the Cherokee Nation to translate “Kind of a Big Deal” (which was no small task) from English to Cherokee and provide the proper script.

They were gracious enough to do so. I’m proud of how it turned out. And I’m thankful for the support the Cherokee Nation has shown the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association.

In English it reads: Hi’a Doyu Ulsgeda.

In the Cherokee syllabary, it reads: ᎯᎠ VᏳ ᎤᎵᏍᎨᏓ.

Tahlequah is lucky to have so many Tulsa firefighters in our community.

June, Jim Ed called me and asked if Tahlequah like to host the 129th OSFA Convention. I was immeshocked and surprised to be asked that question. mind and heart said yes, but I told him to give me a to consult with a few people. I immediately conAssistant Chief and consulted him. He advised was a great opportunity and let’s go for it. contacted the Tahlequah Mayor, and she advised what an opportunity it is, and that she was 100% behind the OSFA Convention being held in Tahlequah.

Having the OSFA Convention in Tahlequah three times is a great honor and privilege. It is not only good for Tahlequah FD, the surrounding fire departments and the City of Tahlequah, but for the whole community.

I personally want to thank Jim Ed for considering Tahlequah as the host city for the 129th Convention, and I would also like to thank Tulsa Fire Chief Michael Baker for supporting the decision.

I want to welcome everyone to Tahlequah! I know you will have a great time!