October 2020 Volume 37, Issue 8
Official publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association
Doing Good Together 2020 - 2021 OSFA COMMITTEES See Pages 16-21
Legislative
Museum Expansion
Safety & Health
os Stavr hip ars Schol
I N S I D E
Volunteer Fire Service
Financial Advisory
Membership
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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
EMS Committee
Public Education
Memorial
Educational Advisory
Benevolent
OSFA Executive Board Members’ Comments............................................................. 5-6 OSFA Executive Director’s Report - Tippy Pierce .......................................................... 7 OSFA Administrative Director’s Report - Sheri Nickel ................................................. 7 ORFA Report - President George Fina ........................................................................... 8 Women’s Auxiliary Report - Courtney Thompson ........................................................ 8 Firefighter Near-Miss Report - Greg Lindsay ............................................................... 11 In Memoriam .................................................................................................................. 21 Executive Board Meeting Highlights ............................................................................. 28 Oklahoma Fire Spotlight -- Heavener FD ..................................................................... 30 Museum News - Gene Brown ......................................................................................... 31
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2October 2020Oklahoma Firefighter
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klahoma Firefighter October 2020
Volume 37 — Issue 8
Official Publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association
Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 20203 Check out our social media @IFSTA for more information and testimonial content!
Available Now! Leadership for the Wildland Fire Officer Leading in a Dangerous Profession SECOND Edition
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 (Interim) Tippy Pierce tippy@osfa.info
Managing Editor Penelope Soldan penelopes@osfa.info
•
Written to NWCG PMS 310-1
•
Chapters 1-5 address leadership tactics for ANY leader in ANY position
•
Don’t miss the Addendum – After Action Reports detailing some of the best known wildland fires and what could have gone differently.
ITEM# 36329
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.
Official publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association
May 2019 Volume 36, Issue 4
ACTA NON VERBA ( Actions not Words )
Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Oklahoma State 126th OSFAConvention Firefighters
Oklahoma State
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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
Convention
Call to order 405-424-3440. Visit the online gift shop at www.osfa.info
ADvertisers’ INDEX Capital Dynamics Page 26
NAFECO Page 2
Casco Industries Page 32
OAEVT Page 11
Chief Fire & Safety Page 29
OSU FST Pages 22-23
Conrad Fire Equipment Page 13
Pension & Retirement Pages 24
FPP Wildland Book Page 3
Phillips Murrah P.C. Page 21
Fred Alger Management Page 10
Roberts Testing Page 11
ITE Fire & Rescue Page 4
Sharp Testing Page 31
Convention June 5 - 8, 2019
for Digital 126th OSFA
Available in the OSFA Museum!
I N S I D E
2019 OSFA Convention Details .......................................................................................4 OSFA Executive Board Members’ Comments ............................................................5-6 OSFA Executive Director’s Report - Steve Lumry ..........................................................7 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Report -Marti Carpenter ......................................................8 Firefighter Near-Miss Report - Greg Lindsay ............................................................... 10 Museum News - Gene Brown ........................................................................................13 ORFA Report - President Juan Rodriguez ....................................................................15 House Passes Firefighter Bills ............................................................................... 18-19 Chaplain’s Corner - Kim Hayes .....................................................................................19 Executive Board Meeting Highlights ............................................................................ 24 Oklahoma Fire Spotlight -- Ft. Towson FD .................................................................. 26
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.
4October 2020Oklahoma Firefighter
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Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 20205
PresidenT n
Eric Harlow Guthrie FD ericharlow200@gmail.com 405-520-2893
Greetings Oklahoma Firefighters! Well, we’ve definitely had a few small tastes of fall already and we finally have some football games to watch. Unfortunately, the ever-present COVID is wreaking havoc on our fall sports with many games being canceled. I hope you and your families are staying healthy and safe during this continued pandemic. Election time is almost here and which ever way things go, there are sure to be changes ahead for us all. Whether it’s a federal or local race, there is a lot at stake this time around. Be sure to remember to go vote and make your voice heard. Our Legislative Committee will be meeting soon to start planning for this upcoming legislative session. We will have our eye on any bills that affect the Oklahoma fire service and our pension system. Speaking of committees, we have appointed all of our committees for this next year and it never fails to amaze me at the quality of people we have volunteering their time to serve our great organization. These people put in a lot of hours to help the Oklahoma fire service with everything from public education to training. If you know someone serving on a committee, thank them for their time and efforts. I want to update you on a few of our future events. We have signed an agreement for the 2021 OSFA Convention site. It will be held at the Dominion House in Guthrie the week of June 7, 2021. I’ll give a little history on the Dominion House for those who aren’t familiar with it. It was originally constructed in 1923 as the Guthrie Masonic Children’s Home. It served in that capacity until it closed in the late-1970s. It sat vacant for over two decades before its current owners set about on a massive remodeling project to bring it back to its original grandeur. It is now an event center hosting numerous weddings and events annually. The golf tournament will be held at Cimarron National Golf Course just west of Guthrie in the Cedar Valley golf community. It is a great course and I’m sure you will all enjoy it. We are still working on the other events for next year’s convention and we will update you on those as information becomes available. We are all excited for you to join us here in historic Guthrie next summer as we have a great convention in the works. The other event I would like to update you on is the 2021 State Fire School. Due to the ongoing pandemic, we are running into issues securing classroom space for the non-HOT classes. The Educational Advisory Committee, as well as 2nd Vice President Jim Ed Nimmo and the great folks with Tulsa Fire Department, are working tirelessly looking for options. We will have the school next year, but it will look different than years past. I think it’s just another one of those things that we will have to adjust to due to COVID. In closing I give a congratulatory shout-out to Chief Tom Bradley of the Stillwater Fire Department. Chief Bradley retired at the end of September with over 36 years of service to the SFD and the citizens of Stillwater. We all hope Chief enjoys his well-earned time off! Everyone stay safe and remember to sanitize often! Go Pokes!
1st vice President
2020-21 OSFA Executive Board
n
Ringwood FD
PRESIDENT
Eric Harlow • 405-520-2893 ericharlow200@gmail.com
580-554-1886 davidsoncliff@yahoo.com
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
Cliff Davidson • 580-554-1886 davidsoncliff@yahoo.com 2ND VICE PRESIDENT
Jim Ed Nimmo • 918-557-8379 jimnimmo7@gmail.com 3RD VICE PRESIDENT
Tony Lopez • 405-739-1343 tlopez@midwestcityok.org PAST PRESIDENT
Mike Kelley • 405-623-4338 mkelley@local157.org
Cliff Davidson
Hello Everyone! I hope all is well with you and your family. The month of October is when we honor our fallen brothers and sisters. I believe that this is one of the most important things that we do as an organization. As members of the OSFA, we should be very proud of our Memorial that honors our fallen. If you haven’t seen it, I encourage you to do so. Our predecessors before us did a fantastic job of raising funds and getting it completed. It is up to us to ensure that we maintain the funding to ensure that it is here for future generations. Your donations and your participation in the Memorial Golf Tournament are what helps in doing that. I want to thank all those who attended the golf tournament this year. We had a great turnout. Everyone stay safe.
2nd vice PresidenT n
Jim Ed Nimmo
Tulsa FD
jimnimmo7@gmail.com • 918-557-8379 If I wanted to put a finger on my favorite Al Pacino movie, it would be difficult. “The Godfather,” “Scarface” and “Heat” are a few that come to mind. One of his movies that people don’t talk about too much -- that I might say is my favorite, because of what it says about leadership and building leaders in the world -- is “Scent of a Woman.” If you’ve never seen the movie, it’s about a young man who is enrolled in a private prep school and is tasked with basically being a valet for a retired US Army Lt. Colonel who is left blind after a training accident over a school break. The young man is in some trouble at school. He witnesses an act of vandalism from a distance and is reluctant to name who was involved specifically. The Lieutenant Colonel is pretty rough around the edges and difficult to deal with. Despite that, he ends up being the young man’s advocate in a hearing at the school when he has no one else. It results in one of my favorite movie quotes about leadership: “As I came in here, I heard those words, ‘Cradle of leadership.’ Well, when the bough breaks the cradle will fall. And it has fallen here; it has fallen. Makers of men; creators of leaders; be careful of what kind of leaders you’re producin’ here. I don’t know if Charlie’s silence today is right or wrong. I’m not a judge and jury. But, I can tell you this, he won’t sell anybody out to buy his future! And that my friends is called integrity!
That’s called courage! Now that’s the stuff leaders should be made of.” If you are a leader, formal or informal in your organization, especially one who is in the position to mint leaders or influence their development, I encourage you to consider that quote. I am not going to talk about what I think makes a leader, you can read about it ad nauseum from people who have looked much deeper into it than I ever have -- and to be honest, I’ve never been too impressed with what I’ve read, and I don’t really want to be lumped into that category. Leaders in today’s fire service face a lot of difficult situations. I’m not talking about fires or other physical situations here. Unfortunately, they often rely on a set of tools that were forged in the late boomer notion of political correctness mixed with avoidance that have lost touch with today’s reality. They look to those whose time has passed by for advice. Or they develop their process on a standard based on how they perceive “professional” organizations would deal with an issue. My experience is that the common notion of professionalism in terms of culture building is just a mirage, and once you get close to it, no matter how convincing, the mirage disappears, revealing the same issues every organization deals with. On top of that, most corporate cultures would gladly take the bad part of the fire service, to have the dedication that we take for granted. Don’t kill that culture despite the rough edges, in an attempt to gain what is just an illusion anyway.
6October 2020Oklahoma Firefighter
3rd vice president n
Tony Lopez Midwest City FD tlopez@midwestcityok.org
405-739-1343
Greetings Oklahoma firefighters! Well, I’m still in the learning mode. I’m starting to get the hang of the pension meetings. It will be a work in progress. I was assigned to the Safety and Health Committee and we met this past week. This committee is working hard on a lot of issues that will keep us safe both in body and mind. I’m sure by now everyone knows this is an election year -- who couldn’t with all of the campaign commercials. I ask everyone be informed with the people running in your districts. We need people in office who will help us with our needs and protect what we have fought hard to get. I ask that if your are not a registered voter to please get registered and make your voice heard with people who support your issues. I had the privilege of playing in the David Bain Memorial Golf Tournament. It was a great turnout. I had the honor to work with David, and he was an great man. His legacy still lives on with his sons, Joel Bain (Ret. Midwest City FD) and Jesse Bain (Broken Arrow FD). If anyone has any questions or just wants to talk, please reach out to me. Stay safe and God Bless.
past president n
Mike Kelley Oklahoma City FD mkelley@local157.org
The year 2020 has definitely been one like no other, and as such has only reinforced my belief and pride in the firefighters of Oklahoma. When faced with adversity and uncertainty, firefighters dig deep and bring the calm to chaos. Thanks for what you bring to your communities and fellow firefighters everyday! We are in the silly season of politics and emotions are running high. And I would just ask that none of us lose sight of our mission in our communities! We are here to lift our communities and each other up, and that mission doesn’t change regardless of who is in office. Continue to rise above the noise and serve! Your OSFA is continuing to work during these challenging times to support the mission. Please continue to take advantage of the training opportunities that are being provided through the AFG program. OSFA Administrative Director Sheri Nickel is doing a great job administering that program. I want to thank everyone who participated in the Ride to Remember and the Memorial Golf Tournament. Both of these events support the ongoing operations of your Memorial. The Memorial and Museum are owned by you, the firefighters of Oklahoma, and both are something of which you should be proud. Another way that you can show your support is by displaying an Oklahoma Firefighter tag on all of your vehicles. October 4 is another milestone in the further development and expansion of your museum. That morning, we will have the official ground breaking of our first phase of the museum expansion. That ceremony will be followed by our annual Memorial Service where we pause to honor our brothers and sisters who have answered the final call during the past year. Due to the ongoing pandemic and the safety of potential participants, the decision was made to hold the event virtually. I hope that you will join us online at Facebook Live in honoring our own. Stay safe, and may God Bless you and yours!
Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 20207
OSFA executive director (interim) n
Tippy Pierce tippy@osfa.info
Moore Retired
• 405-424-1452
Greetings Oklahoma Firefighter Members! The Ride to Remember was held Sept. 12, and over 1,000 motorcycles were here at the museum complex (see Page 31 for more photos). The David Bain Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial Golf Tournament was held Sept. 16, and it raised over $43,000 for the Memorial (see Page 14 for photos). We had a dinner on the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Memorial plaza after the golf tournament. We fed approximately 90 of the golfers. This happened thanks to Chet Thompson and Jeff Weather cooking the meal from the Moore Fire Department. I would like to give special thanks to Darrin Nickel and Cliff Davidson for their help setting up the tables and chairs and taking them down after this dinner. The Statewide Memorial Service is Oct. 4, and it will be shown on Facebook Live. We are sorry that the families will not be able to attend this year. Planning is ongoing for the OSFA State Fire School to be held in Tulsa again next year. Over 220 OSFA committee members are hard at work to ensure that your needs are met and input is heard. The OSFA is in process of hiring two new staff members. One will work on member services and the other as an administrative assistant. These new positions will help us provide the service that the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association has always provided to all members of the fire service. We are working hard on the first phase of the museum expansion. The building permit has been applied for and it came back with some challenges that we are working on with Allen Clark Construction. County Commissioner Carrie Blumert and Brian Jasper are also helping with the dirt work and paving. Our hope is that within a month we are moving dirt. The lights on the Oklahoma Living and Fallen Memorial and the pool are back up and running. We posted two photos of it on the OSFA Facebook page that show the night view of the new lights that have been added to shine on the flame (one of those photos is featured on Page 29 of this issue). If you have never been here to see this in person, you need to make a trip to see it after dark. It is a very impressive sight to see and gives the respect to all who are honored by their service.
n
Museum Archivist
Bob Noll
Museum Staff
bobn@osfa.info 405-424-3440
I was recently visiting the city of Beaumont, Texas. Since I had a few free hours, I decided to visit the Beaumont Fire
Department museum. The museum is located at 400 Walnut Street in downtown Beaumont. The first floor is the BFD museum and the second floor houses some of the Beaumont FD’s administrative staff. The first display I noticed as I walked in the door was a Howe hand pumper. As I looked it over, I found that the signage noted that this hand engine had served somewhere in Oklahoma Territory. The description did not say where. I thought this to be very interesting as I thought that the Oklahoma fire service went from buckets to hose reels to steam fire engines to motorized apparatus. I was not aware that a hand engine had served anywhere in the Territory or later in the state. Several days later, I was reviewing photos in the collection of the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum and just happened upon a photo of what appeared to be a similar hand engine on
OSFA Administrative director
display (pictured above). The photo was later placed to be at the Max Westheimer Air Field in Norman, OK. The time frame was roughly mid 1950s. The similarity between the Beaumont hand engine and this was very close -- right down to both hand engines missing the cap for the water tank. At this writing we are searching for the city or town that this hand engine would have served in. Anyone who has any information or additional photos is urged to call me or Museum Director Gene Brown.
