25 minute read
The Rural Firefighter: Corey Conrady
This article is dedicated to all fire departments, not just rural, and the kinds of things we deal with as firefighters who live and serve in the communities we have grown up in. Headlines read: “CO Firefighter Punched in Face During Call” ... “AZ Paramedics, Firefighter Shot in Fatal Attacks” ... “Two Fire Fighters, One
Drummond FD Civilian Taken to Hospital Following Fire, Assault Reported.” Alarming, to say the least. “According to the department, the firefighters were assaulted while responding to a reported fire on Eastern Avenue in southeast Baltimore Sunday night. Officials say a man threw glass bottles at the crew as they attempted to enter the home.” -- WBFF Baltimore “Soon after the fire was reported, a gunman walked up to two emergency medical technicians parked nearby at Quincy Douglas Center and opened fire through the driver’s side window of the AMR ambulance company rig. The paramedic behind the wheel, a 20-year-old man, was shot in the head. He was in critical condition Sunday night. The paramedic in the passenger seat, 21, was shot in the chest and arm. However, she was able to call for help. One neighbor was shot in the head and died, Magnus said. A Tucson firefighter was shot in the arm, and a bullet grazed another neighbor’s head.” -- 2021
The Arizona Daily Star (Tucson, Ariz.)
“In October 2015, emergency medical technicians Kelly Adams and Al Royas were dispatched just after midnight to a gritty section of midtown Detroit to help a woman with an injured ankle. When they arrived, the woman’s boyfriend insisted that he ride along in the ambulance to the hospital. When the EMTs refused, the man punched Royas in the head, then drew a box cutter and slashed Royas in the hand and under the eye. In an attempt to save her partner, Adams grabbed a stool from the ambulance and struck the attacker twice; unfazed, he punched Adams, then used the box cutter to slash a deep gash the length of Adams’s left cheek, from her ear to the corner of her mouth. Battered and bloodied, the EMTs were eventually able to barricade themselves in the ambulance and drive to the emergency room.” -- NFPA
Journal published on Jan. 2, 2019
According to the ems1.com report Research Analysis: Preventing downstream consequences of EMS assaults, 91 percent of respondents reported having been verbally harassed, while two-thirds reported being physically assaulted while practicing EMS, mirroring rates previously published. There was no difference across genders, however, women were slightly less likely to feel safe on duty versus their male counterparts (57% vs. 64%). As we saw, most of these reports were from EMS, and in my research, that is where most of the assaults are reported. However, a lot of them go unreported, because of responder bias, i.e. the unintentional violence due to altered mental status of the patient, and they didn’t know what they are doing. The reality is that no matter where it comes from, violence is not acceptable and can have unintended consequences on others in our lives in unimaginable ways. Ways that can affect us, our families, our friends, and the patients we treat. In our rural communities that rely on volunteers to serve the community, this could be devastating.
Violence likely has downstream consequences
What are some of the ways a violent encounter, or even the threat of violence, can negatively impact the future? The following things come to mind: • The impact on the quality of care received by that patient • The impact on the quality of care received by the next patient • The recruitment of the next generation of providers • The retention of today’s providers • The long-term mental wellbeing of the care team • The above average rate of suicide by first responders
We live in a world where it is taboo to speak of your faults and shortcomings, more so for men. Then add on top of it that we are firefighters and public servants and the reality is that we store it all inside. But remember, there is hope and help. There are a number of programs out there to help, where anonymity and confidentiality are basic requirements. One of my favorites is Celebrate Recovery, where I can share and know that my “junk” will not be shared. Also there are a number of mental health professionals who share this same ethos.
If you need immediate support:
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-8255 (or go to the web site for chat) • National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) • Crisis Text Line is available by texting HOME to 741741 • OSFA will respond with help within 48 hours. Call the OSFA office at 405-424-1452 or Executive Director Tippy Pierce at 405-924-1104 • Or call or text me anytime: Corey Conrady, 580-540-0970
By Raegan Layne OSFA Administrative Assistant
You commonly hear all the cliché sayings about how important teamwork is, and how vital it is to success. More than likely, you think of your favorite sports team or the office where you work. But the importance extends even more so to the first responder world. Every day, different agencies are required to work together, and the success of every call is dependent on the teamwork that occurs on the scene. It is a vital part of being a first responder. We don’t always greet each other with a warm welcome, but being able to work together to achieve the common goal of saving lives and property is a key component of our jobs. There is a very common misconception of dislike between public safety agencies, but none of that matters in the case of an emergency when their life -- and sometimes even your own -- is dependent on your ability to work together as a team. In the moment, the mother who’s child you are saving, the older man whose wife needs help, the complete strangers -- they believe in your ability not because of which specific agency you work for, but because you choose to serve as a first responder. The long-standing argument of the power behind a gun, and the strength to carry a hose, and which makes you tougher ends as soon as you both show up to the scene and someone is dependent on your ability to work together to save them.
