November 2018 Volume 35, Issue 9
Official publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association
MONUMENTAL MEMORIAL A Record 650 Family Members & Firefighters Attended 19th Annual Oklahoma Firefighters Memorial Service More Photos on Pages 14-15
I N S I D E
OSFA Executive Board Members’ Comments............................................................. 5-6 OSFA Executive Director’s Report - Steve Lumry ...........................................................7 ORFA Report - President Juan Rodriguez .......................................................................8 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Report -Marti Carpenter .................................................... 10 Meet Sheri Nickel, the new OSFA Director ................................................................. 11 Firefighter Near-Miss Report - Greg Lindsay ............................................................... 16 ORFA Golf Tournament Photos .....................................................................................18 Chaplain’s Corner - Ted Wilson ...................................................................................... 23 Executive Board Meeting Highlights ............................................................................. 24 Museum News - Gene Brown ......................................................................................... 25 Oklahoma Fire Spotlight -- Guymon FD ........................................................................ 26
ChangeService ServiceRequested Requested Change
OKLAHOMA STATE STATE FIREFIGHTERS FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION OKLAHOMA 2716 N.E. N.E. 50th 50th St. St. 2716 Oklahoma City, City, OK OK 73111 73111 Oklahoma
Non-Profit Org. Org. Non-Profit U.S. Postage Postage U.S. PAID PAID Okla. City, OK OK Okla. City, Permit No. No. 570 570 Permit
2November 2018Oklahoma Firefighter
Oklahoma FirefighterNovember 20183
klahoma Firefighter November 2018
Volume 35 — Issue 9
Official Publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association 2716 N.E. 50th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111 (405) 424-1452 • 1-800-308-5336 Fax (405) 424-1032 osfa@osfa.info • www.osfa.info Published monthly by and for members of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association to educate its membership, to improve the fire service, and to enhance the value and dignity of their profession, either paid or volunteer. Editor in Chief Steve Lumry stevel@osfa.info
CUSTOM FROM START TO FINISH AGRICULTURE | OIL FIELD | FIRE DEPT | INDUSTRIAL CONSTRUCTION | GOVERNMENT | PERSONAL
Managing Editor Penelope Soldan penelopes@osfa.info
Chassis and frame modification Chassis component addition or removal Chassis component modification Component swapping between chassis
Letters to the Editor: Oklahoma Firefighter encourages the
open exchange of ideas, opinions and concerns among members of the fire service community. Letters to the Editor should: concentrate on issues, not personalities; be typed; be signed by the writer and include writer’s telephone number; and be mailed (or emailed) to the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association: 2716 N.E. 50th St., Oklahoma City, OK, 73111 (osfa@osfa.info). Oklahoma Firefighter reserves the right to publish, edit and condense letters according to space limitations and the editor’s judgement. Great care will be taken to ensure the message in the letter is not altered. Anonymous letters will not be published.
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Get your Oklahoma Firefighter newspaper the minute it goes to press! Read it on your smart phone, laptop or other digital device! It’s an easy and convenient way to stay on top of what’s happening in your Association!
Plus, every page in the digital newspaper is in color! And the digital version also features videos! Simply call (405-424-1452) or email the OSFA office (osfa@osfa.info) and request digital editions! Please provide your name and address for verification.
that can be tailored to your department
ADvertisers’ INDEX Bruckner’s ........................ 3 Casco Industries ............... 28 Chief Fire & Safety ........... 2 City Carbonic .................... 16 Conrad Fire Equipment .... 17 Houck Agency .................... 23 Kloset Gifts ......................... 25 NAFECO ............................. 4 OAEVT ............................... 3
OneLink Wireless ............ 12 OSU Fire Service Training .... 20 OSU-OKC ........................... 13 Pension & Retirement ... 22 Phillips Murrah P.C. ......... 21 Roberts Testing ................ 7 Sharp Testing ..................... 13 Triple H Transmission ........ 19 Unruh Fire ......................... 18
4November 2018Oklahoma Firefighter
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CORE GUARD
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Join Mailing List Scan QR Code or www.nafeco.com/Pages/JoinMailingList Eddie Hogan • (405) 740-1185 • eddie.hogan@nafeco.com • www.nafeco.com Chet Thompson • SCBA Sales & Service • (405) 812-1028 • chet.thompson@nafeco.com
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Oklahoma FirefighterNovember 20185
PREsident n
Dereck Cassady
Ponca City FD
IAFFLocal2479@ yahoo.com • 580-761-5338
I want to start off with a big THANK YOU to all the departments and personnel that came out to help with the Statewide Memorial Service. This year’s attendance set records. And with the help of those who volunteered, everything went great. We had tons of positive feedback from the families about how much they appreciated everything you did. We need to build on the progress we’ve made and make each year better.
I want to express my gratitude to those of you who are giving up your time to serve on a committee for the OSFA. These committees are a very vital part of our success. They allow us to keep our finger on the pulse of what you want/need. It’s great to have people from all walks of life and all corners of the state serving on these committees. These committees help generate ideas that help increase the benefits and services that we can offer to all of you. If you’ve never served on a committee, get involved. It’s a way to give back to your state firefighter association. The Educational Advisory Committee is working hard on planning the 2019 OSFA State Fire School, which is going to be May 2-5 in Tulsa. If you or someone you know has a class or classes you would like to teach, please go online (www.osfa.info) and submit an application. They are always looking to add new/different stuff.
Make plans now to attend the 125th annual OSFA Convention. We have been working diligently on planning the convention, and the dates are set: The 2019 OSFA Convention will be June 5-8 in Ponca City. And the 38th annual ORFA Convention for retired Oklahoma firefighters will be June 4, also in Ponca City. We are trying to think outside the box and make the 125th OSFA Convention something to remember. We have some extra activities in mind that you will not want to miss out on. I will be announcing the host hotels in my article next month. When they are announced, I encourage you to reserve your rooms early so you are guaranteed to get a room, as there will also be a rodeo in town so rooms will fill up fast.
As I sit here and ponder what to write, it just absolutely baffles me that on November 1st, I had 20 years in the fire service. As I think back over the years, many of the good times and some bad come to mind. Then I think about those brothers and sisters who have suffered and are suffering from PTSD. I hope each one of you care enough to take a deep dive into what’s going on within your department and don’t allow a “family member” to become a statistic. If you are that member who is suffering, please reach out for help. If you need an ear to listen to you, my phone number is in the heading above. Call me and I will do everything within my power to make sure you get the help you need. We all need to be that person that a brother or sister can count on in a time of need. Stay Safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Help support your Oklahoma Firefighters Museum Expansion and the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial by purchasing an Oklahoma Firefighter license tag.
OSFA Receptionist Position $14 an Hour
Position Overview: This is an office support position requiring knowledge of general office and clerical tasks. Work involves independently performing a high level of office support duties for a Statewide Association. Examples of Work Performed: • Answers multi-line telephone, answers inquiries, screens and directs calls to the appropriate person or entity. • Provides clerical support to the Association and creates letters, memoranda, reports, documents, and other materials. Some evenings, weekends, and travel required. • Processes mail and copies. • Receives visitors, announces their presence, and escorts them to the appropriate person. • Is responsible for coordinating, tracking, corresponding with, and maintaining organizational membership addresses in a database. • Acts as an intermediary for the Association when requested, maintaining contacts with public and private executives and officials. • Assists with planning and execution of meals for certain events and meetings. • Receives and prepares response for inquiries from customers or directs to the appropriate person(s). • Acts as committee recording secretary for several committees, provides notice of meetings, agenda, and keeps minutes. Key Attributes: • Thorough knowledge of basic office practices and equipment, and of business English, spelling, and punctuation. • Ability to learn and use database software programs such as Filemaker Pro. • Ability to learn and understand the organization’s functions and services. • Ability to communicate orally and in writing; ability to understand and follow complex, oral and written instructions. • Ability to meet and greet visitors in an effective and professional manner and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, associates, representatives of other organizations and the general public. • Ability to plan, organize and execute complicated and continuing assignments without instructions or reviews. Required Education & Experience: • High School Education or Equivalent. • One year of office/clerical experience, preferred. • Or, any acceptable combination of education and experience. All qualified applicants should submit a resume to Oklahoma State Firefighters Association, 2716 NE 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111; via fax: (405) 424-1032, or via email: sherin@osfa.info. Please place job title in the subject line. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS 4:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, 2018 This business is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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 $35 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.
6November 2018Oklahoma Firefighter
1st vice PresidenT n
Mike Kelley
OKC FD
mkelley@local157.org • 405-623-4338 It’s been a busy month at the OSFA. Thanks to everyone who assisted with the 19th Annual Statewide Memorial Service. We had over 100 fire service volunteers assist with hosting over 500 family members. The Oklahoma Fire Pipes & Drums are always a highlight, as they were again this year. This is our opportunity as firefighters to let these families know that they are forever a part of our family. I truly believe that is what makes firefighters unique -- we are family! I don’t know about you, but for myself, I have told my family that no matter where they are in the world, if they have an issue, find a fire station and just tell the people there that you’re related to a firefighter. They will point you in the right direction. I know that’s what we do for our communities -- we solve problems and are proud to serve. So, it’s a natural thing to help our extended family. That’s what I love about our organization. We don’t care what department you work for or whether you are paid or volunteer. The OSFA exists for all! Speaking of family, as we enter November and the Thanksgiving season, take the time to spend time with those you love and tell them how thankful you are for them and their support of your passion. We are the lucky ones who have the opportunity to pursue this life of serving our communities and fellow firefighters. However, we mustn’t forget the people who sacrifice time with us in order for us to do what we love. The missed holidays, birthdays, school events and ball games are the sacrifices that our loved ones make on our behalf. Tell your loved ones that you recognize and appreciate their sacrifice. If you haven’t registered for the new self-service feature for the pension website, do so now at www.ok.gov/fprs/. This allows you to look at your actual information and project potential retirement dates and view your personal account. In closing, I would like to say thanks for all that you do in serving your communities and your firefighter brothers and sisters! Let’s all strive to leave the Oklahoma Fire Service better than we found it! Stay safe, brothers and sisters!
SCHOLARSHIPS BENEFITTING FIREFIGHTERS From Oklahoma City Community Foundation
2nd vice PresidenT n
Awarding scholarships to high school seniors -- all the children of Oklahoma Firefighters -- since 2004. At the 2018 OSFA Convention, five $1,000 scholarships were awarded.
Keith Bryan Memorial Scholarship Fund Established in 2012 to provide scholarship opportunities for aspiring and/or current Oklahoma Fire Officers in leadership and management training education. Available to members of the OFCA.