Sheri Nickel
n
Orlando FD
sherin@osfa.info 405-424-1452 Abraham Lincoln had one of the clearest explanations of the power of a shared organizational vision statement. “If we could know first where we are and where we are going, we could better judge what to do and
how to do it.” We must know where we are and where we want to go and how to bridge the gap between the two. In the OSFA, the committees bridge the gap between the members and the staff, and the committees are beginning to meet and develop goals and visions for the future. The Volunteer Fire Service Committee has met and is developing a program to build leaders in Oklahoma. Additionally, the committee has already begun planning the 2021 Volunteer Caucus and have decided to hold it in Lawton on Feb. 6 with a social event the night before. The Educational Advisory Committee has been meeting monthly trying to plan the 2021 State Fire School. It seems the overcoming obstacles is a normal debauchery that this committee has dealt with monthly. With the uncertainty of where society will be due to COVID in May of next year, the committee is struggling with locking in details. But rest assured, this committee continues to hold true to their commitment to you all and will deliver the best version of training possible. As we go to press with this edition of Oklahoma Firefighter, the staff is scurrying trying to keep up with planned committee meetings. And by staff, I mean Trisha Chain. Not only is she our Events and Marketing Coordinator, she does a fabulous job at keeping the office together. We are in the process of hiring two more staff members and hope to get some relief for Trisha soon. This last week has been a bit of a whirlwind after having most of our events cancelled and postponed so far this year. With the help of our Memorial Committee members and the Women’s Auxiliary, who came out on a beautiful Saturday morning, we hosted the Ride to Remember and then a few days later the David Bain Memorial Golf Tournament. We were able to host two successful fundraisers despite the current pandemic. A special thank you to our 2nd Vice President Cliff Davidson for spending all day wiring in new lights in the memorial fountain; to Scott and Lisa VanHorn and their boys; Clifford Lewis; Michele and Yogi Cole; Susan and Ronnie Walker; Kendra and Kyle Engle and their precious baby girl; Bert Norton; Courtney Thompson; Martha Pierce; and Greg Roberts for their help during the Ride to Remember. Thank you to Larry Bogges and Clifford Lewis for being at the Memorial Golf Tournament and taking pictures, and an extra big thank you to Chet Thompson and Jeff Weather for feeding everyone afterwards. I owe a special thank you to my husband Darrin, as well, for always jumping in with both feet and doing whatever needs to be done with no questions asked. If you have an idea of what the OSFA can do to help your department, share it with a committee member or send an email or give us a call. Whenever that vision is shared with everyone in the organization, everyone -- no matter their area or position -- can move in the same direction and support the vision from their own place in the organization.
8October 2020Oklahoma Firefighter
n
Firefighters FirefightersMuseum Museum Expansion ExpansionFundraiser Fundraiser Organized Organizedby byORFA ORFA
ORFA REport George Fina Oklahoma City FD Retired
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Hello to all of you antique fire extinguishers! I know you have had it with being in lock up. Yours minds have not quit working. We need to raise money for our Museum expansion. It is our museum and one of the best in the country. However, it is bursting at the seams. We all can do something in our area. Each and everyone of us can buy a ticket to win a Kubota ATV side-by-side. And we should all be preparing for the upcoming elections. Some of us feel that because we got the cost of living increase that we can go home. Since the 12-year battle is over, we cannot stop now. We need to protect and improve our pension. So when you vote, be sure that person is supporting our issues. Let’s build our political muscle by voting together. This is a good time to plan for a Chapter. If you don’t have a chapter, start one.
Grand Prize: Kubota RTV‐XG850 1 ticket for $25 or 5 tickets for $100 Tickets can be purchased at: www.osfa.info/gift‐shop/donations/
If you feel you are not large enough, join with other retired firefighters in the surrounding areas. There are many reasons for all of us to keep working. Here is a list of things we all can do. Pick an area and go for it: • The pension is our responsibility to protect for all of us and future firefighters. • Cost of living increases are important for our survival during our retirement years. • Health Insurance cost has gone out of sight. Much work is needed in this area! • Working in Political campaigns and voting. Encourage other to do so! • Our Museum expansion, buy and sell tickets. • Chapter: start one and improve memberships. Take care of each other. Proud to serve.
Drawing for the Kubota ATV side-by-side will be held the Saturday of the 2021 OSFA Convention (dates to be decided). Drawing will be held the Saturday of the 2021 OSFA Convention Winner will not have to be present to win. Deadline to enter is the Sunday before the 2021 OSFA Convention. Sales are online only (dates to be decided). Winner will not have to be present to win. Deadline to enter is the Sunday before the 2021 OSFA Convention. Sales are online only. n
Women’s Auxiliary Report
2020-2021 Women’s Aux Executive Board
Courtney Thompson Jr Board Member
Hey everyone! October is here, and I am ready for cold weather! So exciting to be headed into another wonderful season! Ride To Remember has just finished up, and if you missed out, then make sure you come out for next year! The weather was just absolutely perfect! What a blast, and all of the money earned goes to the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighter Memorial, the Emergency Responders Assistance Program and the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Memorial. Speaking of fundraisers, I wanted to give a big thank you to all of you who donated items and money for the women’s auxiliary auction held at the 2020 OSFA Convention. With your generous contributions, the auxiliary was able to donate funds to the Burn Apartment, Hydrants of Hope, Pete & Lela Stavros Scholarship, the Oklahoma Firefighter Burn Camp, the Oklahoma Fire Pipe and Drums and a few other organizations. We are so thankful for your continued support and hope next year turns out just as well! The next big event we have coming up is the Oklahoma Statewide Memorial Service on Oct. 4. It will be a wonderful memorial that will be streaming live on OSFA’s Facebook page. We also have the annual ORFA Golf Tournament on Oct. 21 that is sure to be a big hit! If you’re wanting to have a fun day outdoors and be able to raise money for your favorite organization, then you should sign up for a great day! I hope you all have a beautiful October, and a great Halloween!
2020-2021 ORFA Executive Board
PRESIDENT Michele Cole momachel@aol.com
PRESIDENT George Fina, OKC gomsoc38@gmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT Ashley Corbett ashleyc814@att.net
1ST VICE PRESIDENT A.K. “Yogi” Cole, Tulsa ycole@ipa.net
SECRETARY/TREASURER Kendra Engle kedamo10@yahoo.com
2ND VICE PRESIDENT James Fullingim, Norman nfdchief@hotmail.com
JR BD MEMBER Courtney Thompson courtneythompson524@gmail.com
3RD VICE PRESIDENT Mike Duncan, Dewey mduncan51@aol.com
PAST PRESIDENT Susan Walker sw233821@gmail.com
PAST PRESIDENT Tippy Pierce, Moore fftip@swbell.net
Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 20209
Question & Answers Oklahoma Firefighter asked last issue’s readers this question: “What historical moment stands out most in your memory?” Here is what they said: w Jeremy Goodrich, Yukon: Unfortunately the May 3rd 1999 tornado. It was a horrible day, however people came together for the greater good of humanity. Honestly, it is what really got me in the fire service seeing everyone come together in my neighborhood to help one another. That’s when I knew I wanted to do this job.
w Rick Chisum, Okmulgee: Death of
JFK. I was nearly five. I remember the stuff on TV, people crying and lil John John’s salute.
w Amanda Foreman, SW Lincoln County: April 19, 1995, the bombing of
the Oklahoma City Federal Building, was the most historical moment to me (pre9/11). I will never forget the exact moment it occurred. I was in school at that time. My parents were able to hear the blast more than 20 miles away. They were worried and picked me up from school. That evening, my mom snuck us up to the site. This was where, just before being ushered away by cops, I caught a glimpse of what would be one of the most deadly terrorist attacks in American history. At that age (10), I was too young to process or comprehend exactly what I was looking at; what I did know is that I would help people the way I saw first responders helping people that day. It wasn’t just first responders, it was anyone -- everyone that could be there to help came and helped. That was the day they set “The Oklahoma Standard.” This was a response to a horrible tragedy met with unwaivered courage, hope and resolve. This would become the response standard to which all future disasters in Oklahoma would be held to.
w Kelly Ransdell, NFPA: The historical event was the magnitude of September 11 and how it changed our world so much, but also how it brought first responders to the forefront for the amazing work they do! w Bert Norton, Midwest City: Last year while attending the National Fire Academy, I went through the battle field at Gettysburg. Seeing all the monuments there made me realize what our country went through many years ago to set the direction for us today.
w Brady Bond, Garber: The most historical moment that stands out most in my memory is the Oklahoma City Bombing on April 19, 1995. I would strongly encourage anyone who has not toured the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum to do so.
w Aaron Burns, Ret. Broken Arrow: The day Elvis died. I was 10 years old and my mom and I were in the car. She pulled over to a Safeway parking lot and started crying. I was named after him. w Bre Horn, Marshall: For me, the historical events that actually stick out would be the Murrah Building Bombing in OKC and 9/11.
w Phil Ostrander, Ret. Tulsa: 9:56
p.m. on July 20, 1969. I was a 12-year-old boy who had models of all the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space capsules. I was sitting on the foot of mom and dad’s bed watching that happen (one giant leap for mankind). w Mike Bower, Ret. Midwest City: It would have been easy to use the current COVID 19 Pandemic. But the April 19, 1995 Murrah Bombing will always be something I will never forget. w Tom Marcum, Mooreland: The explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger and 9/11. Both are etched in my memory forever. w Bryan West, OSU-FST: The answer I have may be common with other responders if you are from Oklahoma. The Murrah Bombing in OKC has to be the most memorable historic moment for me.
w Randy Rose, Ret. Okahoma City: Personally, the day I got my firefighter badge. Historically, VE day ... some will remember, lest we forget.
w George Fina, Ret. Oklahoma City: The assassination of President Kennedy. w Cory Beagles, Deer Creek FPD: Several events come to mind from my actual memory. I remember the Berlin Wall coming down, The Persian Gulf War, the OKC Bombing, and the events of 9-11-01. I think the thing that ties all of those events together is how they all united our country in humanity, patriotism and acts of heroism. Things designed or intended to divide and destroy brought us together and showed the world how incredible our UNITED States can be. w Darren Alexander, Cedar Country: The 9/11 attacks stand out, but I won’t talk about that. The other one that stands out is the Challenger Explosion in 1986. I was a Freshman at OU in Walker Tower and we were watching the launch in the TV room and witnessed it live. I remember the silence in that room. It was very cold outside and after seeing it, a bunch of us just walked around campus. I didn’t go to any classes that day because I was still in shock.
Next Month’s Question --
“What’s the weirdest thing you’ve eaten?” Everyone is Welcome to Participate!
Email Your Response to penelopes@osfa.info
n
SAFER Grant Sheri Nickel SAFER Grant Coordinator
As the end of the FY2015 SAFER grant draws near, I am beginning to feel a little bit emotional about the great things that we have been Year-4 of SAFER Grant able to accomplish with the funding. We have sponsored 18 online Firefighter-1 classes Opened Nov. 29, 2019 with OSU and one with EOC. The number of volunteer firefighters that have met Funds dispersed or exceeded their training goals by receiving their Firefighter-1 certification is hovering around the 200 mark. on a first-come Whenever the FEMA award was handed to me back first-served basis in 2016 and I began figuring out how we were going to spend the $2.1 million, I had serious doubts that I would ever be able to hand out 75 sets of bunker gear to highly trained firefighters each year. And it was suggested to me that if I did that, it would most likely be to volunteers east of I-35. So whenever I look at where this training is going to, I have a bit of delight in volunteer firefighters all across our state who have stepped up and taken pride in themselves and their fire departments who have not Sheri Nickel only received their FF1 certifications, but the rookies Grant Coordinator who received a pension physical and received a set of the OSFA branded bunker gear. www.OSFA.info I get pictures sent to me every once in awhile of firefighters in action wearing that gear with OSFA on sherin@osfa.info the arm, and makes all of the paperwork and traveling 405-424-1452 office worth my while. 580-554-7123 cell While we brag about the success of this training, the down side is that not everyone that has taken one of Because of the success of this these classes has passed the certification test, and their grant, OSFA was awarded a new fire chief receives the bill. SAFER Grant for 2020-2024 I would like to stress to you all that time is running to sustain and enhance what out to retest and get reimbursed for the cost of the is already being done! class. The deadline is fast approaching. and if you are putting it off, stop doing so and get the test taken. You will need to call OSU-FST and get scheduled. Once November 24th gets here, you are out of time. There are study aids available, an APP with practice questions, as well as a workbook. The tools to be successful are available, but it is up to you to use them. If you are waiting on a physical or to have your bunker gear delivered, please be patient. As with most things in society, COVID has slowed things down. And if you are currently in a class, work hard and study harder. You are part of the change that we need in the Oklahoma Fire Service.
OKLAHOMA STATE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
Homes for Heroes and the NVFC Partner to Help First Responder Purchase Homes Homes for Heroes and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have partnered to help volunteer firefighters, EMS providers and rescue workers save when purchasing, selling or refinancing a home. NVFC members, their families and their first responder friends are eligible to take advantage of the Hero Rewards program, which provides discounts, savings, and rewards on real estate transactions. Through the Hero Rewards program, first responders and other eligible heroes maximize savings on a home. The average person saves at least $2,400 when buying or selling a home through the program, not including the additional savings available from real estate agents, loan officers, title companies, home inspectors and other related expenses. To date, the program has saved heroes over $60 million on their real estate transactions. Homes for Heroes will also make a donation to the NVFC for every responder who utilizes the Hero Rewards program through the NVFC’s webpage on the Homes for Heroes web site, located at www.homesforheroes.com/nvfc. The donation will be used by the NVFC to provide needed resources, programs, and advocacy to support the volunteer fire and emergency services. “In our mission to thank every hero in the nation, partnering with the NVFC allows both our organizations to work together to give back to those who risk their lives every day to keep us all safe,” said Christopher Bowles, president of Homes for Heroes. “We are looking forward to working with NVFC members on their next real estate transaction.” To learn more and take advantage of the program, visit www.homesforheroes.com/nvfc.
10October 2020Oklahoma Firefighter
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Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 202011
n
NEAR-MISS REPORT
By Greg Lindsay
A Primary Goal: Scene Safety One of the first things we learned during EMS training is to protect ourselves and monitor the scene around us. These are the first two actions to take when we arrive on the scene and play a large part in size-up: giving us the big picture view. Without attention to these two elements, it is possible to become focused only on patient care. This is commonly characterized as tunnel vision or loss in situational awareness. This month’s featured report describes an incident where the process began with scene size-up but lost the wide-angle view when the event’s technical part started. This report shares an important concept that is often overlooked. While reading this report, consider how your crews would respond to this incident and the role each member contributes when on something similar.
Vehicle Motor Began to Accelerate During Extrication http://firefighternearmiss.com/Reports?id=6268 EVENT NARRATIVE My department was dispatched to a motor vehicle collision on a rural road in our response area. It was reported to be a single-car vs. a hay wagon on a rural road. I responded on my own with our light rescue unit from the fire station. Upon arrival, arriving companies (engine, truck, and light rescue) found an unrestrained patient, unconscious and trapped under the dashboard. At the incident, a member of our department, an emergency doctor, called for intubation and requested that a medical helicopter be started. The vehicle had extensive damage, and the decision to extricate was made. Two members climbed into the car and began to treat and package the patient while the rest of the responders began extrication. The engine crew stretched a protective hoseline but did not staff anyone on the nozzle. During the extrication, we had just finished making a relief cut on the A-post when the motor of the vehicle started to accelerate due to the patient’s foot being pinned against the accelerator. This alarmed everyone, and we scrambled to secure the ignition. I grabbed the hoseline, and we continued extricating the patient. The patient was immediately transported to the hospital. The reporter does not discuss the type of vehicle or how the impact deformed the front of the car, so we can’t be sure exactly what they encountered. Considering that this may have been tangled with the hay wagon, discuss the following: • What would your immediate concerns be at this incident? • Are there specific vehicles that cause more concern than others? • Life safety is an issue for the patient as well as the responders. Occasionally, we see a traumatic injury, and our first instinct is to stabilize the patient. Take a
OKC Fire Department
moment to discuss with your crew the need to stabilize the vehicle first. • A respected member of the department and community, an emergency room doctor, is on the scene and introducing patient care when you arrive. As an officer responding to this incident, how do you prevent members from operating in a potentially dangerous environment and still provide care? The lessons shared from this report bring up a few more topics to discuss with your crew. LESSONS LEARNED The first course of action should have been to secure the car’s ignition and disconnect the battery. This would have prevented the accelerator from engaging the motor of the vehicle. Second, we should have positioned a member at the hose’s nozzle, just in case of fire or explosion. Pulling the hose and leaving it on the ground provided very little safety for us. RECOMMENDATIONS Don’t forget the basics of extrication. Securing the ignition and cutting the battery supply is fundamentally sound and was missed this time. In the full report, the author indicated nine personnel on the scene in four apparatus. Any incident that involves more than one crew should have someone responsible for the incident. Where staffing is limited, the Incident Commander is responsible for many tasks, and if the IC does not assign Safety to someone, they are accountable for that as well. This report is a good reminder that we are responsible for our personnel to keep all of them safe. Some hybrid vehicles are so quiet it’s hard to tell if they are running. Other newer cars don’t require a key in the ignition to operate, and special training is necessary to secure the battery on electric vehicles. The number of ways firefighters can be injured on a motor vehicle incident grows every day. The need for scene safety continues to grow with it. The national nearmiss reporting system needs your support. The lessons shared are from firefighters in communities across America that are proud of the responsibility to keep others safe. A report shared on www.Firefighternearmiss.com can anonymously reach thousands of firefighters worldwide. And remember, if it can happen to you, it could happen anywhere. Thank you for reading and have a safe shift.
