Tahlequah Fire Department 2024 Annual report
“Protect life, property and enhance community safety.”
Tahlequah Fire Department Mission Statement: “Protect life, property and enhance community safety.”
Fire Chief Casey Baker provides a look back at the Tahlequah Fire Department’s progress during the 2024 calendar year.
Tahlequah Fire Department responded to a record number of emergency responses during the 2024 calendar year.
Tahlequah Fire Department statistics on insurance claims collected during 2024.
Letter from Fire Chief Casey Baker
Honorable Mayor and esteemed Council Members,
It is my privilege to present the annual report for the Tahlequah Fire Department. This past year has been one of growth, progress, and continued service to our thriving community. I am proud to share the highlights of our achievements and developments as we strive to enhance public safety and preparedness.
Community Growth and Service Expansion
As Tahlequah continues to grow, so do the responsibilities and demands on our fire department. We have responded to an increased number of emergency calls, including fire suppression, medical assistance, and rescue operations. To meet these demands, we have maintained a strong commitment to training, readiness, and equipment upgrades.
TFD Public Education and Outreach
Our department remains dedicated to community education and engagement:
• School Programs: We conducted fire prevention education programs in schools, reaching thousands of students with hands-on demonstrations and safety lessons.
• Fire Safety Awareness Campaigns: We hosted
community events and open houses to promote fire safety, fire extinguisher classes, CPR classes, and awareness for families and businesses.
Empowering Future Firefighters at Camp Fierce
This year, we proudly hosted Camp Fierce, an all-female fire camp designed to inspire and educate young women about careers in firefighting and emergency services. Participants gained handson experience, learned essential skills, and built confidence. The event was a tremendous success, and we plan to continue offering it in the future.
Equipment and Technology Upgrades
With the partnership of Cherokee Nation we put our new ladder truck in service, greatly enhancing our ability to respond to emergencies,
particularly in multi-story buildings, large commercial properties, and the downtown area. We also were able to update our radio system to a P25 radio system to better communicate with firefighters on scene and our partners in the community. This investment in modern equipment ensures we are prepared to protect our growing city effectively.
Training and Professional Development
Our team remains committed to excellence through ongoing education. This year, we successfully taught our fifth Fire Academy, providing new recruits with the foundational skills needed to serve the community with
professionalism and integrity. Additionally, our veteran firefighters participated in advanced training to refine their expertise and leadership abilities.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on this year’s accomplishments, we also look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead. With continued growth, we will prioritize expanding services, investing in technology, and fostering partnerships that enhance public safety.
I sincerely thank the Mayor, Council, and the citizens of Tahlequah for your continued support of the Tahlequah Fire Department.
Together, we are building a safer, stronger community.
Respectfully submitted, Fire Chief Casey Baker
Assistant Chief Mark Whittmore
Mayor and Council, 2024 has closed and we reflect on a year marked by progress, growth, and dedication to our mission of serving the community. Time has flown by, but not without meaningful accomplishments that strengthen our ability to protect and serve.
One of the highlights of this year was the push in ceremony at Station 1 to celebrate the addition of a new ladder truck. The new Pierce 100-foot Mid Mount Accent Ladder was made possible with the cooperation of the Cherokee Nation and the City of Tahlequah. This apparatus will significantly enhance our response capabilities, ensuring we’re better equipped to handle emergencies.
We were also fortunate to welcome additional personnel to our family at TFD in 2024. Their expertise and commitment bolster our operation, allowing us to continue delivering excellent service to our community while preparing for future demands.
Additionally, we successfully completed annual pump testing, reaffirming the readiness and reliability of our equipment. These routine but critical tests ensure that we maintain readiness for whatever emergency arises. As we look ahead to 2025 we remain committed to our mission: “Protecting Property, Life, and Enhancing Community Safety since 1895.”
I would like to extent my
heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout the year. Your trust and encouragement are the foundation of our success.
Stay safe,
Assistant Chief Mark Whittmore
1,282
2024 RESPONSE METRICS
In 2024, the Tahlequah Fire Department’s firefighters had 1,282 responses, the highest volume of calls for service in the department’s 130-year history. This represented an increase of more than 11% from the previous year and an increase of more than 50% since 2020.
BY MONTH (2024)
2024 RESPONSE METRICS
80
155 outside/grass &
376
186
Station 1
Responded to 841 incidents
Station 2
Responded to 430 incidents
* Station 1 & Station 2 responded simultaneously to 247 incidents in 2024
* A, B and C Shifts each responded to more than 410 incidents in 2024
39 seconds avg. turnout time (from time station receives dispatch to the time firefighters are enroute to the scene)
4 minutes avg. response time (from time station receives dispatch to the time firefighters arrive on the scene)
YEAR TO YEAR RESPONSES 2020 - 2024
In 2020 at the request of the Mayor and City Council, the Tahlequah Fire Department began to collect insurance claims in order to help cover the cost of fire service needs for the City of Tahlequah. In 2024, Tahlequah Fire Department’s insurance collections rose neaerly 12% compared to collections in 2023.