To Make Secure Donation With Credit Card: www.occf.org/stavros
•
www.occf.org/ofcabryan
Guthrie FD
ericharlow200@gmail.com
405-520-2893
Greetings Oklahoma Firefighters! I hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather. Before you know it, the holidays will be upon us.
Our various committees have all been selected and are beginning to have their respective meetings. We owe a lot to our committee members, as they are truly the workers of our organization and its effort to improve the services we provide to our members. If you’re still interested, hop on the OSFA website and fill out an application. We may still be able to get you involved this year. This is a great way to participate in various events throughout the year. The board recently heard updates from several of the committee chairpersons and we are all excited about the work each group has planned. Our newest committee, the Public Education Committee, really has a rewarding job and is packed full of talented folks who have a true passion for fire safety and public education. They are working towards a program that, I feel, will revolutionize the way fire prevention education is carried out in our state, especially in the rural areas. The Membership Committee and Executive Board are working hard to enhance the benefits to offer our members. We have had several discussions at recent meetings on potential future benefits to make our organization even better. Stay tuned for more on these as they progress. Speaking of membership, if you didn’t know, membership renewal time is coming up fast. I know packets started going out over the last few weeks, so if this falls on your area of responsibility, please ensure all of your members’ information is up to date and you get the packet returned to the office as soon as you can.
Congratulations to Sheri Nickel, our new Administrative Director. Sheri has done a phenomenal job with our Volunteer Recruitment and Retention grant and will do an excellent job in her new role. Please join me in wishing her the best in this new position. In closing, stay safe and start prepping your folks for cold weather operations. Just like the heat related issues that come along with our job, there are just as many cold weather issues that can hurt us quick. Be sure to cover cold weather pump operations to prevent damage to your rigs as well! It can save you big money down the road.
3rd vice PresidenT n
Pete & Lela Stavros Scholarship Foundation
Eric Harlow
Cliff Davidson
davidsoncliff@yahoo.com
Ringwood FD •
580-554-1886
Hello! Hope everyone is enjoying the moisture we are getting. It should make for an interesting spring fire season. I would like to take a minute to talk about the OSFA Statewide Memorial. If you have never been, you should try to make plans to attend next year. For me it is very humbling, it is a chance for us to honor those who have served before us. Some had retired from their departments and some lost their lives doing what it is we signed up to do. I feel it is our duty as firefighters to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice or passed away after a long career in the fire service, whether career or volunteer. With that said, I hope to see you next year at the Memorial Service. I have the deepest respect for those who serve in the fire service and a deeper respect for those who volunteer. The one thing I enjoy most about serving on this board is getting to meet so many firefighters around the state and nation with the one common goal to serve their communities. With all the crazy stuff going on in our nation and all the division, it is comforting to know that there are still people in this world that will step up and do what needs to be done -- from law enforcement to EMS or fire. My hat is off to each and everyone who serves their community. I enjoy serving my community and look forward to serving all of you. Thank you all for your service. Here’s wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
Oklahoma FirefighterNovember 20187
Past PREsident n
Matt Lay
Tulsa FD
OSFA executive director n
Steve Lumry
stevel@osfa.info • 405-424-1452
matthewlay@icloud.com 918-760-9065 Firefighters will never forget. On Sept. 11, more than 200 firefighters from as far away as Colorado completed a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the 40-story ONE Gas Tower in downtown Tulsa. We all made the three trips up and down in full bunker gear to commemorate the sacrifice of 343 FDNY brethren that were lost that day 17 years ago. Thank you again to Joey Marshall, IAFF Local 176, the Tulsa Fire Department, Tulsa Police Pipes & Drums, along with Jackie Price and all the members of the Price Family Properties Team for setting up this incredible event that raised almost $5,000 for the Hydrants of Hope Charity. OSFA was also proud to be on site when 343 firefighters from all over Oklahoma and around the region completed a 110-story climb at the Chase Building in downtown OKC on Sept. 15. All proceeds from the OKC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb go to support the Oklahoma Firefighters Foundation. Thank you to Josh Reason and his team that made this awesome event possible once again! Portions of Oklahoma Task Force One, our urban search and rescue (US&R) team, deployed in response to Hurricane Florence. This incident showcased their newest rescue component, the Helicopter Search & Rescue Team. These highly trained operators integrated with military aviation units to affect hundreds of rescues in the most austere and desperate situations imaginable in the aftermath of flooding along the east coast. Great Work! The OSFA continues to represent Oklahoma Firefighters at the national level. First Vice President Mike Kelley and I attended the International Association of FireFighters Convention, marking the Centennial Anniversary of that organization (1918-2018). Second Vice President and Guthrie Fire Chief Eric Harlow helped represent the Southwest Division at the International Association of Fire Chiefs annual conference. Third Vice President Cliff Davidson and OSFA Administrative Director Sheri Nickel represented our state’s volunteers at the National Volunteer Fire Council Executive Board Meeting. Finally, President Dereck Cassady and Executive Director Steve Lumry represented the OSFA at our nation’s Capitol as members of the State Fire Marshal’s Ambassador Delegation. The work never ends. One incident or disaster gives way to preparing for the next. One election cycle gives way to another legislative session. Be involved, play a role in whatever you want to see changed. As always, if there’s anything the Board or Staff of the OSFA can do for you or your department, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Take Care and God Bless.
2018-19 OSFA Executive Board
Happy Thanksgiving! November weather brings colder temps and thoughts of winter fire safety. We also just completed our annual Statewide Memorial Service in which we had over 650 friends and firefighters in attendance as we honored their family members. All of this has me thinking and focusing on firefighter safety. We were reading a NIOSH report on an Oklahoma firefighter fatality during a tanker rollover that emphasized focusing on safety even when everything seems to be going correctly. It only takes a few small details (in this case fog, unmarked road edge and speed) to quickly change things for the worse. Museum Director Gene Brown and I just hand-delivered the AD&D benefit check to a family for a tragic LODD. We had to look that family in the eye, and that is never an easy thing to do. That department was trying to do everything correctly, had the proper training, experience, and things still went tragically bad. We do a dangerous job so there is always a risk involved. I’m sure both of these families would not want anyone else to face this situation and would want you to know that firefighters -- whether volunteer or paid -- should do everything in their power to return home to their loved ones! We also recently had a meeting with some concerned groups regarding fire response to local CO-OPs. Our fire departments many times don’t realize what kinds of chemicals are stored inside certain CO-OP buildings or how to handle those situations. A lot of us don’t like incidents that could contain the words “hazardous materials” as part of the response. Like going to the doctor, we think that if we don’t ask, nothing will be wrong. We believe that particularly in the rural areas we don’t have to worry about things like that. Those are big city problems. However, when it comes to farms, farming supplies, and CO-OP’s, nothing could be further from the truth. One recent incident in Oklahoma came very close to becoming another West, Texas explosion. Luckily, in this case the business had the chemicals properly stored at the time and not in use. If the heat from the fire combined with the water being used to extinguish the fire had come into closer contact with the chemical, it would have been all over for that CO-OP, those firefighters, and most of that town. I’m not saying everyone has to have HazMat training, but what I am saying is that EVERY fire department should understand their risk and take steps to mitigate that risk. It could be as simple as talking to your CO-OP manager regarding the chemicals they have on hand, where they are stored, and what steps they recommend if it becomes involved in fire. Use your on-scene experts that work with it everyday, call for regional HazMat teams early, and know before you go. Pretty simple stuff. We care about you, your families, your community, and your community’s livelihood. Take care of yourselves and be there for your family as long as you can. Until next time, STAY SAFE!
Roberts Testing
PRESIDENT: Dereck Cassady • 580-761-5338 • IAFFLocal2479@yahoo.com 1ST VICE PRESIDENT: Mike Kelley • 405-623-4388 • mkelley@local157.org 2ND VICE PRESIDENT: Eric Harlow • 405-520-2893 • ericharlow200@gmail.com 3RD VICE PRESIDENT: Cliff Davidson • 580-554-1886 • davidsoncliff@yahoo.com PAST PRESIDENT: Matt Lay • 918-760-9065 • matthewlay@icloud.com
Pump Testing in your Community
405-834-5975 groberts1960 @gmail.com
8November 2018Oklahoma Firefighter
n
ORFA REport Juan Rodriguez
Hello Firefighters! How many of you have never been to the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum and seen our Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial? How many of you have never been to the Statewide Memorial held every October on the plaza in front of the Memorial Fountain? I ask these questions because of the attendance that I see. We have two ceremonies every year. One is held at the OSFA Convention every year and the other is held every October at the Museum. The ceremony held at convention is obviously well attended by firefighter/convention delegates. The one held in October is also well attended, but not by very many firefighters. I will probably be chastised by some firefighters that do attend, so I apologize now and will clarify. The firefighters that do attend regularly are usually past and current Board members of the OSFA, ORFA and OFCA, as well as Honor Guard Fire members and members of the Oklahoma Pipes and Drums. Outside of these organizations, the remainder of attendees are, predominantly, family members of our fallen. If you are a firefighter who attends often and is not a member of the aforementioned groups, then the aforementioned apology is only for you. To all other firefighters, both active and retired, I ask you to attend. I was elected to the OSFA board and served from 2002 to 2007. In 2004, former Lawton Fire Chief Harris Hancock passed away and was memorialized. I was, and still am, good friends with his grandson. It was these two who talked me into trying out and becoming a firefighter. If I was not on the board, I still would not have missed that memorial. This year, former deputy chief Jack McCracken was memorialized. He was the last of the three shift commanders when I hired in 1982. Again, I would attend the memorial regardless of my position. I was at convention when we decided to build the memorial. I was at Charlie Stone’s
Lawton FD Retired
convention when it was completed, and I have attended every statewide memorial except 2011 when I was out of town with my wife’s illness. There were members of my department that were instrumental in my development as a firefighter, and I could not miss their memorials. In addition to Hancock’s, I was there for the memorial services for Tannery, Hadley, Whitehead, Rambo and Bloomer, as well as many other former Lawton Firefighters in many different years. This probably doesn’t mean much to members of other departments, but perhaps there was a Whitehead or Rambo from your department that influenced you. Others that were memorialized, with my attendance, were David Bain, Blackie Oliver, Stanley Hawkins, John Futhey, Bill McCauley, Bill Liebegott, Jimmy Ayers, Bennie Zellner, Jeffrey Lindsey and Brent Hatcher. How should we honor our fallen firefighters? Should we buy them a gold watch and forget them? Many careers do that. I have always hoped for more from firefighters. How would you wish to be remembered and memorialized? Who do you want to attend your memorial? This year, we started a new practice of assigning a firefighter to each family that is attending for their fallen firefighter. Because of the change, it was a much more personal and interesting ceremony. Another thing that is changing is the amount of attendance. At the October memorial service, we had over 400 preregister and over 600 in attendance. Imagine if those family members were hosted and escorted by a firefighter that worked with their loved one or at least from the same fire department. I hope this article has inspired many of you to attend future memorials. It is not very difficult. The memorial usually starts in the early afternoon, so all it takes is a leisurely Sunday morning drive to the Firefighters Museum. Considering our new method, it would be helpful if you informed the OSFA of your attendance so you can be paired with an appropriate family. I know we all have busy lives, but did I mention that the Statewide Memorial Service is held on a Sunday! Be well, firefighters!
