OSFA Conventions Through the Years

10 YEARS AGO (2013)

The 119th Convention held June 5-8 at the Tulsa Hyatt was mesmerizing. And not just because of the hypnotist.

Oh sure, the guy in the sparkly red jacket had everyone’s attention after the Friday night banquet. Especially the 15 folks who took the stage to see to see if they could be hypnotized. Some did fall under his spell, which made for a good time for those still conscious.

In fact, Tulsa firefighter Jimmy Ober, who helped with the planning of the 2013 convention, said that the antics of hypnotist Mark Maverick and the willing participants will leave a lasting impression on him.

Also of note:

• Gerald Garrett hosted his second convention as OSFA President. His first was held in Tulsa in 2003.

He was also the go-to guy in Tulsa for planning conventions. Garrett was the chairman for T. Dick Cagle’s OSFA Convention in 1998 and for Allen LaCroix’s OFCA Conference in 2005. And he helped a whole lot on the OSFA Conventions for Mike Ramsey in 2001 and Don Chambers in 2008.

• Camouflaged banquet-goers filled the Tulsa Hyatt for the “Duck Calls and Overalls” feast. Was that Si from “Duck Dynasty” spotted in the buffet line? Maybe it was retired Lawton firefighter Chigger Burch in disguise.

25 YEARS AGO (1998)

In his convention report, Legislative Director Pete Stavros said this year was the best legislative session for firefighters since 1987.

Senate Bill 1037 passed and granted a 7.5% benefit catch-up based on the Consumer Price Index for urban consumers (CPI-U).

House Bill 2289 passed and required municipalities to provide medical coverage for firefighters for treatment of heart disease and injury to the respiratory system.

House Bill 2464 passed and permitted county fire departments to participate in the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System.

Representative Phil Ostrander, who doubles as a full-time Tulsa firefighter, was happy to report that HB 2464 passed unanimously. But the other two bills did have some opposition.

“I don’t know if it’s appropriate or not, but I’m going to read some names of some people that voted against these bill,” Ostrander said. “It’s up to you to make up your mind whether you support or whether you oppose these people.”

Also of note:

• An attempt was made to obtain photos of the 167 firefighters whose names were read during the Memorial Service.

That task proved impossible, but those attending did enjoy seeing the photos that were gathered flash across the screen as names were read.

• Regional Finals for the National Firefighter Combat Challenge were held in conjunction with the convention’s games. It consisted of five stages: tower climb, hose hoist, forcible entry, hose advance and victim rescue.

50 YEARS AGO (1973)

While waiting for Governor David Hall to arrive to give the Keynote Address, door prizes were handed out and a suggestion was made.

“I move we fine the Governor $10 for being late,” Tulsa Chief Stanley Hawkins said.

Before beginning his speech, Gov. Hall said, “Where is Stanley Hawkins? Stanley, I want you to know I signed your parole just before I left the office.”

Then the Governor turned sincere in his appreciation for what Oklahoma firefighters do.

“Everywhere I go, of all the public service groups, I hear more complimentary remarks made about firemen in the state,” he said. “You remain the best known and best loved.

Also of note:

• In her Address of Welcome, Oklahoma City Mayor Patience Latting commended the OSFA for being the oldest service organization in Oklahoma and for being the first and only association in the nation to develop a firefighters museum.

• International Association of Fire Fighters Secretary/Treasurer Frank Palumbo addressed the delegates.

“You were the first state to endorse my candidacy as Secretary-Treasurer of the IAFF, and that is something I will never forget,” said Palumbo, a retired New York City firefighter.

And he didn’t forget. Every month without fail, Palumbo would make a donation to the Pete and Lela Stavros Scholarship fund. Constance, Frank’s wife of 64 years, promised to continue the tradition after his death in June 2000 at age 90.

75 YEARS AGO (1948)

After calling the 54th Convention in McAlester to order, OSFA President J.E. Sweeney joked with the attendees a bit.

He said, “When I was elected President, I was kinda misinformed. I was told after you got to be President, all you had to do was sit in the swivel chair, lean back and smoke a big cigar, look wise and do nothing.

“And then I find my job includes that of making a speech. That is one thing I can’t do ... make a speech.”

Also of note:

• Jake Amberg, Legislative Committee Chairman, recalled a recent trip to the Governor’s mansion.

“I talked with the Governor about where he stood (on an increase in gross premium tax). He told me, ‘You put it to the Legislature, and I will give you my word, I will sign it.’

“Now fellas, that really sounds good to me, and he will do it. He really told me that.”

• The 1948 Report of the Secretary-Treasurer showed an increase in 115 members from the previous year.

The 227 member departments included 410 companies composed of 995 full paid men, 683 part paid or call men and 1,604 volunteers for a total membership of 3,242 firemen.

100 YEARS AGO (1923)

At the 29th Convention in Oklahoma City, the Memorial Service became an official part of the proceedings.

