Oklahoma Firefighter magazine May-June-July 2024

Managing

Tony Lopez: OSFA President’s Report

Greetings Oklahoma Firefighters!

How does time fly so fast? It seems like I was gearing up to run for the board and now I’m getting ready for a convention.

We are working hard to make the 130th OSFA Convention memorable. I have the best convention committee anyone could ask for. I hope you will be able to attend.

I had the privilege of attending the ORFA Past Presidents Luncheon back in February. They had a great turnout.

There was some really good discussions, and I’m hoping the two organizations can overcome their differences and be united again. We are stronger when we are one.

We just finished up with the OSFA Legislative Reception, and we had a great turnout. I would like to thank all who made it happen. The staff worked extremely hard to get everything set up and then stayed late to clean up.

The OFCA Conference was in April, and I know Chief Kelley worked hard to make it the success it was. The OSFA Executive Board was in attendance.

We have had several bills come out of committee and head to their respected floors -- the volunteer multiplier, death benefit increase and a COLA for retirees. I hope we can get them through this year.

We have made some changes at the museum and I know it has upset some people, but the board tries to make the best decision for the organization. Please contact a board member if you have any questions or concerns. The worst thing that we can do is listen to the rumor mill.

This board has made a lot of decisions that have been unpopular with some people, but I hope they know that we try to do what is best for the whole organization and not just certain groups.

I’m sure a lot of you know I have retired. It was not my intention to retire early when I ran for the board. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2020. In March 2021, I made the decision to have surgery and remove it. My wife Sharane and I made the decision after consulting with my doctor.

In July 2023, my PSA score had increased to a level that my doctor was uncomfortable with, and he referred me to an oncologist. After consulting with him, he said something was still there and recommended radiation therapy to hopefully resolve the issue.

When I was told how many days of treatments I would go through, I made the decision to retire. It was one of the toughest decisions I have made because I knew I would have to resign off this board, but I had to think about my family and my health.

All I’ve known for the last 33 years is firefighting.

When I made the decision to retire, I went to Mike Kelley, OSFA Executive Director, and I told him about my dilemma with my health. I told him

2023-24 OSFA EXECUTIVE BOARD

PRESIDENT Tony Lopez Midwest City FD slopez38@cox.net

1ST VICE PRESIDENT Donnie Bennett Oklahoma City FD donben1889@gmail.com

2ND VICE PRESIDENT Cary Provence Yukon FD cprovence@yukonok.gov

3RD VICE PRESIDENT Tom Marcum Mooreland FD tommarcum@pldi.net

PAST PRESIDENT

Jim Ed Nimmo Tulsa FD jimnimmo7@gmail.com

I would do what was best for the organization, but if there was any way I could finish out my term, I would like to.

The board met and allowed me to stay on. I want you know how thankful I was for their decision. I told you when I ran four years ago that I would work for you with all my heart, and I have done that. I have not missed a meeting or any event.

I know there are some who think I should have resigned from the board, but rest assured I have never stopped working for the firefighters of this organization. I will continue to work just as hard for you as the day I was elected and will be just as active with the retirees once I’m finished on this board.

I loved being a firefighter and I love representing you on this board, and I hope you can support the decision the board made to keep me on it.

If you have questions for me, please reach out to me. Email me at slopez38@cox.net or call me at 405-202-3191.

It has been a privilege serving you, and I thank all of you.

Midwest City FD

2023 OSFA Installation of Officers

Mike Kelley: OSFA Executive Director’s Report

Brothers and Sisters of the Oklahoma Fire Service, thanks for what you do every single day for the citizens of our state!

I can assure you that your OSFA staff is dedicated and working hard advocating for what is important to you.

As you read this, the legislative session is coming to a close and I’m pleased to report that SB 1524 by Senator Green allowing volunteer firefighters to retire after achieving max pension benefit (30 Years of credited service) and continue volunteering and working as a firefighter has been signed by Governor Stitt.

We have been working on several other pieces of legislation that we will be able to report on at the annual OSFA Convention. The OSFA meets with ORFA and our lobbyists Don Armes and Julia Jernigan-Smith every Wednesday at 9 a.m. in room 4S3 at the State Capitol during the session.

Just a reminder, your elected OSFA Board serves as five members of the 13-member pension board for the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System.

The board members, OSFA staff and, of course, the pension system staff are continu-

OSFA ARCHIVE

The first OSFA President to give his convention a theme was Bill McCawley in 1983. His theme at the 89th Convention was “Over the Rainbow.”

Counting this year, a total of five OSFA Conventions adopted a movie/TV theme. And four OSFA Conventions had foreign language themes.

89th: Over the Rainbow

90th: South of the Border

91st: Fun in the Fabulous 50s

92nd: Oklahoma Pride

93rd: Out West

94th: Salute to the Clowns

95th: MDA is “Beary” Special to Firefighters

96th: America’s Heroes

97th: Strength Thru Unity

98th: Tools of the Trade: Leadership, Friendship and Training

99th: Because ... Life Counts

100th: 100 years of Service

101st: Firefighters Answer the Call

102nd: Laying it on the Line: “Just Another Day”

103rd: Always Ready ... Proud to Serve

104th: Holding Our Own

105th: Shining a Light on the Next Millennium

ously monitoring the system and legislation that may adversely impact your pension.

Please assist us in this endeavor by contacting any of the aforementioned to get up-to-date information. Please don’t rely on what you heard from someone, who heard it from someone. They may be a great person yet not have correct information. Unfortunately, when misinformation is being passed indiscriminately, it takes valuable time and resources to replace bad information with the truth.

In the middle of fighting to get legislation heard this year, we had to spend time with a legislator apprising them of the truth. This takes valuable time and directly impacts you, the membership, negatively.

On a personal note, I was asked to run for State Representative in HD 60. After prayerful consideration and consultation with my incredibly supportive wife, Kristi, we have accepted the opportunity.

I believe that this is a natural extension of over two decades of advocating for first responders. I’m proud of the work that you do or once did, and I believe that I can continue to build support for firefighters while advocating for the constituents of HD 60. I offered to the OSFA Board to step down and focus solely on running for office,

however they have asked me to remain. I told them that I am willing to do so. This wouldn’t be possible without the amazing OSFA staff that we have in place. Sheri Nickel, Madelyn Roth, Raegan Layne, Lance Gill and Jeremy Williams, along with our part-time workers and volunteers. They do an outstanding job for the organization. Please thank them when you see them for their hard work and dedication!

Please check our website at www.osfa. info for upcoming events, information, and resources. You can also update your contact and beneficiary info and get a copy of your membership card right from the site.

Speaking of upcoming events, make plans now to join us for our annual convention that will be held in Midwest City June 13-15. President Lopez and his convention committee have been working long and hard preparing for what will be an outstanding convention, “Back to the Future” (www.osfaconvention2024.com).

The ORFA Convention will be held on June 11, and the OSFA Convention Golf Tournament on June 12.

Stay safe and be good to yourselves!

Here’s a bit of history you may or may not know about your association:

106th: Together We Build

107th: 2001: A Fire Odyssey

108th: Community Partnership Caring and Sharing

109th: There When You Need Us

110th: Be Fit ... Go Strong ... Retire Well

111th: All for One and One for All

112th: Unstoppable

113th: Another For a Brother

114th: 9-11-01 - Never Forget - 343

115th: A Bond Forged By Fire Can’t Be Broken

116th: Oklahoma Fire - Band of Brothers

117th: Fully Involved

118th: United We Stand

119th: A Noble Cause

120th: Proud to Serve

121st: Steadfast! Resolutely, Dutifully, Firm, Unwavering

122nd: Fortitudo Per Unitatem (Strength Through Unity)

123rd: Loyal To Our Duty

124th: Invictus

125th: Acta non Verba (Action Not Words)

126th: Iron Sharpens IronForged Through Adversity

127th: Memores Acti Prudentes Futuri (Mindful of What Has Been Done, Aware of What Will Be)

128th: Pride in Professionalism

129th: ᎯᎠ VᏳ

130th: Back to the Future

(Kind of a Big Deal)

Ret. OKC FD

Sheri Nickel: OSFA Deputy Director

One of the most dangerous things you can do in the fire service is to care. Whenever you show up caring about this job, inevitably someone will twist your actions and words to cover up their insecurities or lack of caring.

There have been numerous times since my journey with the OSFA began in 2016 that I have been accused of things that simply are not true. These days, I am not even surprised or discouraged. Angry, yes, who isn’t whenever their character and morality is under attack?

But after a minute, day or week or two, I sort through my thoughts and set my sights on the future and keep on going. The loudest voices in the room and the faceless keyboard warriors in a world of Facebook subject matter experts are not the ones that I should be listening to. These are the people who walk around with rocks in their pockets just in case they come across an opportunity to throw someone under a bus if it stands a chance of helping elevate their own status.

Being a change agent in any organization and holding ourselves to a different standard than what has historically taken place comes with heavy scrutiny and criticism. While there is a vocal minority of people busy critiquing and complaining about decisions and changes, there is still another group of people who have good things to say and there are also plenty of people still in the middle, not having made up their minds yet.

We have a staff that loves what they do and the people that they represent. They focus more on how they can continue furthering the mission and less on how

many sick days a year they get. Everything within the OSFA is improving and is better now than it has been in the 7 ½ years that I have been here.

There are less calls coming into the office about lost membership cards and window decals. Our events are running like a fine-tuned machine, we have established a mental health fund, we are still training the boots-onthe-ground members, legislation is being passed at the Capitol, the building is looking refreshed and the museum is popping with new displays and merchandise. We are working with fewer staff members and accomplishing more.

Inevitably, there are some days that it burns us up realizing that there are some members who care so little about the association. These few members’ pettiness and sanctimonious behavior make it feel like our work doesn’t matter. Other days, we are showered with gratitude and appreciation or simply see good things happening in the state we know the OSFA had a hand in accomplishing. Those days help restore our passion and we keep moving forward.

Having a staff with a warrior’s spirit has been the key to moving the OSFA forward. We stand together, we are certainly not immune to mistakes. However, making a mistake doesn’t have to mean failure. We choose to stand up, dust ourselves off, evaluate the critiques and learn from the past -- all the while remembering who we work for and striving to give them a better future.

The Oklahoma Fire Service’s strength is in unity and helping our brother’s and sister’s succeed whenever there is a need.

Executive Director

Mike Kelley mkelley@osfa.info

Deputy Director

Sheri Nickel sherin@osfa.info

Membership Coordinator

Madelyn Roth madelynr@osfa.info

Events Coordinator

Raegan Layne raeganl@osfa.info

Museum Staff Lance Gill lanceg@osfa.info

Museum Associate

Jeremy Williams jeremyw@osfa.info

Museum Archivist

Greg Roberts groberts1960@gmail.com

Museum Volunteer Andie Hernandez

Publications

Penelope Soldan penelopes@osfa.info

Orlando FD

2024 Legislative Reception

Gathering in the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum on April 3 were 120 firefighters, legislators and other stakeholders. There were a lot of great discussions amongst everyone in attendance!

Thank you to the OSFA Board for

making the chili, Chase Rankin for making the jalapeño poppers and the OSFA Women’s Auxiliary for helping check in all the guests.

And here’s a shout-out to the Oklahoma City Retirees, the Tulsa Retirees and ORFA for their financial contribution!

Courtney Thompson: OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Report

Another year for the OSFA Women’s Auxiliary. And we had some amazing moments this year:

• The OSFA Statewide Memorial Service was beautiful with many in attendance.

• The Legislative Reception was a ton of fun with some amazing food.

• The weather wasn’t in our favor at the Ride to Remember, but the turnout was great and the riders had a blast.

We were able to donate to some wonderful organizations last year. We truly appreciate all of the support we receive throughout the year and especially at convention with our fundraising. Your support is what makes our mission possible.

We look forward to having a great convention in Midwest City!

The planning for the OSFA Women’s Auxiliary’s 92nd Annual Convention was made possible with the help and support of Tony Lopez, Midwest City Fire Department, and the ladies at OSFA.

Unfortunately this year had a very sad moment with the passing of our Jr Board member, Mrs. Ada Allison. Ada was a bright and vibrant woman who has been, and will continue to be, greatly missed.

PRESIDENT

Courtney Thompson courtneythompson524 @gmail.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Haley Thompson hthomp933 @gmail.com

2023-24 OSFA

WOMEN’S AUX EXECUTIVE BOARD

JR BOARD MEMBER

SEC/TREASURER

Sara Johnson sjohnson033 @yahoo.com

PAST PRESIDENT

Kendra Engle kedamo10 @yahoo.com

Jacob Stangl: OSFA Public Education Committee Report

The OSFA Public Education Committee has recently concluded preparations for the forthcoming Oklahoma Public Education Summit, slated to take place Sept. 10 in Tulsa.

Recognizing the critical importance of the issue, this year’s summit will be devoted to the topic of Youth Firesetting.

With a subject matter expert slated to present alongside several state programs sharing their initiatives, the committee aims to delve deep into this pressing matter and explore effective strategies for prevention and intervention.

Youth firesetting programs are emerging as essential tools in fire departments’ arsenals, offering proactive solutions to prevent fire-related incidents. These programs tackle the root causes of such behaviors and equip young individuals with vital fire safety knowledge.

In acknowledging the significance of early intervention and education, fire departments are stepping beyond traditional response roles to cultivate a culture of responsibility and awareness among our youth.

Addressing Root Causes and Empowering Youth:

Central to these programs is the recognition that youth-set fires often stem from deeper issues, whether it’s curiosity, peer pressure, or underlying emotional distress.

By addressing these root causes, youth firesetting programs provide a supportive environment where at-risk youth can receive guidance and education.