2018-19 ORFA Executive Board PRESIDENT Juan Rodriguez, Lawton • jrod911@gmail.com 1ST VICE PRESIDENT Tippy Pierce, Moore • fftip@swbell.net • 405-924-1104 2ND VICE PRESIDENT George Fina, OKC • gomsc38@gmail.com • 405-373-2409 3RD VICE PRESIDENT A.K. “Yogi” Cole, Tulsa • ycole@ipa.net • 918-231-3591 PAST PRESIDENT Dana Cramer, Norman • dcramer3@cox.net • 405-570-1387
Critical TIM Measures to Prevent Secondary Crashes and Struck-by-Vehicle Incidents By Jack Sullivan CSP, CFPS (Reprinted from NVFC Firefighter Strong newsletter) Every time you roll out the door in your emergency vehicles or respond to the fire station in your personal vehicle, you’re exposed to numerous traffic hazards from other vehicles and drivers. When you stop and park at an incident scene with your emergency or personal vehicle, you are exposed to even more dangers from other drivers and motor vehicles operating around your incident location. The threat of a secondary crash or struck-by-vehicle incident from a distracted, drunk, drowsy, drugged, disgruntled, and/or disrespectful driver (collectively also known as a “D” driver) is a clear and present danger. “D” drivers cause secondary incidents at emergency scenes nationwide on almost a daily basis. It is critical that you and your team prepare and respond with a defensive plan to protect your personnel, the victims you were responding to assist in the first place, and the other motorists operating around you at a roadway incident. Here is a list of significant actions your fire department should be taking to prevent secondary crashes and line-of-duty injuries or fatalities at emergency scenes: 1. Provide roadway incident safety training to all personnel in your department. All new members should be trained on the hazards of roadway incidents, and ALL members should get annual refresher training (at a minimum!) on local and multi-discipline traffic incident management (TIM) policies and procedures. Departments should also work to meet the new TIM requirements in the latest edition of NFPA 1500. 2. TIM training can be obtained several different ways – instructor-led classroom, instructor-led multi-discipline classroom, online training, and local or regional customized classes. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) developed a four-hour TIM and Responder Safety program that is available nationwide for free through state-specific trainers. Contact your state department of transportation or state police for information about how to schedule a TIM class in your area. Online training can be found from the Responder Safety Learning Network at http://learning. respondersafety.com. There are about 30 modules available for free on the network right now with more in development. A National TIM certificate can be obtained by successfully completing 10 specific online modules that are easily identified on the web site. 3. Make sure multi-discipline standard operating procedures have been developed and are being followed – for protecting incident scenes, especially within the first few minutes of arrival at a roadway incident. Blocking with large fire apparatus is one way to quickly setup a safe work area for responders dealing with a vehicle fire or crash and possibly injured motorists. Temporary traffic controls using flares, cones, advance warning signs, and emergency vehicles are especially important and effective. Those controls need to be deployed correctly to warn oncoming traffic of an incident ahead and to focus their attention on TIM channelizing devices established around the incident. 4. Make sure all of your personnel have been issued proper personal protective gear including high-visibility garments for use when exposed to moving traffic. Any new hi-viz gear purchased by your fire department should be compliant with American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Accessories (ANSI/ISEA 107-2015). Older ANSI-compliant high visibility gear can continue to be used as long as it stays clean and offers appropriate florescent and reflective features. 5. Make sure your driver/operators know how to properly display emergency warning lights and any traffic control arrow devices on fire apparatus at emergency scenes. Avoid any forward facing white lights while parked that might cause glare issues for oncoming motorists. Rear facing emergency lights should warn approaching motorists of your location at an incident and if possible help route them around your incident work area. Bright LED emergency lights can cause confusion and temporary vision impairment for motorists, especially in dark conditions, if not managed properly. There were 15 firefighters and/or emergency medical personnel struck and killed by vehicles in 2017. Three of those personnel stopped to help others in trouble along highways while off-duty. The other 12 incidents were line-ofduty deaths. Firefighters and EMTs are in danger of being struck by vehicles at incident scenes on any kind of roadway, in all kinds of weather conditions, and at any time of day. That means your personnel have to be thinking about and implementing roadway incident safety procedures every time they roll out the door. Jack Sullivan, CSP, CFPS, is the director of training for the Emergency Responder Safety Institute. He is nationally recognized for his work on roadway incident safety for emergency responders, is a principal member of the NFPA Technical Committee on Traffic Control Incident Management Professional Qualifications (NFPA 1091), and is an instructor for the Federal Highway, SHRP 2 Traffic Incident Management & Responder Safety Train-the-Trainer program.
Oklahoma FirefighterNovember 20189
Question & Answers Oklahoma Firefighter asked last issue’s readers this question: “What is a weird food combination that you enjoy?” Here is what they said: w Jeremy Goodrich, Yukon: Grilled cheese with ketchup. w Aaron Burns, Broken Arrow Retired: Strawberry ice cream with chocolate syrup. Capt. Bolding thought I was nuts. w Marti Carpenter, OSFA Women’s Auxiliary: I don’t think I like any weird food combos, but I do like to eat little bites of cheese and stick dried cranberries in them. It isn’t a weird combo, but it’s a strange process. w Juan Rodriguez, Lawton Retired: The odd food that I enjoy is buttered pop tart. I toast the pop tart, then I butter the frosting side. The hot pop tart melts the butter, the melted butter softens the hard frosting, then I poke holes in the frosting so the melted butter can reach the filling. My favorite unhealthy comfort food. w Greg Lindsay, Oklahoma City: An odd food combination that I enjoy ... dinner with my family. I hear that it is uncommon these days, but I enjoy it. w Richelle Treece, Bethel Acres: I honestly can’t think of one. I’m not very adventurous when it comes to food. w Bre Horn, Marshall: Well, everyone around me says that everything I eat is weird for my age, since they think I eat like a kid. But I just see it as I eat things I know I like!
n
SAFER Grant
Sheri Nickel
It is simply amazing to me how fast time flies by. On Thanksgiving Day of this year, we are completing grant year-2 of this 4-year project that OSFA tackled to help the volunteer fire
departments. As we all know, year-1 was earmarked for data collection and all of the data that was gathered has been dumped into a data base and is in the process of being thinned out. While we still are working on it so that we can have 100% accuracy, I can give an estimate that 900 fire departments are in the system. This last year is the one that most of you all have shown interest in. We had 75 sets of bunker gear budgeted for, and all 75 sets have been allocated to firefighters who have either completed Firefighter-1 or are in the process. This project started off at a snail’s pace and has finished like a jack rabbit running out of a forest fire. We have identified weaknesses in the training process and have implemented ways to get the training delivered to the most people at once. Resource One, an online program created by IFSTA isn’t necessarily a new concept, it just isn’t one that has been widely utilized. We have two “pilot” programs right now that have incorporated firefighters from 24 different fire departments and brought them to two different training sites to achieve the status of Firefighter-1. They are doing their lessons, quizzes and testing from the comfort of their own homes, fire stations and in some cases the front seats on their work trucks and meeting for skills day’s a few times
w Bert Norton, Midwest City: I don’t stray too much from traditional food. But some people might think that crawfish is odd. w Mike “Rookie” Billingsley, Nichols Hills Retired: Peanut butter and bananas . Or if I’m at Penny and Susan’s house and talking about drinks, it would be grape soda and rum. w Eric Harlow, Guthrie: Hot sauce on my pizza. w Jim Ed Nimmo, Tulsa: I can be a little picky (or a lot, depending on who you ask). What I don’t like would probably be considered more weird at most firehouses than what I do like. That said, I’m a skinny crunchy no peel fries (old school dairy cup) kinda guy. So if I’m eating at a place with soggy peel on fries, like most barbeque joints, I’ll just get plain old potato chips and dip them in ketchup.
Next Month’s Question -“What have you always wanted (and did you ever get it)?”
Everyone is Welcome to Participate!
Email Your Response to penelopes@osfa.info
SAFER Grant Coordinator throughout the duration of the class. We are hoping that the pass rate for these students meet our expectations. And if they do, we will be offering this type of training state wide after the first of the year. To some of these students, they feel overwhelmed that they are trying to learn this simply from a book and videos, while others are embracing the fact that they don’t have to sit in a classroom. One guy described it as trying to “drink from a fire hydrant.” Most everyone agrees that is the nature of the beast for Firefighter-1, whether you are in classroom or not. So, if you meet any of these students, encourage them to do their best and pass the test so that we can offer this to everyone and let this become the new norm for firefighter training. In case anyone has been wondering what kind of shape the grant might be in ... In regards to meeting the goals and financial aspects, I am proud to report that FEMA was in our office on Sept. 20 and gave us an excellent report. It was even mentioned that they were taking our information back to D.C. to show the program officer for a model of a success story. It is a complete pleasure for OSFA to be able to obtain and manage such a substantial grant and for it to benefit our state’s firefighters. As we enter into year-3, we are going to be offering additional sets of bunker gear, and by the end of year-4 have 200 new, well trained, well protected firefighters in our fire departments. And with any luck at all, the ideas that we are gathering along the way will be combined into a future grant to continue improving the Oklahoma Fire Service.