And it was during the past year that two very prominent members of the association passed to the Great Beyond: J. Bart Foster, for many years Secretary and two-time OSFA President (1915 & 1916); and Mark H. Kessler, retired OKC Fire Chief and 1907 OSFA President.

Both of these members had been exceedingly active in all matters pertaining to the welfare and betterment of the individual fireman and the association.

Also of note:

• Lovingly known as the “Papa” of the OSFA, T.E. Dowell of El Reno told of the early conventions when the association was in its infancy -- lustily ringing the little cowbell at intervals during his speech, once emblematic of his state-wide authority.

• After attending a baseball game between the Oklahoma City Indians and Omaha (the Indians came from behind to win), the men hurried to prepare for the annual dance held at the Central Station.

OSFA Legislative Resolution 23-01

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates at the 129th 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, along with the OFCA research, develop, and propose legislation for the purpose of enhancing statewide oversight/accountability and examine current and potential future minimum necessary standards for administration, training and funding of fire departments; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Volunteer Fire Services Committee and the Legislative Committee, research, develop, and propose legislation for the purpose of proposing funding sources that would aid in the aforementioned while augmenting recruitment and retention; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these committees report back to the 2024 Volunteer Caucus and the 2024 OSFA Convention on their recommendations.

Respectfully submitted: By unanimous vote of the members present at the OSFA 21st Annual Volunteer Caucus, Chair Shane Archuleta

OSFA Legislative Resolution 23-02

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates at the 129th 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, along with the OFCA research, develop, and propose legislation for the purpose of evaluating forestry grant disbursements including clear updated language on how qualifications for receipt of grant funds are met to include minimum training standards if deemed necessary ; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these committees report back to the 2024 Volunteer Caucus and the 2024 OSFA Convention on their recommendations.

Respectfully submitted: By unanimous vote of the members present at the OSFA 21st Annual Volunteer Caucus, Chair Shane Archuleta

OSFA Legislative Resolution 23-03

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates at the 129th 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 Legislative Committee, research the possibilities of working to develop, and propose legislation for the purpose of allowing a volunteer firefighter to retire upon reaching 35 years of credited service in the Oklahoma State Firefighters Pension and Retirement System and continue to serve his/her community as a volunteer firefighter while drawing a pension; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these committees report back to the 2024 Volunteer Caucus and the 2024 OSFA Convention on their recommendations.

Respectfully submitted: By unanimous vote of the members present at the OSFA 21st Annual Volunteer Caucus, Chair Shane Archuleta

OSFA Legislative Resolution 23-04

WHEREAS an Oklahoma fire service career allows each firefighter to obtain a certain standard of living level peculiar to each individual’s career as provided within applicable Oklahoma statutes. And,

WHEREAS for decades the stakeholders of the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System (OFPRS) have failed to provide a dependable, ongoing means by which retirees in the system can maintain the standard of living they have earned at the time of retirement. And,

WHEREAS said stakeholders should try a different “out of the box” approach in an attempt to obtain annual cost of living adjustments for all retirees in the system.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED a statewide referendum project shall be initiated by and coordinated through the OSFA to establish dependable legislation through which the maintenance of the cost of living level retiring firefighters have earned at time of retirement will be assured.

This referendum will call for a statewide election to incorporate language into statute providing that all retirees within the firefighter pension system receive an annual cost of living adjustment (COLA).

This COLA to be based upon and in line with an established credible index system such as that developed by Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and utilized for annual COLA determination by Social Security Administration (SSA).

Respectfully submitted: Paul T. Gallahar

OSFA Legislative Resolution 23-05

WHEREAS An Oklahoma fire service career allows each firefighter to obtain a certain standard of living level peculiar to each individual’s career as provided within applicable Oklahoma statutes. And,

WHEREAS for decades the stakeholders of the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System (OFPRS) have failed to provide a dependable, ongoing means by which retirees in the system can maintain the standard of living they have earned at the time of retirement. And,

WHEREAS said stakeholders should try a different “out of the box” approach in an attempt to obtain annual cost of living adjustments for all retirees in the system.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED said stakeholders shall seek legislation addressing cost of living for future retirees in the following manner:

All active firefighters (paid and volunteer) who have not yet reached their vesting date in the system, but who do vest after the effective date of said legislation, shall receive annual cost of living adjustments (COLA) after they retire.