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12October 2020Oklahoma Firefighter
21st Annual Oklahoma Fallen & Living Firefighters Memorial Service Honoring Our Own n October 4, 2020 n At Oklahoma Firefighters Museum & Memorial in Oklahoma City Ada Ada Agra Alfalfa Rural Altus Alva Amber Arapaho Ardmore Arkoma Barnsdall Bethany Bethel Acres Billings Blackwell Blair Blair Blanchard Bokchito Bristow Bristow Broken Arrow Broken Arrow Broken Bow Byars Byars Canton Canton Cedar Country Cement Central High Chandler Cherokee Cheyenne Chickasha Choctaw Choctaw Chouteau Clinton Colbert Colcord Cole Comanche Copan Covington Crescent Custer City Cyril Davidson Davis Del City Delaware Dill City Dill City Drummond Duncan East Duke El Reno Elk City Empire Enid Enid Enid Enid Erick
James H. Cape Thomas Stark Glen V. Britton Todd L. Willis Ralph L. Walker Eldon D. Easterly Sr. Don Null Nicky Smith Theodore Pierce Bob Borin Bill Dildine James Robertson Arnold Gaddy Danny Ketts Donald Pierce Roland Lankford James Self Gregory L. Shupert Bobby Easter Donald L. Beach Daniel Sullivan Jr. Patrick E. Buchanan William H. Cooper Ronnie Sharrock Burl Hanks Gordon Payne Francis D. Eliot John Gray Roger Wickey Jack Hendricks Frank Cullum Thomas A. Pepper Jim White Daniel Dye Karl Lehew Durland R. Lewis David Nelson II Charles D. Newton Sr. Bob R. Byrd James C. Hannan William Crites Jacob L. Stanard Billy Blackwell Edward D. Gaut Thomas Bigbey Joe Crook Gerald Fortner Dwight Woodward Floyd J. Travis Carl G. Summers Hal Housh Don Cartwright Terrall Cox Jerry R. Hartronft Lowell F. Bees Robert Elden Emmons Jerry G. Marquart Billy Ray Ludlow Orville Word Chester Dixon Jr Robert Elliott Harry Hendryx Everett Kirkley Thomas Ogburn Curtis Austin
Eufaula Thomas Foresee Eufaula Leonard Luna Fairfax John Summy Fairfax George Weston Felt Daryl G. McDaniel Felt Lavaughn McDaniel Fort Sill Richard Walts Frederick Robert Godfrey Frederick Michael Jones Garber Kenneth Barber Garber Malcom McDoniel Glenpool Nicholas L. Radford Gotebo Harmon F. Walker Jr. Gracemont Ray Watts Sr Grandfield L.D. Due Grandfield Sidney McLain Grandfield Glynn Weaver Guthrie William H. Martin Hammon Kenneth Baker Hammon Jack Warner Haskell Roy Jones Haywood/Arpelar Edith L. Eubanks Haywood/Arpelar Kenneth L. Eubanks Helena Phillip D. Jantz Helena Norman W. Bridgeforth Honorary Member Harry E. Brown Jr. Hobart Donnie A. Smith Holdenville Gordon R. McKane Holdenville Andrew Peerson Hooker Russell E. Clark Hugo John V. Clay Hulbert Sidney K. Craig Hulbert Paul D. Kile Inola Michael T. Martin Jenks Don Catlett Jenks Raymond D. Jordan Jenks Wesley C. Weaver Jones Dee Williams Kansas Richard L. Page Keota Kennith L. Brand Ketchum Ted VanSchuyver Kildare Virgil M. Brandon Krebs John F. Shields Lamont Britton Stacy Langley Billy Flock Langley Gary Long Laverne Cecil Mitchell Lawton John M. Schroeder Leedey Eben Allen Lexington James Alexander Lindsay Richard C. Horner Locust Grove Doyle Downing Lone Grove Albert Rice Lone Wolf Ray A. Rogers Mangum Francis G. Hukill Mannford John F. Anson Marietta Wilton B. Allen Marietta Debra R. Edwards McLoud R.D. Stacy Meeker Jerry D. Smith Miami Robert Fansler Midwest City Charles Brice Midwest City William R. Cox Midwest City Eddie W. Ellis Minco Jerry D. Chilton
Minco Jasper Davis Minco Johnny Verser Minco Calvin Woodworth Mt. View Orvel R. Butler Muskogee Michael K. Brewster Mustang Billy H. McCracken Nash Ernest Gripe Nash John M. Wilkins Nichols Hills Kenneth Farber Norman R. Wayne Steely Octavia Bobby Joe White Okarche Wilfred Rund Okeene Willard Brownsworth OKC Gary Armstrong OKC Troy D. Bunch OKC Louis Dale OKC Joe Goddard OKC Jerry Hollingsworth OKC Clarence Jones OKC Charles Kindrick Sr OKC Donald Kirkham OKC Clinton Merrick OKC Donald Miller OKC Marvin Mouse OKC Donald R. Payne OKC Carla Roberson OKC John A. Rowe OKC Kellie J. Sawyers OKC Cletus Scrivner OKC Ernest Smith OKC Todd Spencer OKC Gerald W. Wallace Sr. OKC Billy Williams Okmulgee Terry Ballard Okmulgee Michael Hicks Oktaha Norman R. Allen Olustee Bill Suskie Panama Thomas Wagner Paoli Juanita Mata Pauls Valley Raymond Chaufty Pawhuska William Corbin Pawhuska Paul W. McAlexander Perkins Johnny Bowyer Perkins Henry Stafford Porum David Wright Prague Harold Behrnes Purcell Lowell Herell Quapaw Richard L. Taconis Rocky Cleve Hill Rocky Clay W. Rogers Roosevelt William Henson Sallisaw James Farmer Sallisaw Wesley G. Keith Sand Springs Curtis Davidson Savanna James Harper Sayre Tommy P. Calverley Jr. Sayre Ernest Moses Sayre Stanford Perkins Seiling Calder B. Brown Seiling Mackey A. Louthan Sentinel Jimmy Chandler Sentinel John King Jr Shawnee Tony W. Steward Shawnee Tommy Parrish Snyder Ascencion Duarte
Snyder Billy Ford S. Coffeyville Carl Michael Bryant Sterling Douglas L. Lovett Sterling Victor Simpson Stigler Ronald Scroggins Stillwater Michael Eytcheson Stonewall Phillip Nuner Stroud John Carpenter Tahlequah Sequoyah Martin Tahlequah Donald E. Nottingham Terral Wayne Jackson Tipton Tommy N. Herring Tipton Marvin Huff Tonkawa James L. Pedigo Tri Comm Rachel Unger Tryon Bob G. Buck Tulsa Bennie Arney Tulsa Nick Auxer Tulsa Tray L. Caldwell Sr. Tulsa Charles Childers Tulsa Don Cook Sr. Tulsa David Croslin Tulsa Ray Dawson Tulsa Dewey A. Garrison Tulsa Evert Gibson Tulsa Eddie Green Tulsa Jim M. Hamblin Tulsa James Mastin Tulsa Robert Mays Tulsa Raymond McKibben Tulsa Owen Purcell Tulsa Max Ramsey Tulsa Russell Reynolds Tulsa Terry R. Scott Tulsa George Smith Tulsa George Tumleson Tulsa Stacey Ward Tupelo Danny Johnson Valliant Bill B. Hubbard Vinita Leon Charles Wakita Gary Duncan Wakita James Judy Wann Larry Benson Warner Stanley Whitby Watonga Bobby Oler Waurika Starriett B. Watkins Wellston Anciel W. Evans Wichita Mt. Estates Mark Gustafson Wilburton Bill G. Donoley Woodward Noce Evans
Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 202013
2020 ORFA FUN & FELLOWSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT
SCHOLARSHIPS BENEFITTING FIREFIGHTERS From Oklahoma City Community Foundation
Pete & Lela Stavros Scholarship Foundation Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at Fire Lake Golf Course 1901 James L. Edwards Lane, Shawnee, OK 74801
Awarding scholarships to high school seniors -- all the children of Oklahoma Firefighters -- since 2004. At the 2020 OSFA Convention, five $1,000 scholarships were awarded.
Registration at 11 a.m. Lunch at Noon • Tee-Off at 1 p.m.
Keith Bryan Memorial Scholarship Fund
Cost: $75 per person (includes green fees, cart & lunch) Mulligans are 4 for $20
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.
OPEN TO ALL FIREFIGHTERS Prizes Reserved for Retirees Everyone receives a Goody Bag for registering Register online at www.osfa.info Questions? Call OSFA Office at 405-424-1452
To Make Secure Donation With Credit Card: https://donate.occf.org To make contribution with check, call OSFA office at 405-424-1452 for donation card & return envelope
n www.CONRADFIRE.com n (913) 780-5521
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Firefighters Serving Firefighters
14October 2020Oklahoma Firefighter
n
24th Annual david bain memorial golf tournament Flight A 1st Place Players (and Friends)
Photos by Clifford Lewis, Ret. OKC FD
Ann Bain with Dana Cramer (above) and Larry Bogges (below)
Sept. 16, 2020
At Lincoln Park Golf Course 28 Teams • 112 Players FLIGHT A 1st Place: Jesse Bain, Paul Smith, Ryan Theobald, Tanner McGuire Flight B 1st Place
2nd Place: Larry Hansen, David Carter, Maggie Raprich, Audra Stone
Flight A 2nd Place
3rd Place: Scott Woods, Trevor Felan, Jim Campbell, Jason Selman
FLIGHT B
1st Place: Neal Crutchfield, James Deeds, Craig Rolke, Micah Horner 2nd Place: Charles Hasley, Thomas Byrd, Justin Partridge, Dean Baker
Flight B 2nd Place
3rd Place: Kent Lagaly, James Heap, Justin Green Closest to the Hole: Darrin Nickel, Trevor Felan
Perry Brinegar and Melvin Mashburn
Longest Drive: Logan Gore, Scott Woods Ann Bain (David’s wife), Chris Bain (David’s brother) and George Fina
Flight A 3rd Place
Flight B 3rd Place
Never Judge a Book by its Cover
Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 202015
The Faces of a Volunteer Firefighter Orlando Volunteer Firefighter Nick Leach was born in Perry and raised just East of Orlando. He practiced law for 28 years before being appointed the Associate District Judge of Noble County by Governor Mary Fallin in 2004. After assisting with a major fire in 1995, he saw the need for some additional manpower at the fire department and signed up as a volunteer. He has been with Orlando FD for 24 years, 6 months. In a recent question-and-answer session with Oklahoma Firefighter, Nick, 61, shared the following: Schools attended? I attended Orlando, then Mulhall-Orlando school, graduating high school in 1977, then Oklahoma State University graduating in 1981 with a degree in Accounting. Finally, I graduated from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1985. Firefighting background? Orlando did not have a very well organized fire department prior to 1996. My grandfather built some of the early fire trucks, and he and some other men manned the trucks as needed. We had a couple major fires in the 1994-1996, and it was obvious that the department needed better organization and equipment. How’d you go about getting into the fire service? Our department was organizing formally in accordance with statutes, so a meeting was held and all the current members formally joined the department. What do you like best about being a firefighter? You get a sense of service to your community. My family goes back four generations in the community, and giving back to the people that your family has known for decades gives me a great sense of pride. What have been some highlights of your fire service career so far? The camaraderie among firefighters -- not just from my department, but from your neighboring departments, as well -- is unique in the fire service. Spending two or three days fighting fires with your teammates and neighbors, you develop a sense of brotherhood. What’s it like working a full-time job and being a volunteer firefighter? It can be difficult trying to split time between work and fire service. There’s training, meetings and, of course, call outs. As a volunteer, you can’t make all the call outs and it’s very difficult not being able to be with your teammates on calls. Has there ever been a time when your career has interfered with your job as
a volunteer firefighter? Of course. When I’m on the bench in a trial or conducting a hearing, I’m not able to respond to calls. Sometimes work has to come first. But with a volunteer department, you know that there are those who can respond when you can’t, and you can respond when they can’t. Is there one call that sticks out in your mind? We had a major fire in our district several years ago, the kind of wildfire where conditions are perfect with low humidity and extremely high winds. We were just trying to stay ahead and protect some structures. My partner and I were in a brush truck ahead of the fire checking on residences as we came across a small trailer house in the middle of a pasture. The fire was raging not far behind us as a young woman came out of the trailer with two very small children in tow. She was frantic as the smoke and flames were clearly visible and were heading directly for the house. We sheltered the young woman and children in our truck as we prepared to make a stand to protect her house. We were fortunate to have a full tank of water and we were able to divert the fire around her house. The relief and gratitude reflected in her tear-filled eyes are something I’ll never forget. It’s moments like this that make all the sacrifice, time, sweat and effort worth it all. How has the fire department evolved since you first joined? We’ve had tremendous change in our department since I first joined. At first, we were mostly building all our own apparatus, as we didn’t have funds to purchase new equipment. We used mainly Forest Service hand-me-down trucks which were mostly worn out when we got them. We did the best we could with many volunteers providing parts and supplies out of their own pockets. Then, our county passed a sales tax devoted to rural fire service. Before long, our budget increased many fold and soon thereafter, we were able to purchase our first new brush truck. Over the years we have purchased several new apparatus along with other equipment. We are one of the best-equipped small departments in the state, thanks to the citizens of our county. What are your hopes for the future? I hope that my department continues to commit resources in equipment and training. I also hope that the younger generation understands the need to give back to our community and volunteer to be firefighters.
Help support your Oklahoma Firefighters Museum Expansion and Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial PURCHASE AN OKLAHOMA FIREFIGHTER LICENSE TAG! Money received from the purchase of each tag goes directly to financing upkeep on the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial and Oklahoma Firefighters Museum. Oklahoma Firefighter tags cost $40 a year (on top of regular tag fees) and $20 goes directly to the Museum/Memorial.
Tags can be purchased from local tag agents any time during the year -- not just with your regular plate. And they can be customized to 6 letters as approved by the Tax Commission. Forms for Oklahoma Firefighter tags can be downloaded from www.osfa.info.