SAFER GRANT
Recruitment & Retention First Time Firefighters Firefighter 1 - Bunker Gear
Year-3 Opens Nov. 23, 2018 Funds dispersed on a first-come first-served basis
OKLAHOMA STATE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
Sheri Nickel Grant Coordinator www.OSFA.info 405-424-1452 office • 580-554-7123 cell sherin@osfa.info
10November 2018Oklahoma Firefighter
The Art of Speed-Recruiting: Winning at Face-to-Face Volunteer Recruitment By Tiger Schmittendorf (Reprinted from the NVFC Dispatch) If you had just 30 seconds to convince someone why they should join your volunteer fire department, what would you say? What would your message be? Do you have a standard sales pitch that you use for just such occasions? Can you even say hello in 30 seconds? I’ve had several opportunities to coach and practice some speed-recruiting exercises in a variety of settings, but one interaction with the Doyle Hose Co. 1 in Cheektowaga, NY, stands out. They had been invited to be a part of career day at the local high school in their response area, and they asked me to join them. Each class of freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors came through the gymnasium, trying to connect with as many career opportunities as possible in just 15 minutes. Their guidance counselors had coached them and given them a list of seven questions to ask each recruiter, regardless of the discipline they were representing. (Do an online search of “Career day questions to ask” or “Questions to ask before volunteering” for a list of sample questions people might ask.) Doyle 1’s challenge was to identify, qualify, and inform potential candidates as to why the volunteer fire service is right for them. Almost sounds like speed-dating, doesn’t it? So how do you connect with potentially 100 or more prospects in just 15 minutes? Let’s review some basic tips I’ve developed off my “Recruiter’s Cheat Sheet.” Know your audience. Don’t just know your audience, take that information and use it to determine who in your organization is best suited to do the recruiting. With no disrespect to our more experienced firefighters, does it really make sense to use retirees to recruit 16-year-olds? You will get a much better response if you match the recruiters with the audience. One thing we’ve learned about Generation Y is that they are the best people to recruit their peers but look up to and trust those folks in the 30- to 40-year-old demographic. Be prepared with answers to the questions they might ask. Secondly, you undoubtedly have the greatest firefighters that ever existed in your department, but does that make them the best recruiters? Are your recruiters outgoing, engaging, and outwardly friendly with a good attitude about your department? If not, replace them as recruiters – Now. Know your product. Are you capable of quickly articulating your core mission and both the requirements and benefits associated with being a volunteer firefighter? Are you intimately familiar with all of the volunteering opportunities your agency offers? You need to be. Many people may be deterred from volunteering as a responder when they hear how much time is required, so being able to adequately and succinctly talk up the benefits is critical. Also, those who definitely don’t want to be a responder may be greatly interested in other less time-consuming or less-dangerous volunteer options with your department that they had previously not considered. Know your competition. Who are you competing with and what do they have to offer? How do you compare in terms of requirements, benefits, and being a “user-friendly” organization to join? If you think for a second that you’re not in competition with every other volunteering, social, and career opportunity in your community, I have two words for you: Good Luck. Develop, know, and rehearse your opening line. • Have you ever thought about joining the volunteer fire service? • You look like someone who likes helping people… • Did you know firefighting isn’t for everyone, but volunteering can be? • Hey tough guy, try this gear on for size… These aren’t necessarily the best lines, but they’re better than “Would you like a pen?” Regardless of what you choose as your opening act, it needs to encourage more than a one-word response to your question or statement. Eliminate barriers Whether it’s a table, a chair, or some other physical barrier between the prospect and you – get out in front of it or get it the heck out of the way. Look them in the eyes when you talk to them, but don’t invade their “personal space.” Create a presence that is open and inviting, not stand-offish. Be interactive with gear and equipment, audio and visual stimuli, and plenty of marketing materials to fit every audience. Your recruitment display and physical presence are the gateway into your organization. Ask yourself, what message is your presentation sending? If you need recruitment materials that target a wide range of audiences and messaging, check out the free materials generator tool and PSAs available from the National Volunteer Fire Council’s Make Me A Firefighter campaign at https://portal.nvfc.org. Ask for the sale or move on. You don’t have long to give your pitch and determine if there’s any inkling of interest, or at least a sign of life, in the prospect you’re recruiting.
n
Women’s Aux report
Marti Carpenter Hi Ladies! I hope everyone is staying warm and dry and getting geared up for the busy holiday season. Erica Koch, Cheryl Lumry and I, along with the museum staff, had the honor of attending the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial Service. The families began checking in at 1 p.m. Around 500 people had RSVP’’d and it was so moving to see loved ones of firefighters past packed in with standing room only. There was a heartfelt address to the families and the service was then moved outside. It had been raining heavily but the sun came out just in time for the outdoor portion of the service. Oklahoma Fire Pipes & Drums performed as the families moved from the museum to the memorial. The museum staff then provided the family members with a gorgeous spread for lunch. If any Auxiliary members are interested in volunteering at events, the board and the museum would be glad to have you. We will keep everyone updated about events on our Facebook page. Please reach out to me or any other board member if you have any questions or need information about starting a local auxiliary.
Jr Board Member
2018-19 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Executive Board PRESIDENT Erica Koch ejv97@cox.net (405) 308-2010 VICE PRESIDENT Susan Walker sw233821@gmail.com (580) 351-4116 JR BD MEMBER Marti Carpenter marticarpenter@att.net (405) 590-4608 PAST PRESIDENT Tennie Green tennie.green@gmail.com (918) 440-7060
If you sense there is hope for furthering the conversation, “ask for the sale” by at least prompting the prospect to give you some basic contact info so that you can follow up in the near future (and be sure to follow through on that follow up). And remember, just like in speed-dating, “No thanks” means “No thanks.” In this world of increasing time constraints, remember that they don’t have much time and you don’t either. You need to be able to move from Point A to Point B and from prospect-to-prospect effectively and in a timely manner. That’s not to say that your presentation should be so canned and rehearsed that you sound like a robot or a broken record. Be real. And, be sure to send them home with something that reminds them of the opportunities you offer. Doyle 1 does a great job with this, handing out pens, magnets, postcards, and notepads with their recruitment theme smartly splashed all over everything. Ideas for giveaways are only limited by your imagination and your marketing budget. Relax, have fun, and look and act like someone you would want to talk to. Body language can say more than spoken words. Be engaging, and if the prospect is someone worth continuing a conversation with, they’ll be engaging with you. As I say in my Top Ten Commandments for Recruitment and Retention: “When searching for the ultimate recruit – think of the person you would want to serve with … or be saved by. Then go out and get ‘em.” Whatever you do, don’t wait for them to come to you. Tiger Schmittendorf is vice president of strategic services for First Arriving, a full-service marketing team supporting the public safety community. He served the Erie County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Services (Buffalo, NY) for more than 20 years before retiring as deputy fire coordinator in January 2018. There he was responsible for the recruitment, training, and mutual aid operations of the county’s 97 fire departments and 6,000+ firefighters. He created a recruitment effort that doubled his own fire department’s membership and helped net thousands of new volunteers countywide. A frequent presenter on leadership, incident management, connecting generations, and recruitment and retention, he is a nationally-certified fire instructor and has been a firefighter since 1980. Connect with him at tiger@firstarriving.com.
Oklahoma FirefighterNovember 201811
SHERI NICKEL NAMED NEW OSFA ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR Sheri Nickel, who joined the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association staff in November 2016 to oversee OSFA’s $2.1 million SAFER Grant, stepped into the role of OSFA Administrative Director on Oct. 1, 2018. She is the first woman hired by the OSFA to serve as Administrative Director since the founding of the association in 1894. And she brings more than 20 years of administrative experience, as well as 18 years of fire service experience, to the association. The 46-year-old was born and raised in Oklahoma City, right across the street from Station 22. She graduated from John Marshall High School (1990) and Paramedic School (2013) at Kiamichi Tech in Poteau. In 2000, she became a firefighter when the small town of Breckinridge where she lived in Garfield County formed a new volunteer fire department and needed EMTs. Sheri was serving as Shattuck Fire Chief when she was hired by OSFA two years ago. “I never intended on becoming a firefighter,” Sheri said in a recent question-and-answer session with Oklahoma Firefighter. “But I got thrown on the back of a grass rig and was baptized by the fire, and I was immediately hooked.” Sheri, who has been married to her husband Darrin for 25 years and has two grown children and a granddaughter, also shared the following: Other jobs/titles/positions? I worked full-time as a medical office assistant/admin from 1998-2004 for Enid Urology Associates and again from 2014 until I was hired by OSFA, I worked part-time as the clinic admin for the Shattuck Clinic. I went to work as District Secretary for the Garfield County Conservation District from 2005-2010 and began working as a full-time Medic in Ellis County in 2011 and part-time in Woodward County in 2013. I also served as Fire Chief of the Shattuck Volunteer Fire Department from July, 2014 until I was hired by OSFA as Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Coordinator. What do you like best about being a Firefighter? Initially, it was all about the adrenaline rush. Now that I have been in the fire service for all of these years, I realize the importance of having volunteers in the rural communities and the public service that we provide to our residents, and I get a lot of self-pride from knowing that I am a part of that.
Congratulatory Well Wishes Sheri received 101 comments from friends and collegues when the announcement of her hiring as Administrative Director came out on OSFA’s Facebook page. Here are a just a few: w Albert Tyner, Blair FD:
Why did you decide to apply for the OSFA Administrative Director position? Once I saw the job description, I felt like all of my past work experience, coupled with my fire service experience, made me the perfect candidate for the job. So I threw my name in the hat. There is a quote that I think is fitting for this: “It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together.” What have been some highlights of your fire service career so far? My whole career has been a highlight. I am not the type of woman who ever had any hobbies like quilting or crocheting. I have always been a wife, mother and a volunteer firefighter, so anytime that our tones drop, I consider it an opportunity to do what I love. Like most of us, 80% of our calls are medical. And for the seven years that I had the opportunity to work as a full-time Medic, I had the opportunity to save lives and help people in their worst moments, and there is no greater pride that a person can receive from that. What are your hopes for the future? Changes are imminent in the Oklahoma fire service. I want to be a part of the change and help make things safer for future generations.
Congratulations, you will do a wonderful job in this position! You’ve been a great help to the volunteer fire departments in southwest Oklahoma. I personally want to say thank you for your help!
w Barbara Thompson, Fam-
ily friend: Oh, Sheri, Congratulations! You truly have accomplished so much. I am so proud of you. You are so truly blessed. You go girl!
w Robert Guthrie. NVFC
Board Member, Connecticut: Congratulations from the CSFA - Connecticut State Firefighters Association!
w Roxanne Mattocks, Fam-
ily friend: Congratulations, Sheri! Such an amazing person in our great state, and she will do a fantastic job. Way to go, Sheri!
w Steve Hirsch, NVFC Kan-
sas State Director: Congrats, and keep those Oklahoma firefighters safe!
w Tom Horton, Canute FD:
Congratulations, Sheri, from myself, as well as the Canute FD.
w Ernest Ledbetter, 2009
ORFA President, 1988-89 OFCA President: Congratulations, Sheri!
w Brian McQueen. NVFC
Board Member, New York: Congrats, Sheri! Your untiring efforts and dedication surely paid off. Proud of you!
w Paul W. Hinchey, 1993
OFCA President: Congratulations! You will do great!
w Billy Cullers, Wister FD:
Wister FD and myself send congratulations to you! The OSFA made a very wise choice!