$59,525 Insurance Claims Received 2024
$237,125 Insurance Claims Received 2020 - 2024
SOCIAL MEDIA OUTREACH
The Tahlequah Fire Department’s Facebook page serves as a vital communication hub for sharing essential fire safety information and department updates, and for showcasing the daily service Tahlequah’s firefighters provide the community. TFD strives to provide fun and engaging posts, fire prevention and safety awareness, and an on-thescene glimpse of the department’s work, in order to keep Tahlequah citizens informed and foster appreciation for the department’s continuous efforts to protect and serve the city.
2024 FACEBOOK POST VIEWS
542,400
237,500
(+71% YTD)
2024 FACEBOOK PAGE VISITS
47,000
(+81% YTD) (+52% YTD)
7,000
FACEBOOK DEMOGRAPHICS
Tahlequah Fire Department’s Halloween-inspired post on Oct. 30, 2024, received the highest reach, the most likes and reactions, the most shares and the most views of any other single post in 2024. This post featured the Green (C) Shift’s Halloween photoshoot and helped bring a larger audience to the TFD – 94% of the 98,556 views received were from viewers who did not previously follow the TFD Facebook page. New followers grew by 118% over 30 days from the original post.
60-day synopsis of the post:
Total Number of Views: 98,556 Unique Views: 66,968
City of Tahlequah, Cherokee Nation celebrate push-in for new $2.2 million ladder truck
Leaders from the City of Tahlequah and Tahlequah Fire Department joined Cherokee Nation officials and community members in March of 2024 for a traditional push-in ceremony, officially welcoming the city’s new $2.2 million, 100-foot ladder truck into service.
The community helped push the state-of-the-art truck into the Tahlequah Fire Department Station 1 in downtown Tahlequah, an honored tradition dating back to the days of hand-drawn fire apparatuses.
The ladder truck was fully funded by a contribution from the Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Nation Businesses. The new truck features an extended reach to safeguard taller buildings like those on the Northeastern State University campus, the Cherokee
National History Museum, and a new $400 million hospital being built by the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah.
Tahlequah Fire Department covers 66 square miles and frequently assists rural communities outside of Tahlequah during emergencies. The department is also occasionally requested to assist other cities in the Cherokee Nation Reservation.
Tahlequah firefighters trained on
the new ladder truck following the push-in ceremony, and the truck was placed in full service to help protect the Tahlequah community in April 2024.
The Tahlequah Fire Department’s new “Ladder 1” is stationed at Station 1 on East Chickasaw Street, and the former Ladder 1, now “Ladder 2,” was moved to TFD’s Station 2 at Southridge.
“The City of Tahlequah is extremely thankful and appreciative of the generous donation from the Cherokee Nation to purchase a fire truck to enhance the fleet we currently have. Our citizens will be better protected with the addition of this truck. We feel very fortunate to have this partnership with the Cherokee Nation and we are always thankful for their continued support and generosity.” - Tahlequah Mayor Suzanne Myers
VIDEO: Learn more about the new ‘Ladder 1’ on the Tahlequah Fire Department Facebook page.
TFD and Tulsa Metro Women on Fire host Camp Fierce in Tahlequah
The Tulsa Metro Women on Fire 501(c)(3) organization partnered with Tahlequah Fire Department to host Camp Fierce at the Chief Bob Adrian Regional Fire Training Center Oct. 12-13, 2024.
The annual Camp Fierce is a two-day camp for females ages 15 and up that focuses on helping participants break barriers, conquer challenges and explore firefighting careers through a supportive, empowering environment.
The 2024 camp’s 40 participants included aspiring women firefighters, high school and college students who have a passion for seeking a career in the firefighting industry, and women seeking a career change toward the firefighting industry. Several Tahlequah firefighters assisted with training, operations and setup before, during and after the camp was held.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the City of Tahlequah for their unwavering support of Camp Fierce. Your commitment is truly remarkable. A special thank you to Mayor Myers for her exceptional dedication and leadership, which have played a vital role in making 2024’s camp the best yet! We host this camp each year to help give the participants the skills and hands-on experiences that might just propel them into pursuing a fulltime firefighting career. It’s so encouraging to see the impact this camp has on the young women who take part each year, and 2024’s camp left a positive impact on our 40 participants. This experience helps in overcoming some of the fears they may face about pursuing a career in firefighting, whether physical or mental.” - Kendall Taylor, president and co-founder, Tulsa Metro Women on Fire
Tahlequah Fire Chief Casey Baker and Tahlequah Mayor Suzanne Myers were excited to work with Taylor and the Tulsa Metro Women on Fire organization to help host the camp at the training facility located in Tahlequah.