16October 2020Oklahoma Firefighter
Doing Good Together
2020-21 Legislative Committee By Brady Bond OSFA Legislative Committee Chairman Hello OSFA membership! My name is Brady Bond, and I have been asked to serve as the chairman of the 2020-2021 OSFA Legislative Committee. I have had the pleasure of serving on the Legislative Committee for the past few years, and have witnessed experienced leaders pass HB 2051, allowing paid firefighters to serve on a volunteer fire department after retirement, as well as the passing of the COLA giving retirees a raise for the first time in 12 years. The job of the Legislative Committee is to take an idea generated by the membership via resolutions, the OSFA board, legislative subcommittees, caucuses and other facets of our membership and facilitate the development of that idea into workable legislation to be introduced at the State Capitol. We achieve this by utilizing the various resources at the disposal of our organization to gauge both the political and economic climate, locate “friends” within the legislature to introduce any bills we develop and maintain relationships with those friends as they usher the bill through, over, under or around the various hurdles it will face to remain alive once introduced into the House or Senate. I ask that if you aren’t on a first name basis with your legislators to please try and meet them. Those relationships with legislators are invaluable at the Capitol. I would also encourage OSFA members to get involved in other organizations throughout our state. The further we can get our voice out, the better our chances will be at having success at the Capitol. I look forward to working with the OSFA Board, our staff, legislators and, most importantly, the OSFA members. If you have any questions and/or thoughts for the upcoming legislative session, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or any other Legislative Committee member. This is a group effort and we Legislative will need everyone’s input and effort to move forward. Brady Bond, Garber (Chair) David Carter, OKC (Vice Chair) Eric Acosta, Tulsa Cory Beagles, Deer Creek FPD Justin Beard, OKC Herb Bradshaw, Ret. Warr Acres Ricky Burns, Choctaw T. Dick Cagle, Ret. Tulsa Dereck Cassady, Ponca City Yogi Cole, Ret. Tulsa/Keys Dana Cramer, Ret. Norman Cliff Davidson, Ringwood Mike Duncan, Ret. Dewey George Fina, Ret. OKC Brian Foughty, Ret. Moore Larry Hansen, Ret. OKC
Eric Harlow, Guthrie James Heap, Frederick Richard Kelley, OKC Scott Kirby, Mill Creek Matt Lay, Tulsa Travis Miller, Tahlequah Tony Morgan, OKC Jim Nance, Tulsa Tippy Pierce, Ret. Moore Cary Provence, Yukon Randy Rose, Ret. OKC John Soos, Ret. OKC David Thompson, Slaughterville Terrell Thompson, El Reno
2020-21 Public Educa By Jacob Stangl OSFA Public Education Committee Chair The Public Education Committee strives to build community partners and develop educational programs to reach our most vulnerable populations. This past year, the committee was able to make some huge advancements towards this goal. In March, we partnered with several organizations, including NFPA, SafeKids and the Bethany Children’s Hospital to host the Oklahoma Public Education Summit. The PubEd Summit was a huge success and featured presentations from U.S. Fire Administrator G. Keith Bryant, INTEGRIS Burn Center Medical Director Dr. Christopher Lenz and President of SafeKids Worldwide Torine Creppy. Following the Summit, the committee was able to meet with members of the State Department of Education about potential development of fire and life safety curriculum at the state level. The committee is comprised of members not only from Oklahoma fire departments, but also from the state and national levels of the fire service. COVID-19 hit shortly after the meeting and the committee was forced into a hiatus, but we are scheduled to resume meetings again soon and look forward to building on the success from previous years.
To provide qua
Pub Educa
Jacob Stangl, Ed Louis Marschik Joel Bain, Ret. M Cody Banks, Tu Gene Brown, O Tony Carbajal, O Dereck Cassady Rick Chisum, O Jamie DuBose, D Jon Haight, Fair
2020-21 Museum Expansi
have faced over the Museum Expansion move forward with Firefighters Museu Center. The OSFA Board request and we are in the very near fut of construction of a storage facility/wo Completion of P
At the last few Executive Board Meetings for the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association, members for OSFA Committees were selected. A total of 238 members are on the 12 OSFA Committees.
Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 202017
Following is a list of Committee Members and Mission Statements. And the OSFA Committee Chairs have submitted an explanation as to what their committees’ responsibilities are to the membership and how the committees plan to accomplish their goals.
ation Committee MISSION STATEMENT
ality interactive educational programs and fire prevention material for all ages, emphasizing community safety and fire prevention across the State of Oklahoma. The committee strives to provide blic diversified programs and educaation tional material consistent with our local community’s needs, fire department’s needs, and children’s needs across the State of Oklahoma.
dmond (Chair) k, OKC (V. Chair) Midwest City ulsa OSFM Oklahoma City y, Ponca City Okmulgee Deer Creek FPD rview
Jordan Hughes, El Reno Scott Kirby, Mill Creek Tim Lee, Ardmore Amy Miller, Post Mountain Bryan Miller, Alva Stephen Mixon, Tulsa Bob Noll, OSFM Billy Sizemore, Elk City Carl Hickman, State Fire Marshal Kelly Ransdell, NFPA
ion Committee By Mike Bower OSFA Museum Expansion Committee Chairman
I think most of you will agree that 2020 has been a difficult year, both personally and professionally, so far. In spite of all the challenging times we e past several months, the n Committee has voted to h Phase 1 of the Oklahoma um and Family Education
d has approved our e hoping to break ground ture. Phase 1 will consist a 7,320 square foot, 6 bay, orkshop. Phase 1 will make it pos-
2020-21 Benevolent Committee By Phil Ostrander Benevolent Committee Chair
Phil Ostrander, Ret. Tulsa (Chair) Melanie Colvin, Lexington (Vice Chair) Justin Beard, OKC Donnie Bennett, OKC T. Dick Cagle, Ret. Tulsa Tim Casey, Perry Yogi Cole, Ret. Tulsa/Keys Rob Crews, Elk City Mike Duncan, Ret. Dewey Les Foughty, Ret. OKC Clifford Lewis, Ret. OKC Tom Marcum, Mooreland Philip Mead, Ret. Atoka Tim Moxley, Perry Michael Pettey, Fort Supply Juan Rodriguez, Ret. Lawton Joshua Smith, Wynnewood Andy Willrath, Mustang
The year 2020 is a test. It is a test of our understanding of our roles and responsibilities as a nation during the most trying times since WWII. It is a test of how we exercise those responsibilities. One way that we as members of Oklahoma’s Fire Service Family have a chance to pass that test is by recognizing that others may also be going through troubling times and by finding creative and effective ways to offer assistance to those active or retired Brother and Sister Firefighters in need. That is my vision of the mission of the 2020-21 OSFA Benevolent Committee. The OSFA Board has allowed me to serve again as the Chair of this committee and has appointed Melanie Colvin as Vice-Chair. We have a strong committee made up of talented and experienced firefighters from across the state. Benevolent Our meetings were cut short last spring by COVID-19, but we will be resuming meetings soon using online meeting options, and we hope to pick up where we left off. Knowing the hearts of the members of this committee, there will be much more to come.
Mike Bower, Ret. MWC (Chair) Chis Bain, Ret. N. Hills (Vice Chair) Jesse Bain, Broken Arrow Gene Brown, OSFM David Buckles, Ret. Moore Mike Caniglia, McAlester
Dereck Cassady, Ponca City Mike Duncan, Ret. Dewey Eric Harlow, Guthrie Kenneth Helms, Enid Jordan Hughes, El Reno Clifford Lewis, Ret. OKC Gary Marrs, Ret. OKC Jim Minx, Ret. OKC
sible to move several pieces of equipment from the museum to the workshop so construction can begin on some of the museum interactive displays. purchase would do so, we would The storage facility/workbe well on our way to having a Museum shop will also allow the reliable funding stream. Expansion OSFA to acquire other appaWe are seeking any creative ratus that have been offered ideas that you might have to from departments throughout raise the necessary funds for the the state to be refurbished. OSFA expansion project. As you know, we have lost One of the current fundraising efsome of our major fundraising opforts being conducted by the ORFA Corportunities due to COVID 19, which includes nerstone Committee is the raffle of a Kubota grants and donations, as well as parking RTV-XG850. revenue from the Women’s College World Tickets can be purchased online at www. Series which was cancelled this year. osfa.info/gift-shop/donations. OSFA car tags are a great fundraiser for The drawing will be held the Saturday of the museum and the memorial. I’d like to the 2021 OSFA Convention (dates to be deencourage everyone to purchase an OSFA cided). Winner will not have to be present to car tag, because if one half of those eligible to win. Deadline to enter is the Sunday before
Casey Morrison, Claremore Tom Smith, Ret. OKC Nick Terhune, Norman David Thompson, Slaughterville Scott VanHorn, Ret. OKC Tony Young, Ret. OKC Allen Clark, Clark Construction Clay Moss, Hall Capital
the 2021 OSFA Convention. Sales are online only. You can purchase 1 ticket for $25 or 5 tickets for $100. I encourage everyone to hop online and purchase tickets! Also, please remember you can always make a donation to the expansion project or memorial in the name of a loved one. I want to thank the Expansion Committee members for their diligent work on this important project along with the museum board and the OSFA, ORFA and OFCA boards. Together we can make the dream of the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum and Family Education Center a reality.
18October 2020Oklahoma Firefighter
2020-21 Educational Advisory Committee By Trent Bryan OSFA Educational Advisory Committee Chairman The Educational Advisory Committee was formed to “research, develop, and implement educational programs for the firefighters of Oklahoma”. One of the primary ways this task is accomplished is through the annual John F. Futhey II State Fire School. The planning phase of next year’s State Fire School, in Tulsa, is in full swing. The committee has the difficult task of creating plans while regulations and stipulations keep changing. The uncertainty surrounding a large school in the COVID era has been a challenge that the committee is taking head on. The State Fire School will unquestionably look different this year. We are still trying to determine the best way to organize all the classroom classes. Two different sites we were looking at have already fallen through as possibilities. The committee is working multiple different possibilities to ensure that the State Fire School is possible. This is a constantly evolving situation with the goalposts moving seemingly every step of the way. Rest assured we will do our best to find a solution that is safe and ensures high quality training. Hopefully we will have something more concrete to report in the coming months. The members of the committee have already began inquiring about training needs around the state. They are also recruiting some of the best instructors in the fire service to teach at next year’s State Fire School. If you have a training need in your area or department, contact a committee member and let them know. If you know an excellent instructor, encourage them to submit a class to the committee. The school is exploring the option of virtual classes in cases where it is plausible for some risk mitigation. Classes at State Fire School are free. Attending just one class more than pays for your yearly OSFA membership! The State Fire School has been, and will be, a unique opportunity to bring classes that firefighters in the state would otherwise not have access to. Instructors from Oklahoma and from out of state always bring unique perspectives that enhance the Oklahoma fire service. As if this wasn’t enough, the committee always plans evening events that do not disappoint. Planning and executing State Fire School takes tremendous cooperation and coordination. This is especially true this year. For that reason, we want to thank the OSFA board, OSFA staff, OFCA, OSU-FST, Tulsa Fire Department, Red Cross, Educational OEM, FSIO, FMAO, FOOLS and many others. We also want to thank all of our vendors Advisory and sponsors who make the school financially possible. MISSION STATEMENT To provide safe, excellent, and pertinent fire and emergency service training to firefighters throughout the State of Oklahoma and to remain diligent in identifying training needs for the Oklahoma Fire Service. Educational Advisory Trent Bryan, El Reno (Chair) Cary Provence, Yukon (Vice Chair) Justin Beard, OKC Donnie Bennett, OKC Brian Brush, Midwest City Dereck Cassady, Ponca City Corey Conrady, Drummond Barrett Cramer, Tulsa
Jamie DuBose, Deer Creek FPD Mike Duncan, Ret. Dewey Rodney Foster, Shawnee Larry Hansen, Ret. OKC Julie Lynn, Tulsa David Macy, OKC Jason Miller, Marlow Jim Ed Nimmo, Tulsa Dylan Terhune, Norman Terrell Thompson, El Reno Kendall Williams, Tulsa David Conner, Fire Marshals Craig Hannan, IFSTA/FPP Greg Herbster, OFCA Board Riki Manley, OSU-FST Johnny Munn, Red Cross Caroline Reed, OSU-FST Brian Stanaland, EOC Tech
2020-21 Memorial Committee By Scott VanHorn Memorial Committee Chairman Because of Covid, the Ride to Remember Poker Run was postponed until Sept 12. We had a great turnout with somewhere around 1,000 bikers participating. To be honest, I had other things I wanted to do that Saturday. We had a fishing event for DHS Foster Children planned, and I had a few things I needed to do first. But I knew it wouldn’t take long once the bikes arrived, and this event raises thousands of dollars for the Memorial. So, I loaded up the family and we went to help out. It really is a fun event, and doesn’t take long at all when you have enough people there to assist. We had several volunteers. Retirees. Actives. Women’s Auxiliary. OSFA Staff. Museum Staff. And, a few from the Memorial Committee. The volunteers arrived at 11a.m. and the bikes started showing up about 12:40. We were done and everything was picked up by 2:30. It was a short amount of time to give in order for our organization to receive quite a bit of money. We did it again for the Memorial Golf Tournament a few days later and raised over $40,000. I say all this because I want you to know about the people who show up. Of course we had several from the Oklahoma City area, but even more who traveled over an hour and a half to make sure our fundraising events ran smoothly. Memorial I am always amazed at the dedication of those who volunteer for the OSFA committees. We had members drive from Lawton, Tahlequah, and Newkirk just to donate three hours of time. They drove for more MISSION STATEMENT time than it took to complete the job! To protect, preserve, and improve I’ve seen the same from the Oklahoma Fallen and Living our members who atFirefighters Memorial and the tend committee meetings Oklahoma Firefighters throughout the years. I want Museum infrastructure to thank everyone who serves on a committee and Scott VanHorn, Ret. OKC (Chair) shows up to do extra for the Yogi Cole, Ret. Tulsa/Keys OSFA. You guys are awe(Vice Chair) some! Jesse Bain, Broken Arrow The Memorial Service Eric Biedermann, OKC this year will be held Oct. Larry Bogges, Ret. Lawton 4, which is about the same Mike Bower, Ret. Midwest City time this edition of Oklahoma Herb Bradshaw, Ret. Warr Acres Firefighter will be released. T. Dick Cagle, Ret. Tulsa It is being done virtually on John Craig, OKC Facebook Live. Sammye Cravens, Civilian Hopefully soon, we will Robert Doke, Ret. Chickasha be able to return to some Jordan Hughes, El Reno sense of normal. Until then, Clifford Lewis, Ret. OKC we will continue to adapt as Cody Middick, Frederick needed. Jim Minx, Ret. OKC Please get a Firefighter Bert Norton, Midwest City Specialized Tag if you don’t Phil Ostrander, Ret. Tulsa have one. The proceeds go to our Memorial.
Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 202019
2020-21 EMS Committee By Tony Stewart OSFA EMS Committee Chair I would like to thank the previous Chairs of this committee Mike Duncan and Eric Harlow for doing a wonderful job. Along with our previous chairs, kudos to all of the committee members -- paid, volunteers and other related organizations -- who drive from all over this great state to come and promote a better work place for us all. Thanks to COVID-19, it’s been awhile since our last EMS Committee meeting, so let’s recap briefly. Some services are taking advantage of the Ground Emergency Medical Transport (GEMT) program through the Oklahoma Health Care Association (OHCA); we have made strides with Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and their implementations of the 2018 Rules & Regs (Protocols); and the “Riley
2020-21 Stavros Scholarship Committee By Mike Duncan OSFA Stavros Scholarship Committee Chairman
os Stavr hip ars Schol
Hello, I’m Mike Duncan, Chair of the Pete and Lela Stavros Scholarship Committee. This Scholarship Fund was set up in 2002. It was Pete and Lela’s desire to help with college expenses for the children or relatives of active or retired Oklahoma Firefighters who are members of OSFA. The Stavros Scholarship Foundation awards five scholarships every year. This year, students received $1,000 scholarships. That is all we can do at this time. It would be great to give $1,500 or even $2,000. But to be able to do that, we need more donations. We are very appreciative of the donations we have received. And if you could help, we can do better. To make a secure donation with a credit card, go to https://donate.occf. org. Tell your Seniors-to Mike Duncan, Ret. Dewey (Chair) be to apply online next Bruce Anthony, Tuttle year for 2021 Stavos Dr. James Caster Scholarships. Marc Edwards It doesn’t matter if Steve Lumry, Ret. OKC you’re a paid firefightPhil Ostrander, Ret. Tulsa er, volunteer or retired Jim Minx, Ret. OKC -- your children or Rick Fernandez, OCCF OSFA Executive Board relatives can apply.
MISSION STATEMENT To identify, research, and discuss issues which affects Fire Based EMS in the State of Oklahoma. These issues shall include, but not be limited to, funding and rules and regulations.