12November 2018Oklahoma Firefighter
OSFA / Museum Staff Executive Director Steve Lumry • stevel@osfa.info
Museum Director Gene Brown • geneb@osfa.info
Administrative Director Sheri Nickel • sherin@osfa.info
Museum Assistant Quintin James • quintinj@osfa.info
Administrative Assistant Trisha Chain • trishac@osfa.info
Museum Assistant Robert Noll • bobn@osfa.info
To all the Firefighter volunteers who helped with the OSFA Statewide Memorial Service
Publications P. Soldan • penelopes@osfa.info Special Projects Tim Bartram • timb@osfa.info
From the OSFA Executive Board and OSFA/Museum Staff
ADT Supports Volunteer Firefighters With Major Contribution To NVFC On Oct. 15, ADT Inc., the leading provider of monitored security and interactive home and business automation solutions in the United States and Canada, announced a $100,000 contribution to the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to help raise awareness for recruitment of volunteer firefighters. “Emergency calls have more than tripled over the past few decades and volunteer firefighters are needed to meet the increasing call volume and demand,” said Heather Schafer, CEO, NVFC. “We are grateful ADT is partnering with us and sharing its resources to help volunteer fire departments across America.” According to the NVFC, volunteers comprise 70 percent of all firefighters in the U.S. and collectively donate an estimated $47 billion in services to their communities every year. Those communities depend on volunteers to be their first line of defense for many emergencies. Unfortunately, many local fire departments are struggling to meet staffing levels. More awareness about the benefits of being a volunteer firefighter can increase recruitment. “With October being National Fire Prevention Month, it was a perfect time to recognize these brave men and women who selflessly save lives by rushing into burning buildings,” said Jochen Koedijk, Chief Marketing Officer, ADT. “Millions of ADT customers rely on first responders during emergencies, and we believe our partnership in protection with the NVFC can showcase these unsung heroes and enhance fire department recruitment.” With seven out of ten firefighters and emergency responders serving as volunteers, there are many opportunities to join. Find out more at www.makemeafirefighter.org/ADT. “It takes commitment and dedication to be a volunteer first responder, but the rewards are overwhelming. I encourage everyone to volunteer; our fire departments are open,” said Kevin D. Quinn, NVFC Chairman.
Oklahoma FirefighterNovember 201813
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14November 2018Oklahoma Firefighter
19th Annual Oklahoma Fallen & Living Firefighters Memorial Service
At this year’s Statew Service, a record 650 p hear the reading of 27 tribute to our fellow fi passed in the last year Family members in the opportunity to see ings of -- the names o the granite walls. Each year since ou the Oklahoma State F tion has offered specia low firefighters who h It is a time-honored are still proud to cont The Memorial Serv part of the proceeding State Firemen’s Assoc nual Convention in 19 And on Oct. 8, 2000 months after the Falle
ers Memorial was form inaugural Statewide M held. More than 100 ga were read.
Oklahoma Firefighterď źNovember 2018ď ź15
e n Honoring Our Own n October 7, 2018 n Oklahoma City
wide Memorial people gathered to 75 names in a moving firefighters who have r. n attendance also had e -- and make etchof their loved ones on
ur founding in 1894, Firefighters Associaal recognition to felhave passed. d tradition that we tinue 124 years later. vice became an official gs of the Oklahoma ciation at the 29th an923. 0 -- exactly four
en and Living Firefightmally dedicated -- the Memorial Service was athered, and 256 names
Photos By Trisha Chain, OSFA Admin. Assistant
16November 2018Oklahoma Firefighter
n
NEAR-MISS REPORT
By Greg Lindsay
The Job Is Yours How many times do we hear “It’s your job” and take it as a criticism? The next time someone says “It’s your job,” try to hear the positive aspect of the adage, almost like a promotion to a specific position or title “The job is yours.” Now that’s something we can look forward to. The phrase evokes pride in the work, and ownership of the task. “The job is yours” gives you responsibility for how it’s accomplished and credit for how it appears once completed. Can you think of another way to summarize ownership of the many things we do as firefighters? The phrase is important because when we became firefighters we were told something similar. Being given the honor to wear the uniform should also mean we are trained to do the work. While tasked with protecting the lives and property of the community, we are also given the job of protecting ourselves and looking out for the members of our department. The job is yours can mean it is your job alone, it may seem like a small thing, but everyone still needs the assignment to be done. The report featured this month is from an experienced firefighter in a busy department. The experience shared from this event is relevant to us if we make one fire a year or three a shift. As you read the report consider the theme, the job is yours.
Mayday procedure forgotten by FF in danger
Published: 4/12/2010 • http://firefighternearmiss.com/Reports?id=4738 EVENT NARRATIVE
I was assigned to an engine as a hoseman, responding first due to a structure fire. Upon arrival, fire was showing through the roof of a 2-story wood frame vacant residence. We stretched a 1¾” attack line to a side door that was open to the interior stairwell. I masked up but did not put on my hood. The officer, another firefighter, and I (nozzleman) advanced up the stairwell and began attacking the fire. Upon knocking down the main body of fire on the 2nd floor, we found a large hole leading directly to the first floor. Command was notified and fire alarm issued emergency traffic to notify all companies. Heavy fire was still visible in the attic, as portions of the ceiling had fallen. I teamed up with a member of the special hazards crew who began pulling ceiling as I hit exposed fire with the nozzle. As he continued pulling ceiling, a large portion of the ceiling collapsed on top of me accompanied by a large amount of fire. All I noticed was my helmet being knocked off, high heat, burning embers down my coat, and nothing but fire around me. I dropped the nozzle, fell to the floor and tried patting my head as I thought it was on fire. I went for the interior stairs to exit the building and fell head first down the stairs while still trying to smother embers in my hair and down my coat. I injured myself and received multiple small 2nd degree burns. I was checked out by the rescue on scene, my burns were cleaned, and I returned to complete overhaul. I never radioed command of my situation or notified my officer or the member of special hazards crew who thought I fell through the floor after the ceiling came down. I made a face-to-face with the IC, but my officer still thought I was inside and that caused confusion for my crew and the IC.
Reading about this incident gives us a presentation of a residential fire attack with a few unique elements that make the event stand out. Consider how these elements apply when presented with the beginning premise of The job is yours. After discussing the event with your crew, read how this firefighter shares a learned experience. • What is your first impression of this event? • What are the size-up considerations? • Is this a familiar experience to any you have had? Discuss how you can relate to this event with your crew. • What elements of your experiences could also be applied to responding on this call? Consider the initial report and the findings in the home. • Discuss possible factors in developing a risk-benefit analysis for this event. LESSONS LEARNED
The simple lesson is to wear all of your protective gear all of the time. I thought this would be an easy fire to knock down, overhaul and go home. If I had my Nomex hood on and in place, I would have received little to no injury and probably would have been able to continue working. In my hurry to exit the building, I should have attempted to notify my officer or issued a mayday to alert command of my situation. Even though I did not require rescue, I still feel it was a mayday situation due to the fact that I didn’t know what exactly had collapsed on top of me.
OKC Fire Department I should have picked a better spot to position myself to work the nozzle rather than the middle of the room. The doorway would have been ideal. Also, better coordination with the member from special hazards pulling ceilings may have prevented me from being surprised. In the end, the biggest contributor was my failure to wear all of my assigned gear as outlined in department SOPs.
As the reporter states, wearing all PPE from the start could have helped prevent injuries. Fires are dynamic events that can surprise us all. We never know exactly what is inside the structure when we first see the outside. Once the attack begins, it’s hard to step back and reconfigure our gear. The next clue was the significant damage to the second story floor. It describes a well-developed fire that has done significant damage to the structure already. Many departments use collapse benchmarks to identify how long to estimate the fire has been burning. If you notice any type of collapse has already occurred, the benchmarks may mean less than originally expected. As the reporter said, working from a doorway may have prevented the injury experienced from the ceiling collapse. There is a small margin in most fire attacks between being able to complete the tasks and being exceptionally good at it. Eventually the fire will go out; the only consideration is how much influence we have on that outcome. If we train and practice often we will be able to do the job well, developing and practicing skills beyond normal ability, is the answer to being an exceptional firefighter. When the only evidence is in the outcome, we all want to be considered the best at what we do. The job is yours, how do you want to do it? If you have an experience that provides an example of embracing, “The job is yours,” use the link www.Firefighternearmiss.com to share your story. We all have events that shape our career and give us examples of how doing our job well made a difference in the outcome. Your experiences could be a true difference in encouraging another firefighter to press for that next level in training.
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18November 2018Oklahoma Firefighter
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2018 ORFA Fun & fellowship golf tournament
1st PLACE: Moore FD’s Greg Herbster, Nathan Stager, Jeff Weathers, Joh Rosson
Oct. 10 at Fire Lake
Photos By Trisha Chain, OSFA Admin. Assistant
Closest to Pin: Randy Rose, OKC Retired
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20November 2018Oklahoma Firefighter
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November 2018 CLASS SCHEDULE Current as of October 16, 2018
Courses are subject to change • Call or check online for changes in courses
All courses are FREE unless otherwise noted
Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher Part A (69361) Nov. 1 (8 hours) Great Plains Technology Center - Lawton 4500 S.W. Lee Bldg. 800, Lawton, OK 73505-8304 NFA Preparing for Initial Company Operations (69669) Nov. 1-2 (16 hours) Stillwater Community Center 315 West 8 Avenue, Stillwater, OK 74074-4434
Emergency Services Instructor (Instructor I) (70876) Nov. 5-8 (32 hours) Mustang Fire Department 465 W Highway #152, Mustang, OK 73064 Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher Part B (66681) Nov. 6 (8 hours) McAlester Fire Department 607 Village Blvd., McAlester, OK 74502
Rope Rescue Technician Level I Part B (69999) Nov. 3-4 (16 hours) Blackwell Fire Department 224 W Blackwell Ave, Blackwell, OK 74631-2865
Fire Fighter II Flammable Liquids and Gas Emergency: (LPG) or (FLAG) Evaluation (70848) Nov. 6 (8 hours) OSU-PSC Hwy 51 West of City, Stillwater, OK 74078
Wildland Fire Fighting: Skills (70496) Nov. 3-4 (16 hours) Lucien Fire Department PO Box 32, Lucien, OK 73757-0032
Wildland Fire Fighting: Fundamentals (70684) Nov. 6-15 (16 hours) Lookeba-Sickles Fire Department 14028 CS 2550, Lookeba, OK 73053-9759
Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies (70568) Nov. 3 (8 hours) Hinton Fire Department PO Box 159, Hinton, OK 73047-0159
Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher Part B (66682) Nov. 7 (8 hours) McAlester Fire Department 607 Village Blvd., McAlester, OK 74502
Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher Part B (70628) Nov. 3 (8 hours) Guymon Fire Department 402 NE 24 St., Guymon, OK 73942-4713
Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher Part B (66683) Nov. 8 (8 hours) McAlester Fire Department 607 Village Blvd. , McAlester, OK 74502-0578
Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I Part A (70781) Nov. 3-4 (16 hours) Temple Fire Department PO Box 40, Temple, OK 73568-0040
Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I Part A (70071) Nov. 10-11 (16 hours) Perkins Fire Department PO Box 9, Perkins, OK 74059-0009
Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies Certification (70569) Nov. 3 (1 hour) Hinton Fire Department PO Box 159, Hinton, OK 73047-0159 Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies (70999) Nov. 4 (8 hours) Dibble Fire Department PO Box 126, Dibble, OK 73031-0126 AHIMT - Situation Unit Leader (SITL) L-964 (66225) Nov. 5-9 (31 hours) Fort Sill - Snow Hall , Bld 730 Snow, Fort Sill, OK 73503 All participants for this school must enter through Key Gate which is off of I-44. If you are Pre-registered your name and Department will be on a list at that Gate. No other gate can be used for this school.
Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (71165) Nov. 10 (8 hours) Tahlequah Regional Training Center 1232 Woodard Dr., Tahlequah, OK 74464-3801 Leadership for Small Departments : Training (71072) Nov. 16 (8 hours) Dickson Fire Department 35 Eastgate Loop, Ardmore, OK 73401-8700 Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I Part A (70091) Nov. 17-18 (16 hours) Marlow Fire Department 115 N 2, Marlow, OK 73055-2405 Leadership for Small Departments: Administration (71074) Nov. 17 (8 hours) Dickson Fire Department 35 Eastgate Loop, Ardmore, OK 73401-8700
Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher Part B (66688) Nov. 19 (8 hours) Muskogee Fire Department 505 Columbus St, Muskogee, OK 74401-7522 Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher Part B (66689) Nov. 20 (8 hours) Muskogee Fire Department 505 Columbus St, Muskogee, OK 74401-7522 Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher Part B (66690) Nov. 21 (8 hours) Muskogee Fire Department 505 Columbus St, Muskogee, OK 74401-7522 Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies (70535) Nov. 24 (8 hours) Stone Bluff Fire Department 19265 US Hwy 64, Haskell, OK 74436-2167 Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies Certification (70536) Nov. 24 (1 hour) Stone Bluff Fire Department 19265 US Hwy 64, Haskell, OK 74436-2167 Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher Part B (67200) Nov. 27 (8 hours) Edmond Fire Department 5300 E. Covell , Edmond, OK 73034-6937 Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher Part B (67201) Nov. 28 (8 hours) Edmond Fire Department 5300 E. Covell , Edmond, OK 73034-6937 Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher Part B (67202) Nov. 29 (8 hours) Edmond Fire Department 5300 E. Covell , Edmond, OK 73034-6937 Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher Part B (67538) Nov. 30 (8 hours) Yukon Fire-EMS Training Center 1000 East Main St., Yukon, OK 73099-2603 Hazardous Materials Operations: Core Competencies (70539) Nov. 30-Dec. 2 (24 hours) Stone Bluff Fire Department 19265 US Hwy 64, Haskell, OK 74436-2167
Oklahoma FirefighterNovember 201821
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fire service training
Oklahoma Executive Fire Officer Leadership Program
Dr. Erick Reynolds OSU FST Director
erick.reynolds@osufst.org 405-744-5727 (W) • 405-409-0961 (C) Greetings Oklahoma’s Finest! It is getting cool out there and the winter months are not far away! Please be thinking about those types of situations that you may find yourself in as a result of the season. Home fires seem to increase during this period due to people turning on heating sources for the coming winter months! Thanksgiving is not too far away, either! So, here are just a few words about things we can be thankful for here and now! • Your pets. They are always happy to see us ... always! Treat them well! Their love never runs dry! • Good hair days! Although I don’t have to worry much about this anymore, many of you do. I do not know how ladies have any luck with their hair in Oklahoma between the humidity, the wind, the bugs, etc. • Your health! Cannot do much of anything else if you do not have your health. Thank the Good Lord for good health! • Brother, sisters and good friends! There isn’t a person alive that has done it on their own. Everybody has been helped along the way through life by someone else at some point! Tell those folks THANK YOU when you see them!
• Your babies and grandbabies! If you are not there yet, you will be! Those little human beings are what this whole deal is about! Cherish them, love them, spoil them, support them! • Always eat your dessert first! I wouldn’t want to suddenly die with a mouthful of mashed potatoes when a Reese’s Cup was within reach! OSUFST was recently awarded a new OSHA Susan B. Harwood Grant for the 2019 fiscal year! This grant will focus on atmospheric monitoring in confined spaces. We look forward to rolling this training out in the very near future! We appreciate the support, help, and partnership of our many training partners including OSFA, OFCA, OEM, Homeland Security, The State Fire Marshal’s office, Career Techs, IFSTA and FPP, etc. The current OSFA training grant will wrap up as of Thanksgiving. We look forward to working with OSFA the next two years in support of this grant! We currently have 5 firefighter 1’s going on across the State of Oklahoma and that would not be possible without our OSFA brothers and sisters! Please stop by the office the next time you are in Stillwater. We would love to catch up and help you with your needs! Be safe out there!
Fall 2018 Training Workshops for OK-FIRE OK-FIRE, a weather-based decision-support system for wildland fire management, will host three FREE workshops.
Wednesday, Nov. 14 Thursday, Dec. 6 Thursday, Dec. 13
McAlester Duncan Stillwater
Dr. J. D. Carlson, OSU fire meteorologist and OK-FIRE program manager, will lead the workshops, which consist of a combination of presentations and lab exercises in which attendees will get hands-on experience with the OK-FIRE website. Registration is required and can be done online by contacting Monica Mattox (mmattox@mesonet.org; 405-325-1788; 405-325-2541) at the Oklahoma Climatological Survey. More information about each workshop (including directions) will be sent out the Monday before each workshop date. Workshops will be filled on a first register, first served basis. These workshops are designed only for those who directly or indirectly work with wildland fire, and only those who fall into these categories should register.
This program is a partnership between OSU-Fire Servce Training, Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association (OFCA), Oklahoma State Firefighters Association (OSFA) and the office of the State Fire Marshal. The 160-hour program utilizes the curriculum from the International Public Safety Leadership & Ethics Institute and has been developed to bring the concepts of leadership and ethics to the forefront of an individual’s career. Cohort No. 4, 2019 Feb. 26-28 March 27-28 April 23-25 May 29-30 July 23-25 Aug. 28-29 Sept. 24-26 Oct. 30-31 Nov. 14 Graduation Applications Due By Dec. 7, 2018 Tuition: $1,800
Requirements: • 10 years in fire service • 3 years as an officer • Application (www.osufst.org) • Resume • 2-3 page letter stating why you should be chosen • Letters of commitment from your organization, your chief or officer and a community leader Scholarships available to pay tuition for one volunteer firefighter from each quadrant of the state
For more information, contact Jason Louthan at Jason.Louthan@osufst.org
22November 2018Oklahoma Firefighter ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Chase Rankin
Members Present: Dereck Cassady, Matt Lay, Mike Kelley, Scott Vanhorn, Ron Hunter, Dana Cramer, Janet Kohls, Eric Harlow, Juan Rodriguez, and Brandy Manek. Members Absent: Cliff Davidson, Buddy Combs and Craig Freeman. Others Present: Chase Rankin, Executive Director; Duane Michael, Assistant Director; James Reynolds, Assistant Director; Terri Williams, Executive Secretary; Marc Edwards, Legal Counsel; Cia Buckley and Julie Brenton, Dune Real Estate; John Haug and Wills Small, Ardian; Vivian Flynn and Patrick Madaus, Pomona Capital. Kent A. Collins/Oklahoma City - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective September 1, 2018: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Kelley to modify the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, to “Service”, effective September 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cramer, Harlow, Kelley, Cassady, Hunter, Vanhorn, Manek, Kohls and Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Joe C. Wakley/Owasso – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective September 1, 2018: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Harlow to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective September 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cramer, Harlow, Kelley, Cassady, Hunter, Vanhorn, Manek, Kohls and Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Anthony L. Bostic/Tulsa - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective August 16, 2018: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Kelley to modify the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, to “Service” effective August 16, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cramer, Harlow, Kelley, Cassady, Hunter, Vanhorn, Manek, Kohls and Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Russell W. Hudson/Tulsa – Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effectiveseptember 1, 2018: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Cramer to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective September 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cramer, Harlow, Kelley, Cassady, Hunter, Vanhorn, Manek, Kohls and Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Ray Henderson/Tulsa - Request To Modify From “Disability Not In The Pension To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Kelley and seconded by Harlow to approve the request of Henderson based on the injury reported. Ayes: Lay, Cramer, Harlow, Kelley, Cassady, Hunter, Vanhorn, Manek, Kohls and Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Sandra L. Clinton/Friendship – Application For “Death In The Line Of Duty”, Effective August 11, 2018: Motion was made by Harlow and seconded by Lay to approve the Application for “Death in the Line of Duty”, effective August 11, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cramer, Harlow, Kelley, Cassady, Hunter, Vanhorn, Manek, Kohls and Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Angelo Rivers/Mcalester – Request For Restoration To Active Service Pursuant To Title 11 O.s. Section 49-109 (B). Due To The Confidential Nature Of The Application, Executive Session May Be Necessary On The Application Pursuant To 25 O.s. Sections 307 (B) (4) And (B) (7): Motion was made by Vanhorn and seconded by Rodriguez to send Rivers to the State Doctor for further review. Ayes: Lay, Cramer, Harlow, Kelley, Cassady, Hunter, Vanhorn, Manek, Kohls and Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Vicki Mulbery