Further, this cost of living adjustment shall be based upon a credible, established index system such as that utilized by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Respectfully submitted: Paul T. Gallahar

OSFA Constitutional Resolution 23-01

WHEREAS The Constitution and By-Laws of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association (OSFA) was originally drafted many years ago and only a relatively few amendments have been made throughout the years; and

WHEREAS At the request of the Executive Board of the OSFA, the Legislative Committee has convened numerous times over the last several years to review the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association and any possible legislation to determine any proposed changes beneficial to the membership; and

WHEREAS in the current constitution there is no Article to address how Executive Board Meetings or Executive Sessions held during Executive Board Meetings are conducted; and

WHEREAS Roberts Rules of Order outlines how board meetings are to be conducted and how Executive Sessions are for specific issues such as discipline of employees, discussion of employment contracts, or consulting with an attorney under attorney client privilege; and

WHEREAS there is a need to ensure transparency and open communication with the members of the Association. We as members in good standing of this Association propose the addition of a new section under Article 5 “Responsibilities of the Board” of the Constitution and By-Laws:

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Article 5 “Responsibilities of the Board” be changed to add a new Section 2 as follows:

Responsibilities Of The Board

Section 2. Executive Board Meetings and Executive Sessions: All regular meetings conducted by the Executive Board of the Association for the calendar year shall be posted on the OSFA website by December 15 of the preceding year. Special meetings may be held throughout the year when needed with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to the meeting. All agendas shall be posted on the OSFA website a minimum of 48 hours in advance of each called meeting. Minutes ofthe meetings shall be posted on the OSFA website within 48 hours of being approved by the Executive Board. All items shall be discussed in open session unless specifically stated in Roberts Rule of Order for Executive Session or otherwise contained in this section. Items to be discussed in Executive Session shall be stated on the agenda and no action shall be taken concerning Executive Session items during the Executive Session. All items discussed in Executive Session requiring action shall have such action be taken in open session of the meeting. Items that may be considered in Executive Session may include:

A. Discussion concerning the employment and/or compensation of the Executive Director and/or any other employee(s).

B. Discussion regarding items that would violate the confidentiality of any individual or organization. “Confidentiality in this Section shall be defined as information entrusted by an individual or organization to the members of the Executive Board, either individually or collectively, of which unauthorized disclosure would be prejudicial to the reputation or working relationship with the entrusting individual or organization (i.e. State Pension Board, State Fire Marshal’s Office, ORFA, OFCA, Rural Coordinators, etc.).

C. Discussion concerning any legal actions that would impair the organization’s ability to investigate and/or litigate any pending action.

THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the remaining sections under Article 5 be renumbered to allow incorporation of this new section.

Respectfully submitted: James Heap

B J B A K E R

Just as every fire department across our State benefits from the different experiences and expertise of it’s members, and uses different members in different capacities depending on their skill sets, the same is true for the body of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association. My nonfirefighting skill set is that I am an attorney. I have a doctorate degree and fifteen years of experience in negotiation, advocating for my client’s position, and analyzing law These skills that I have honed as an attorney are the exact skills that board members utilize when serving businesses or organizations like OSFA. There is a reason that more U S Presidents, that more university presidents, that more bank presidents have law degrees than any other background. My skills as an attorney directly translate to the tasks and responsibilities expected of your next 3rd Vice President of OSFA, and are as follows:

Honesty

As an attorney my word is my most valuable asset. I have hard discussions with clients on a daily basis where I can not sugar coat things to tell people what they want to hear, and I will not do that in my capacity as your representative with OSFA I may not be able to always deliver the news that people want to hear, but you can always count on what I say being 100% truthful and honest.

Integrity

Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching Johnny Cash once said, “But as sure as God made black and white, what’s done in the dark will be brought to the light.”, and as a former 5 year prosecutor and as a criminal defense attorney, I have seen time and again how people’s actions come back to haunt them My legal license requires integrity; growing up my Dad demanded integrity; and you can count that I will serve OSFA with integrity

Advocacy

For the last fifteen years I have practiced the art of advocacy Whether I was negotiating divorce terms, claims settlements, or plea bargains I have had to navigate and understand positional leverage, timing, and the give and take nature of negotiation It is said that only a fool represents himself. This is because when you advocate for yourself, often times your emotions will blind you. I have argued both sides of every argument based on who my client is at the time, which requires one to operate without emotion By removing emotion, I am able to analyze laws or issues to arrive at the best possible outcome for whatever my client’s position may be. I am practiced at bending words and framing issues to the benefit of my client, and I would be a zealous advocate for all firefighters

Analysis

Drafting and understanding law does not come natural and takes lots of practice At the University of Tulsa, I was the CALI Award Winner for Legal Research and Writing, and I have had the benefit of utilizing those skills in practice for the last 15 years There is an art to employing the Socratic Method, asking the hard questions while playing devil’s advocate to expose weaknesses in your own position While I am certainly not a legal analysis expert, I do bring 15 years of real life, high stake practice to the table.

SERVANT’S HEART

Just as we were all drawn to fire service out of a dedication to community, I am drawn to serve in OSFA out of dedication to our brotherhood and common interests I would not pursue this endeavor if I did not feel that it was in the best interest of our brotherhood; I humbly ask for your vote, and the opportunity to serve.