Through interactive classes and community outreach initiatives, participants not only gain essential fire safety knowledge but also develop the confidence and skills to make responsible choices, empowering them to prevent fire-related incidents.

Building Stronger Communities for a Safer Future:

Engagement with local fire departments through youth firesetting programs fosters trust and strengthens community bonds.

By investing in prevention and early intervention, fire departments demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

These programs not only reduce the incidence of fires but also contribute to building safer, more resilient communities where every individual is equipped with the knowledge and skills to prevent fire-related tragedies.

In embracing youth firesetting programs, fire departments pave the way for a brighter, safer future for generations to come.

Edmond FD

Ada Allison

Museum Bunker Gear Photo by Greg Roberts, , Museum Archivist

Oklahoma Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) Services

Are you a public emergency medical service (EMS) provider billing for EMS transports? Are you looking for ways to increase revenue? The Oklahoma GEMT program can help!

Since 2019, the GEMT program has assisted over 40 providers in receiving additional federal revenue. In 2023 alone, the GEMT program generated over $14 million dollars for public EMS providers.

Public Consulting Group (PCG) has worked with Oklahoma providers to capture over $35 million in supplemental payments. We can help providers navigate the GEMT cost reporting process, including optimizing revenue, maximizing reimbursement, and maintaining any audit compliance. PCG is the only vendor with an established partnership with the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association (OSFA), and we offer OSFA members a discount on our services.

2024 Ride To Remember

More than 300 motorcycles and 400 participants stopped by the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum & Memorial on April 20

Photos by Lance Gill, Museum Staff

Honoring Generosity: A Tribute to Our Donors at Oklahoma Firefighters Museum

The staff at the Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum extends heartfelt gratitude to all who generously donated toys for our “Toys through the Decades” exhibit.

We thank individuals like Chris Hayes of Bluff Stone FD; Mark Kirkpatrick, son of late Nichols Hill Fire Chief Edgar Kirkpatrick; Linda Walts, wife of esteemed late Fort Sill Firefighter Richard Walts; and retired Stillwater firefighter Gary Stanton, along with his family, who contributed over 200 toys.

Your donations have enriched our collection and strengthened our community’s bonds.

Your generosity has inspired others to join our cause. We encourage our members and supporters to continue this tradition of giving, ensuring that your museum remains a vibrant hub of firefighting history and culture.

Your donations, whether toys, memorabilia, or artifacts, play a vital role in preserving the firefighting legacy and honoring

the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters past, present, and future.

We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support. Your contributions fuel our passion for preserving the firefighting heritage.

Thank you for your dedication to our cause. Together, we will continue to honor and celebrate the invaluable contributions of firefighters, ensuring that their stories and artifacts endure for generations to come.

Chris Hayes

Linda Walts

Gary Stanton

Lance Gill: Oklahoma Firefighters Museum Report

Strengthening Connections:

Calling for Foreign Firefighter Equipment Donations

In the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration, the Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum extends a heartfelt invitation to its members to contribute to a unique initiative aimed at enriching the firefighting community’s knowledge and resources.

As part of our ongoing efforts to foster global connections and expand our understanding of firefighting practices worldwide, we are excited to announce a new donation drive focused on acquiring foreign firefighter equipment.

At the heart of firefighting lies a universal commitment to saving lives, protecting property, and serving communities. Yet, the methods, tools, and techniques employed by firefighters vary across different regions and countries.

By collecting foreign firefighter equipment, we aim to create a comprehensive repository that showcases the diversity of approaches and innovations in firefighting around the world.

Your Contribution Matters

We invite our members to participate in this meaningful endeavor by donating foreign firefighter equipment from their trav-

els, exchanges, or personal connections. Whether it’s a unique piece of gear, a specialized tool, or a distinctive uniform, every donation adds to the richness of our collection and enhances our understanding of global firefighting practices.

To donate foreign firefighter equipment, simply contact the museum office at 405-424-3440. Our dedicated team will provide guidance on the donation process and answer any questions you may have. Your generosity will not only contribute to the expansion of our resources but also serve as a testament to the spirit of collaboration and solidarity within the firefighting community.

Join Us in Building Bridges

Together, let’s build bridges across borders and deepen our appreciation for the diverse approaches to firefighting worldwide. Your donation of foreign firefighter equipment will not only enrich our collective knowledge but also strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation that define the firefighting community. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to showcasing the invaluable contributions of firefighters from around the globe.

John Stokes: Oklahoma Fire Chaplain’s Report

It’s finally spring/ summer. This is the time when we all start thinking of vacations or getaways to escape from the daily grind.

Whether it’s for a week or two or for only a weekend, taking time to unplug is important for us as individuals and as families.

Sometimes we have trouble unplugging, though. The daily grind that is unique to first responders is not something you can easily “unplug” from.

When we do get the opportunity to travel or getaway, it can be hard for us to be truly “present” with our families or friends. Sometimes, if we are not careful and proactive, the job can consume us.

You deserve more than that. Your family deserves more. You can start taking steps now to get to that place!

As a Chaplain, my go-to is scripture.

In John 10:10 NLT, Jesus said, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

You were meant to have an abundant life, not one that slowly destroys you. So here are some practical steps you can take to be

sure the job leaves room for you to have an abundant life where you can be present with your family and friends.

1. Have someone to talk to. Too many times we keep things bottled up and pressed down inside us and then they all come exploding out at once in ways we would rather not see happen.

One way around that is having someone to open up to regularly. It can be a trusted friend, a chaplain or pastor, or a therapist.

2. Pursue outside interests or hobbies. Have something that you can do that will allow your mind to relax and enjoy life.

Take up golf, go fishing, become a BBQ wizard. Do something that you can find joy in when you are not at the station.

3. Leave work in your locker. This one is largely symbolic but very helpful if we actually do it.

This can be done in several ways. One is actually saying outloud or to yourself, “I’m leaving this here, it’ll be here when I get back.” Then close you locker and leave for vacation.

You can also journal your thoughts and leave that in a safe place at the house before you leave and consciously decide to leave those thoughts at home and not take them with you.

If you want or need more security to it, bury it in the backyard and dig it back up when you return.

4. Strive to be present. When you are away by yourself or with family or friends, there are things you can do to ground yourself in the moment.

Consciously take in your surroundings. Tune in to the laughter of children. Listen to the water crashing into the shore. Pick up a fistful of sand and let it fall through your fingers.

Find something to anchor you in the moment. You can do this as often as necessary.

5. Allow yourself to feel. As First Responders, by necessity we suppress our feelings. While that is needed to get the job done in the moment, it is detrimental in our everyday lives.

Remember to laugh. Have special moments with your kids. Hold your wife’s hand. A rich and satisfying life is one you can feel, so allow yourself to feel it.

You can have an abundant life even in the midst of a sometimes chaotic career, but you have to take time to unplug and enjoy the moments. Here’s to a great summer!

Sequoyah County Rural Fire Protection District #1 Receives

Out of 150 applicants for the 2024 CHEMTREC Help Award, five volunteer fire departments were selected to receive $10,000 grants from the National Volunteer Fire Council.

And Sequoyah County Rural Fire Protection District #1 was one of them -- and the first FD from Oklahoma to receive the award.

$10,000

Grant

“We are very humbled to be that department,” said Heath Orbanec, RFPD1 Fire Chief.

“This grant will go towards additional hazmat equipment\training to better serve our community and surrounding areas. And thanks to Sheri Nickel (OSFA Deputy Director) for always pushing and helping Oklahoma Fire Departments to achieve these goals.”

Broken Arrow FD

William H. Turner

Tulsa FD (1960-1984)

Died March 21 (Age 89)

US Army Veteran

Jason Stamper

Cement FD (2004-2024)

Died April 14 (Age 52)

Charlie Starbuck

Slapout FD (2005-2023)

Gate FD (2023-2024)

Died Feb. 22 (Age 57)

Gary Joe Walker

Tulsa FD (1971-1989)

Died March 30 (Age 81)

US Navy Veteran-Vietnam

Mike O’Dell

Muskogee FD (1989-2024)

Died Jan.29 (Age 58)

Mark Allen Stein

Tulsa FD (1982-2015)

Died March (Age 67)

Question & Answers

Oklahoma Firefighter asked last issue’s readers this question: What’s the most random fact you know?

Here is what they said:

w Eldon Henderson, Ret. Enid: Enid FD’s first aerial was named the Pabst Hook and Ladder Company in exchange for the Pabst Brewing Company providing the funds for its purchase.

w Kara Owens, Piedmont: A team of six women programmed the first digital computer.

w Tony Lopez, Ret. Midwest City: Teeth are the only thing that cannot heal themselves.

w Terry Essary, Stillwater: Vesna Volovic, a 22 year old flight attendant fell 33,000 feet after a bomb ripped apart the DC-9 she was on. Amazingly she survived, and holds the Guinness World Record for surviving the longest fall without a parachute.

w Corey Conrady, Drummond: Slimer in “Ghostbusters” was inspired by Jim Belushi.

w Melanie Colvin, Cedar Country: You can’t hum if you hold your nose. You can’t lick your own elbow. A jiffy is a unit of time…1/100th of a second!

w Michael Baker, Tulsa: Basketball was started in 1891, however it was not until 1921 that the net was opened at the bottom.

w Greg Lindsay, OKC: My fun fact is that at its widest point, Australia is wider than the moon.

w Wayne Mosley, Ret. Yukon: The male giraffe will continuously headbutt the female in the bladder until she urinates. The male then tastes the urine to determine if she is ovulating, and if so, the merriment begins.

w Mike “Rookie” Billingsley, Ret. Nichols Hills: It is estimated that 60 to 70 percent of the human body is water.

w Tom Marcum, Mooreland: I know how to measure a perfect triangle to start a roof line perfectly straight. It’s random because I haven’t roofed a house in years, but I still remember it.

w Darren Alexander, Cedar Country: I know a lot of weird things. Drives my wife crazy. I used to tell my students the following: In the 1800s, hat makers would cure the hats (some made with beaver pelts) with mercury. When the hatters inhaled and absorbed the mercury during the process, it would cause a lot of neurological issues. After people started wearing the hats and absorbing the mercury through the hat bands, they exhibited the same signs. That is where the term “mad hatters’ disease came from.

w Marshall Dunnam, Ret. OKC: I have two, just in case someone has one of them. 1) There’s enough gold inside the earth to coat the planet. 2) Firefighters use wetting agents to make water wetter.

w John Stokes, Noble: My random fact is: Over half of all respondents to this question googled “random facts.”

Next Issue’s Question --

Who is the most interesting person you’ve met?

Everyone is Welcome to Participate! Email Your Response to penelopes@osfa.info

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2023-24 ORFA EXECUTIVE BOARD

PRESIDENT

Mike Duncan, Dewey FD Ret. mduncan51@aol.com

1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Dr. Erick Reynolds, Milfay FD Ret. rerick@osufpp.org

2ND VICE PRESIDENT

Marshall Dunnam, OKC FD Ret. dunnamm@yahoo.com

3RD VICE PRESIDENT

Gordon Gingrich, Tulsa FD Ret. gordongingrich@gmail.com

PAST PRESIDENT

James Fullingim, Norman FD Ret. nfdchief@hotmail.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Tippy Pierce, Moore FD Ret. fftip@swbell.net

VOTE FOR GENE BROWN ORFA 3rd VP

n Retired captain with 35 years service on The Village FD

n Attended 33 OSFA Conventions

n Served on Pub- Ed Committee since its inception

n Served on several ORFA committees

n Currently serve on ORFA Cornerstone Committee, ORFA Legislative Committee and ORFA Fundraising Committee (Vice Chair)

I have been active with ORFA since retirement

AGENDA FOR 43rd ANNUAL ORFA CONVENTION

June 11 – Reed Center – Midwest City, Oklahoma

7:30 Past President Breakfast – Invitation Only

9:30 Registration – Meeting Hall

11:00 Lunch – Reed Center Meeting Room

12:00

General Session – Reed Center Meeting Room

Posting of Colors – Midwest City Honor Guard

Flag Salute – James Fullingim, Past President

Invocation – Mike Bower, Ret. Midwest City Fire Chief

Call to Order- President Mike Duncan

Fraternal Welcome – Bert Norton, MWC Fire Chief

City Welcome – Tim Lyon Midwest City Manager

12:30

Break

Memorial Service – Erick Reynolds, 1st VP, Marshall Dunnam, 2nd VP

Appointment of Parliamentarian – Phil Ostrander, Past ORFA Executive Director

Appointment of Committees: Nominating -- Resolution

Introductions – President Mike Duncan

Speaker: Ed Kirtley OSU Assistant Dean of Outreach and Extension

Representative: Stan May 80th District

OSFA Welcome & Memorial Report – Tony Lopez, OSFA

Legislative Report:

OSFA - Don Armes and Julia Jernigan-Smith

ORFA - Phil Ostrander, Lobbyist

Pension System Report – Chase Rankin, Exec. Director

EVACU Presentation – Paul Simpson

Business Meeting: First Report of the Nominating Committee

Membership Report – Gordon Gingrich, 3rd VP

Chapter Report –Marshall Dunnam, 2nd VP

Break Opportunity to visit with candidates

Coffee & refreshments served inside room

Committee Reports: Resolutions – Nominating Election of Officers

Old Business

New Business Awards:

T. Dick Cagle Fire Mark George Fina Flamebeaux

Financial Report: Tippy W. Pierce Executive Director

President Report – Mike Duncan

Election Results

Presentation to Past President

Installation of Officers – James Fullingim, Past President

Presentation to New President

Presentation to New Past President

Presentation of the Axe to James Fullingim

Comments from Board

Election of OSFA Delegates:

Adjourn Sine Die -Door Prizes

Hospitality Room – Oklahoma FireFighters Museum

Tippy Pierce: ORFA Executive Director

The ORFA would like for all retirees to mark your calendar for the ORFA Picnic Sept. 28 at noon at the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum.