EMS Committee
Tony Stewart, Kingfisher (Chair) Blake Braden, Guthrie (Vice Chair) Russell Brand, Perry Chad Campbell, Woodward Dereck Cassady, Ponca City Jacob Cox, Dewey Brian Davis, Edmond Jamie DuBose, Deer Creek FPD Mike Duncan, Ret. Dewey Justin Garrett, Norman Mike Harkey, Caney
Eric Harlow, Guthrie Kreg Hunt, Canadian Scott Kirby, Mill Creek David Macy, Oklahoma City Phil Ott, Waukomis Joseph Sherrell, Tulsa Grant Wadley, Guymon Dale Adkerson, Dept of Health Greg Reid, OKAMA Jim Winham, EMSA
Boatwright Act” became effective July 1, 2020, of which I’m sure there will be lots of question arise. As we take up this new year of committees, especially the EMS, I hope that if you know a member on the list, please notify them or me to inform us of your EMS concerns. We are hoping to have a meeting early in October. Kingfisher County lost an Assistant Fire Chief, Ronnie Fry, at Omega Fire Department, so let’s keep our brothers, sisters and their families in our prayers as we continue to move our profession forward in the safest way possible.
2020-21 Financial Advisory Committee By Mike Kelley OSFA Financial Advisory Committee Chairman As with every committee in our OSFA, we are blessed with dedicated members who continue to work and research issues that directly effect our members. The past work of the Financial Advisory Committee, and specifically member T. Dick Cagle, was instrumental in finally securing a much needed COLA last legislative session. While we all acknowledge that it wasn’t as much as we would have liked, it was a major achievement in the uncertain times in which it passed. Thanks to every member who contributed to that team MISSION STATEMENT effort! Your OSFA is continually discussing ways To ensure the financial integrity to build upon that success. The committee met Sept. 30 to discuss the COLA issue, the Muof the Association and develop seum Expansion and, as directed by the 2020 strategies to continue the financial Convention, examine the possibility of a future strength of the Association while dues increase. Your committee does not take maintaining the minimal burden any of these matters lightly, and I can assure upon the Association’s members you that we will fully consider all available options. Mike Kelley, Ret. OKC (Chair) The Financial Advisory Committee, along Mike Bower, Ret. Midwest City with your OSFA Board, takes our responsibilLarry Bogges, Ret. Lawton ity seriously to provide the highest level of Herb Bradshaw, Ret. Warr Acres service and benefit to you, our members. We T. Dick Cagle, Ret. Tulsa James Crawford, Fort Supply; are able to do that through Steve Douglas, Ret. Choctaw generous sponsorships Clifford Lewis, Ret. OKC and partnerships with Joe Marlow, OKC several organizaJim Minx, Ret. OKC tions. We are always Tippy Pierce, Ret. Moore open to ideas and Financial Mike Smith, Ret. Laverne suggestions, this Advisory Nick Terhune, Norman is your organizaTerrell Thompson, El Reno tion. Get involved Mark Zeckser, Ret. Midwest City and stay safe!
20October 2020Oklahoma Firefighter
2020-21 Volunteer Fire Service Committee By Cory Beagles OSFA Volunteer Fire Service Committee Chairman Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening, Oklahoma Fire Service. A great Volunteer Fire Service Committee has been put together for this session, and I have the honor of serving as the chairperson. We just held our August meeting, and I am honestly excited for what the rest of this year will bring. The Volunteer Fire Service Committee works to bring issues and ideas from our volunteer membership to the forefront of the organization in order to research, formulate plans of action and create solutions that will foster positive change in the Oklahoma Fire Service. These ideas and issues are prioritized and formalized into resolutions each year at the Volunteer Caucus held on the first Saturday of February. One of the decisions made at this year’s Caucus was to rotate the location of the Caucus around the state to encourage new involvement. This coming year, the Volunteer Caucus will be held in the Lawton area on Feb. 6, so be watching for details as that time approaches. It is important to remember, according to the National Fire Department Registry, that nearly 94% of fire departments in the state of Oklahoma have volunteer members, and volunteers make up over 50% of the membership of the OSFA. Volunteer input matters, and your involvement in the OSFA, the Volunteer Caucus and any of the OSFA Com-
mittees is the best way to represent your department and influence the future of the Oklahoma Fire Service. Also at this year’s Volunteer Caucus, three resolutions were created. The following are summaries of those resolutions: To solicit and bring forth the OSFA Legislative Resolution 20-1 asks the Legislative and Volinterests, needs, desires, and unteer Committees to research, develop and move to implement requirements for the benefit of the new funding sources from the state to provide for interoperable volunteer firefighters in the State of communications that will meet the needs of any sized community. OSFA Legislative Resolution 20-2 asks the Legislative and Oklahoma Volunteer Committees to study, identify solutions and implement legislation pertaining to volunteer incentives for recruitment and Cory Beagles, Deer Creek FPD (Chair) retention. Brady Bond, Garber (Vice Chair) OSFA Legislative Resolution 20-3 asks the Legislative, VolunJoe Bennett, Sooner teer, and Safety & Health Committees to research, develop Eric Carranza, Springer and propose implementation of additional funding Colton Castle, Jet and sources of additional funding for Oklahoma Melanie Colvin, Lexington volunteer fire departments. These same issues seem to be repeated and Cliff Davidson, Ringwood echoed around the country, but that does not Mike Duncan, Ret. Dewey mean they cannot be remedied. Travis Fortune, Fairview Volunteer I believe with collaboration, hard work, and Bryon Fox, Rolling Hills Fire diligence we can do great things to help the Craig Hannan, Perkins volunteer majority in the Oklahoma Fire Service. Service Travis Harris, Kildare The Volunteer Fire Service Committee is Richard Hines, Granite already off to a great start, brainstorming ideas and Scott Kirby, Mill Creek researching solutions to help resolve the issues within Tom Marcum, Mooreland these resolutions. Nicholas Nadeau, Strother In addition to that, we look forward to planning next year’s Caucus to help facilitate even more positive change. Lin Newton, Valley View So once again, make plans to attend the Volunteer Caucus on Charlie Starbuck, Slapout Feb. 6, 2021, in the Lawton area. Evan Stevens, Tipton Help us come together to identify the issues we face, and Randal Sullivan, Eufaula provide directives to bring about the changes we need to not only Mike Weinkauf, Orlando survive, but to be successful at this calling we call the Fire Service.
MISSION STATEMENT
2020-21 Safety & Health Committee By Rick Chisum Safety & Health Committee Chair
healthy life choices, it’s gonna be “team-up time.” We have areas we’re dinning into currently — cancer, PPE, exposures, PTSD and foam, to name a few. But there are lots more that can rob both our families and departments at the blink Greetings Brothers and Sisters of the of an eye. Oklahoma Fire Service. I pray that this As the ol’ saying goes, “Work smarter not harder.” We gotta month finds you both healthy and COVID do this. free — in that you’ve been abbe to avoid Don’t proudly allow poor choice and bad calls make you it, remaining healthy in spite of it. another statistic. What you do and don’t do both can, and will, My thoughts and prayers go out do a number. So let’s be the positive stats that prove we to those who fell victim to it, for can discipline ourselves — yep, us oldies — to not fall recovery and for those who victim to the same ol’ same ol’. have lost loved ones for So make it personal. You got a career, wife, special Grace and Solace. someone, those G Babies, retirement, new goals, Safety As a point of introduction, this committee’s interests. Whatever it takes to get you to make duty is to follow up on both Safety and Health & the commitment, do it for you! I want to get older issues in a pro-active manner to help safeguard and healthier at the same time. Be smart. Half of Health our brothers’ and sisters’ workplace and wellbeing smart is not being stupid. being — both prevention and sources to use in We’ve all got a computer in our hand or pocket. the event of treatment/recovery in hopes that we Research is a mere click away. might streamline the process and ease the stress So whether you get on a committee — or your own typically involved.. soap box — just work it. Those around you will follow if So even if it’s a COVID-size issue, we can utilize guideyou are willing to choose and lead to a safe and healthy lifestyle. lines and SOP/SOGSs to ease the burden and hopefully lessen It’s work, but you are the one who will reap the benefits. the hardship things of this nature that can overwhelm us. These So f I can change a bit, hang with Fam, my Peeps, Station issues can slam both our departments as a whole or our families Bruh’s and Sista’z, I’m all about it. … and all my Girl G Babies! — close or even extended. Our success depends largely on the input of our members and So let’s make it happen for us all. Start now and we’ll stop when we all get there, safe and healthy together. those we serve. We need you to help us be successful in taking Thanks for a minute of your time. God Bless and keep you, care of all. my family, my friends! So to reach that plateau of safer work environments and
MISSION STATEMENT The Safety and Health Committee acts as a clearinghouse of information about firefighter safety and health and provides resources and suggestions to the OSFA on how to improve conditions for Oklahoma firefighters Rick Chisum, Okmulgee (Chair) Kenny Barone, McAlester Donnie Bennett, OKC Eric Biedermann, OKC Brian Christy, Midwest City Yogi Cole, Ret. Tulsa/Keys Melanie Colvin, Lexington Steve Day, Ret. Woodward Mike Duncan, Ret. Dewey Terry Essary, Stillwater Leslie Feerer, Fargo Clint Greenwood, OKC Larry Hansen, Ret. OKC Tony Lopez, Midwest City Tom Low, Stillwater Richard Smith, Rolling Hills Tony Stewart, Kingfisher Terrell Thompson, El Reno Bryan West, OSU-FST
Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 202021
2020-21 Membership Committee The Membership Committee was created in response to numerous requests from Membership entities engaged in fire, rescue and EMS services in Oklahoma that are outside our traditional membership base. The primary duty of the Membership Committee is to review and recommend any potential changes to enhance the membership structure of the OSFA. The goals of the committee Kenny Barone, McAlester (Chair) include: Jeff Choate, Geary • Recognizing and suggesting Stephen Duke, Perry enhancements to current benefits of Brian Foughty, Ret. Moore membership. Justin Hackworth, Tahlequah • Looking for new benefits with the intent of increasing the diverEric Harlow, Guthrie sity. Travis Harris, Kildare • Expanding the scope of Jerimy Meek, Midwest City OSFA’s membership base. JoeVan Russell, Frederick • Recommending any proposed Noe Santillan, Guymon changes to the Executive Board. Randal Sullivan, Eufaula Since 1894, the OSFA has grown Bobby Tallchief, Ret. Bartlesville from three fire departments to over David Thompson, Slaughterville 16,000 members. Scott VanHorn, Ret. OKC It always has been and is still Jimmy White, Ret. Yukon our mission at the OSFA to be Kevin Wofford, Ret. Vinita inclusive, not exclusive.
n
in memoriam
Ronnie Fry, Omega FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Omega firefighter Ronnie Fry on Sept. 9. He was 68. Ronnie joined Omega FD in September of 1994 and completed 26 years of service. In 2003, he earned the Assistant Fire Chief position. Through his hard work and dedication to the department, numerous projects were completed and no task went overlooked. Ronnie made his career as a school teacher and a farmer/rancher in the Omega community. Ronnie’s passion for helping others will be missed.
Kelly May, Helena FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Helena firefighter Kelly May on Sept. 5. He was 55. Kelly was a truck driver by trade and this was a source of enjoyment for him. After coming to live in Helena about 10 years ago, he became a member of Helena FD. Some of his loved activities were golf, fishing, and motorcycles. He was a kind man who always wanted to help anywhere he could. He was one who liked to “piddle.”
n
Chaplain’s corner Hal Penner
Weatherford FD Chaplain
Wisdom Proverbs One of my son’s extracurricular activities is to participate on his high school academic team. He enjoys it tremendously and I often finding him sitting on the couch practicing for the upcoming event. Their little Class A team did quite well this past year. I don’t know if you have ever attended one of these events, but they can be excruciating. The spectators are not allowed to say anything or cheer in any way. You cannot clap when they get one right or even sigh if they get one wrong, and don’t even think of coughing. But that is not what I want to pick up on. You sit in the gallery observing these 14-18 years old answering question after question on literature, physics, trigonometry, sports, world history or even current events. And the math equations that are given, they only have 10 seconds to calculate those. It is nothing short of incredible. My wife is always telling me that I am a wealth of useless knowledge, but you can’t help but feel a little stupid as a full-grown adult not knowing the answers to over half of the questions asked. To say that these kids are smart is an understatement. They know a lot! Recently I have been reading through the books of Proverbs. Early on, it states the purpose of the book and what its significance is to us today. “To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion -- a wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, to understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles.” -- Proverbs 1:2–6 The purpose of the Proverbs is to teach people for years to come what it means to be wise and live a disciplined life. In essence, to help humanity focus on what truly matters and to help them do what is right, just, and fair. Solomon states that these proverbs will give discernment, understanding and knowledge to us who seek it. It is true that those who are wise listen to instruction and become wiser still, but those who are foolish ignore instruction and face the consequences of that. Many people aspire to be rich and famous, to be a world renown recording artist or a superstar athlete. Few people dream of being smart, and fewer yet of being wise. For wisdom leads to a godly life. In the fire service, one must constantly be training and learning and growing to not only become better equipped to handle the requirements of the job, but to seek promotion and safety for yourself and team. The greater the knowledge of fire behavior or equipment being used in an extrication, the higher the chance of success. This requires study and dedication, understanding and discipline. But it is my goal that you do not spend all your time preparing for the next emergency and forget to prepare yourself for the true test of life: Do you know God? Be wise in your daily decisions and seek the Lord.