When all different agencies meet at a scene, they all share a common mission -- helping those who are in need. This common vision, along with good leadership, leads to a strong team and building an atmosphere conducive to success. Communication is a vital aspect in this regard, as well as the ability to count on one another.
So how can you decide if you are being a good team member and contributing to the success of your department and their mission? • You understand your role within the team • You are open to collaboration • You hold yourself accountable • You have a positive attitude • You work to achieve your duties to the best of your ability • You commit to the team
“Teamwork makes the dream work.”
You have probably heard this hundreds of times but dismiss it as a repetitive, meaningless, poster banter. However, teamwork really does make the dream work -- especially in this high-stress, demanding environment. When you have a team you can rely on, and people surrounding you who share your goals, you will see success. At the end of the day, every single person’s time, work and effort matters. A department is only as good as the people in it.
G. Keith Bryant Still Learning and Leading
Oklahoma State Fire Marshal G. Keith Bryant was going through CLEET training when he was contacted regarding the “All One Family” feature. “My current role as State Fire Marshal gave me the opportunity to experience an aspect of the Fire Service that I had never been directly involved in before, such as Code Enforcement, Investigation and Public Education,” he said. Bryant’s road to public service started as a Fire Explorer while still in high school. He then served four years in the Army as a military firefighter. After the Army, he was hired by the Edmond FD, where he spent six months before joining the Oklahoma City FD. He served 35 years at OCFD, the last 12 years as Fire Chief. In 2017, Bryant was sworn in as the U.S. Fire Administrator. In May 2021, he was appointed as Oklahoma State Fire Marshal. “What I like best is knowing that each and every day there is an oppor tunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives and therefore a positive impact on the community,” he said. “I have been blessed to have been able to work in the Fire Service at the local, state and national level, working with and learning from some truly exceptional people.”
OSFA put out a call for photos that embraced the “All One Family” theme. Pictured on the next few pages are a few favorites that were submitted on the OSFA Facebook page. Thanks to all who participated!
PHOTO AT LEFT: Submitted by Amanda Woods with A. Woods Photography. Her husband Kenny Woods is a firefighter for Morris FD. Photo features the Jenkins family from Hitchita, Okla., which is southeast of Okmulgee, northeast of Henryetta and directly north of Oklahoma’s largest lake, Lake Eufaula. From left are Kim, a nurse practitioner; Ron, a Lieutenant with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol; youngest son Jett, a volunteer with the Hitchita VFD (wearing donated gear from Dewar FD); and oldest son Tyler, who was with the Okmulgee Police Department when the photo was taken and is now in the Tulsa PD Academy.
Cory Rink Always Dreamed of Being Both a Firefighter and Police Officer
In August 2020, Cory Rink was elected as Sheriff of Garfield County. He was sworn into office on Jan. 4, 2021. That was one of his lifelong dreams. The other was to be a firefighter, which he currently is at Covington VFD. “As a kid, I always dreamed of becoming a police officer and a firefighter,” he said. “My school bus driver was a firefighter for Covington VFD, and he always encouraged me to become a volunteer firefighter with him. “I have always had a passion for helping the people in my community. Watching firefighters before me helping people in a medical crisis or putting out a blaze, serving the people we live and work with every day, inspired me to begin serving my community as a firefighter.” Rink joined the Covington VFD in 2005, served as Assistant Chief from 2009-2011 and Fire Chief from 2011-2017. He completed numerous firefighting certifications along the way, including First Responder, Firefighter 1 and 2, HazMat Ops and Structural Firefighter Instructor. At the same time he was pursuing his firefighting dreams, Rink was working in law enforcement. He stepped down as Covington Fire Chief and back into the role as volunteer firefighter so he could focus on law enforcement. He served the community of Covington as Police Chief for several years before moving to the Garfield County Sheriff’s office, then to the Noble County Sheriff’s Office and then back to the Garfield County Sheriff’s office as Sheriff. “I have always wanted to serve my community as a volunteer firefighter, but my career goal has always been law enforcement,” Rink said. “I think working for the Sheriff’s office and the desire to become Sheriff of Garfield County may have been inspired by all of the John Wayne movies my family watched growing up. “I always enjoyed these movies when the outlaws were brought to justice and spent time in jail for their crimes. “I am very proud to serve Oklahoma. Oklahomans are very proud of their fire departments, both paid and volunteer, and their law enforcement. Oklahomans continually support their fire departments and law enforcement throughout the state, and this makes Oklahoma great. “I am proud to serve as both a firefighter and a peace officer. I enjoy keeping my community safe in all emergency situations.”