The ORFA Cornerstone Committee met March 27 at the Firefighter Museum. Many topics were discussed. The main items that needed to be achieved were for Legislative, Membership, Fund Raising and Financial Committees to meet.

The Legislative Committee met on April 3 and a resolution was recommended to the ORFA Executive Board for approval.

The Resolution and Constitution Committee met April 5 and produced a new Mission Statement for ORFA and changes to the ORFA Constitution to be voted on June 11 at the ORFA Convention.

The ORFA Executive Board attended the OFCA Conference in April.

Remember to register for the ORFA Convention. It is free for all retirees to attend. The Convention is June 11 at the Reed Center in Midwest City, and the ORFA Mixer will be at the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum after the convention is over. We will have drinks and finger food. Come and visit with the brothers and sisters of the ORFA. Hope to see you all!

Ret. Moore FD

2024 ORFA Past Presidents Luncheon

RESOLUTIONS FOR 43rd ANNUAL ORFA CONVENTION

ORFA Constitutional Resolution 24-01

WHEREAS members of the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association met in Oklahoma City in April to discuss and determine modifications needed to the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association Constitution & Bylaws, Article V, Section 9; and WHEREAS these modifications were discussed and voted on by the ORFA Cornerstone Resolutions and Constitution Subcommittee; and;

WHEREAS the current ORFA Constitution and Bylaws Article V, Section 9 currently reads “The 1st Vice President shall serve as the ORFA liaison to the OSFA Legislative Committee. The 2nd Vice President shall be responsible for the Cornerstone Committee, as the Chairman. The 3rd Vice President shall be the Vice Chairman.”

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates at the 43rd Annual ORFA Convention show the overall support of the organization toward our members; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED these proposed ORFA Constitution and Bylaws modifications will have the ORFA Constitution and Bylaws Article V, Section 9 will read as follows, “The 1st Vice President shall serve as the ORFA liaison to the OSFA Legislative Committee. The 2nd Vice President shall be responsible for the Cornerstone Committee and Membership Subcommittee, as the Chairman. The 3rd Vice President shall be responsible for the Cornerstone Committee and Membership Subcommittee, as the Vice Chairman.”

Respectfully submitted: ORFA Cornerstone Resolutions and Constitution Subcommittee

ORFA Legislative Resolution 24-01

WHEREAS Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association Representatives 4,500 Paid and Volunteer Retired firefighters and; WHEREAS the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association has the responsibility to identify the diversity of its members and; WHEREAS the Association has paid attention to this diversity of the membership and;

WHEREAS the Association has identified the complexity of the membership and;

WHEREAS the Association has identified the membership’s loss of buying power, which has gone on unchecked for many years and;

WHEREAS the Association has a group of members who have been retired for 15 years and others who have been retired for 25 years or more and;

WHEREAS the Association’s Legislative Committee has met and seen the need to seek Legislation for this group of Retired Firefighters and;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That we seek Legislation for a Hybrid Stipend for Retired Firefighters that meet the following criteria:

• Paid Retired Firefighters over 65 years of age will receive a onetime $2,000.00-dollar Stipend if they have been retired for at least 15 years. The following month the $2,000.00-dollar amount shall be divided by 12 and added to their pension amount monthly. (Example $2,000.00 divided 12 will come to $166.66 per month).

• Paid Retired Firefighters 70 years of age or older will receive a onetime $2,500.00-dollar if they have been retired at least 25 years. The following month the $2,500.00-dollar amount shall be divided by 12 and added to their pension amount monthly. (Example $2,500.00 divided 12 will come to $208.33 per month).

• Volunteer Retired Firefighters, shall be given $2,000.00 dollars if they have been retired for 15 years and are 65 years or older. The following month the $2,000.00 dollars shall be divided by 24 and added to their pension amount monthly. (Example $2,000.00 divided by 24 will come to $83.33 per month).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 43th ORFA Convention: Pass this Legislative Resolution and send on to the OSFA Convention for passage and to seek this legislation.

Respectfully submitted: ORFA Executive Board

Tulsa FD since August 2008 Currently ranked as Captain

Tulsa Firefighters Local 176 VP since Nov. 2019

Local 176 Committees:

Negotiations Chairman - 3 years

Health & Safety Chairman - 1 year

PAC/ Legislative Chairman - 3years

Grievance Committee - 3 years

OSFA Committees:

Legislative Committee - 2 years

Legislative Chairman - 1 year

EMS Committee - 1 year

Oklahoma Firefighters Convene June

DUES

Membership in the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association will be forfeited if dues are not paid by May 14.

CREDENTIALS

Credentials are totally digital and must be completed through the OSFA website at https:// osfa.info/register/osfa-2024. Paper credentials will not be received by the office. If you need assistance, contact OSFA’s Madelyn Roth at MadelynR@osfa.info.

REGISTRATION

Registration cost for delegates and members is $75.

Registration cost for spouses and guests is $70.

The OSFA encourages all members to attend convention, whether as a delegate or as an interested member. Everyone should pre-register online by June 3 at midnight, including spouses and guests.

There will be a late registration table set up at convention on June 13. Late registrations will incur a $25 late fee and will not be guaranteed a banquet ticket.

ACCOMMODATIONS

• Delta Hotel - Host Hotel (405-455-1800)

• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham (405-733-1339)

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites (405-736-1000)

• Home2 Suites by Hilton (405-610-6994)

MEETINGS

Daily meetings will be held at the Reed Conference Center in Midwest City (5800 Will Rogers Road).

ACTIVITIES

Golf Tournament -- Wednesday, June 12, at John Conrad Regional Golf Course (771 S. Douglas Blvd., Midwest City). Tee times at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cost is $100 per golfer.

Skeet Shoot -- Wednesday, June 12, at Quail Ridge Sporting Clays (2401 S. McLoud Rd., McLoud). Lunch at 1 p.m. Shooting starts at 2 p.m. Cost is $25 per shooter

OSFA Picnic -- Thursday, June 13, outside of the Reed Center. Free for all registered for convention. Guests are welcome and can purchase food ticket for $10 per person.

Cornhole Tournament -- Thursday, June 13, at OSFA Picnic. Cost is $20 per team (cards/cash accepted at event). Pre-register your team online a www.osfa.info/events. Hosted by OSFA Women’s Auxiliary.

Poker Run -- Thursday, June 13. Begins after morning meeting and ends at OSFA Picnic. Hosted by Wind & Fire. Cost is $25 per person. Cash only at time of event to participate. NOTE: Poker Run is same time as Bowling, so don’t sign up for both.

Bowling -- Thursday, June 13, at Planet Bowl (6601 Tinker Diagonal, Midwest City). Bowling is from 2 to 4 p.m. (96 person limit - 4 people per lane). Cost is $25 per person. NOTE: Bowling is same time as Poker Run, so don’t sign up for both.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

To honor those members who have passed since our last convention, an abbreviated Memorial Service will be held Thursday, June 13. There will NOT be a full service where families are invited as in years past.

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 at the banquet, and you must be present to win.

BANQUET

Friday, June 14, at the Reed Conference Center. Theme is Enchantment Under the Sea. Dress vibe: Flamingos, something pink or the school dance scene from Back to the Future.

BUSINESS MEETING

Reports from the State Fire Marshal, Firefighters Pension and Retirement System and the OSFA Committees will be presented. Written reports also will be made available from different organizations in the fire service.

You will select the OSFA 3rd Vice President, who will represent you and serve on the State Pension Board for the next five years.

There will also 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.

Be ‘Pretty in Pink’ at 2024’s

June 12-15 For 130th OSFA Convention

2024’s ‘Back to the Future’ Convention

By Penelope Soldan, Oklahoma Firefighter Editor

When Tony Lopez ran for OSFA 3rd Vice President in 2020, he got the Midwest City FD delegation Hawaiian shirts with flamingos on them to wear at convention.

“We’re not sure Tony realized what he started,” said Jeff Ingram, Midwest City FD Major.

“We adopted the flamingo as our mascot and incorporated flamingos into our participation in the activities at the conventions since then. This year will be no exception.”

So that is why there is a flamingo driving the fire truck in the 2024 OSFA Convention logo. And why Ringo the Flamingo Firefighter is on the challenge coin.

And flamingos will be everywhere at the banquet, as they will be part of the dress vibe.

Banquet attendees can also opt to dress like those in the “Back to the Future” high school dance scene.

“Back to the Future,” after all, is the theme for the 130th OSFA Comvention.

“I let my convention committee come up with the theme,” said Tony, who officially retired from Midwest City FD after 33 years, 3 months and 30 days.

“I have seen the movie ‘Back to the Future,’ and my favorite scene is the dance when Marty McFly is playing the guitar.”

Behind ‘Back to the Future’ Theme

Jeff Ingram, who serves as chair for the 2024 OSFA Convention Planning Committee, had this to say about the theme selection:

“The fire service has a culture that’s rich in tradition. There are traditions that we still hold to that are hundreds of years old. However, if we don’t change with the times we’ll become antiquated and ineffective.

“We wanted our theme to display the importance of both honoring the traditions of the fire service and embracing the technological advancements that allow us to do our jobs more effectively, more efficiently and more safely.

“We felt that the theme “Back to the Future” matched well with those ideals and was a fun way to have them in our theme.”

In addition to Jeff, the members of the convention planning committee

Tony Lopez OSFA President Ret. Midwest City Assistant Fire Chief

are James Caudill, Brian Christy, Duane Helmberger, Chris Hudson, Toby Shores and Ross White.

The cover of the OSFA Convention program also carries on the “Back to the Future” theme.

It looks a lot like the Gray’s Sports Almanac (pictured at left) which was central to the plot of “Back to the Future II.”

Sporting Hawaiian Flamingo shirts at the 2020 OSFA Picnic are (L to R) Chris Hudson, Tony Lopez, Jeff Ingram, Toby Shores, Jeremy Robbins and Tony Williams

OSFA Conventions Through the Years

10 YEARS AGO (2014)

OSFA Executive Director Phil Ostrander announced the rebranding of the OSFA at the 120th Convention held June 4-7 at the Hard Rock Hotel in Tulsa.

“The fact that the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association is the oldest continuing state association in Oklahoma, founded in 1894, I think that’s huge,” he said. “We are the second association founded in the state of Oklahoma. The first one was a land-related association that dealt with the land run, and they are no longer in existence.

“So the OSFA, at 120 years old, is the oldest association in the state of Oklahoma. We are adding that into our logo. The new shirts and new things you are going to see are going to have EST. 1894. We want people to understand that. We want the fire service to understand that in our partnerships, we represent the assets to the fire service -- paid, volunteer, retired.

“The most important thing is that we make sure that the firefighters of Oklahoma are being served. And we are going to rebrand the OSFA, and put that brand out front.

Also of note:

• Ostrander also brought back the tradition of road tripping to the OSFA. He and other OSFA representatives have already traveled from the far western side of the state to the far northeast corner to the south. They were in Carmargo one day and Beggs the next.

• Friday’s session was held on the 70th anniversary of D-Day. State Auditor and Inspector Gary Jones paid tribute to those who sacrificed for the next generation.

25 YEARS AGO (1999)

OSFA President Dana Cramer’s 10-year-old son, Cody, donned his dad’s bunker gear for the Memorial Service.

Cody walked slowly to the table representing firefighters who lost their lives the past year. He placed the American flag on the table and saluted the flag and the memory of the lost firefighters.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as Cody left his helmet on the table, turned and walked out of the room.

Also of note:

• After 46 years of dedicated service to Oklahoma firefighters, Pete Stavros announced his retirement.

His goal before he hung up his lobbyist hat was to get all the benefits back that firefighters had lost in 1980. And he came close.

House Bill 1815 gave retirees the additional 25% CPI-U benefit increase. And House Bill 1044 provided an increase in the death benefit from $4,000 to $5,000 for members of the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System.

The only thing he wasn’t able to get back was the escalator, and that was handled by the courts.

For his efforts, the delegation bestowed upon Stavros the title of Legislative Director Emeritus.

• Sculptor Shahla Rahimi Reynolds, who plans to begin work on the center statue of the Memorial in July, received a warm welcome.

“This is such a neat thing to have a firefighter’s wife (she is married to James Reynolds of Oklahoma City) do this for us,” Memorial Committee Chairman David Bain said. “And you need to come by the museum in July and watch her as she works, because this is going to be quite remarkable.”

50 YEARS AGO (1974)

OSFA Executive Director Andy T. Miller was presented with the IFSTA Award for his significant contributions to the training of firefighters.

Miller also received a Portable Fish Finder from Senator Lee Keel, a CB Radio from the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum and a China bank of a man in a rocker from Tony Anthony, chairman of the Educational Advisory Committee.

That is because Miller, who spent the last 14 years guiding the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association, was retiring after convention.

And the association showed its appreciation of Miller’s years of dedicated service by presenting him and his wife, Lois, with a Diamond Mini-Home.

Also of note:

• President George King reflected on several achievements of the OSFA, including the full funding law that “is the greatest step forward for the volunteer firefighters in our organization we have experienced in more than 60 years. Of this, we can be proud.”

• Lois Miller presented Tulsa Chief Stanley Hawkins with a sand bucket and shovel in appreciation for the advice he gave her over the past 10 years.