22October 2020Oklahoma Firefighter
www.osufst.org
1723 West Tyler, Stillwater, OK 74078 • (800) 304-5727 • (405) 744-5727 • Fax: (405) 744-7377
October 2020 CLASS SCHEDULE Current as of September 20, 2020
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 B (76022) Oct. 1 (8 hours) Shawnee Fire Dept - Station 3 Rope Rescue Technician Level 1 Part B (78843) Oct. 3-4 (16 hours) Guymon Fire Department Rope Rescue Technician Level 1 Part B (78933) Oct. 3-4 (16 hours) Guymon Fire Department Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I Part A (79047) Oct. 3-4 (16 hours) Perkins Fire Department Rope Rescue Technician Level I Part A (79048) Oct. 3-4 (16 hours) Altus Fire Department Water Shuttle (79125) Oct. 3-4 (16 hours) Bixby Fire Department No. 2 Oklahoma Emergency Vehicle Drivers Training (79217) Oct. 3 (8 hours) Bristow Fire Department Introduction to Farm Rescue (79302) Oct. 3 (8 hours) Pawnee Nation Tribal Police Basic Response to Grain Handling Hazards (79303) Oct. 4 (8 hours) Pawnee Nation Tribal Police L 0102: Science of Disaster (76373) Oct. 5-7 (24 hours) Broken Arrow Safety Complex Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (78885) Oct. 5 (8 hours) Bethany Fire Department Emergency Services Instructor (Instructor I) (79013) Oct. 5-8 (32 hours) Durant Fire Department
Swiftwater Rescue Technician (Level I & II) (79394) Oct. 5-9 (40 hours) • $9750 - All Participants OKC Fire Training Center OEM - FEMA G.557: Rapid Assessment Workshop (76461) Oct. 6 (8 hours) Cherokee Co Emergency Mgmt -- Tahlequah Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (78886) Oct. 6 (8 hours) Bethany Fire Department Certification: Fire Fighter I Live Burn Evaluation (77695) Oct. 7 (8 hours) OSU-PSC, West of Stillwater
Rope Rescue Technician Level 1 Part B (79049) Oct. 10-11 (16 hours) Altus Fire Department Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I Part A (79050) Oct. 10-11 (16 hours) Afton Fire Department New Vehicle Technology (79163) Oct. 10 (8 hours) Afton Fire Department Introduction to Farm Rescue (79165) Oct. 10 (8 hours) Afton Fire Department
Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies (79175) Oct. 10 (8 hours) Fire Fighter I Live Burn (77696) Northeast Tech Center - Afton Oct. 7 (8 hours) Leadership for Small OSU-PSC, West of Stillwater Departments: Training (79278) Oct. 10 (8 hours) Hazardous Materials Northeast Tech Center - Afton Operations for WMD Refresher (78887) Oklahoma Emergency Vehicle Oct. 7 (8 hours) Drivers Training (79283) Bethany Fire Department Oct. 10 (8 hours) Northeast Tech Center - Afton L0103: Planning: Emergency Operations (76375) Exterior Offensive Fire Attack Oct. 8-9 (16 hours) / Structural Fire Scene Size Up Broken Arrow Safety Complex (79285) Oct. 10 (8 hours) Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (76805) Northeast Tech Center - Afton Oct. 9 (8 hours) Ada Fire Department Fire Investigation: First Responders (F0379) (79287) Rope Rescue: Low Angle Oct. 10-11 (16 hours) Operations (78487) Northeast Tech Center - Afton Oct. 9-10 (12 hours) Watonga Fire Department Basic Fire Department Standpipe Operations (79288) Basic Response to Grain Oct. 10 (8 hours) Northeast Tech Center - Afton Handling Hazards (78753) Oct. 9 (8 hours) VFIS Traffic Incident Edmond Fire Department Management System (79297) Oct. 10 (4 hours) Certification: Fire Fighter I (77694) Northeast Tech Center - Afton Oct. 10 (8 hours) OSU-PSC, West of Stillwater VFIS Traffic Incident Managment Train-the-Trainer (79299) Basic Response to Grain Oct. 10 (4 hours) Handling Hazards (78754) Northeast Tech Center - Afton Oct. 10 (8 hours) Edmond Fire Department New Vehicle Technology (79164) Oct. 11 (8 hours) Afton Fire Department
Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies Train the Trainer (79177) Oct. 11 (8 hours) Northeast Tech Center - Afton
Hazardous Materials Awareness for First Responders Resource One Online (79461) Oct. 12-Nov. 2 (8 hours) • $500 - All Participants Resource One
Leadership for Small Departments: Tactics (79280) Oct. 11 (8 hours) Northeast Tech Center - Afton
NIMS ICS 400 (EMI) Advanced Incident Command System (78732) Oct. 13-14 (16 hours) Sapulpa Fire Department
Oklahoma Emergency Vehicle Drivers Training (79284) Oct. 11 (8 hours) Northeast Tech Center - Afton
Basic Response to Grain Handling Hazards (78756) Oct. 13 (8 hours) Edmond Fire Department
Exterior Offensive Fire Attack / Structural Fire Scene Size Up (79286) Oct. 11 (8 hours) Northeast Tech Center - Afton
NIMS ICS 400 (EMI) Advanced Incident Command System (78923) Oct. 13-14 (16 hours) Sapulpa Fire Department
Basic Fire Department Standpipe Operations (79289) Oct. 11 (8 hours) Northeast Tech Center - Afton
OEM - FEMA G.557: Rapid Assessment Workshop (76456) Oct. 15 (8 hours) High Plains Tech - Woodward
VFIS Traffic Incident Management System (79298) Oct. 11 (4 hours) Northeast Tech Center - Afton
Certification: Hazardous Materials Operations (79067) Oct. 16 (8 hours) Fort Gibson Community Center
Oklahoma Emergency Vehicle Drivers Training TtT (79347) Oct. 11 (8 hours) Northeast Tech Center - Afton
Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I Part A (79057) Oct. 17-18 (16 hours) Hugo Fire Department
VFIS Traffic Incident Managment Train-the-Trainer (79300) Oct. 11 (4 hours) Northeast Tech Center - Afton
New Vehicle Technology (79184) Oct. 17 (8 hours) Cleveland Fire Department
Hazardous Materials Technician for WMD-HazMat Emergencies (75842) Oct. 12-23 (80 hours) Gordon Cooper Tech - Shawnee Basic Response to Grain Handling Hazards (78755) Oct. 12 (8 hours) Edmond Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations: Core Competencies (79065) Oct. 12-14 (24 hours) Fort Gibson Community Center
Introduction to Farm Rescue (79365) Oct. 17 (8 hours) Rolling Hills FPD - Tulsa Vehicle Firefighting (79192) Oct. 18 (8 hours) Cleveland Fire Department Basic Response to Grain Handling Hazards (79364) Oct. 18 (8 hours) Rolling Hills FPD - Tulsa Fire Officer I: NFPA 1021, 2014 Edition (79017) Oct. 19-23 (48 hours) • $3000 - All Participants Durant Fire Department
Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 202023
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October 2020 CLASS SCHEDULE
Caroline Reed
Fire Officer I: NFPA 1021, 2014 Edition (79315) Oct. 19-23 (48 hours) • $3000 - All Participants Tulsa Fire Safety Training Center
EMS Instructor Update (79424) Oct. 24 (8 hours) • $650 - All Participants Perkins Fire Dept. Station II EMS Instructor Workshop / Bridge (79425) Oct. 24 (8 hours) • $750 - All Participants Perkins Fire Dept. Station II
Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (77120) Oct. 20 (8 hours) Claremore Fire Department
Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies (79513) Oct. 24 (8 hours) Coalgate Fire Department
Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (77127) Oct. 21 (8 hours) Claremore Fire Department
Basic Response to Grain Handling Hazards (79335) Oct. 25 (8 hours) Chandler Fire Department
Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (77128) Oct. 22 (8 hours) Claremore Fire Department
Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (76023) Oct. 26 (8 hours) Muskogee Fire Department
EMS Instructor Workshop / Bridge (79422) Oct. 23 (8 hours) • $750 - All Participants Owasso FD Training Center
L0146: HSEEP (76377) Oct. 26-27 (16 hours) Broken Arrow Safety Complex
EMS Instructor Update (79423) Oct. 23 (8 hours) • $650 - All Participants Owasso FD Training Center Rope Rescue: Low Angle Operations (79371) Oct. 23-24 (12 hours) Monkey Island FPD Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I Part A (79051) Oct. 24-25 (16 hours) Adair Fire Department
creed@osufst.org 405-744-5727
OSU FST Director
continued Fire Officer I: NFPA 1021, 2014 Edition (79021) Oct. 19-23 (48 hours) • $3000 - All Participants Broken Arrow Fire Department
fire service training
Fire Officer I: NFPA 1021, 2014 Edition (78812) Oct. 26-30 (48 hours) • $3000 - All Participants Del City Fire Department Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (76024) Oct. 27 (8 hours) Muskogee Fire Department Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (76025) Oct. 28 (8 hours) Muskogee Fire Department
Calling the MAYDAY (79236) Oct. 24 (8 hours) Freedom Hills FD - Mannford
L0105: Public Information and Warning (76376) Oct. 28-29 (16 hours) Broken Arrow Safety Complex
Introduction to Farm Rescue (79334) Oct. 24 (8 hours) Chandler Fire Department
Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (76026) Oct. 29 (8 hours) Altus Fire Department
Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (79379) Oct. 24 (8 hours) Cordell Fire Department
Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I Part A (79107) Oct. 31-Nov. 1 (16 hours) Comanche Fire Department
Greetings! As I was putting together some documents for a meeting, I came across a brief history of
Fire Service Training. Many people may recognize this from the past, but it will be new to some of you and it is great information about our state training organization.
Fire Service Training (FST) is an extension/ outreach unit of Oklahoma State University’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology (CEAT). FST has legislative mandate to train Oklahoma’s emergency responders, and provides Oklahoma emergency responders a broad spectrum of safety training ranging from the basic skills to more advanced specialized topics. This training occurs at the FST Fire and Emergency Training Center located six miles west of Stillwater, OK, and across the state of Oklahoma at any of the 900-plus fire departments. FST is one of the most prolific outreach programs at OSU, delivering 4,000 direct training courses and reaching over 40,000 emergency
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responders annually. What began in 1931 as a program to teach basic firefighting skills now provides training in 10 professional skill areas, including firefighting, emergency medical services, officer/instructor, technical rescue, driver operator, National Incident Management System, hazardous materials, industrial, emergency management and wildland firefighting. FST delivers over 400 titles in the above areas that meet our mission statement, which is to provide training and educational services that enable Oklahoma emergency responders to safely meet recognized standards of professional competence. The FST Certification Section has achieved International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) accreditation in 15 technical levels. IFSAC accredited certification gives reasonable assurance of the content and quality of the testing program offered by FST. As the first university–based state fire service training program, OSU’s FST established the model for training agencies in other states. Its tradition intertwines with the history of Oklahoma’s fire service, providing influence with the fire service, the legislature and other stakeholders.
NFPA REPORT Kelly Ransdell
kransdell@nfpa.org
National Fire Protection Association Answering the call: Our new normal during COVID As we transition to Fall and the coronavirus pandemic continues, we are all adjusting to our new normal. In the fire service, we are all in the middle of Fire Prevention Week which will become Fire Prevention Month, as well as a kickoff to fire safety all year round. Cooking fires will continue as people stay home for work, as well as school. To find more resources for virtual safety for kids at school and home visit www.firepreventionweek.org. For free activities for kids, visit Sparky the Fire Dog online! NFPA has been working to give the fire service resources to help you with your multiple hats. We launched a landing page for all your questions at www.nfpa.org/coronavirus. There you will find tips on Building and Life Safety topics like Requirements for Emergency Egress Drill, key remote inspection steps as authorities open buildings, and Building and Life safety issues for safely reopening schools. NFPA has launched more free podcasts, addressing emerging issues like the Beirut Port explosion, lithium ion batteries and whether hand sanitizer is a fire hazard. You can access the podcasts online at www. nfpa.org/podcasts. You can also search them on your favorite podcast providers. NFPA has just released a new online tool for
electrical safety. A new podcast describes how to use NFPA LiNK. Presenting NFPA LiNK™ real-time access to the highest standard of information to help get your job done right and fast. It’s a resource that becomes a living library of your work. Bookmark information, search by situation, add notes, share, and collaborate. Transform the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of your work. Visit the landing page to find a Frequently Asked Questions and details of this subscriptionbased application. NFPA LiNK is launching with the four most recent editions of the NEC® (NFPA 70®), but you can expect to see codes and standards covering a variety of topics being added to NFPA LiNK on an ongoing basis. Eventually, NFPA LiNK will house additional NFPA codes and standards, expert commentary, visual aids, and more. With a subscription to NFPA LiNK, you will have unlimited access to all of this! Visit www.nfpa.org/LiNK for more information to share with building officials to access their free 14-day trial. I hope the Fall brings us all a renewed sense of what we CAN DO to make our world safer! Thanks for the work each of you does to keep folks in Oklahoma safe. Whether you are Serving up Fire Safety in the Kitchen or picking up takeout, we can all help our community.
24October 2020Oklahoma Firefighter
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Chase Rankin 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
n MEETING (August 21, 2020) Members Present: Mike Kelley (In Person), Jim Ed Nimmo (In Person), Cliff Davidson (In Person) Dana Cramer, (In Person), Matt Lay (In Person), Brent Baggett (In Person), Tony Lopez, (In Person), Eric Harlow (In Person), Ron Kreiter (Via Zoom,) George Fina (In Person), Janet Kohls (Via Zoom), Brent Bryant (Via Zoom). Members Absent: Brandy Manek. Others Present: Chase Rankin, Executive Director (In Person); Terri Williams, Executive Secretary (In Person); Tim Van Horn, Assistant Director (In Person); Marc Edwards, Legal Counsel (In Person). Visitors (All attended via Zoom): Troy Brown, Tim Nash and Tony Kay, &CO; Emily Becker and Gary Welchel; Clay Moss and Kirk Hall. Thomas A. Mills/Bartlesville - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective July 3, 2020: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Davidson to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective July 3, 2020. Ayes: Baggett, Lay, Cramer, and Davidson. Nayes: Kreiter, Kohls, Lopez, Bryant, Fina, Nimmo, Harlow, and Kelley. Motion denied. Justin D. Chavez/Frederick – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 16, 2020: Motion was made by Kelley and seconded by Cramer to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective June 16, 2020. Ayes: Kelley, Harlow, Nimmo, Davidson, Fina, Cramer, Lopez, Kohls, Lay, Kreiter, Bryant, and Baggett. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Ryan Murray/Norman - Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 10, 2020: Motion was made by Lay and Cramer to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective June 10, 2020. Ayes: Baggett, Lay, and Cramer. Nayes: Kreiter, Kohls, Lopez, Bryant, Fina, Davidson, Nimmo, Harlow and Kelley. Motion denied. William Boyd/Oklahoma City – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty Pension, Effective August 1, 2020: Motion was made by Kelley and seconded by Nimmo to approve the “Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective August 1, 2020. Ayes: Kelley, Harlow, Nimmo, Davidson, Fina, Cramer, Lopez, Kohls, Lay, Kreiter, Bryant, and Baggett. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Martha Pierce Member Services Coordinator
Terri Williams
Controller
Assistant Director (CFO)
Keely Swonger
Thelisha Clark
Records Administrator
CHECKS TERMINATED IN AUGUST 2020 (Deceased): Bartlesville Chelsea Duncan Elgin
Fletcher Frederick Grove Keefeton
Pat A Watters Barbara Czapansky Jeanetta L. Rinaldi Anna M. Ingram
Dorothy Malone Carmileta M. Faulconer Joyce R. Wilkie Kimberly Bates
$5,000.00 DEATH BENEFIT: Canton Pierce Funeral Home On Behalf Of Fred O. Alexander Davis Hale’s Funeral Home On Behalf Of Carl G. Summers Grady Mckenzie L. Chinnow, Co-Death Recipient Of Jeffrey Blaine Alexander Grady Maria J. Alexander, Co-Death Recipient Of Jeffrey Blaine Alexander Grady Earl Lynn Alexander, Co-Death Recipient Of Jeffrey Blaine Alexander Hobart Ray & Martha’s Funeral Home On Behalf Of Donnie A. Smith Inola Delinda Martin, Widow Of Michael T. Martin Marietta Darwin W. Allen, Child Of Wilton B. Allen Midwest City Barnes Friederich Funeral Home On Behalf Of Charles L. Brice Sr. Miami John Tyler Fansler Personal Representative For Estate Of Robert J. Fansler OKC Betty F. Levescy, Widow Of David A. Levescy, Sr. OKC Alexander Gray Funeral Home On Behalf Of Donnie W. Reynolds OKC Curtis Miller, Child Of George D. Miller Jr. OKC John E. Miller, Child Of George D. Miller Jr. OKC Diedrick W. Miller, Child Of George D. Miller Jr. Rocky Sherrie Spradlin, Child Of Harold Cleve Hill Rocky Dennis Hill, Child Of Harold Cleve Hill Rocky Randall Hill, Child Of Harold Cleve Hill Rush Springs Vangilene E. Miller, Widow Of Herbert J. Miller Snyder Karla Rice, Child Of Karl W. Kerby Snyder Joe Kerby, Child Of Karla W. Kerby Tulsa Cristal Russell, Child Of George E. Smith Tulsa Claudia Butler, Child Of George E. Smith Tuttle Sevier Funeral Home On Behalf Of David G. Williams Yale Dillion Funeral Home On Behalf Of Carl W. Hensely
Dennis Self/Madill - Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Kelley to approve the request of Self to modify from “Service” to “Disability in the line of Duty. Ayes: Baggett, Kreiter, Lay, Kohls, Lopez, Cramer, Bryant, Fina, Davidson, Nimmo, Harlow and Kelley. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Muskogee OKC Snyder Tulsa Wyandotte
Harry A. Tatum Marvella Holmes Mary Duarte Jodee D. Horn Leon Crow
APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE PENSION SYSTEM: Anadarko Bixby Blackwell Broken Arrow Catoosa Choctaw Deer Creek FPD Deer Creek FPD Frederick Grove Locust Grove Nowata Owasso Owasso Stillwater Wagoner Warr Acres Warr Acres Watonga Wewoka Yukon
David Warner Allen Matthews Walkter Taylor Jerrod Mulllins Kuper Sparks James Cullison Brandan J. Fulmer Henry Schmidt Tommase Howard Darren Robitaille Jerrod Turnel Jason Renz Alec Bina Gannon Quimby Katie Fewell Jarrad Edwards Daniel Swann Cade Whitfield Jimmie Litsch John Coffman Brandson Jeter
APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE:
09/01/2020 Aline Betty A. Goss, Widow Of Bill Goss 09/01/2020 Arnett Linda Miller, Widow Of Russell Miller 09/01/2020 Blanchard Janis E. Shupert, Widow Of Gregory L. Shupert 09/01/2020 Cheyenne Glenna F. Kirk, Widow Of Gary W. Kirk 09/01/2020 Milburn Wilma L. Gregg, Widow Of James D. Gregg 09/01/2020 Minco Wanda Shepperd, Widow Of Jerry L. Shepperd 09/01/2020 Oklahoma City Charlotte Berend, Widow Of Rodney A. Berend 09/01/2020 Oklahoma City Duenda J. Jackson, Widow Of Robert B. Jackson 09/01/2020 Oklahoma City Dana M. Jenner, Widow Of Robert C. Jenner 09/01/2020 Perry Billie A. Darrow, Widow Of Ralph D. Darrow 09/01/2020 Poteau Carolyn L. Andrews, Widow Of Richard B. Andrews 09/01/2020 Tulsa Estelle K. Ramey, Widow Of Lense R. Ramey 09/01/2020 Tuttle Robby Williams, Widow Of David G. Williams 09/01/2020 Waynoka Sally J. Miller, Widow Of Marvin R. Miller 09/01/2020 Wynnewood Venita J. Musgrove, Widow Of Roger B. Musgrove
David C. McSpadden/Bristow – Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Davidson and seconded by Nimmo to approve the request of McSpadden to modify from “Service” to “Disability in the line of Duty. Ayes: Baggett, Kreiter, Lay, Kohls, Lopez, Cramer, Bryant, Fina, Davidson, Nimmo, Harlow and Kelley. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Data Processor
n CONSENT AGENDA (September 18, 2020)
Walter Hawkins/Oklahoma City – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty Pension, Effective August 1, 2020: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Davidson to approve the “Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective August 1, 2020. Ayes: Kelley, Harlow, Nimmo, Davidson, Fina, Cramer, Lopez, Kohls, Lay, Kreiter, Bryant, and Baggett. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Michael Cagle/Wagoner – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty Pension, Effective August 1, 2020: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Nimmo to approve the Application for Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective August 1, 2020. Ayes: Kelley, Harlow, Nimmo, Davidson, Fina, Lopez, Kohls, Lay, Kreiter, Bryant, and Baggett. Nayes: Cramer. Motion carried.