Blake Braden has a passion for teaching. And helping rural communities is at the top of his to-do list. So in addition to being a firefighter paramedic with Guthrie FD and a part-time paramedic at Lifenet EMS, he is Director of Operations for Heartland Medical Direction. “At Heartland Medical Direction, I am able to help train agencies that would not be able to obtain a higher level of medical training,” he said. “I have seen first-hand that the training provided to these agencies was able to truly help these communities. This drives my passion for sharing the knowledge even more.” While a senior in high school, Braden joined the Ranch Drive Volunteer FD in Ponca City. That’s when his passion for firefighting and providing medical care to rural citizens grew into a career. And while going to EMT school, he joined the Cashion Ambulance Service and became the Assistant EMS Director and a Cashion firefighter. He completed EMT at Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater, and he holds an Associates of Science from Oklahoma City Community College with a certificate of mastery in EMS Paramedicine. Blake holds many instructor certifications, including Fire Fighter, EMS, NAEMT, AHA, and ASHI. “I wanted to be a volunteer firefighter to help the rural community due to lack of personnel to serve,” he said. “This transitioned into wanting to do the job full time. “During EMT school, I developed a new view to be able to help my community in multiple ways. This gave me the drive to obtain my paramedic license. Now I am able to help rural communities by providing a dual role.”
PHOTO AT LEFT:
Submitted by Carson Combest, Ponca City FD.
Photo features First Responder Appreciation night at the 101 Ranch Rodeo in Ponca City.
Pictured are Ponca City FD Reserve Ambulance 111, Ponca City Police Department and Kay County Sheriffs Department.
Coal County Citizens Benefit from Aaron Blue’s Work in Emergency Services
Aaron Blue was first on-scene at a major vehicle accident when he was a high school senior. That’s when he decided to volunteer at his local fire department -- Lehigh FD -- in 1995. A year later he joined the Coalgate FD, and in 2003, he became a firefighter/EMT when Coalgate FD assumed the ambulance service responsibilities for Coal County. Blue assisted with moving the EMS service to Coalgate FD, as he was Director of Emergency Medical Services for Coal County at the time. And it was determined that the best benefit to the citizens of Coal County was to join the EMS and Fire services into one department. “I enjoy knowing that I am working to provide the best services and protection possible for my family and friends,” he said. Blue served as the Director of Emergency Management for Coal County and City of Coalgate from 2006 to 2015. He became the Assistant Chief of Coalgate FD in 2007 and then Chief in 2015. He is a Licensed Paramedic, Certified Firefighter 2, Fire Instructor and has a Certificate in Disaster Response and Emergency Management from Northeastern State University. “I enjoyed watching the weather and was a volunteer storm spotter for our local Emergency Management Department,” he said. “The EM Director sent me to OK-First Radar Interpretation School and I volunteered for the EM until he retired. “I took over as the Director and served 10 years with the department. I was intrigued by the mitigation process and the ability to effect the occurrence and impact of emergencies and disasters. “It has been an honor to have the trust of the community and to work beside some of the most selfless, caring, dedicated responders in Oklahoma. “My career in Emergency Services has never felt like a job. We are fortunate in Oklahoma to have dedicated responders protecting our citizens across the state and to have a tight knit community of responders in all facets of emergency services who are dedicated to helping each other in times of need.”
PHOTO ABOVE: Submitted by T.J. Rockenbach, Amorita/Byron Fire & Rescue in Alfalfa County. Photo taken in March 2017 on the Latimer Fire in Alfalfa County. The fire burned approx. 4,000 acres and required assistance from multiple agencies, including the Oklahoma National Guard helicopter.
Sean Douglas Started As a Junior Firefighter in Missouri At Age 11
Even though Sean Douglas got an early start into the world of firefighting, he was undecided in college as to what he wanted to do. “My parents would say that they knew that I would be either be a fireman or join the Army,” he said. “I had exposure to the fire service at a young age and enjoyed it. And I enjoyed growing up around the Army. “I did two years of ROTC in college before fully committing to the fire service. I would blame it on reading Golden Books and watching the TV show ‘Emergency!’ at an impressionable age.” Douglas was a Junior Firefighter with the St. James (Mo.) Volunteer FD when he was 11, and he passed FF1 at age 13. Shortly after starting college, he joined the Warrensburg (Mo.) FD as a volunteer/part-time firefighter, transitioned to full-time status in 1998, to the fire marshal role in 2001 and became assistant fire chief in 2004. In June 2010, Douglas moved to Oklahoma to become the Claremore Fire Chief. He also serves as the Emergency Management Director for the City of Claremore. “I’ve always liked serving the community and helping people in general, and have found my career very rewarding,” he said. “I enjoy being able to help the community and helping to remove roadblocks to provide better service, developing organizations and people, and laying the groundwork for those who come after us to succeed.”