1999 OSFA President Dana Cramer

1974 OSFA President George King

2014 OSFA President Casey Morrison

75 YEARS AGO (1949)

Oklahoma City Fire Chief G.R. McAlpine had attended several OSFA conventions prior to the 55th annual event in Oklahoma City.

“Back years ago, some of the old boys like my self remember when we had the tournaments and we brought the horses and carts and we had partic ipation in the various activities of our profession,” McAlpine said.

“This afternoon, we are going to put on a pro gram on the Drill area that is different to anything that we have ever had to my knowledge.”

Demonstrations included Ladder Evolutions; Hose layouts and advancements; Life Line and Net Rescue Evolutions; Salvage and Overhaul Operations; Six Story Hotel Fire Rescue; and Display of Fire Streams.

Also of note:

• Among the door prizes handed out were $10 cash, fireman’s boots, nozzle, fire gun and fire extinguisher.

• The 1949 Report of the Secretary-Treasurer showed an increase in 116 members from the previous year. The 230 member departments included 413 companies composed of 1,016 full paid men, 618 part paid or call men and 1,724 volunteers for a total membership of 3,358 firemen.

100 YEARS AGO (1924)

At the 30th Convention in Sulphur, delegates took part in a 3-hour round-table discussion.

That evening session held on the second day of convention is still considered one of the best discus sions in the history of the association.

Earlier that day during the morning session, seven topics were presented and discussed:

• “Proper Care and Handling of Fire Hose”

• “Maintenance of Motor Fire Apparatus”

• “Construction and Care of Fire Hydrants”

• “Standardization of Couplings”

• “Organization of Volunteer Fire Departments”

• “Why You Should Join the State Association”

• “The State Insurance Board”

Also of note:

• Hon. Jess Read, State Insurance Commissioner, gave an address on and answered questions regarding the Firemen’s Relief and Pen

• After the first business session, delegates were entertained with a

RESOLUTIONS FOR 130th ANNUAL OSFA CONVENTION

OSFA Legislative Resolution 24-01

WHEREAS volunteer members of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Gathered for caucus in Woodward on February 3rd 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 issue affecting Oklahoma volunteer firefighters; and

WHEREAS the OSFA is the largest representative organization for volunteer firefighters in Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS currently fire departments are required to report to the State Fire Marshal’s office annually; and

WHEREAS many grant and funding opportunities are unrealized due to lack of adequate and underreporting; and

WHEREAS in the past electronic near real-time reporting has been cost prohibitive for most of the fire departments in the State of Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS the US Fire Administration has partnered to create the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS); and

WHEREAS the goal of NERIS is to empower the local fire and emergency services community by equipping them with near real-time information and analytic tools that support data informed decision-making for enhanced preparedness and response to incidents involving all hazards; and

WHEREAS the intent is to offer the base reporting free of charge to the departments;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates at the 130th 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 requiring all reporting currently required, be required to use the NERIS reporting system once available; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these committees report back to the 2025 Volunteer Caucus and the 2025 OSFA Convention on their recommendations.

Respectfully submitted: By unanimous vote of members present at the OSFA 22nd Annual Volunteer Caucus, Chair Kyle Ramer

OSFA Legislative Resolution 24-02

WHEREAS Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Representatives 4,500 Paid and Volunteer Retired firefighters and;

WHEREAS the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association has the responsibility to identify the diversity of its members and;

WHEREAS the Association has paid attention to this diversity of the membership and;

WHEREAS the Association has identified the complexity of the membership and;

WHEREAS the Association has identified the membership’s loss of buying power, which has gone on unchecked for many years and;

WHEREAS the Association has a group of members who have been retired for 15 years and others who have been retired for 25 years or more and;

WHEREAS the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association’s Legislative Committee has met and seen the need to seek Legislation for this group of Retired Firefighters and;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That we seek Legislation for a Hybrid Stipend for Retired Firefighters that meet the following criteria:

• Paid Retired Firefighters over 65 years of age will receive a onetime $2,000.00-dollar Stipend if they have been retired for at least 15 years. The following month the $2,000.00-dollar amount shall be divided by 12 and added to their pension amount monthly (Example $2,000.00 divided 12 will come to $166.66 per month).

• Paid Retired Firefighters 70 years of age or older will receive a onetime $2,500.00-dollar if they have been retired at least 25 years. The following month the $2,500.00-dollar amount shall be divided by 12 and added to their pension amount monthly. (Example $2,500.00 divided 12 will come to $208.33 per month).

• Volunteer Retired Firefighters, shall be given $2,000.00 dollars if they have been retired for 15 years and are 65 years or older. The following month the $2,000.00 dollars shall be divided by 24 and added to their pension amount monthly. (Example $2,000.00 divided by 24 will come to $83.33 per month).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 43th ORFA Convention: Pass this Legislative Resolution and send on to the OSFA Convention for passage and to seek this legislation.

Respectfully submitted: ORFA Executive Board

OSFA Constitutional Resolution 24-02

WHEREAS members of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Executive Board met in Oklahoma City in January, February, March and April to discuss and determine modifications and clean up language needed to the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Constitution & Bylaws, the following Constitution changes need to be made to Article 1, Section 1, Article 1, Section 2, Article 2, Section 6, Article 2, Section 7, Article 2, Section 10, Article 3, Section 3, Article 3, Section 4, Article 4, Section 3, Article 4, Section 5, Article 5, Section 3, Article 6, Section 1, Article 8, Section 1, Article 8, Section 2, Article 8, Section 3, Article 8, Section 4, Article 9, Section 1, Article 9, Section 4, Article 9, Section 5, All of Article 14, Article 15, Section 1, Article 15, Section 3, Article 15, Section 4, Article 16, Section 1, Article 16, Section 2, Article 16, Section 3 and the following Bylaw changes need to be made to Article 2, Section 3, Article 3, Section 1, Article 4, Section 3, Article 4, Section 4, Article 4, Section 5; and

WHEREAS the OSFA Constitution and By-Laws was last updated in 2021; and

WHEREAS the OSFA Constitution and By-Laws is a living document; and

WHEREAS these modifications were discussed and voted on by the OSFA Executive Board;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates at the 130th Annual OSFA Convention show the overall support of the organization toward our members by continuing to update and modify our governing documents; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these proposed OSFA Constitution and Bylaws modifications be accepted as submitted.

Respectfully submitted: OSFA Executive Board

RESOLUTIONS FOR 130th ANNUAL OSFA CONVENTION

OSFA Constitutional Resolution 24-01

WHEREAS the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association (OSFA) is made up of active service firefighters plus members of the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association; and

WHEREAS the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association (ORFA) has its own board made up of retired Oklahoma firefighters; and

WHEREAS the OSFA purpose from the constitution and bylaws states: “The purpose of this organization shall be to create, maintain and perpetuate a fraternal spirit among its members; to assemble in convention and there devise ways and means of improving the fire fighting service by appropriate discussion, lectures, debates and mutual exchange of ideas; to cooperate with the various state departments and agencies, to suggest helpful legislation and to educate its membership and improve the service and to enhance the value and dignity of their profession and to be instrumental in promoting improved conditions for the firefighters of the State of Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS the people who know best the conditions of the current fire fighting service, what types of legislation and education are needed to improve the current fire fighting service, what the current values are and dignity is within the membership, how the service and conditions need to be improved for the firefighters, are our active firefighter members; and

WHEREAS currently under Article 3 – Elected Officers, Section 1 states in part, “There shall be at least one of the officers of the Board who is a Volunteer Firefighter.” Thereby requiring the Volunteer Firefighter Board Member to be an active volunteer firefighter; and WHEREAS the intent was not to single out the volunteer board member but rather to ensure that a current volunteer firefighter is on the board and to emphasize that the volunteer member has to be a current member of a volunteer fire department and thereby an active Association member; and

WHEREAS Article 3, Section 1 by the above example implies that ALL current board members must be active firefighters, up to and including the Immediate Past President; and

WHEREAS the second objective under the ORFA constitution states that they are to: “Assist the OSFA in pursuit of common goals;” and

WHEREAS to best accomplish these goals as described within the two constitutions is to ensure that all future OSFA board members are and will remain active service firefighters as defined in Article 2 – Membership, Section 2 “Active Members: All members of fire departments, participating in the Oklahoma Firefighters Pen-

sion and Retirement System, who are not receiving pension benefits, shall be eligible for active membership in this Association upon the payment of the annual dues for every member of that department as provided by Article 8, Section 1 of this constitution. (Article 8, Section 1 describes the amount of dues to be paid); and

WHEREAS to provide clear and undeniable guidance for OSFA boards and executive directors:

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED to amend Article 3 – Elected Officers, Section 1 as follows:

Section 1. The officers of the Association shall consist of President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Third Vice President, and Immediate Past President. These officers shall be known as the Board. Board officers shall be required to seek the office of the next higher Board chair at each annual convention after initial election. The Board President shall be required to move into the Immediate Past President’s position in the year following his or her term as President. This section in no way shall be construed to prevent an Active Member of this Association, not holding a Board office, from running for an elected Board office. There shall be at least one of the officers of the Board who is a Volunteer Firefighter. Members of the Association seeking and/or holding an elected Board office or the office of Immediate Past President shall be active members as defined by Article 2, Section 2 of this constitution. Under no circumstances shall any fire department have more than one elected member serving on the Board, but this will not restrict Board appointments according to Article 3, Section 5 of this constitution.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Article 3 – Elected Officers, Section 5 be amended as follows:

Section 5. In the event of a resignation, death, disability or any other vacancy of an elected Board Officer, the remaining members of the Board may at their discretion, within the requirements of Article 3 of the Association Constitution, appoint a person or persons, who is a current active firefighter in the State of Oklahoma, to serve in the vacated position(s) until the next convention. If the Immediate Past President position is vacated for any reason, the position may only be filled in one of two methods:

1) it shall be filled by an active member who is an OSFA Past President;

a. If utilizing this method, the exception under Article 3, Section 1 is applicable, thereby allowing more than one member of the same fire department to serve on the Board in this specific occurrence

2) Or; it shall remain vacant until the current President completes his or her term as President and moves into the Immediate Past President position.

To view the edits to the OSFA Constitution, as mentioned in OSFA Constitutional Resolution 24-02 (at left), go online to: https://osfa. info/news/K9JKFHu4jXLqnF3TgvV4

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Constitutional amendment shall be effective on July 1, 2025 so as to not affect any current sitting Board members.

Respectfully Submitted:

Mike Bower, MWC FD (Ret), OSFA/OFCA/ORFA Past President

Gene Brown, The Village FD (Ret), Past FF Museum Director A.K. “Yogi” Cole, Tulsa FD (Ret), Past OSFA/ORFA President

George Fina, OKC FD (Ret), Past ORFA President, OKC Retirees Association President

Steve Lumry, OKC FD (Ret), Past OSFA President, Past OSFA/ ORFA Executive Director, Past OFCA Administrative Director

Juan Rodriguez, Lawton FD (Ret), Past OSFA/ORFA President

David Thompson, Past OSFA President

That’s Schroders.

Schroders

Keith Bryant: Oklahoma State Fire Marshal Report

In an effort to improve the quality of services provided by the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Office, as of April of this year we have converted to a complete electronic building permit application system.

In the past, applicants had to submit their applications to include building plans by bringing in or mailing paper copies.

Not only was this process time consuming for the applicant, but our staff also had to spend many hours, days and even weeks making sure that all necessary documentation was included, complete and accurate before it could be placed in the queue for review.

Now the electronic system will automatically reject unacceptable applications. This will eliminate unnecessary trips by the applicant to our office or being at the mercy of standard mail delivery system.

It will also reduce the number of staff hours to ensure the application is complete and ready to process.

Another improvement we are pleased to announce is the upgrades we have recently made to our website. When anyone goes to our website at www.ok.gov/fire, they will see a new modern look that is consistent with other state agencies and more easy to navigate.

Most, if not all the features, information and links of the former website, will remain but are reformatted in a manner that will make them more accessible.

Maybe the best part of the new website is it will be something we can add to or make changes to more easily. Therefore it will continue to be a work in progress as we go forward, and your comments and suggestions would be welcome.

Keith Bryant, 2010 OFCA President and former OKC Fire Chief, receives the OFCA Lifetime Service Award from Richard Kelley and Kent Lagaly at the 2024 OFCA Conference Banquet

Caroline Reed: OSU FST Director

Greetings Everyone! There are a couple of items that I want to make you aware of.

We are currently updating several of our programs, as the new NFPA standards are being released. We will be sending out announcements as we get closer to launch dates.

We have added a new driver, Zack Burdg, who will be delivering trailers and supporting our hands-on classes. We also hired a new travel assistant, Jessica Howard.

We are currently supporting several conferences, so be sure and check out our website.

OSU FST is watching the 29 CFR 1910.156 rule as it moves through the process. This rule is up for public comment until June 21. The old title is Fire Brigade Standard. The new title will be Emergency Response Standard.

This proposal will include major changes in protective clothing, equipment, and significant improvements in safety and health practices that the industry generally accepts as standard procedures.

There are also significant changes to required training, as well. These, of course, are not funded.

I am not writing with an opinion to sway you one way or another I am writing to let you know this is a huge game-changer and you need to read this document. And if you feel strongly about it, make a comment.

Here is the link to the proposed rule https://www.osha.gov/ laws-regs/federalregister/2024-02-05.

Craig Hannan:Fire Protection Publications Director’s Report

My goal with this column is to invite you to the 2024 International Fire Service Journal of Leadership Research Symposium.

The 2024 Symposium will be held on Saturday, July 13, at the Hyatt Regency Tulsa.

It is free to attend the Symposium, and lunch will be provided.

Dr. Denise Smith, Director of the National Fire Data and Research Center at the USFA, will open the Symposium.