Latoya Battle
Assistant Controller
09/01/2020 07/28/2020
Eugene B. Beachly/Tulsa – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty Pension, Effective July 1, 2020: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Cramer to approve the “Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective July 1, 2020. Ayes: Kelley, Harlow, Davidson, Fina, Cramer, Lopez, Kohls, Lay, Kreiter, Bryant, and Baggett. Nayes: Nimmo. Motion carried.
Accounts Payable Administrator
Than Dinh
Tim Van Horn
Tommy Cosgrove/Oklahoma City – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty Pension, Effective August 1, 2020: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Nimmo to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line, effective August 1, 2020. Ayes: Kelley, Harlow, Nimmo, Davidson, Fina, Cramer, Lopez, Kohls, Lay, Kreiter, Bryant, and Baggett. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Loyd E. Mosier Jr./Owasso – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty Pension, Effective August 1, 2020: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Cramer to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”,effective August 1, 2020. Ayes: Kelley, Harlow, Nimmo, Davidson, Fina, Cramer, Lopez, Kohls, Lay, Kreiter, Bryant, and Baggett. Nayes: None. Motion carried.
Vicki Mulbery
Executive Secretary
Cheyenne Crescent
Vicki Dye, Widow Of Daniel Dye Deceased 8/5/2020 Sarah Crook, Widow Of Joseph D. Crook Deceased 7/27/2020
APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE FOR CONTINUATION:
APPLICATION FOR SERVICE PENSION: 09/01/2020 04/01/2020 09/01/2020 09/01/2020 09/01/2020 09/30/2020 09/01/2020 09/01/2020 09/01/2020 09/01/2020 09/01/2020 08/01/2020 09/29/2020 09/01/2020 09/15/2020 01/01/2020 11/01/2019 09/01/2020 09/01/2020
Ada Bessie Canute Canute Carnegie Clayton Eakly Kendrick Manitou Muskogee Muskogee Pawnee RPD 1 Sequoyah Co Rush Springs Spiro Stigler Tyrone Waynoka Woodcrest Rural
Kirk A. Trekell Lance A. Jones Monty G. Brinkley Ryan G. Snowder Orval R. Williams Michael Hamman Michael W. Loula Charles D. Williams Michael O. Anderson Gordon T. Lee Jerry D. Youngblood Robert W. Hall Brian Batesole Ron L. Lyon Brandon J. Harper Gary W. Hurst Eric E. Bryan Trent W. Delano Shane A. Wilson
APPLICATION FOR VESTED BENEFIT: 02/08/2025 04/12/2020 08/01/2017
Comanche Fort Cobb Ringwood
Thomas B. Winton Bryan Evans Stacy L. Phillips
REFUND OF CONTRIBUTIONS: Adrian Herrera Hired Terminated
Guymon 05/14/2015 06/25/2020
Joshua W. Williams Hugo Hired 04/25/2020 Terminated 08/12/2018
Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 202025
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FSIO REPORT
Mark Murdock
CHANGE?? But Why?
Moore FD
FSIO President
• Firedoc004@gmail.com
them to grow in the fire service. Knowledge is a powerful tool, but you must be able to apply it properly, and that is where a veteran can be the bridge. The word change in the fire service will A veteran who is willing to help can share a wealth of knowledge send chills down any veteran firefighters’ and experience to help a younger firefighter achieve success, and the spine. Just the mere utterance of the word veteran can learn some new things, as well. can bring a firehouse to a standstill with PURPOSES OF FSIO: A veteran firefighter can offer insight as to why we do what we heated debates and speculation. do. Sometimes it is built on tradition and other times it is built on In fact, the fire service is full of change function. • To provide effective & continudaily. The type of emergencies that we are asked to provide serous leadership, education, and There is no single method that works for all departments. Manvices for are unheard of at times. Just ask any responder as to what training of the Fire Service for ning, equipment, response needs, construction, etc. play a vital role. craziness they have seen and be prepared to sit and listen for a the protection of life and property This does not mean that changes cannot be made to improve the while. against fire and related man-made capabilities and function of our services. or natural disasters. Firefighters are known to be resourceful and adaptable to many In my career, I have seen numerous changes to our pre-connected different types of situations, so why are we so resistant to change? handlines on our engines. I can honestly say that I have not seen • To unite for professional benefit In fact, the unknown and the unusual calls and how we handle or used any one load that just absolutely wowed me. They all have those members of the Fire Service them is one of the key factors that attract us to our job. their positives and negatives. who share a sincere interest in Fire Ask any firefighter what they dislike about the fire service and What I have discovered is that if you train regularly with whatService Education as a means of they will reply “I hate change, but I hate the way things are.” HMever load your department uses, then it still comes off the truck and protecting life and property. MMM! Change can make us all uncomfortable for a while because water flows through it. You learn to use the positives and overcome it is simply different from what we know. the negatives of whatever load you are using. • To provide an atmosphere for inSo why is there a need for change? Several things bring on the formation and recourse exchange As a veteran, we must also be open-minded to the lessons learned need for change such as a change in the law, response area needs, between individuals and between from these younger firefighters. After all, they are receiving some the manning, budgets, equipment, educational requirements, etc. organizations involved in Fire best training and education in the modern fire service. Work with Change is not always an evil thing. With change comes our Service Education as a means of them and mentor them along their career path. need to use that adaptability that we are so proud of. Regardless of protecting life and property. A veteran firefighter must stay up on his education and skills, as the change that has taken place, if it works towards the improvewell. If you want to gain respect from a young firefighter, then you • To promote cooperation among ment of service to our customers, then the change is warranted. must stay informed, educated and skilled. private enterprises, non profit If it does not improve our service to the public, then we must ask With both young and veteran firefighters, I hear the same thing organizations, associations, and ourselves why we are changing. when it comes to training: “I have already done that once before government agencies with an Are we changing just to change or is it for a better outcome and in training, so why should I have to do it again?” and “Why do we interest in Fire Service Education purpose? have to do simple skills practice?” at state and local levels. Let us examine a couple of sore spots in the modern fire service. These are questions I have heard many times during my career. New firefighter says, “I learned a new way of doing something So why do we need to keep even our basic skills sharp? Why can’t • To disseminate state-of-the –art and it’s cool, so we need to change. The old guys need to get on materials concerning Fire Service we just move on to the cool stuff? The simple answer is if you are board with modern technology.” Education to the membership. not using them on a regular basis, then you are not going to be as Veteran firefighter says, “The new guys need to shut up and smooth as you need to be when it counts. learn the job before they suggest changes. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix • To establish and maintain librarCountless times I have witnessed very seasoned firefighters look it.” ies of training materials and to terrible doing quite simple jobs. If you cannot do simple tasks well, encourage their establishment by Newer firefighters are exposed to the latest and greatest fire how can you expect to do the difficult tasks well? If you hire a proothers. technology. They are just sponges soaking up as much as they posfessional contractor to do a job, would you not want quality work sibly can so they can be a valued member to the team. The instrucfrom them? • To encourage research & special tors they are learning from are experts in their field and offer a So what is different with the fire service? NOTHING! For you to studies and to develop training way of doing things that may be different than it is done in your gain the respect as a professional from your peers and the public, and education programs & prohome department. It does not mean it is the only way. you must be proficient with your job all the time and not just occedures, and to analyze problems Younger firefighters do not yet have the knowledge base to casionally. arising and their application. know the difference, so the way they learn from those experts is Watching videos on the computer or just talking about the job the only thing they know at this point. They are eager to share • To promote the importance of the around the table does not get it done. You must actively practice what they have learned and want to feel like they have input. role of the Fire Service Instructors your skill set often to be professional. Their excitement and enthusiasm can be squashed in a hurry upon in the total Fire Service OrganizaDo not get me wrong, videos and discussions are great tools to returning to the station. tion. learn from, but you must be able to apply what you have learned Being energetic and excited about this newfound knowledge and hone your craft. can sometimes be met with a less than enthusiastic crowd at the One method I have found to help me throughout my career to station. This is something I see regularly at any firehouse I visit. stay current about the job has been teaching. I have learned more from other instrucThis type of attitude can prove disastrous over time for both the new firefighter tors and students than I have ever learned from a book or video. and the veterans. New guy wants to suggest changes to feel like he’s part of the team Some of my personal successes have also come from my failures, as well. As one and veterans don’t like the new guy telling them how to do their job because the new of my mentors told me years ago, “If you aren’t messing up, then you aren’t trying!” guy lacks the knowledge and experience from doing the job. Success comes from learning from your mistakes. In fact, both are correct in their assumptions. If you are having trouble being successful, then revaluate what you are doing. Are There is, however, a solution to the problem, but both the veterans and new fireyou doing the same thing over and over expecting different results? If so, you need to fighters must work together. A balance between a veteran’s experience and education change what you are doing. and the new firefighter and his newly acquired knowledge must be achieved. When change is in the air or change is needed, just ask yourself a few simple quesA veteran can bring some history and justifications as to the way a particular task tions: is done, but we should always be willing to look for improvements to our service Is a change required by law? delivery. Is a change needed due to a response issue? In other words, we must communicate! Will the change benefit the public and the department? As a veteran in my home department, I have always encouraged young firefightChange happens around us all the time and we must be able to adapt to it. Comers to seek out as much knowledge and training as they can get. munication is the key when changes occur. Keep yourself informed and always look The first few years are critical because, as I said earlier, they are sponges. It is at to improve your ability and the departments’ ability to provide the best possible this time when they are eager and willing to do what is required. From what I have service. experienced in my career, after about the 8-10 year range, a firefighter’s enthusiasm Do the best you can, but when you learn better, then do it! about learning starts to decline. It is not the case for all, but it is common. Stay safe and remember ... Lead with Passion and Train With Purpose! One of the key things I believe is having a veteran mentor them and work with
26October 2020Oklahoma Firefighter
The Day I Became ‘Someone Else’ By Chris Neal The things you think will never happen, you have to confront; those things that come into your life that you never thought you could deal with, you do. -- Mario Cantone The other day, I was thumbing through my most recent copy of Oklahoma Firefighter and was struck by how things over the years have changed so significantly in our service, and yet in other ways remained virtually the same. For over 40 years, I’ve been fortunate to live my dream in a career that has included both active duty and positions that directly support the fire service. Over that time, I’ve witnessed a dramatic improvement in so much: technology, apparatus and personal protective equipment and gear, firefighter safety and professional competence, health and fitness, education and training, diversity, and unity both within and across departments and other professions. Consequently, today’s firefighters -- as never before -- are better prepared, safer, more physically fit, better trained and educated and more professionally connected to their peers and communities than ever before, and I am thankful. At the same time, I’ve also watched other things remain unchanged, and for most of those I’m thankful as well: respect for our heritage and for those who brought us to where we are today; a common commitment to values in a world that in many ways has fallen so far away; a solid structure of governance in our professional associations and a common commitment to guard it; mutual respect for each other individually and organizationally that allows us to rise above disagreements to solve problems and guard relationships (thus prepared to respond and stand beside each other in times of crisis or need); and a commitment to programs for active and retired firefighters and their families that we guard jealously. I’m incredibly thankful for those special individuals who over the years have sacrificed and worked so diligently so that my family and I, along with my fellow retirees and those still in service, are blessed with a firm foundation of reassurance and hope for the future. But unfortunately, there is one thing that hasn’t changed over these many years that continues to haunt us -- firefighters continue to die from heart attacks and heart disease more than any other cause of line of duty death (nearly half of all LODD’s1) and at a rate greater than the general public2. And unfortunately, that rate remains higher for retired firefighters as well (primarily due to long-term cardiac damage associated with exposure to various products of combustion3). While we have improved considerably in safety and health over the past decade through awareness, fitness, testing, nutrition, and support rules/policies/procedures and associated programs (open any edition of Oklahoma Firefighter and see the evidence), we still have a long way to go. By virtue of professional responsibilities and obligations over my career, I have always kept a close eye on firefighter injury and death statistics, their trends and programs to address them. All of us have colleagues and friends who have died from conditions exacerbated by their experience as a firefighter. Exposure to toxic chemicals, by-products of combustion, and disease; physical, heat, and mental and traumatic stress; structural, transportation, and environmental hazards -- each and all together take a destructive toll on our hearts. But one common thread through the years for me was that each of these statistics and personal experiences represented someone else. That was until a few months ago, then it became personal. On that day I became “someone else.” THE DAY EVERYTHING CHANGED Since my retirement from active service, I have remained active not only professionally but also in my free time. Most recently over the past couple of years, that has
Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 202027 Editor’s Note: Chris Neal, who submitted this article, retired from the Oklahoma Fire Service after serving the last 10 years of his career as Fire Chief with the Claremore and Stillwater fire departments.