Will Langley’s wish came true: He’s a Trooper and a Fire Chief
Growing up in the small town of Stilwell in Eastern Oklahoma, Will Langley knew there were two things he wanted to do when he grew up. After graduating high school, he pursued his dreams by joining the Stilwell Volunteer FD and going to Northeastern State University to study Criminal Justice. After seven years at Stilwell FD, however, Langley had to leave to attend the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy. He graduated from the academy in October 2000 and was assigned to Ottawa County in Northeast Oklahoma, where he has served the last 21 years as a State Trooper. “It was in 2013 when I was approached by the then Chief of the Quapaw Volunteer Fire Department,” Langley said. “He asked if I would be interested in joining the department and I knew then that it was a good time to get back into firefighting and that it would give me another opportunity to serve the community. “Since then, I have worked my way up and was voted Chief in 2017, to which I currently serve. I have loved serving on the Quapaw FD and love bringing my ideas and experience to everyone who serves with me. I truly believe we have developed a great team of firefighters.” Here’s the reason Langley gave for wanting to be a firefighter: “My Father inspired my love for the fire department where I spent a lot of time with him as he served. “I can remember the times when the phone would ring in the middle of the night and without a second thought, he would get up and go help whoever was in need. As soon as he returned home, I knew he would tell me all the details and I loved every second of it. I knew that I wanted to do that one day. “I can also remember the days when he would take me to the fire station, and I could climb up on all the trucks and pretend as if I were driving to a fire.” Here’s why Langley wanted to be a State Trooper: “When I was 8 years old, a State Trooper came by our house. I was mesmerized by all his shiny brass and bullets he had on him. They carried revolvers then, and I just thought it was the coolest thing ever. I knew I wanted to do that one day.”
Pictured Above: Quapaw firefighters Doug Dardenne, Casey Abernathy, Jason Garrison and Albert Ray at a fire in Baxter Springs, Kan. The FD asked for mutual aide, and the temperature that day was 10 below zero.
Darryl Beebe hooked on Fire Service after High School
In 2003, Darryl Beebe was approached by the newly-formed Pioneer Skeleton Creek Volunteer FD about joining the department. “As a kid who just had recently graduated high school, the fire service seemed to latch hold of me and keep me interested,” he said. In 2008, Beebe was hired by the Waukomis Police Department and was later approached about getting on with the Waukomis Fire Department. Beebe is currently a Lieutenant and Advanced EMT for Waukomis FD, where he has served the last 13 years. Beebe is also an Agent with the Oklahoma State Fire Marshals Office and is assigned to the Northern District. “I have been in law enforcement for over 13 years, serving with the Waukomis Police Department and Garfield County Sheriff’s Office K9/Criminal Interdiction Unit prior to being employed with the State Fire Marshal’s Office. “I also assist in teaching as an adjunct instructor for fire and EMS classes for Autry Technology Center in Enid and OSU Fire Service Training. “Waukomis and the State of Oklahoma is a place full of great people. It’s about the people who live, work and travel through our communities and within our state.” PHOTO ABOVE: Submitted by Jake Logan, son of Piedmont Fire Chief Andy Logan. Photo features Parade of Oklahoma FD trucks during the 127th OSFA Convention in Guthrie.
PHOTO BELOW: Submitted by Josh Newton, Shutter Up Photos by Josh, Photography of Tahlequah Fire Department. Photo of Tahlequah FD responding to house fire in August 2021. Cause of the fire was deemed suspicious and TFD received assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in its investigation.
PHOTO ABOVE: Submitted by Kolten Brown, friend of Dewey Assistant Fire Chief Cody Meade. Photo is from a a non-injury wreck in Dewey. The Washington County Sheriff’s Department came out to assist, as well as the Dewey Police Department and Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Sharon FD Volunteer David Conner Upgraded His Skill Set With CLEET
Three years ago, David Conner joined the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Office as an Agent 2. “The big training curve associated with changing jobs was going to CLEET to become a Law Enforcement Officer,” he said. “It ends up that it was great learning another first responder’s role.” Conner, who has over 25 years in the fire service, started his firefighting career as a volunteer at Woodward FD. In a short time, he got on as a paid firefighter. He was with Woodward just shy of 23 years when he retired as Captain to take the job with the Fire Marshal’s Office. Conner is also a volunteer firefighter with Sharon FD. “I love helping others, and through my fire career, I knew there would be a time to move on to another career,” he said. “As I moved through the ranks at the fire department, I had to learn about building codes and fire investigation. Learning these things helped me better understand life safety as a whole. “Now I get to help others be proactive and not reactive. We can’t prevent every emergency, but we can minimize the effects by proactive codes. If I could do it all over again, I would still be a firefighter.”