Other presentations include volunteer firefighter cancer risks, ending wildfire disasters, fire-service contamination control, and measuring excellence in fire department management.

The Symposium features national-level fire-service research leaders. This is your opportunity to hear the current fire-service research right here in Oklahoma. Attendees will be from Oklahoma and across the U.S. and Canada.

Networking at the lunch break is always a benefit. The research presented affects every department regardless of size, staffing and jurisdiction and every firefighter in Oklahoma. I hope to see you there.

Please register to attend at this link: https://www.cognitoforms. com/FireProtectionPublications/_91stAnnualIFSTAValidationConferenceIFSJLMResearchSymposiumRegistration

Until next time, be safe, be well, be well-trained.

Perkins FD

OFCA Ex Officio

Corey Conrady: The Rural Firefighter

OSHA Proposed Regulations ...

and What of the Volunteers?

NEW OSHA REGULATIONS? If you haven’t heard about them, you might have been living under a rock!

Here’s a little background about OSHA’s involvement in the fire service, what changes are to come, and what you can do about them.

This is not my opinion on the nature of the subject, just an overview of some questions and possibly answers to the proposed rules.

As of the publication of this article, the public comment period to voice concerns has closed which was May 6. However, listed at the end are some ways to voice your opinions.

More than one million emergency responders fall within the scope of the proposed rule, OSHA estimates, and about one-third (333,334) self-identify as volunteers.

While Federal OSHA Standards do not apply to volunteer emergency responders, states with OSHA-authorized health and safety programs may treat volunteers differently.

As of now, there is no specific information available regarding Oklahoma’s stance on the proposed OSHA changes to the fire department regulations. However, it’s essential for stakeholders in Oklahoma, including fire departments, emergency responders, and relevant organizations, to closely monitor the developments and participate in the comment period to provide feedback and ensure that the proposed changes align with their needs and practices.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently proposed significant changes to regulations affecting fire departments. Let’s delve into the details:

1. Current Standard:

• The existing standard, 29 CFR 1910.156, is known as the Fire Brigade Standard. It was enacted in 1980 and has not been updated since then.

• Historically, it had a minimal impact on the fire service.

2. Proposed Overhaul:

• The new standard would no longer be titled “Fire Brigades.” Instead, it would be called “Emergency Response.”

• The proposed changes align OSHA more closely with NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards.

• Twenty-one NFPA standards would be incorporated either wholly or partially, and 14 other standards would contribute to the new requirements.

• Some of the incorporated NFPA standards include:

• NFPA 1001: Structural Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications

• NFPA 1002: Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications

• NFPA 1021: Fire Officer Professional Qualifications

• NFPA 1582: Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments

3. Purpose and Impact:

• The proposed changes aim to enhance safety and professionalism within the fire service across the nation, in every department.

• By aligning with NFPA standards, OSHA seeks to improve training, qualifications, and protective measures for emergency responders.

4. New Emergency Response Standard:

• On Feb. 5, 2024, OSHA proposed a new Emergency Response Standard which specifically would cover not only firefighting but also other emergency services, including emergency medical services, tactical rescue, and equivalent services provided by employers in workplaces.

How could the changes affect volunteers?

The proposed changes to OSHA regulations for fire departments could have implications for volunteer firefighters, as well. Let’s explore how these changes might impact them:

1. Training and Qualifications:

• The alignment with NFPA standards means that volunteer firefighters may need to meet specific training and qualification requirements.

•Volunteers might need to complete courses such as NFPA 1001 (Structural Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications) or NFPA 1002 (Fire Apparatus Driver/ Operator Professional Qualifications).

• This could enhance their skills and ensure a higher level of competence.

2. Medical Evaluations:

• The proposed standard incorporates NFPA 1582 (Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments).

• Volunteer firefighters may be subject to more rigorous medical evaluations to assess their fitness for duty.

• Regular health assessments could become mandatory.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• The new standard aims to improve safety measures.

• Volunteers might need to adhere to stricter guidelines regarding PPE, including proper fit, maintenance, and usage.

• Ensuring that volunteers have access to high-quality PPE becomes crucial.

4. Emergency Response Procedures:

• Proposed changes emphasize emergency response practices.

• Volunteers may receive updated protocols and procedures for incidents such as fires, hazardous materials incidents, and technical rescues.

• Training on incident command systems and coordination with other agencies could be emphasized.

5. Work-Life Balance:

• Volunteer firefighters often balance their firefighting duties

Drummond FD

with other jobs and personal commitments.

• The proposed changes could impact their availability and time commitment.

• Fire departments may need to find ways to accommodate volunteers’ schedules while maintaining safety standards.

6. Community Support and Recruitment:

• Stricter regulations could affect volunteer recruitment and retention.

• Fire departments may need to actively promote the benefits of volunteering and provide incentives to attract and retain volunteers.

7. Financial Implications:

• Some volunteer fire departments operate on limited budgets.

• Compliance with new standards might require investments in training, equipment, and facilities.

• Funding challenges could arise.

What can be done after May 6?

After May 6, when the comment period for the proposed changes to OSHA regulations for fire departments ends, several actions can be taken by both fire departments and volunteer firefighters:

1. Advocacy and Feedback:

• Fire Departments: Continue engaging with OSHA during the rule-making process. Provide feedback on the proposed changes, highlighting practical challenges and potential impacts.

• Volunteer Firefighters: Stay informed about developments. If you have concerns or suggestions, communicate them through your department’s channels or relevant associations, such as the OSFA.

2. Training and Compliance:

• Fire Departments: Develop training programs based on the new requirements. Ensure that both career and volunteer firefighters receive necessary training, and collaborate on training sessions or study groups.

• Volunteer Firefighters: Attend training sessions promptly. Seek out courses aligned with NFPA standards. Stay compliant with the evolving regulations, proactively seek out these opportunities.

• Look to the State Fire School, New Chief’s Training, OSU-FST for training.

3. Resource Allocation:

• Fire Departments: Allocate resources strategically. Consider budget adjustments for training, equipment upgrades, and medical evaluations.

• Volunteer Firefighters: Advocate for necessary resources. Collaborate with your department to secure funding for compliance-related expenses.

4. Community Engagement:

• Fire Departments: Educate the community about the importance of safety standards. Highlight the role of both career and volunteer firefighters.

• Volunteer Firefighters: Participate in community outreach. Promote recruitment efforts and emphasize the value of volunteering.

5. Wellness Programs:

• Fire Departments: Prioritize firefighter well-being. Implement wellness programs, mental health support, and stress management initiatives.

• Volunteer Firefighters: Take advantage of available resources. Focus on physical fitness, mental health, and work-life balance.

6. Collaboration and Networking:

• Fire Departments: Collaborate with neighboring departments and agencies. Share best practices and learn from each other.

• Volunteer Firefighters: Network with peers. Exchange ideas and solutions for meeting the new standards effectively.

7. Advocacy Beyond Fire Departments:

• Fire Departments: Partner with local government officials, legislators, and community leaders. Advocate for funding and support.

• Volunteer Firefighters: Engage with elected representatives. Raise awareness about the impact of regulations on volunteer firefighting.

Remember that these changes aim to enhance safety and professionalism. By actively participating in the transition, both fire departments and volunteer firefighters contribute to a safer environment for everyone.

Until next time, remember to look out for one another, in the smoke and at the station. Everyone Goes Home!

Sources

● OSHA Proposes Major Changes to Regulations for the Fire Service, https://www.firelawblog.com/2024/02/15/osha-unveils-major-changes-itproposes-for-the-fire-service/

● 1 Million Emergency Responders in Scope of Proposed OSHA Rule, https://www.lion.com/lion-news/february-2024/1-million-emergency-responders-in-scope-of-proposed-osha-rule

Roberts Testing

405-834-5975

Mission:

Kelly Ransdell: NFPA Report

Regional Director

As electric vehicles (EV) enter our roadways, the National Fire Protection Association has introduced a series of free resources, guidelines, and information to help raise awareness about EV fires and safe EV charging practices at home.

According to the International Energy Agency, global sales of electric vehicles exceeded 10 million in 2022 and are expected to grow in the coming years. At the same time, consumer concerns about the fire safety risk of EVs are increasing. Lithium-ion batteries, the most widely used and reliable source of energy for electric vehicles, are central to questions about safety.

The new online resources from NFPA feature more detailed information about lithium-ion batteries, EV maintenance, and what tips consumers can follow to stay safe when charging their electric vehicle at home.

Resources for safety educators and consumers, including a safety tip sheet and social media cards, are all free and downloadable. A free training course is also available to the public that helps address some of the common concerns and myths about owning an electrical vehicle, including safety features, charge types, and battery life.

NFPA recommends these tips when charging electric vehicles at home to help prevent fires:

• Before charging an electric vehicle at home, have a qualified electrician check your electrical system to see if it can handle charging.

• Install charging equipment in safe locations. Keep away from busy areas and things that could catch fire.

• Use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.

• Read and follow all manufacturer directions.

• Check chargers and cords for damage before using. Never use if damaged.

• Do not use more than one plug or extension cords with the charger.

• Keep charging items out of reach of children and animals when not in use.

• Cover charging station outlet to keep water out.

Learn more about electric vehicle fire safety, find training information, and download the free safety tip sheet at nfpa.org/evsafetyinfo.

Information on the safe use of smaller devices that use lithium-ion batteries such as computers, smart phones, e-bikes and e-scooters, can be found at nfpa.org/lithiumionsafety and nfpa.org/ebikes.

NFPA Conference & Expo

NFPA will host its annual Conference & Expo at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., on June 17-19.

This comprehensive event brings together thousands of the industry’s leading professionals who will attend more than 120 educational sessions addressing the latest issues, challenges, and trends in the world of fire, electrical, and life safety, including code compliance, emergency preparedness and response, emerging technologies, global issues, public education, building and life safety, fire protection systems, industrial hazards, electrical safety, and much more.

Save the Date

Oklahoma will host a Fire & Life Safety Summit Sept. 10 in Tulsa. To register for this free event visit: https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/24oksummit

Have a great spring and stay safe!

Greg Lindsay: Firefighter Near-Miss Report

Don’t Touch That

By Greg Lindsay

OKC

Fire Department

There are times when we look for new ways to practice our skills. There are also times when we want to practice skills that require thinking outside the box to accomplish the training goals.

Rope rescue seems to be one of those skills that require innovation. I personally have seen crew members suspended from the apparatus bay rafters and have also seen them dangling over a creek under a bridge; we don’t always have access to a drill tower. In this environment, we occasionally have to improvise.

This month’s report begins on the front apron of the station. For most of us, this is a very familiar environment. However, being in a familiar environment can provide comfort in a time when vigilance could be more important.

As you read the report, consider how training on low occurrence events that include elevated risk may have impacted this report along with training at the station.

SYNOPSIS

Aerial touches 7200kw line during training exercise.

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Eight members of a two-piece station, engine and ladder, were conducting rope rescue training from the aerial and on the station’s tarmac. Running perpendicular to the tarmac and approximately 45’ horizontally from the front of the station, and 45’ feet vertically, are a series of energized electrical lines.

The aerial, a 105’ straight ladder, was raised during the training with seven members on the ground, two of them company officers, and the apparatus operator at the turntable controls.

At some point during the training, the tip of the aerial touched one of the 7200KW energized electrical lines. As a result, all ten tires of the aerial began to smoke, and all four outrigger ground pads produced arcing and sparks.

The aerial’s tip was removed from the line and fortunately no one was injured. The vehicle was immediately taken out of service and reported to the mechanical shop. The power company was notified, and the manufacturer was contacted.

Currently, all ten tires will have to be replaced along with the ladder tip and handrail basket. Further inspections are scheduled.

Firefighters use the resources available to train all the time. One of the members of the station has a suggestion and they start brain-

storming ideas to make it happen. Without realizing it, this is the planning phase of the training event.

During planning for this kind of scenario, the performance shaping factors are determined and the goals for the training are identified along with safe activity practices.

While this sounds more elaborate than most impromptu station drills, there should always be elements of this practice in every training activity.

Discuss the following points as it pertains to your department with respect to the event narrative.

• When you conduct rope training, do your goals include working from a significant height or practicing techniques to improve skills?

• Using the aerial as a high point during training is technical for most apparatus. Do you know where the strongest attachment points are located and how best to anchor to the aerial?

• When we take an initial Ropes Training Class there is always someone designated as the safety officer to ensure that injuries are avoided. Would you consider it essential to assign a member of the crew as a safety officer for this type of station level training?

• Before reading the lessons this person shared, discuss with your crew how you would set up this training scenario with safeguards in place to avoid this type of incident.

LESSONS LEARNED

1. This incident reinforced the importance of needing a spotter for aerial operators when operating near hazards. Also, the importance of either being completely on the aerial or completely away from the aerial when operating at or near energized electrical wires.

2. The importance of assigning roles prior to training, including a safety officer, will be reinforced.

3. Situational awareness can be compromised when the hazard, the electrical lines, is known and seen on a daily basis therefore raising the comfort threshold. A briefing prior to training to remind everyone of what has become common would have been appropriate.

4. This incident demonstrated that the outcome was a series of links in a chain.

In essence, and based on a model used in the outdoor adventure industry, a hazardous condition, error in judgment, and unsafe act simultaneously came together in a particular environment. When these three come together, the only difference from one incident to the next is the severity of the outcome.

This incident will be investigated in detail by our department’s Accident Review Board following the submission of a written report by the participants and photographs of the company and scene. Further recommendations will be made based on their findings to prevent future occurrences.

Even though many of the drills we use at the station don’t go through a formal planning process, most of the time we consider the elements mentioned above intuitively.