Executive Secretary
James Reynolds
n September 21, 2018 MEETING
Member Services Coordinator
Terri Williams
Executive Director
6601 Broadway Ext., Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405-522-4600 • 1-800-525-7461 toll free • 405-522-4643 fax www.okfirepen.state.ok.us
Martha Pierce
Accounts Payable Administrator
Than Dinh
Assistant Director (COO)
Controller
Duane Michael
Keely Swonger
Thelisha Clark
Records Administrator
Latoya Battle
Assistant Controller
Assistant Director (CFO)
Data Processor
n CONSENT AGENDA (October 19, 2018) CHECKS TERMINATED IN SEPTEMBER 2018 (Deceased): Aline Alva Apache Cole Davenport Dewar Elk City
Enid Gate Jenks Oakwood OKC OKC Oktaha
Lois P. Sacket Ruby B. Miller Esther E. Huber Juanita Worley Mary F. Tucker Joseph C. Watson Betty Elwanda
Pawnee Ponca City Ponca City Seminole Seminole Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa
Leona Krause Kenneth D. Shook Paul S. Jenkins June Magnusson Kathryn Koch John D. Lyne Leonard A. Stevens
$5,000.00 DEATH BENEFIT: Blackwell Boynton Cheyenne Claremore Clinton Commerce Cushing Drumright Edmond McCurtain McCurtain Miami Muskogee OKC OKC OKC Ponca City Springer Stillwater Tulsa
Leota M. Garner Madeline Helems Sidney W. Wilson Joy Mode Linda M. Garretson Patty Jo Groover William V. Jones Laney Shannon
Roberts & Son Funeral Home On Behalf Of Adelbert A. Miller Roger Barton, Death Recipient For Grant E. Barton Erma D. Harmon, Widow Of William R. Harmon Mms-Payne Funeral Home On Behalf Of Thomas Thurman Oneta F. Coleman, Widow Of Billy G. Coleman Lynda Thomas, Widow Of Jim Thomas Palmer Marler Funeral Home On Behalf Of Richard G. Holt Donita Wilson, Widow Of Don Wilson Matthews Funeral Home On Behalf Of Jerry L. Barber Mark Watts, Child Of Kennith D. Watts Deidra Watts, Child Of Kennith D. Watts Mindy Wilmoth Garvin, Death Recipient Of Roy W. Arnold Lescher-Millsap Funeral Home On Behalf Of Marshall Beard Donna Catron, Widow Of Joe R. Catron Philip Lyne, Co-Death Recipinet Of John D. Lyne Judith Whitfield (Ira), Widow Of Jimmie Whitfield Trout Funeral Home On Behalf Of Harold L. Vanarsdale, Jr. Harvey-Douglas Funeral Home On Behalf Of Brian L. Satterwhite Dighton-Marler Funeral Home On Behalf Of William H. Womack Reynolds And Sons Funeral Home On Behalf Of William Vernon Jones
APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE PENSION SYSTEM: Mangum Chris Dreyer Alva Luke Gagnon Miami Dalton Shinn Broken Bow Kevin Chipps Muskogee Kevin Cook Claremore Barry Bates Muskogee Malcolm Love Claremore Jeremy Layman Mustang Jack Alexander Clinton Dylon Kupka Newkirk James Owen Collinsville Joseph Pitts NW Rogers Luke Lambert El Reno Ty Gulickson NW Rogers Jesse Rice Enid Michael Sheets Owasso Jake Barrett Jenks Christopher M. Todd Owasso Skylar Cummings Lindsay Zachary Ashbey
Owasso Owasso Owasso Pauls Valley Ponca City Pryor Sand Springs Sand Springs Sand Springs
Zachary Parker Garret Wendlandt Alissa Wilson John May Alex Kowalenko Joshua Taylor James Boyd Kayle Carlile Hunter Sistrunk
APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE FOR CONTINUATION: 10/01/2018 10/01/2018 10/01/2018 10/01/2018 10/01/2018 10/01/2018 10/01/2018 10/01/2018 10/01/2018 10/01/218
Bixby Broken Arrow Cushing Duncan Gotebo Kendrick Norge Picher Sapulpa Tulsa
Julia A. Abel, Widow Of Steven D. Abel Anita C. Lechlider, Widow Of Lawrence K. Lechlider Mary E. Holt, Widow Of Richard G. Holt Elizabeth M. Jones, Widow Of I.B. Jones Shirley A. Vickery, Widow Of Guy A. Vickery Janet M. Matheson, Widow Of Ronald E. Matheson Winnie Smith, Widow Of Marvin H. Smith Nancy Coach, Widow Of Jerry D. Coach Vivian L. Smith, Widow Of Troy L. Smith Louise Putnam, Widow Of Truman L. Putnam
APPLICATION FOR SERVICE PENSION: 10/01/2018 Asher 09/17/2018 Bluejacket 09/01/2018 Canute 10/01/2018 Coalgate
Larry E. Odell Clinton E. Nigh Ray E. Schones James M. Burns
10/01/2018 Laverne 10/01/2018 Lotawatah 10/01/2018 Okemah 10/01/2018 Stroud
Carl D. Kopsa Anthony W. Howard Bobby B. Baker John R. Carpenter Jr.
APPLICATION FOR VESTED BENEFIT:
REFUND OF CONTRIBUTIONS: Hired
07/29/2029 Chickasha 11/25/2017 Chouteau 12/01/2017 Hydro 07/08/2027 Seiling 03/23/2028 Waynoka 12/03/2019 Wister
Gary Friedel Jenks Ryan Demarcus Lawton Trey A. Hadley Lawton Duane L. Vandagriff NW Rogers Shane Overby Tecumseh Ryan K. Richardson Tuttle Andrew Davis Yukon
Christopher L. Dennis Paul Beyer Kerry Tapper Mark E. Mongold Ronnie D. Howell Ron M. Demoss
02/01/2018 09/09/2013 09/09/2013 10/012/1987 11/14/2005 02/15/2015 04/04/2012
Terminated 02/02/2018 09/03/2018 08/15/2018 02/11/1988 08/01/2017 05/09/2018 10/01/20108
Oklahoma FirefighterNovember 201823
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Chaplain’s Corner Ted Wilson Oklahoma City Fire Department Chaplain What Does Definitive Mental Health Care Look Like?
Let me say, “Don’t be afraid of getting “Definitive Care.” It is Biblical! Embrace it when you need the help. Suffering in silence is totally unnecessary. Ninety percent of the battle is for someone to reach out early enough, and say, “I need Help!” I have been helping folks get definitive care for 40-plus years now, and here is a bit of knowledge I would like to pass on to my Fire Fighter Community. Please, allow me to help you and your department employ the definitive care that you all deserve and need.
the purpose of confidentially) when necessary. Try to eliminate all obstacles for your personnel to seek treatment or ask for help.
To post prayer requests and find up-to-date info on the Oklahoma Fire Chaplains, go to www. okfirechaplains.org.
I have observed that there are four stages to every relationship that people are involved in. They know which stage that they are in – right now. 1st STAGE is that everything is “Hunky Dory!” they are living life and life is showing up. However, these folks are dealing with it effectively. 2nd STAGE is WE need help! When you or the other person in the relationship is saying, “WE” then you folks better listen and reach out for help. Most folks think they can just work it out on their own. Well you got there on your own and how’s that working out for you? The FBI calls this a clue! 3rd STAGE is “YOU need Help!” “It isn’t me anymore, it all on you!” It is hard to get over oneself and admit it, but they better do so. This person must, in earnest, seek help to fix their issues. 4th STAGE is SILENCE! Here is where they tell the other person that they have not loved them in a long time and they are out of here! There is not much to work with at this point.
The Scripture teaches us to not WORRY, but to REACH OUT for help. God uses all measure of ways for healing us, when we are injured or broken. Fire Fighters, Chaplains and Mental health professionals are used, by Him as well. 1 Peter 5:7-8 -- “…casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 8. Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.” (Amplified Bible) Matthew 6:25 -- “Therefore I tell you, stop being worried or anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted) about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, as to what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the harvest] nor gather [the crops] into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? (Amplified Bible)
I have had the privilege of being a part of this process since 1989. Watching the lives of Fire Fighters and their family members heal and ride-off into that coveted retirement sunset, is such a HOOT! I have seen the Lord use many different means, to bring about the physical, emotional and spiritual wellness of this honorable field of service. My department uses the ICISF Critical Incident Stress Management Training (CISM), IAFF Peer Support, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (Asist). We have had a CISM Team since 1990. It has served our department very well. All training is valuable, so get as much in your department as possible. CISM has morphed into a total program/process. Defusing, debriefings, one on ones are just 3 facets of early intervention that may lead to a higher level of care. Peer Support has been a part of our CISM from the beginning. The “M” stands for Management of the complete process in taking care of Fire Fighters and their families. When needed, “DEFINITIVE CARE” involves utilizing your all resources – Before, During and After when you are dealing with what this job and life will bring to your table. Before (take the fear out of your department HELPS): Pre-education in Recruit, Family and Friends (Recruit/ Citizen) and all promotional academies of CISM -your total training package, everything that your department offers. How to access; What is CISM process; How do you bypass the department (for
During: employ early intervention processes –CISM, ASIST, Employees Assistance Program (EAP) coupled with insurance providers for extended care. The EAP providers must be on your insurance too. Refer to Trauma MH providers! Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is a must with my folks and my providers. If they don’t have this training, I don’t use them in my referrals. I strike while the iron is hot. Same goes for impatient facilities. FYI- FFs with dependency issues, 90 days impatient in a co-occurring treatment facility, followed by Trauma therapy concurrent with 12 weeks of IOP is just a good start! Also, concurrent treatment with spouse and family during inpatient is necessary. Heal the family too. Maintain contact with family members throughout the process. Find Financial Resources to help cover costs. Track your personnel closely.
After: Walk with them and their families. Periodically do a pulse check on them. Eventually, try to get them to share their stories with others to fish their friends in too. Then watch those healthy or restored, get back in the saddle and promote. Then eventually enjoy their healthy retirements.