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Mike Honigsberg Wears Several Different Hats
Mike Honigsberg entered the emergency service ranks while in college, working for an ambulance service as an EMT between 1972-78. But after graduating, he stepped back from that for almost two decades. Then in October 1996, he was named Emergency Management Director for Garfield County. “I got re-involved and it blossomed from there,” Honigsberg said. “Once you get involved with emergency services -- no matter what the branch -- it was very difficult to stay away. “I feel that if I can continue to do the job, I will.” In addition to his Garfield County position, Honigsberg is the Emergency Manager for the City of Enid and serves on the 911 Board. He also joined the Hillsdale-Carrier Fire District in 2005 as a firefighter and became the Fire Chief in April 2020. “It was just another way to serve our community and stay involved with what’s going on,” he said. “As an emergency manager, I worked with firefighters and wanted to get more involved, so I did. It was interesting and challenging at first, and after all these years, it still is challenging even though I have taken on a larger responsibility. It’s helping people when they need help and knowing we made a difference.” When asked what he liked best about being able to help the community in multiple ways, Honigsberg said, “It keeps me young.” “Folks today don’t realize what it takes to make all of these things happen. I have an opportunity to make a difference and bring to the public’s eye my perspective. And maybe somewhere along the way, this perspective starts a spark in someone else.” PHOTO ABOVE: Submitted by Brandon Hopkins, Harrah FD & Spencer PD. Photo taken by Jackie Weir-Conner, Night Owl Media. Her husband Brett Conner is a firefighter with Harrah FD. Pictured is Hopkins changing the air tank for Nicoma Park firefighter John Dengler. Spencer firefighter Kale Daniels is in the background.
PHOTO BELOW: Submitted by Mike Clark, Richland Fire Chief. Photo taken at Express Ranch during Richland FD’s annual cookout fundraiser. Vehicles include RFD BP1, RFD E1, RFD Command 1 and CCSO Tactical Response Unit.
Help support your Oklahoma Firefighters Museum Expansion and Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial
PURCHASE AN OKLAHOMA FIREFIGHTER LICENSE TAG!
Money received from the purchase of each tag goes directly to financing upkeep on the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial and Oklahoma Firefighters Museum.
Oklahoma Firefighter tags cost $40 a year (on top of regular tag fees) and $20 goes directly to the Museum/Memorial. Tags can be purchased from local tag agents any time during the year -- not just with your regular plate.
And they can be customized to 6 letters as approved by the Tax Commission.
Forms for Oklahoma Firefighter tags can be downloaded from www.osfa.info.
Phillip Ott Follows In His Father’s Footsteps
In 2002, Phillip Ott was approached by the Waukomis Fire Chief about joining the FD. “My father was a firefighter with Waukomis FD at that time, and I wanted to work alongside him,” he said. “My father was also a Lieutenant with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. I grew up watching him put on his uniform everyday and going to work. I always felt like I would follow in his footsteps and go into public service, as well.” Ott did just that. He is a Captain and Advanced EMT for Waukomis Fire Department, where he has served for over 19 years. He is also one of two training officers for the department. And he is also a Special Agent with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. “I have been in law enforcement for 17 years serving with the Waukomis Police Department and DHS-Office of Inspector General prior to being employed with OSBI,” he said. “I also teach Fire and EMS classes for Autry Technology Center in Enid and OSU Fire Service Training. “Waukomis is a good community full of great people. It’s an honor to help them in their time of need along with all of the other men and women who I get to serve with on the Waukomis Fire Department.” PHOTO ABOVE: Submitted by Jeremie Gaines, Oak Cliff FPD. Pictured are Oak Cliff firefighters, from left, Chief Blake Hutsenpillar, Seth Bowen, Clayton Harland, Jeremie Gaines, Justin Nethercott, Lt, Dale Scribner and Assistant Chief Darren Martin. “Honestly, this was the day I fell in love with the job,” Jeremie said. “Just went interior in a house, my first time. Me and my LT in first. Being a part of such a group was an experience I will always look back on for the rest of my life.”
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