As mentors for our department, we could use this as an opportunity to go over the goals and safe practices for everyone involved, and as an example for mid-range personnel to use in the future.

My experience has shown me that clearly-stated expectations will remove most of the confusion from any situation. This can apply to training, as well as it does to policy.

The requirement to have a safety officer assigned is part of every after-action review when none is identified in the original event. It is more important than having the box checked. One person dedicated to observing the safety of our personnel during an elevated risk event could be the most important part of the training day.

We can all see how this event could have been tragic for one or more of these crew members. Having personnel safety in mind is an indication of care for our employees. We see it in our supervisors and recognize this as a level of trust in their decisions.

Finally, this near miss was described as a chain of events that came together as an unintended outcome.

We never plan a training day to end like this.

In the book Human Error, James Reasons identifies how multiple barriers influence an event.

When the holes in these barriers align, an accident can occur.

Apart from the actual unsafe act, influences from the department’s culture, the personnel involved, and the equipment used all go into preventing an accident.

Changing any one of these barriers could change the entire outcome.

Planning before the event will help set the conditions and plug up some of the holes.

ABOVE: Adapted from James Reason’s Swiss Cheese Model (https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrjdBfeehFmMugDvRKWnIlQ;_ylu=c2VjA2ZwLWF0dHJpYgRzbGsDcnVybA--/RV=2/RE=1712450398/RO=11/ RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.researchgate.net%2ffigure%2fSwiss-Cheese-ModelAdapted-from-James-Reason_fig1_355116604/RK=2/RS=39rU9ffkOPwvdq57B4PzLFCA9H0-)

n MEETING

(Jan. 19, 2024)

Kevin R. Hardzog/Lawton – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective January 1, 2024: Motion was made by Baggett and seconded by Provence to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective January 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Provence, Duncan, Nimmo, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Roger K. Taylor/Lawton – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective January 1, 2024: Motion was made by Baggett seconded by Nimmo to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line Duty”, effective January 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Provence, Duncan, Marcum, Nimmo and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Tracy D. Raper/Oklahoma City – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective January 1, 2024: Motion was made by Bennett and seconded by Provence to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective January 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Provence, Duncan, Marcum, Nimmo and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Thomas D. Yancey/Oklahoma City – Applicaton For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective January 1, 2024: Motion was made by Bennett and seconded by Provence to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty” effective January 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Baggett, Lay, Provence, Duncan, Nimmo, Marcum, Bennett, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Kevin M. Wallace /Oklahoma City – Applicaton For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective January 1, 2024: Motion was made by Bennett and seconded by Provence to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty” effective January 1,

2024. Ayes: Lopez, Baggett, Lay, Provence, Duncan, Nimmo, Marcum, Bennett, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Paul F. Schanz/Wapanucka –Applicaton For “Disability Not In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective January 1, 2023: Motion was made by Baggett and seconded by Bennett to send Schanz to the State Doctor for further review. Ayes: Lopez, Baggett, Lay, Provence, Duncan, Nimmo, Marcum, Bennett, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

n MEETING (Feb. 16, 2024)

Anthony Cooveer/Moore – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective February 1, 2024: Motion was made by Baggett and seconded by Cramer to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective February 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Provence, Duncan, Cramer, Nimmo, Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Tanner A. Dimarco/Tulsa – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective November 1, 2023: Motion was made by Lay seconded by Cramer to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line Duty”, effective November 1, 2023. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Provence, Duncan, Marcum, Cramer, Nimmo and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

James Sumner/Tulsa – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective February 1, 2024: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Baggett to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective February 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Provence, Cramer, Duncan, Marcum, Nimmo and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Paul F. Schanz/Wapanucka – Applicaton For “Disability Not In

6601 Broadway Ext., OKC, OK 73116

405-522-4600 • 1-800-525-7461

405-522-4643 fax

www.okfirepen.state.ok.us

The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective January 1, 2023: Motion was made by Baggett and seconded by Cramer to approve the Application for “Disability Not in the Line of Duty” effective January 1, 2023. Ayes: Lopez, Baggett, Lay, Provence, Duncan, Nimmo, Marcum, Bennett, Cramer, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Gregory Nettleton/Altus – Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Cramer to approve the request of Nettleton to modify his pension from “Service” to “Disability in the Line of Duty”. Ayes: Lopez, Baggett, Lay, Provence, Duncan, Nimmo, Marcum, Bennett, Cramer, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Michael Hatchette/Broken Arrow – Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Baggett to deny the request of Hatchette to modify his pension from “Service” to “Disability in the Line of Duty”. Ayes: Lopez, Baggett, Lay, Provence, Duncan, Nimmo, Marcum, Bennett, Cramer, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Tyrone Dinkins/Tulsa – Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Cramer to approve the request of Dinkins to modify his pension from “Service” to “Disability in the Line of Duty”. Ayes: Lopez, Baggett, Lay, Provence, Duncan, Nimmo, Marcum, Bennett, Cramer, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Jeareld Edwards/Tulsa – Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Baggett to deny the request of Edwards to modify his pension from “Service” to “Disability in the Line of Duty”. Ayes: Lopez, Baggett, Lay,

Provence, Duncan, Nimmo, Marcum, Bennett, Cramer, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Declare Death In The Line Of Duty – Harrison Moseby/Tulsa: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Nimmo to declare death in the line of duty for Harrison Moseby/Tulsa. Ayes: Lopez, Baggett, Lay, Provence, Duncan, Nimmo, Marcum, Bennett, Cramer, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

n MEETING (March 15, 2024)

Michael J. Butler/Bixby – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective March 1, 2024: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Baggett to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective March 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Duncan, Cramer, Laws Marcum, and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Joseph D. Elam Jr./Edmond Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective March 1, 2024: Motion was made by Cramer seconded by Marcum to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line Duty”, effective March 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Duncan, Marcum, Cramer, Laws and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Daren L. Hays/Oklahoma City – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective February 1, 2024: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Baggett to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective February 1, 2024. Ayes: Lopez, Bennett, Baggett, Lay, Cramer, Duncan, Marcum, Laws and Green. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Robert Stern/Tulsa – Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: No action was taken.

Chase Rankin Executive Director

CHECKS TERMINATED IN JANUARY 2024 (Deceased):

Agra Wilma R. Lewis

Boynton Ryan G. Barton

Bristow Bob Grant

Broken Arrow Billy Helm

Broken Arrow Betty E. Kemp

Caddo Sherman K. Love

Copan Gladys Teel

Davidson Barbara Peters

Enid Barbara Koch

Grove Uriah “Bob” Sholl

$5,000.00 DEATH BENEFIT:

Jay Garry Youngblood

Krebs Kenneth R. Hayes

Lawton Richard L. Goddard

OKC John A. Burch

OKC Charlotte Witt

Prague Willis L. Lokey

Shawnee Joann C. Coomer

SWODA Bruce Metheny

Tulsa Ada M. Allison

Wetumka Norma J. Fields

Altus Lowell-Tims Funeral On Behalf Of Gregory (Greg) E. Cross Bristow Hutchins Maples Matherly On Behalf Of Bob K. Grant

Cushing Pat Green, Widow Of Clyde W. Green

Davidson Orr Gray Gish Funeral On Behalf Of Chad Eric Wofford

Duncan Whitt Funeral Home On Behalf Of Larry G. Presgrove

Geary Turner Funeral Home On Behalf Of Donald R. Reding

Kiefer Misencik Funeral Home On Behalf Of Oscar M. Lademann

Krebs Adam Hayes, Adult Child Of Kenneth R. Hayes

Mannford Edna M. Adkins, Widow Of William P. Adkins

OKC Walker Funeral Home On Behalf Of Russell F. Coon

OKC Debra A. Wall, Widow Of Timothy T. Wall

Okmulgee Add Vantage Funeral Service On Behalf Of Buck J. Pope

Prague Parks Brothers Funeral Home On Behalf Of Willis L. Lokey Ripley Palmer Marler Funeral On Behalf Of Robert A. Aldridge

Stratford Dearman Funeral Home On Behalf Of Lowell L. Wood Jr. Tulsa Moore Southlawn Chapel On Behalf Of Richard McDaniel

APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE PENSION SYSTEM:

Claremore Wesley Pauling

Drumright Justin Nienhuis

Glenpool Trenton Hoover

Idabel Tayden Cooke

Limestone Nicholas Nester

Madill Dylan Mathews

McAlester Curtis Reneau Miami Bryer L. Parker

Midwest City Haley Daver

Muskogee Lathan Wyatt

Oak Cliff Dylan Barker

Oak Cliff James Epperson

Perry Aspen Granger

Piedmont Evan Siefke

Sapulpa Tyler West

Skiatook Hunter Evans

APPLICATION OF CHILD FOR CONTINUATION:

12/06/2023 Clinton Rihann L. Baggett, Child Of Calvin Baggett (Deceased 12/05/2023)

12/06/2023 Clinton Taelar J. Baggett, Child Of Calvin E. Baggett (Deceased 12/05/2023)

APPLICATION FOR VESTED BENEFIT:

03/06/2024 Addington Billy R. Dean

07/21/2027 Pernell Lloyd R. Coppin

01/01/2021 Prague Jeffery A. Davenport

02/01/2021 Salina Matt T. Haley

APPLICATION FOR DISABILITY IN THE LINE OF DUTY –MODIFY TO SERVICE PENSION:

02/01/2024 Oklahoma City Clayton E. Arthur

APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE:

01/01/2024 Davidson Anna J. Wofford, Widow Of Chad Wofford (Deceased 12/31/2023)

01/01/2024 Fittstown Donald A. Anderson, Widower Of Lisa Anderson (Deceased 12/21/2023)

01/23/2024 Tulsa Mallory Moseby, Widow Of Harrison Moseby (Deceased 01/22/2024)

APPLICATION FOR SERVICE PENSION:

02/01/2024 Fairview Jeromy R. Haines

01/28/2024 Ft. Gibson Jeffrey T. Jones

02/01/2024 Manchester Michael L. Feist

02/12/2024 Marland James M. Hays

02/01/2024 Meno Kevin G. Ratzlaff

02/01/2024 Mulhall Johnnie A. Green

02/01/2024 Olustee David Brown

02/01/2024 Rolling Hills FPD Darrin Kallenberger

02/01/2024 Sapulpa Dee B. Banks

02/01/2024 Sentinel Nicholas J. Rogers

APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE (CONTINUATION):

02/01/2024 Checotah Doris D. Beaver, Widow Of Ronald Beaver

02/01/2024 Lahoma Jeanette Woodard, Widow Of Kenneth R. Woodard

02/01/2024 Lone Grove Brenda S. Ferrell, Widow Of Terry Ferrell

02/01/2024 Mill Creek Creda Riddle, Widow Of Kenneth Riddle

02/01/2024 Morris Sandra K. Wiley, Widow Of Johnnie Wiley

02/01/2024 Norman Betty L. Roberts, Widow Of Neil P. Roberts

02/01/2024 Oilton Saundra Deeds, Widow Of Kenneth Deeds

02/01/2024 OKC Carol K. Nutty, Widow Of Billy D. Nutty

02/01/2024 OKC Debra A. Wall, Widow Of Timothy T. Wall

02/01/2024 Ponca City Alma L. Anderson, Widow Of Marvin E. Anderson Jr.

02/01/2024 Ponca City Sherry L. Braden, Widow Of Oscar Braden

02/01/2024 Purcell Patricia F. Fox, Widow Of Floyd H. Fox

02/01/2024 Stratford Donna Wood, Widow Of Lowell L. Wood

02/01/2024 Tulsa Joanne Bowlin, Widow Of Eugene Bowlin

02/01/2024 Tulsa Janet S. Hyde, Widow Of Douglas S. Hyde

REFUND OF CONTRIBUTIONS: Hire

Greg A. Adams Blanchard 03/30/2016 05/05/2017

Dustin L. Parsons Davis 04/09/2021 08/14/2023

Caleb Amerson Shawnee 05/11/2021 08/12/2023

Shade D. St. Clair Wewoka 01/04/2021 07/07/2023

n CONSENT AGENDA

(March 15, 2024)

CHECKS TERMINATED IN FEBRUARY 2024 (Deceased):

Ada Betty C. Bowers

Alfalfa Rural Johnny D. Recker

Checotah Anna L. Duncan

Choctaw Jane E. York

Dewey Patricia A. Bates

Earlsboro Robert L. Winrow

Fittstown Lisa Anderson

Gore Larry V. Fears

Granite Christene Campbell

Guymon Barbara A. Costner

Healdton Bobby L. Stinson

Hollis Paula D. Clement

Lahoma F. Janet Rowe

Lahoma Fae Janet Rowe

Lookeba Larry W. Clear

Minco Ronnie L. Bass

Muskogee Cherry Crater

Muskogee Michael F. O’Dell

Newcastle Betty E. Abbitt

OKC Arminta M. Hunter

OKC Jerry W. Quick

OKC Charles T. Welch

Ponca City Marilyn E. Cloud

Stillwater Wayne A. Hennis

Tulsa Carol A. McClure

Tulsa Shirley Plummer

Tulsa Richard Williams Jr.

Vici

Geraldine Young

Wagoner Addie P. Ford

Welch Julia M. Wallace

APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE FOR CONTINUATION:

03/01/2024 Bartlesville Kathy G. Hasbrook, Widow Of Robert V. Hasbrook

03/01/2024 Carter Ladonna Vaught, Widow Of Lyndell Vaught

03/01/2024 Crescent Lois Marts, Widow Of Stanley E. Marts

03/01/2024 Fairmont Elizabeth Luginbill, Widow Of Phillip J. Luginbill

03/01/2024 Glenpool Donna S. Lugo, Widow Of Orville L. Lugo Jr.

