OSFA Executive Director’s Report - Tippy Pierce

n Tippy Pierce

Ret. Moore FD

t ippy@osfa.info • 405-424-1452

Greetings members! The OSFA is beginning to get back close to a normal state by using virtual electronic media, in office visits and call in. We have all the committees picked for this year. You will be notified as to whom is on these committees, and we appreciate each and everyone for their willingness to participate. The Memorial Committee is working on the upcoming Ride to Remember event Sept. 12. It is the largest continuous poker run in the world and a third of the proceeds are donated to the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighter Memorial. Last year, Ride to Remember brought in $15,000 in donations to our Memorial, and it stands to do at least that much this year. It is set up and run by the Wind and Fire Motorcycle club we appreciate them. We also appreciate the OSFA Women’s Auxiliary’s assistance during this event. Michelle Cole (OSFAWA President) and her board are working wonders. We expect to have 2,000 people show up to draw a card at the Museum, and without all these folks and a few more helping, we couldn’t possibly do it. The Memorial Committee is also working on the David Bain Memorial Golf Tournament coming up on Sept. 16. The Educational Advisory Committee is working as hard as ever to bring you a tremendous OSFA John F. Futhey, II State Fire School in Tulsa again next year. The dates of the 2020 State Fire School are May 20-23. This wouldn’t be possible without the help and efforts of the Tulsa Fire Department and OSU-FST. This shows a commitment of the Oklahoma Fire Service to work together no matter if you are paid or volunteer. Trent Bryan from El Reno and this committee are doing outstanding work and are working though the problems that the virus has put us under. We will be having a ground breaking ceremony for the Museum Expansion. This will start the first phase of construction. The date is still to be determined but we are excited about the start. We appreciate everyone participating with this ceremony. The Statewide Memorial Service this year will be held Sunday, Oct. 4. Due to the Coronavius, this service will be virtually broadcast. We are sorry that we will be unable to bring all the love ones here to the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial. But we will be getting the information out to the families so they can join in the cermony.

OSFA Administrati

n ve director Sheri Nickel Orlando FD

sherin @osfa.info • 405-424-1452

There is an old saying in the fire service that we have all heard at one time or another. “There’s two things that all firefighters hate -- the way that things are and change.” Without a doubt, this continues to withstand the test of time. The ugly truth is that we all have been a victim of change at one time or another in our lives, and most generally if you go into a new situation with an open mind, you will learn something that will make life better. The Oklahoma State Firefighters Association is in the process of going through a change. Your 2020-2021 board is in the process of making staff changes and our Event and Marketing Coordinator, Trisha Chain, is busy looking at ways to improve our website and upcoming events. You may also begin recognizing new features in the newspaper. We are in the process of hiring two new administrative assistants. One will be tasked with the front office responsibilities and the other one will coordinate membership. If you know of anyone who might need a job in these uncertain times, please have them send a cover letter and a resume to me at sherin@osfa.info. The OSFA committees have been appointed and meetings are underway to determine the outlook for the next year. With the uncertainty in planning our Memorial Service and State Fire School due to Covid, we are busy looking at a “Plan B” and are thankful that our committee members are willing to work through that with us. Zoom meetings and Facebook live are becoming increasingly popular, and we are discussing using those as alternatives. We are serving 541 fire departments this year. If there is anything that we can do to help anyone, please let us know. We work for you.