Here is a 23 ½ year snapshot of OKC Stats: 985 personnel worked the 1995 OKC Murrah Bombing. There have been more than 600 who have had some degree of MH therapy, numerous CISM and suicide interventions. To date we have only had 44 PTSD retirements (4.46%) and 0 (zero) suicides attributed to the Bombing! That’s what Definitive Care looks like. So please lead your department by example and get the Definitive Care that you, your family and your department DESERVE!
n Medicare Supplements n Guaranteed Life Insurance n Retirement Annuities Call 800-543-8588, ext. 160 For a Free Quote on Any of Your Retirement Needs 801 S. Main, Suite 2 Stillwater, OK 74074
24November 2018Oklahoma Firefighter
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OSFA Executive Board Highlights
The OSFA Executive Board met September 20, 2018 in the boardroom at 2716 NE 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, at 9:03 a.m. Roll Call: Dereck Cassady, Present and presiding Mike Kelley, Present Eric Harlow, Present Cliff Davidson, Excused Matt Lay, Present Juan Rodriguez (ORFA), Present Others: Steve Lumry, Gene Brown, Tim Bartram, Amy Hall, Dr. Erick Reynolds, Sean Douglas, Julia Jernigan and Eric Hamilton. Guests: Candice Barber and Lisa VanHorn, Manhattan Life Manhattan Life Presentation & Packet The Board heard a presentation to provide discounted insurance benefits to our members. Fire Marshal Commission Report: Lay Lay stated that the Ambassador’s group will be going to Washington, D.C. the first week of October. The Fire Marshal’s office currently has three vacant positions that they are taking applications for. Fire Service Training Report: Reynolds Reynolds distributed their annual report. Things have been going good but very busy for them right now. FST received their AFG grant and they are buying new LPG props. They are working with OSFA on the SAFER Grant. They had 54 people show up for the meeting in Durant. They have hired a lady to take Sally’s spot and Debbie will be retiring December 1. Committee Reports: No Committees have met since the last Board meeting but the Pub Ed Committee and the Educational Advisory Committee. Lumry stated that we plan to have all the Committee Chairman in to the next board meeting to give direction for their committees. Public Education Committee: Brown Brown discussed that they are moving forward with the Public Safety Summit. Cassady stated that the FMAO Board voted to do a Public Safety Summit at the State Fire School. Lumry said we should be able to have a flagship with emblems of all partners. Brown stated the priority right now is getting the
September 20, 2018 MEETING
Upcoming Dates to Remember: Jan. 30, 2019
New Chief Officer Workshop Stillwater
Jan. 31, 2019
OFCA Winter Workshop Stillwater
April 3-5, 2019
OFCA Conference Claremore
May 2-5, 2019
OSFA State Fire School Tulsa
June 4, 2019
38th ORFA Convention Ponca City
June 5-8, 2019
125th OSFA Convention Ponca City
June 5-8, 2019
87th OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Convention - Ponca City
curriculum together for the “Lesson in a Box”. The biggest drawback right now is not having any materials. Educational Advisory Committee: Lumry The Educational Advisory Committee is in the preliminary stages of getting ready for the State Fire School. The deadline for the Instructor applications will be in December. They are also considering asking for a short video of class description. The committee is trying to find a way to work the vendors in the reception room. Harlow suggested that the vendors come in and have an opportunity to introduce themselves during the reception due to the limited space available. Museum Report: Brown Brown stated that everything has been going well. They have slowed down now that school is back in session. Noll and Brown attended the Museum Network Seminar and started dialog on accessions, and more in-depth conversations about trading equipment out. Everything is looking good and moving forward. The staff has been working on new displays and the ladders for the museum. Lumry discussed that we did receive notification that the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation has do-
nated $250,000 for the Museum Expansion. Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Report: Lumry We will have our first audit from FEMA this afternoon. Nickel is currently in North Dakota for the NVFC Board meeting. NVFC Report: Nickel and Davidson are currently in North Dakota for the NVFC Board meeting. OFCA Report: Douglas Douglas said there is not much going on other than working on their Winter Workshop and the Chief’s Conference. There is an upcoming Legislative trip with the State Fire Marshal Group. ORFA Report: Rodriguez Rodriguez discussed the Medicare Supplement Committee meeting that was this last week. They are wanting to educate the members on Medicare. Bogges will have someone coming in for the next meeting from the agency that he uses. Rodriguez stated he would like to see them active in the Benevolent but right now their main focus is on the Medicare. He does not see them making the October enrollment deadline. Executive Director Report: Lumry Lumry discussed the new frames for the Executive Directors pictures and that the old frames will be used for the Board pictures. The new frames will be up by next month. We are in September and are still receiving membership summaries, Brent Hatcher applications, and the electronic newspaper numbers are still growing. Lumry reminded the Board about the KOPI proposal from last month. The O’Leary Firefighters Foundation Grant that Bartram applied for the Museum was denied. Pub Ed will be applying for a grant soon. Heroes Fore Charities Golf Tournament and OKTIMS are still being worked on. EOC is hosting their The 21st Annual Foundation Golf Tournament scheduled for Oct. 18. It helps provide scholarships for students to attend Fire Academy. OSFA received an invite to the Del City Station opening Oct. 5. There was an invite for the Oklahoma City Memorial Oct. 12. The Tulsa Firefighters Memorial will be held Oct. 6. The ORFA Golf Tourney is Oct. 10. Adjournment: 11:43 a.m. Next meeting: Oct. 18
National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Holds Fall Meeting in Bismarck, ND Sixty-three board members from 37 states attended the NVFC Fall Meeting held Sept. 19-21 in Bismarck, ND. OSFA 3rd Vice President Cliff Davidson and OSFA Administrative Director Sheri Nickel were among the attendees. The NVFC board of directors meet twice a year to conduct Council business, steer the direction of the organization, and address matters of importance to the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. Committees met on topics ranging from health, safety, and training to legislation to wildland to recruitment and retention and more. The EMS/Rescue Section and NVFC Foundation also met. In addition to committee actions, the board tackled a variety of issues, including the following: • Approved the NVFC’s amended 2018 budget and the 2019 budget • Reviewed the progress of strategic plan items • Passed an Anti-Harassment and Bullying Statement • Approved new mission statement for the diversity and inclusion committee The board also reviewed the new online NVFC member community, Volunteer Voices, and discussed how it will be implemented. Volunteer Voices will enhance member engage-
ment and allow the volunteer boots on the ground to connect with each other, ask questions, and share resources and best practices. A line-up of speakers presented to the board on a range of topics. • The event kicked off with a welcome from North Dakota Lt. Governor Brent Sanford, State Fire Marshal Doug Nelson, and Bismarck Fire Chief Joel Boespflug. • Steve Vandewalle provided an update on the Department of Homeland Security First Responder Resource Group and how volunteers can be involved. • A panel discussion on volunteer response to train derailment was presented by Robert Wetzler, former chief of Minot Rural FD; David Lautt, former chief of Harvey FD and NVFC ND director; and Lisa Clute, executive officer of First District Health Unit. • Ali Rothrock spoke about her experience with harrassment and how she overcame to thrive in the fire service. • Candace Muggerud, managing partner at KAT Marketing, spoke about the North Dakota Firefighter’s Association recruitment and retention program. NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and rescue services on the national level and provides resources, programs, training, and advocacy to help departments and boots-on-the-ground responders thrive.
Oklahoma FirefighterNovember 201825
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Museum news Gene Brown Museum Director geneb@osfa.info 405-424-3440
Hello Everyone! Everything is going well here at the museum. We are working hard on the expansion. Our future looks very bright. Thanks for all your support. Together we can make our dream a reality. The Expansion Committee has done a great job keeping us moving forward. The dedication of the OSFA Board and Expansion Committee is amazing. The Statewide Memorial was a great success. We had 650 people attend this year, making this the largest Memorial we have ever had. We are very proud to host an event that touches so many firefighters and families. It is an honor to remember the ones we have lost. They will live on in our memories. And we had a great turnout of Fire Departments that helped make this happen. Thank you for all your help. We can always use volunteers at the museum. If you have any spare time, please contact us here at the museum. We would love to hear from you. Anything helps. Have a great day!
VISIT YOUR OKLAHOMA FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM Mon. thru Sat. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Sun. 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. FREE for OSFA Members & Immediate Family
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Educational Advisory Committee Report David Macy
Oklahoma City FD
Hello Oklahoma Firefighters! I can hardly believe that we are already halfway through the month of October! With each passing day, we are a little closer to the 2019 Oklahoma State Fire School. There are a number of individuals from across our state who have volunteered their time to assist in making this event happen. We hope you are already making plans to attend! You won’t want to miss it! As we move forward with our duty of planning this event, we want to hear from you! If there are classes you feel would help make this training more relevant to firefighters in your area of the state, let us know! We feel that we have a fairly diverse committee made up of members from across the state, both career and volunteer! Feedback from those who have attended in the past will help us boost the experience for those who will attend in the future. If you haven’t already, mark your calendars and plan to attend this wonderful training opportunity May 2-5, 2019. Everyone be safe this holiday season and enjoy the time with your families! Boomer Sooner!
OWNED AND OPERATED BY RETIRED OKC FIREFIGHTER
Season’s Greetings
26November 2018Oklahoma Firefighter
n OKLAHOMA FIRE SPOTLIGHT GUYMON FIRE DEPARTMENT
2 Stations
Fire Chief: Dean McFadden
Joined OSFA in 1919
2 Brushpumpers
22 Paid & 25 Volunteer Members
Population: Approx. 2,950
Established in 1909
Area covered: 575 square miles
3 Engines
1 Ladder Truck
Avg. 1,300 calls a year
BY GREG ROBERTS Norman FD Retired If you would like to see your FD featured in a future issue, please contact Greg Roberts at 405-424-1452 or groberts1960@ gmail.com
Wishing you a joyous “Mayday,” season GFD’s mascot
and a prosperous new year from all of us here at
Wayest Safety There is no time more fitting for us to say with sincerity and appreciation
Ladder 1 2012 E-One 2000 Pump 400 Tank 95’ Platform
thank you.
BP-2 2016 Ford F-550 6.7 Powerstroke 18 HP pump motor/200 pump/400 tank
800.256.1003 www.wayest.com Medic 1 2008 Chevrolet 4x4/Frazier Duramax diesel
E-3 2009 Freightliner/E-One 1250 pump 1000 tank
OSFA Snapshots
Oklahoma FirefighterNovember 201827
Got something going on at your Fire Department? Share the news! Email photos to osfa@osfa.info
Christmas came early for the Perkins, Kellyville, Mannford and Konawa fire departments. They were delivered brand new sets of bunker gear last month for their new recruits who have completed Firefighter I as per the requirement of the OSFA’s SAFER grant. Grant year 3 begins Nov. 23. Now is the time to start thinking about training for 2019!
Del City FD dedicated a new fire station on Oct. 5
Oklahoma City FD Memorial Service on Oct. 14
AT LEFT: OSFA Executive Director Steve Lumry addressing retirees at the Norman FD breakfast on Oct. 13. AT RIGHT: Lumry and the OSFA Executive Board at the 2018 session of Camp Dana. These strategic planning sessions are named for Dana Cramer, who started this tradition when he was an OSFA Executive Board member.
Richland FD held its annual fundraiser Oct. 11 at the Express Clydesdale Ranch in Yukon
Tulsa Engine 16 B Shift
OSFA and State Fire Marshal presentation to the Delaware Nation on Oct. 15. Making the presentation was State Fire Marshal Robert Doke
28November 2018Oklahoma Firefighter
I AM AN
IS MY
TM
ATHLETIX
OKLAHOMA OFFICE 3601 N.W. 10th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Phone: 405-945-0400
800-749-3552
When you go in, we go in with you