03/01/2024 Reydon Tony Sumpter, Widow Of Lorrie Sumpter

03/01/2024 Vinita Willa E. Melton, Widow Of Jack D. Melton

03/01/2024 Watonga Linda K. Cole, Widow Of Edward A. Cole

03/01/2024 Wetumka Misty Bowman, Widow Of Donald R. Bowman

03/01/2024 Wewoka Darlene Gray, Widow Of Harry W. Gray

03/01/2024 Yukon Karen Ogle, Widow Of Curtis D. Ogle

$5,000.00 DEATH BENEFIT:

Alfalfa Rural Turner Funeral Home On Behalf Of Johnny D. Recker

Broken Arrow Billy R. Helm, Child Of Billy Helm

Broken Arrow Jack Stockstill, Child Of Bradley K. Stockstill

Broken Arrow Griffin Stockstill, Child Of Bradley K. Stockstill

Broken Arrow Payton Stockstill, Child Of Bradley K. Stockstill

Checotah Doris S. Beaver, Widow Of Ronald Beaver

Clinton Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home On Behalf Calvin E. Baggett

Crescent Hayes Funeral Home On Behalf Of Stanley E. Marts

Fittstown Donald A. Anderson, Widower Of Lisa Anderson

Gore Agent Mallory Martin Funeral On Behalf Of Larry V. Fears

Healdton Flangan-Watts Funeral Home On Behalf Of Bobby L. Stinson

Lahoma Ladusau-Evans Funeral On Behalf Of Kenneth R. Woodard

Lone Grove Harvey-Douglas Funeral Home On Behalf Of Terry L. Ferrell

Mill Creek Hale’s Funeral Home On Behalf Of Kenneth G. Riddle

Morris Sandra Wiley, Widow Of Johnnie L. Wiley

Norman Havenbrook Funeral Home On Behalf Of Neil P. Roberts

Oilton Saundra Deeds, Widow Of Kenneth Deeds

OKC Matthews Funeral Home On Behalf Of Johnnie A. Burch

OKC Carol K. Nutty, Widow Of Billy D. Nutty

OKC Kenneth W. Quick, Death Recipient Of Jerry W. Quick

OKC Vondel Smith & Son On Behalf Of Charles T. Welch

Ponca City Dillon Funeral Home On Behalf Of Marvin E. Anderson

Ponca City Trout Funeral Home On Behalf Of Oscar P. Braden

Purcell Wilson Little Funberal Home On Behalf Of Floyd H. Fox

Stillwater Cheryl Higdon, Child Of Wayne A. Hennis

Swoda Shane A. Metheny, Child Of Bruce Metheny

Tulsa Moore Funeral Home On Behalf Of Eugene A. Bowlin

Tulsa Janet S. Hyde, Widow Of Douglas S. Hyde

Tulsa Mowery Funeral Home On Behalf Of Harrison E. Moseby

Webbers Falls Lescher-Millsap Funeral On Behalf Of Bill M. Strickland

APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE PENSION SYSTEM:

Cushing Christopher Mullins

Frederick Bradley Martell

Hugo Jacob Akard

McAlester Colton Shackelford

Madill Jordan Herndon

Miami Matthew Abernathy

Sapulpa Justin B. Wells Wewoka Bryce Ferrell

APPLICATION FOR DISABILITY IN THE LINE OF DUTY –MODIFY TO SERVICE PENSION:

03/01/2024 Broken Arrow Dustin J. Starr

03/01/2024 Oklahoma City Scott J. Osban

APPLICATION FOR SERVICE PENSION:

03/01/2024 Arnett Billy W. Bryant

02/17/2024 Cyril Steven B. Booker

03/01/2024 Dougherty Joe W. Mann

03/01/2024 Empire City Donald L. Ashford

03/01/2024 Eufaula Clifford G. Shatswell Jr.

03/01/2024 Frederick Justin D. Green

01/01/2024 Freedom Ty L. Harper

03/01/2024 Gore Clayton A. Cunningham

02/01/2024 Isabella Wayne Simons

03/01/2024 Mulhall John D. Yost

03/01/2024 Perry Russell W. Brand

03/09/2024 Perry Matthew S. Lumbers

02/01/2024 Rattan Dewey D. Pebworth

03/01/2024 Yukon Michael P. Samples

APPLICATION FOR VESTED BENEFIT:

11/01/2023 Bridge Creek Randal K. Sand

06/30/2024 Midwest City Robert L. Randolph Ii

06/01/2024 Oilton Patrick A. Martin

REFUND OF CONTRIBUTIONS:

William B. Martinez Bethany 10/05/2020 10/15/2021

Jordan J. Long Chickasha 10/17/2017 11/08/2023

Heath M. Syfert Cordell 08/01/2022 01/15/2024

Garrett Walkup Harrah 06/02/2015 06/04/2023

Riley Denman Wewoka 04/13/2022 03/31/2023

n CONSENT AGENDA (April 19, 2024)

CHECKS TERMINATED IN MARCH 2024 (Deceased):

Bokchito Tanja B. Boling

Cordell Lesley D. Baldwin

Delaware Mary A. West

Del City Chiyoko Card

Elmore City George E. Brister

Konawa Clarice Cloud

OKC Margaret Kilgour

OKC Carol A. Lindsey

OKC Warren W. Parnell

$5,000.00 DEATH BENEFIT:

OKC Viola P. Webb

OKC Wendel F. Williams

The Village Doneva Fulkerson

Tulsa Vannoy Dunlap

Tulsa Shirley M. Shroff

Union City June M. Ninman

Waynoka William J. Mueller

Wynnewood Gail M. Mayberry

Bartlesville Kathy G. Hasbrook, Widow Of Robert V. Hasbrook

Carter Ladonna Vaught, Widow Of Lyndell Vaught

Cordell Ray & Martha’s Funeral On Behalf Of Lesley D. Baldwin

Elmore City Wooster Funeral Home On Behalf Of Lesley D. Baldwin

Earlsboro Randy S. Winrow, Child Of Robert L. Winrow

Earlsboro Rachelle L. Jones, Child Of Robert L. Winrow

Earlsboro Robert Kyle Winrow, Child Of Robert L. Winrow

Fairmont Elizabeth A. Luginbill, Widow Of Phillip J. Luginbill

Glenpool Schaudt Funeral Home On Behalf Of Orville L. Lugo

Hartshorne Kara Schumacher, Widow Of Christopher Robert Schumacher

Mcloud Walker Funeral Home On Behalf Of Herman Hodde, Jr.

Muskogee Clifford Garrett Family Funeral On Behalf Of Michael O’Dell

OKC Jeremy Mowles, Child Of Bobby J. Mowles Jr.

OKC Strode Funeral Home On Behalf Of Wendell Williams

Tulsa Bobbi Jo Kerr, Child Of Richard A. Williams Jr.

Tulsa Robyn Jean Williams, Child Of Richard A. Williams Jr.

Vinita Burkhalter-Highsmith Funeral On Behalf Of Jack D. Melton

Watonga The Funeral Home, Llc On Behalf Of Edward A. Cole

Wetumka Parks Brothers Funeral On Behalf Of Donald R. Bowman

Wewoka Stout-Phillips Funeral Home On Behalf Of Harry W. Gray

Wyandotte Sandra Mcelhany, Widow Of Larry Mcelhany

Yukon Hudson Phillip Funeral Home On Behalf Of Curtis D. Ogle

APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE PENSION SYSTEM:

Altus Nicholes Flores

Anadarko Charles Hardy

Collinsville Brandon Holland

Cushing Manuel Barron

Cushing Tyson Rivas

Cushing Deklyn Wilhelm

Enid Caden Abbott

Enid Christian Aranda

Enid Brenner Fortune

Enid Thomas Gay

Enid Antonio Munoz

Enid Karber Sheppard

Holdenville Austin Peters

Jenks Jeff Abbott

Jenks Kail Aragon

Jenks Reece Mercer

Jenks Conner Moffitt

Jenks Gabriel Neighley

Jenks Kash Walls

Jenks Brysen Williams

Lindsey Elis Rimer

Nicoma Park Colwin Williams

Pawhuska Kienan Cheves

Seminole Dalton Sutton

Tonkawa Bobby Crews

Tulsa Jalen Alexander

Tulsa Markeaton Bagby

Tulsa Noah Bash

Tulsa Jarrett Cornett

Tulsa Jesse Dougherty

Tulsa Lane Farley

Tulsa Alex Fisher

Tulsa Elvis Grayson

Tulsa Garrett Manning

Tulsa Collin Markoski

Tulsa Jamario Mcclennan

Tulsa Aidan Miller

Tulsa Moises Peralta

Tulsa Dequan Woodward

Wewoka Joshua Darakhshan

Wewoka Cody White

Yukon Gunnar Cook

APPLICATION FOR DISABILITY IN THE LINE OF DUTY –MODIFY TO SERVICE PENSION:

4/01/2024 Durant Linie Stinson

04/01/2024 Lawton William K. James

04/01/2024 OKC Donald Price

APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE:

12/17/2023 Hartshorne Kara Schumacher, Widow Of Christopher R. Schumacher (Deceased 12/16/2023)

APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE FOR CONTINUATION:

04/01/2024 Atoka Shirley Manion, Widow Of Mark A. Manion

04/01/2024 Canton Rhonda Lanning, Widow Of Arnold L. Lanning 04/01/2024 Catoosa Carla G. Johnson, Widow Of Harold W. Johnson 04/01/2024 Eufaula Frankie Mayhar, Widow Of Allen D. Mayhar

04/01/2024 Helena Susan Nichols, Widow Of Dennis Nichols 11/01/2023 Mannford Wanda Cramer, Widow Of Jimmie L. Cramer

04/01/2024 McLoud Mildred A. Hodde, Widow Of Herman Hodde Jr.

04/01/2024 Muskogee Carmen McKinney, Widow Of Thomas McKinney 04/01/2024 OKC Cathy R. Cantrell, Widow Of D.C. Cantrell

04/01/2024 OKC Vickie L. Seeley, Widow Of Michael D. Seeley

04/01/2024 Oktaha Karen Crossloand, Widow Of Jimmy L. Crossland

04/01/2024 Ponca City Elsie M. Shelton, Widow Of Lawrence D. Shelton

04/01/2024 Seminole Latricia D. Robinson, Widow Of Randall Robinson

04/01/2024 Shidler Tracey Sires, Widow Of Ronald J. Sires

04/01/2024 Tahlequah Patricia G. Heaton, Widow Of Tommie L. Heaton

04/01/2024 Talihina Janet M. Massey, Widow Of Paul D. Massey

04/01/2024 Tulsa Jill T. Stein, Widow Of Mark A. Stein

04/01/2024 Tulsa Joy E. Turner, Widow Of William H. Turner Jr.

04/01/2024 Wyandotte Sandra McElhaney, Widow Of Larry McElhaney

APPLICATION FOR SERVICE PENSION:

04/01/2024 Altus James L. Moody

04/01/2024 Cleo Springs Dustin J. Hamen

04/01/2024 Davenport Brian D. Gessner

03/01/2024 Earlsboro James M. Smith

04/01/2024 Enid Rodney L. Sumner

03/01/2024 Gore Clayton A. Cunningham

04/01/2024 Kingfisher Anthony R. Stewart

01/01/2024 Marland Cody Harman

04/01/2024 Maysville Joe W. Caldwell

04/18/2024 Maysville Michael W. Park

02/17/2024 Murry Spur Gregory B. Graham

12/01/2023 New Hope Carolyn E. Myers

04/01/2024 Okemah Swade G. Johnson

04/01/2024 Owasso John K. Bishop

04/01/2024 Purcell Jason Benefiel

03/01/2024 Rush Springs Barry R. Martin Jr.

04/01/2024 Sand Springs Marty L. Martin

03/01/2024 Terral Aaron K. Rhoades

APPLICATION FOR VESTED BENEFIT:

04/01/2021 Bridge Creek RFD Stephen D. Emery 04/23/2024 Buffalo Shawn L. Stoddard

04/01/2021 Cedar County FPD Wilbur D. Verser

11/01/2024 Coweta Sean Douglas

06/17/2024 Harrah Steven Martin

12/01/2022 Hinton Dawson Weathers

06/01/2021 Cleo Springs Merle B. Green

06/01/2024 Oilton Patrick A. Martin 10/18/2019 Pink Scott A. Shaw

REFUND OF CONTRIBUTIONS:

Bradley York Coalgate 09/27/2020 02/26/2022

Blaize Burns Hugo 10/03/2000 07/25/2023

Taylor W. Miller Lindsay 02/17/2022 11/22/2024

Kevin Cummings Midwest City 01/30/2014 10/22/2021

n OKLAHOMA FIRE SPOTLIGHT

BY GREG ROBERTS Ret. Norman FD

CLINTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

Fire Chief: Brett Russell

Clinton FD formed: 1906

Joined OSFA: 1908

ISO rating: 3

Population: 8,500 (approx)

Square Miles Covered: 121

Square Mile Automatic Aid: 254

Paid Firefighters: 14

Volunteers: 18

Engines: 3

Ladders: 1

Brushpumpers: 5

Tankers: 1

Rescue Units: 1

Command Units: 3

Antique Rigs: 2

Historical Footnote:

Clinton Fire Department still owns two of its earlier apparatus.

One is a beautifully restored 1962 American LaFrance 900 Series pumper with a 1000 pump and a 300 tank.

It was originally equipped with a Continental V-8 motor but has since been converted to a 6V-71N Detroit diesel. The cost of this rig in 1962 was $23,800.00.