included a major remodel on our home, and more recently constructing a writer’s cottage with and for my wife. It has been both a labor of love and exasperation for both of us (my mind thinks I’m still 30 with the ability to do the same off-duty work as I did then, but my back tells me otherwise). That has meant full days of some considerable physical labor, and in my case some challenges beyond those that I could just attribute to age and a “need to be in better shape.” As I look back, I can now recognize signs and symptoms that I should have paid attention to. I, like you, know those signs to look for -- we’ve been inundated with that information through the years. My own experience was one of shortness of breath, chest tightness and fatigue. But each subsided when I rested (i.e. “took a break”) or called it a day, so as I noted, I attributed each to my age and not being in proper “shape” for such work. And as an old firefighter, I don’t suffer whining well, even if it is me, so I “pushed through” most of the “discomforts” and continued on each day. That approach was incredibly unwise and dangerous. Then one day in March, I had to stop and catch my breath on the way to the mailbox, I couldn’t even make it up the 50 yards or so to the road. It was then and there I had to be honest with myself, that this was beyond age and physical condition. A couple of days later, I had a gut feeling (I believe Providence) and made a call to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital (OHH) to schedule a heart scan (OHH had a booth last year at the annual Futhey State Fire School promoting their heart scans for firefighters, and I took time to meet with them and gather some information -- thank you OSFA and OHH). When I called, the scan was scheduled for the following day. A SECOND CHANCE CAME QUICKLY It was a simple and easy procedure involving a simple scan of your heart area as you lay flat, and the whole process from arrival until I left was about 15 minutes. The medical tech who performed my scan was able to give me a report before I left that showed me to be average for my age for my calcium score, but indicated that my results would be more closely evaluated by a cardiologist later that day. That unfortunately just served to confirm to me that I was correct in my self-assessment that it was just age and physical condition, and with that I vowed to spend more time on my aerobic health in the future. But the following Monday, I received a call from OHH informing me that a detailed review of the findings by a cardiologist indicated problems that I needed to discuss with my cardiologist ASAP. Their commitment to due diligence and a comprehensive evaluation of the scan was the difference literally between life and death. What followed was a further series of tests, a full cardiac catheterization and finally open heart surgery -- all within a few days. And in it, I received a new aortic valve, replacing one the surgeon described as “mush.” He also went on to note that two weeks later might have been too long to expect -- it was a close call. As I think back on that experience, I am thankful for that providential push to go in for a scan and for OHH who reached out last year to us. It began a process that saved my life. Quite simply and soberly, I most likely would not be here today if I had not followed through. I get to join others in our service like Rex McGee who have God, strong spouses and family, and exceptional medical care initiated by a heart scan to thank for a second chance. In my own case, my wife Rose has been incredible in both care and support through these challenging months -she’s my best friend and is as courageous as she is kind. And OHH has been a Godsend in so many ways –
‘Hearts for Heroes’ Scan Offer By Jane Braden, OHH representative The Oklahoma State Firefighters Association, Oklahoma Blood Institute and Oklahoma Heart Hospital are teaming up to offer a new program to help you take care of your heart called “Hearts for Heroes.” Oklahoma Heart Hospital North and South will be offering free HeartView CT scans to any firefighter and their partner who is willing to donate blood to the Oklahoma Blood Institute two times in the next year. That’s two blood donations for one free HeartView CT scan. The Oklahoma Heart Hospital HeartView CT scan “looks” into your heart with a simple CT scan to detect the level of calcium on your blood vessels. Calcium build-up is a sign that arthrosclerosis or hardening of the arteries is at work around your heart causing damage and setting you up for a heart attack. The scan is a screening test to alert you to a bigger problem or give you peace of mind your risk is minor. Keep watching for more details about “Hearts for Heroes” to learn where OBI Hearts for Heroes donation events will be taking place. incredibly professional and highly competent staff (the hospital recognized as one of the top 5 in the country, and understandably why), with amazing care and kindness from every staff member and medical professional we encountered along the way, not only to me as the patient, but equally as much to Rose (as many of you know, these events are incredibly taxing and emotional for spouses). A WONDERFUL GIFT FOR OKLAHOMA FIREFIGHTERS, FOR YOU! So what’s the lesson for you? Quite simply, I was foolishly arrogant to think and (even worse) act as if these things only happen to someone else. And yet this spring, I became that “someone else.” A good definition of wisdom is to learn from the mistakes of others and then not repeat them. My purpose in writing this is for you to recognize that you could just as easily be the “someone else,” but in the end not be as fortunate as I was (as we know, you don’t always have symptoms before a heart attack). That wisdom dictates that you be shrewd where I was foolish, and that you take that first step to protect your family and your future. OHH and OBI have graciously provided an avenue to make it easy for Oklahoma firefighters, active and retired. By donating blood to OBI two times over the next year (and in that process saving lives as well), you can receive a heart scan from OHH for no cost. And that is an amazing gift for Oklahoma firefighters, for YOU! There is really no reason not to take that step today. So be wise, please. 1 - Firefighter Fatalities in the United States, Rita F. Fahy, Jay T. Petrillo, and Joseph L. Molis, National Fire Protection Association, July 2020 2 - Firefighters and Coronary Heart Disease: A Brief History on Research and Analysis, Aditya Shekhar, Fire Engineering, December 2019 3 - Long-term Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Firefighters After the World Trade Center Disaster, Hillel W. Cohen, Rachel Zeig-Owens, Cynthia Joe, Journal of the American Medical Association, September 2019
28October 2020Oklahoma Firefighter
n
OSFA Executive Board Highlights
Roll Call: Eric Harlow, present; Cliff Davidson, present; Jim Ed Nimmo, present; Tony Lopez, present; Mike Kelley, present; George Fina (ORFA), present. Others: Tippy Pierce, Sheri Nickel, Trisha Chain, Bert Norton, Bob Allen, Caroline Reed, Don Armes, Julia Jernigan-Smith, Eric Hamilton. Guests: Tom Bradley, Jim Minx. Correspondence: Thank you cards from Stavros Scholarship winners McKenna Wright and Caleb Laverty. Greater OKC Chamber thank you letter. Legislative: Armes Armes discussed meeting with the other pension systems and discussing interim studies; reported Rankin discussed a CPI-U catchup to the group. Armes will also be pursuing finding a funding source for OSU FST. OEM Report: Allen The Governor signed an executive order to merge Homeland Security and OEM, with OEM being the head agency. PPE for schools has been disbursed to the counties. If PPE is needed for departments, please contact the county emergency manager. Allen would like to plan a meeting with Director Gower, Pierce, and any board members who would like to attend to discuss new processes for requesting resources. Daniel Plitz is contact for any grants. Fire Service Training: Reed Upcoming events were listed and more classes are being moved online or partially with blended learning, including Hazmat Awareness and working toward Hazmat Ops and Driver Ops and Aerial. Paul Hinchey has retired from the NW regional position. COMMITTEE REPORTS n Educational Advisory: Nimmo Nimmo reported on the options discussed in the committee meeting and presented the information from a proposal from Cox Convention Center that includes facility use at no cost for the week after our scheduled date for Fire School. n Museum Expansion: Pierce Committee discussed actions taken by this board to approve the building layout on the grounds; progress is waiting on approval from city permits. Pierce discussed putting together a groundbreaking ceremony; board was provided draft guest list, agenda, and invitations. Board agreed that a ceremony was a good idea; Harlow requested Pierce look at dates approximately one month away. Museum Report: Pierce The Museum will work to receive the donation of the 1928 Seagrave from Hollis when Brown gets back from knee surgery. Maintenance is ongoing and trucks are still being polished. Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Report: Nickel FFI classes in Dewey and Shawnee are ongoing, El Reno, Tahlequah, and Woodward are starting in September. FFII class, courtesy of the new grant, in Ardmore is finishing up and the next is planned for Jenks; the rest are being set up. There was a contract signed with an Oklahoma City clinic that will be used for pension physicals. Nickel
August 20, 2020
provided Board members a benefit sheet of the highlights of the grant. Pierce reported the discussed contract between OSFA and FST will include monthly meetings between Pierce, Nickel, and Reed. Nickel feels like some members deserve extra mentioning and discussed highlighting them in the monthly Oklahoma Firefighter newspaper. NVFC Report: Nickel The fall meeting will be virtual. The majority of the water campaign went to Oklahoma departments. ORFA Report: Fina Fina discussed getting local union chapters involved with local retiree chapters and getting paid firefighters more interactive with volunteer firefighters.  OFCA Report: Norton Plans are still ongoing for the Winter Workshop in January. Norton stated they are waiting for a Pension rules committee meeting to be set so they can discuss CPAT testing. Harlow reported the Pension board is working on a rule change that would alleviate the problem. Norton requested to be informed and involved in the process. Executive Director’s Report: Pierce OSFA membership: 534 departments, 1 new (Strother) with 11,826 members. ORFA membership: 4,437; ORFA Museum expansion fundraiser has raised $1,725; Brent Hatcher 251; electronic paper subscription 966; OSFA Associate Members 15; OFCA Associate Members 19. The Memorial Tournament has 15 sponsors and 8 teams. Hudiburg has money from the car program to give to us but Pierce wanted to know which account to place the funds in; Board consensus reached to send to Memorial account. Board reached consensus to keep the Museum and offices closed to public and will revisit the topic next month. Board consensus reached to stream the Statewide memorial service instead of hosting families. New Business Board discussed attendance for the Memorial Golf Tournament. Chain discussed a website redesign; including info about current site, issues we are currently facing, and discussed multiple quotes. A cost-share for each organization could be a possible option. Armes and Board were concerned about pricing and requested additional quotes, including agencies that can manage the app as well. Nimmo discussed concerns brought to him about tactics from American Income Life agents. Board recommended advice be given to write ‘do not contact’ on beneficiary cards that are returned to the company. Pierce reported the Board discussed restructure of organization and reinstated Sheri Nickel as Administrative Director. Selection of Committees as discussed in Executive Session and reported by Pierce: Benevolent Committee: Phil Ostrander (Chair), Ret. Tulsa; Justin Beard, Oklahoma City; Donnie Bennett, Oklahoma City; T. Dick Cagle, Ret. Tulsa; Tim Casey, Perry; Yogi Cole, Ret. Tulsa/Keys; Melanie Colvin, Lexington; Rob Crews, Elk City; Mike Duncan, Ret. Dewey; Les Foughty, Ret. Oklahoma City; Clifford
OSFA & Museum Staff Executive Director (Interim) Tippy Pierce tippy@osfa.info Administrative Director Sheri Nickel sherin@osfa.info Events & Promotions Trisha Chain trishac@osfa.info Administrative Assistant Diane Bain dianeb@osfa.info
Museum Director Gene Brown geneb@osfa.info Museum Assistant Quintin James quintinj@osfa.info Museum Assistant Bob Noll bobn@osfa.info Publications Penelope Soldan penelopes@osfa.info
Receptionist Kendall Pettay kendallp@osfa.info
Lewis, Ret. Oklahoma City; Tom Marcum, Mooreland; Philip Mead, Ret. Atoka; Tim Moxley, Perry; Michael Pettey, Fort Supply; Juan Rodriguez, Ret. Lawton; Joshua Smith, Wynnewood; Andy Willrath, Mustang. EMS Committee: Anthony Stewart (Chair), Kingfisher; Blake Braden, Guthrie; Russell Brand, Perry; Chad Campbell, Woodward; Dereck Cassady, Ponca City; Jacob Cox, Dewey; Brian Davis, Edmond; Jamie DuBose, Deer Creek FPD; Mike Duncan, Ret. Dewey; Mike Harkey, Caney; Eric Harlow, Guthrie; Kreg Hunt, Canadian; Scott Kirby, Mill Creek; David Macy, Oklahoma City; Phil Ott, Waukomis; Joseph Sherrell, Tulsa; Grant Wadley, Guymon; Dale Adkerson, OK Dept of Health; Greg Reid, OKAMA; Jim Winham, EMSA. Membership Committee: Kenny Barone (Chair), McAlester; Jeff Choate, Geary; Stephen Duke, Perry; Brian Foughty, Ret. Moore; Justin Hackworth, Tahlequah; Eric Harlow, Guthrie; Travis Harris, Kildare; Jerimy Meek, Midwest City; JoeVan Russell, Frederick; Noe Santillan, Guymon; Randal Sullivan, Eufaula; Bobby Tallchief, Ret. Bartlesville; David Thompson, Slaughterville; Scott Van Horn, Ret. Oklahoma City; Jimmy White, Ret. Yukon; Kevin Wofford, Ret. Vinita. Public Education Committee: Jacob Stangl (Chair), Edmond; Joel Bain, Ret. Midwest City; Cody Banks, Tulsa; Gene Brown, OSFM; Tony Carbajal, Oklahoma City; Dereck Cassady, Ponca City; Rick Chisum, Okmulgee; Jamie DuBose, Deer Creek FPD; Jon Haight, Fairview; Jordan Hughes, El Reno; Scott Kirby, Mill Creek; Tim Lee, Ardmore; Louis Marschik, Oklahoma City; Amy Miller, Post Mountain; Bryan Miller, Alva; Stephen Mixon, Tulsa; Bob Noll, OSFM; Billy Sizemore, Elk City; Carl Hickman, State Fire Marshal; Kelly Ransdell, NFPA. Stavros Scholarship Committee: Mike Duncan (Chair), Ret. Dewey; Bruce Anthony, Tuttle; Dr. James Caster; Marc Edwards; Steve Lumry, Ret. OKC; Phil Ostrander, Ret. Tulsa; Jim Minx, Ret. OKC; OSFA Executive Board. Adjourn: 12:21 p.m. Next meeting: Sept. 17, 2020.
Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 202029
Oklahoma Fallen & Living Firefighters Memorial lit up at night
Three Generations of Keyes Firefighters
Letter sent to OSFA from Kenneth Ray Foust, Ret. Keyes FD Editor: I have enclosed a photo that I hope you will post in the newspaper. This is a photo of three generations of firemen: • Kenneth Ray Foust, Ret. Keyes Fire Chief • Son Toby Ray Foust, Ret. Keyes Assistant Fire Chief • Grandson Derek Ray Foust, Keyes FD Secretary
30October 2020Oklahoma Firefighter
n OKLAHOMA FIRE SPOTLIGHT BY GREG ROBERTS
Ret. Norman FD
HEAVENER FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Chief: Tim Davis
East Side Station
FD formed: 1913 Joined OSFA: 1922 ISO rating: 2/2Y Volunteer Firefighters: 19 Population: 3,600 (Approx.) Square Miles Covered: 66 Calls Per Year: 190 (Average) Number of Stations: 2
Heavener Fire Chief Tim Davis
Number of Engines: 3 Number of Tankers: 1
West Side Station
Number of Brushpumpers: 2 Number of Rescue Apparatus: 2
Perhaps one of the most unique parks in Oklahoma is the Heavener Runestone Park. Located on the north slope of Poteau Mountain, just east of Heavener, this 55-acre park is built around a Swedishinscribed runestone found in the 1920s. However, according to oral history, the runestone was actually discovered in the 1830s by a Choctaw hunting party. Numerous legends surround the stone as to its origins. Some claim the runes document Viking exploration into southeastern Oklahoma around the year 1000 AD, while others suggest the runes were carved in the 1700’s. The english translation of the rune is GNOMEDAL, which means ‘Little Valley’. If you are in this part of Oklahoma, the Heavener Runestone Park is worth a visit.
Rescue 224 2011 Ford/Blanchat 23 HP/200 pump/300 tank
E-221 1991 GMC/E-One 1000 pump/750 tank Heavener FD Circa 1920s
If you would like to see your FD featured in a future issue of Oklahoma Firefighter, contact Greg Roberts at 405-424-1452 or groberts1960@gmail.com
E-211 2020 Freightliner/E-One 1500 pump/1000 tank
BP-212 2012 Ford/Chief F&S 23 HP/200 pump/250 tank
E-231 2001 International/E-One 1250 pump/1000 tank
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Museum news
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Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 202031 Photos by Greg Roberts
2020 RIDE TO REMEMBER
Gene Brown
Ret. Norman FD
Museum Director geneb@osfa.info 405-424-3440
Things are picking up here at your museum. We have been working on the Memorial and it is looking great. We are going to reopen on Nov. 1. It will be great to get back to having guests visiting. The David Bain Memorial golf tournament was a great success. Thanks to all who came out to support the Memorial. Without your support, we would not be able to make this such a success. We also hosted the Ride To Remember on Sept. 11. We had around 1,000 bikes come through, and we will receive $8,000 from the ride which will also support our Memorial. We are very proud to be part of such a great group of people. They work very hard to make this happen. Thank you to all of the organizers for your giving spirit. The new Apparatus storage building is moving forward. We hope to begin construction ASAP. On completion, we will be able to start moving forward with the educational center. Thank you all for your support, and stay safe.
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32October 2020Oklahoma Firefighter