The other antique rig is a 1930 Seagrave Special with a 750 pump and a 65 gallon tank.

The restoration process for it is in the early stages. The Seagrave is still in good condition and should finish out in great condition.

Pierce Saber 1500 Pump/1000 Tank

102nd OFCA Conference

April 10-12, 2024 in Oklahoma City

OFCA President and Oklahoma City Fire Chief Richard Kelley hosted the 2024 OFCA Conference in Oklahoma City on April 10-12.

The theme “Blazing TrailsIgniting the Future, Nurturing Mind, Body, and Soul” featured three keynote speakers. First, attendees heard from Sarah Parks, behavioral health clinician at OKCFD, followed by Damon Glass, OKCFD Licensed Athletic Trainer, and lastly Dr. Brian Coleman, OU Health, Sports and Family Medicine. The three speakers came together to educate attendees on the importance of connecting behavioral and physical well-being in the fire service.

The conference was well attended, with just at 100 members present representing 30 different fire departments. For the ladies events, hosted by Liz Kelley, there were over 30 ladies attending, as they got to experience all Oklahoma City has to offer.

Vendors also played a huge part in the success with 43 exhibitors displaying.

The morning of April 10, golfers enjoyed a rainy day at Rose Creek Golf Club with 30 teams competing.

The next evening at the banquet, everyone was encouraged to embrace their inner country to fit the western theme. Guests enjoyed entertainment from comedian Jerry Wayne Longmire and got to see an emotional Keith Bryant, State Fire Marshal and Past President of the OFCA, accept the Lifetime Service Award.

Friday, April 12, completed the business meetings where attendees heard reports and updates from other fire service organizations, as well as from Senator Chuck Hall, and State Representative Chris Kannady.

Last Place Overall

2nd Place A Flight

1st Place A Flight

Keith Bryant & Family

Mustang FD

Craig Carruth: OFCA President’s Report

Greetings Oklahoma Fire Service Family! I would like to recognize Richard Kelley and the tremendous job he has done as the OFCA President.

Thank you, Chief Kelley, for setting a high standard in professionalism and leadership in the Oklahoma Fire Service. Your passion and dedication to continually improve our time-honored profession is without question.

In addition, I would like to recognize and thank Richard, his wife Liz, and the Oklahoma City Fire Department for an incredible OFCA Conference. Outstanding job, Chief Kelley!

What a gift each and every one of us in the fire service has been given. There is no greater honor than to serve and impact the lives in our communities.

Over the course of our careers (from recruit to chief), we have been afforded this esteemed honor through those who have come before us. We owe much gratitude to our predecessors for the work they have done, and we pay homage to them by continually moving the standard of professionalism forward.

I believe when we work together, we can find solutions to strengthen the Oklahoma Fire Service.

It is with this in mind that I begin my journey as president of the OFCA.

I would like to express how much of a privilege and honor it is to serve this organization and the members of the board. I do not take the opportunity to serve as president lightly, and I will endeavor to continue moving the standard forward.

Over the course of the next year, my goal is to work with leaders of other organizations and entities within our state in order to meet the motto and purpose of this organization.

On a final note, I would like to thank James Heap, Frederick Fire Chief, for his service to the OFCA Board and to the membership.

James, I have watched you demonstrate leadership, passion, professionalism, and commitment to the Oklahoma Fire Service. I have also appreciated the time I have been able to spend with you during our time on the board.

You have impacted my life and have inspired me to grow outside of my comfort zones. Thank you, James, for your friendship!

Stay Safe!

Michael Baker: OFCA 1st Vice President’s Report

Chief Richard Kelley and the members of the Oklahoma City Fire Department provided the OFCA with a great annual conference!

The OFCA staff and sponsors really supported the attendees and ensured that everyone received the most from the education sessions and the social events.

A special thank you the Liz Kelley who organized unique experiences for the ladies, decorated tables, and arranged an impressive selection of auction items!

I want to also thank Chief Kelley for his leadership as the OFCA President over the past year. His passion for this organization and ensuring the mental and physical wellness of our firefighters was clear in the education sessions that were presented.

Sarah Parks and Damon Glass represented OKC FD’s cutting edge efforts to help their firefighters deliver the best service possible. Both our physical and mental health are connected.

As Sarah shared, “Injuries contribute to behavioral health problems, and behavioral health struggles contribute to injuries.”

I still feel like it’s my first year as I rotate into the 1st Vice President position. One of the best things about being on the OFCA Board is the past presidents are always available for assistance and they remain supportive of the current initiatives.

Frederick Chief James Heap will continue to advocate for fire

Terry Essary: OFCA 2nd Vice President’s Report

Hello everyone! I hope your spring is off to a great start.

I also hope you were able to attend the 102nd annual OFCA Conference in downtown OKC. Chief Kelley and his team did an amazing job of making sure we had great content to learn from, world-class hospitality and lots of fun.

I would like to challenge everyone to share the word about the OFCA and how being a member can help make you a better leader within your department.

Membership provides great opportunities for networking, high quality officer and leadership development, representation on the State Fire Marshal Commission, the OSFA Legislative Committee, the OSFA Educational Advisory Committee, and the OK Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.

Membership into the OFCA is open to all active members of your department.

As we roll through the spring and into summer, don’t forget to stay connected to your peers in surrounding departments.

It’s so easy to get busy in our day-to-day lives that we forget to take a step back and step out of our boundaries and go say “Hi” to our neighboring departments.

To some degree, we all share the same challenges and the same headaches. So why not reach out and support one another. Problems and headaches shared are problems and headaches divided, but strength and support shared is strength and support multiplied.

Stay safe out there, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!

chief credentialing and education even as his formal service to the OFCA ended this year.

We have an obligation to the safety of our firefighters regardless of whether they serve with a volunteer or career agency.

Kelly Ransdell from the NFPA shared emerging issues facing the fire service across the nation. From buildings under construction to Lithium-ion batteries, there are new threats to our health and safety arriving daily.

These issues face every community and fire department and to safely respond requires well-trained personnel, including fire chiefs.

Welcome Lawton Fire Chief Jared Williams to the 3rd Vice President of the OFCA!

I am looking forward to the upcoming year with Chief Craig Carruth as President. The industry and legislative agendas are full of issues related to the Oklahoma Fire Service, and keeping on top of them all will require each one of us to communicate frequently. We want to hear from you on the items that are prevalent in your community.

If you are not a current OFCA member, you should consider joining, as membership is open to ALL active members of a fire department. The educational opportunities and networking events benefit the entire fire service community, and your contribution to our mission is always welcome.

Tulsa FD

Stillwater FD

Stillwater FD responding to a recent house fire

Jared Williams: OFCA 3rd Vice President’s Report

Hello, Oklahoma Fire Service! I hope you are enjoying the spring weather and getting ready for summer.

Allow me to introduce myself. I am the new 3rd Vice President on the Fire Chiefs Board. I am the Fire Chief at Lawton where I have worked for 24 years.

Before getting hired in Lawton, I was a volunteer firefighter in Elgin, where I still live. My grandfather organized Elgin’s department and was their first Fire Chief. My dad was one of the original volunteers and retired as the Assistant Chief.

I hope to draw on my experience with the volunteer department and my current experience with the Lawton Fire Department to represent the fire chiefs across the state of Oklahoma.

I have been a member of the OFCA for quite some time, first joining when I was promoted to Training Chief and continuing as the Deputy Chief of our department.

Since joining the OFCA, I have had the opportunity to attend many Winter Workshops and conferences, and each one has impacted my career in a positive way. If you are a chief and are not attending the Winter Workshop or annual conference, I encourage you to join us.

I have also been fortunate to work for OSU Fire Service Training for 15+ years. Teaching across the state has allowed me to meet many of you and gain a better grasp of the Oklahoma Fire Service.

My wife, Cynthia, and I have been married for 23 years and have one son, Jace. For those of you who know me, if you give me five minutes, you will hear about my son.

We are very proud of him, just as I hope you are proud of your kids. He is a junior at Elgin, where he plays football and wrestles. He is also one of the most intelligent kids I know; he gets that from his mom.

I look forward to meeting you and hearing from you. If I can do anything for you or answer a question you may have, please reach out to me. I will do my best to answer your question or find someone who can. Be safe, train hard, and retire healthy.

Q&A with Jared Williams

OFCA’s new 3rd Vice President Jared Williams was born and raised in Elgin. He attended Elgin Public Schools and Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Williams started as a volunteer with Elgin FD. He is now the Fire Chief at Lawton, where he has served for 24 years. In a question-and-answer session, Williams, 47, shared the following:

When did you know you wanted to be a firefighter?

I can’t think of time when I did not want to be a firefighter How’d you go about getting into the fire service?

I grew up watching my dad respond to calls as a volunteer, and when I turned 18, I joined the Elgin Fire Department. After attending NWOSU, I applied at Lawton and have worked here ever since.

What do you like best about being in the Oklahoma Fire Service?

I believe it is two things: the opportunity to help people and the team aspect of being a firefighter.

What have been some highlights of your fire service career so far?

Getting hired, a successful trench rescue in 2008, being the Training Officer and seeing so many of the guys I have trained succeed in their careers, the birth of my son, just to name a few. What are your hopes for the future?

That we continue to make strides at finding ways to protect our personnel better while continuing to provide a quality service to our citizens. I also look forward to retirement and enjoying the rest of my life with my wife.

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Sourcewell: Your Resource for Employee Benefits Plans

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Whether you make these benefit selections yourself or work with an employee benefit consultant, Sourcewell contracts provide incredible value through cooperative purchasing.

Schedule a meeting with Sourcewell for yourself and/or your benefits consultant and learn how RFP can mean Ready for Purchase.

Lawton FD

Richard Kelley: OFCA Past President’s Report

Dear OFCA Brothers and Sisters, as we embrace the vibrant season of Spring, we are reminded of the ever-changing dynamics of Oklahoma’s weather, with the looming possibility of twisters threatening our communities.

Let us remain vigilant and prepared for any scenario, for in our state, anything goes.

Reflecting on the recent events, I am immensely pleased to acknowledge the resounding success of our 102nd annual OFCA Conference, hosted with great honor in Oklahoma City. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who contributed to the success of the conference.

Special thanks are due to Kent Lagaly, our dedicated Executive Director; Raegan Layne, our invaluable OSFA assistant; and Dominick Brown, Derrick Kiel, David Carter, Tony Young -- both active and retired members of OKCFD; and last but certainly not least, my wonderful wife Liz. Your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts played a pivotal role in ensuring that the conference was an enriching and fulfilling experience for all participants.

The unity and collaboration displayed throughout the event truly exemplified the strength and camaraderie of our association. It is through such collective endeavors that we continue to cultivate an environment that fosters growth, learning, and shared leadership among all members.

As I transition from the role of OFCA President to Past President, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible journey I have been privileged to undertake.

My election to this position occurred under unusual circumstances, amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020, which prevented us from convening our annual conference. I extend my deepest appreciation to Bruce Anthony, Bert Norton, Greg Herbster, and James Heap for entrusting me with the responsibility to represent this esteemed organization.

Furthermore, I am profoundly grateful to all the leaders within OFCA who have embraced me and provided me with the opportunity to evolve and grow as a leader. I am also eternally grateful to the current OFCA Board -- Terry Essary, Stillwater; Michael Baker, Tulsa; and Craig Carruth, Mustang. The OFCA stands as a beacon of excellence, tirelessly dedicated to the advancement and enhancement of Oklahoma’s Fire Service, and these board members embody that commitment.

As we draw closer to OSFA’s 130th annual Convention in Midwest City, I hope to see you there supporting our fellow firefighters. I know Tony Lopez will put on a great convention in his wonderful Oklahoma community.

In conclusion, let us continue to uphold the values of unity, service, and excellence that define our association. Together, we will navigate the challenges ahead with resilience and determination, furthering our mission of safeguarding and serving the communities we proudly call home.

Kent Lagaly: OFCA Executive Director’s Report

Greetings! I am going to keep this report simple and to the point. First and foremost. OUTSTANDING JOB Chief Kelley! The 2024 Conference was a tremendous success and you, along with your staff, put together a great program and many opportunities to network and “unwind” a little from our busy schedules.

If you did not have the opportunity to attend, you missed some great speakers who are willing to be resources for all of us. I urge you to reach out to someone who did attend and see what information they have to pass on to you.

Five years ago, I welcomed the new 3rd VP Chief James Heap. That was the first time I had been introduced to James and I quickly realized the passion and dedication that he has for the Oklahoma Fire Service.

Since that first meeting, James has become a close friend and I will always treasure that relationship. Although his time on the board has come to an end, his time serving all of us has not.

James has made the commitment to make the Oklahoma Fire Service better by working with all the stake holders to develop legislation that will help fund training to give all firefighters the knowledge they need to help reduce injuries and fatalities while performing their duties. A heartfelt thank you to James for everything.

Congratulations to our new 3rd VP, Jared Williams, Lawton. Chief Williams brings a vast amount of knowledge to the Executive Board and will be a great representative of this organization. I look forward to working with him in the coming years.

Lastly, our attendance at the conference this year was right at 100. Although this is a respectable number, we have over 500 members. Knowing that, not everyone is able to attend every event due to different circumstances. Taking time away from the office, as well as your family, can be challenging.

As your Executive Director, I want you to know that if there is anything that the Executive Board or I can do to help make our Conference and Winter Workshop events that you do not want to miss each year, please reach out and contact us. We are here to serve each of you.

Until next time, be safe, and hopefully I will see most of you soon.

Ret. El Reno FD

2024 OFCA Installation of Officers