“The Tahlequah Fire Department is proud to have two fulltime female firefighters, Sarah Swayze and Angie Retzloff, both of whom began as volunteer firefighters and were recently promoted to fulltime positions. They proudly serve our community every day, and are also both part of the Tulsa Metro Women on Fire organization, so I often hear about and see firsthand the impact being made by Tulsa Metro Women on Fire,” Baker said. “This
organization does very important work, whether it’s hosting Camp Fierce or releasing an all-female calendar each year as a fundraiser to support families battling pediatric cancer. I appreciate Tahlequah Mayor Suzanne Myers and the City Council for supporting this camp and allowing us to host this group for a life-changing opportunity for the young women who participate.”
During the event, campers participated in activities often experienced by firefighters: making forced entry into structures, auto extrication, search and rescue, firehose handling, CPR, familiarization with common firefighter tools, tips about fire career hiring processes, and experience with a live-burn scenario.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
In 2024, Tahlequah Fire Department conducted fire prevention education through “The Great Escape” program that reached thousands of students with hands-on demonstrations and safety lessons. The department also hosted Fire Safety Awareness Campaigns including community events and open houses to promote fire safety, fire extinguisher classes, CPR classes, and awareness for families and businesses. Each year this is made possible with the support of community members, businesses, schools, and the City of Tahlequah leadership.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
TRAINING
Tahlequah firefighters participated in a number of training and educational opportunities throughout 2024, including group training with other departments at the Chief Bob Adrian Regional Fire Training Center. Many TFD personnel are also trained instructors who assist during these activities. The department also trained on the city’s new state-of-the-art ladder truck; helped host Camp Fierce; and took opportunities to train in a variety of individual skill sets such as ropes corses, medic courses, water rescue and more.
TRAINING
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Each year, countless businesses, community groups, schools, churches and individuals support Tahlequah Fire Department’s work and educational programs. Likewise, Tahlequah firefighters dedicate not just their time on shift, but countless volunteer hours serving the community whenever the opportunity arises. Together we are building a safer, stronger Tahlequah community.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
TAHLEQUAH FIRE DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Captain
RECOGNITIONS
Firefighter Sarah Swayze 2024 Rookie of the Year
Cherokee Nation honors
TFD firefighters
Firefighters Nick Crittenden, Lt. Sean Valdez, Jesus Nava, and the Tahlequah Fire Dept received a recognition in June 2024 from the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service for their brave efforts and assistance during a dive operation in April 2024.
Lt. Brad Hale 2024 Nick Purkey Award
TFD Chaplain contributes to resource guide for chaplains
TFD Chaplain Clif Loman contributed to The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod’s “O God, Forsake Me Not: Care for First Responders” in 2024. The resource guide features advice and devotionals for first responders and chaplains who care for them.
Firefighters recognized by City Council for years of service:
Assistant Chief Mark Whittmore | 25 years
Firefighter Travis Miller | 25 years
Capt. Gary Cacy | 20 years
Capt. Joe Enlow | 15 years
Firefighter Anthony Margarit | 15 years
Capt. B.J. Baker | 10 years
Firefighter Edgar Alcantara | 5 years
Firefighter Jeremy Dry | 5 years
2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
TFD IN PHOTOS & THE NEWS
JANUARY | FEBRUARY |
JANUARY | FEBRUARY |
| MAY | JUNE
| AUGUST |
JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
TFD IN THE NEWS
News Channel 8 | March 4, 2024
News Channel 8 | January 23, 2024
Tahlequah firefighters battle abandoned house blaze
Around 10 P.M. on Monday, January 22, the Tahlequah Fire Department (TFD) responded to a structure fire near Old Highway 62. TFD reported that firefighters arrived at the scene to find an abandoned house engulfed in flames. Officials also said that firefighters spotted a man and woman leaving the scene, and the Tahlequah Police Department was able to locate the two. The individuals reportedly told police that they were staying in the home and started the fire to stay warm.
Tahlequah Fire Department responds to series of fires within 24 hours
TheTahlequah Fire Department stayed busy during the weekend, responding to multiple fires within 24 hours. The department said on-shift crews were on the scene of a vehicle fire, a dumpster fire, and several other outside fires. Pictures show firefighters hard at work battling the flames of a truck that caught fire. TFD was on the scene for more than two hours extinguishing the fire.
News Channel 8 | March 13, 2024
Tahlequah Daily Press | March 11, 2024
Ready to Roll: New ladder truck pushed into bay at TFD thanks to $2.2M from tribe
A special donation of a $2.2 million ladder truck to the Tahlequah Fire Department from the Cherokee Nation was announced during the May 15 Tahlequah City Council meeting, and on March 11, the truck was pushed into its new bay. The official push-in ceremony involved dignitaries from both the city of Tahlequah and the Cherokee Nation, and the men and women of the TFD. Hgalisiga Mackey, a cultural teacher for the Cherokee Immersion School, led the ceremony in a Cherokee blessing.
Tahlequah Fire Department tackles late-night house fire, Red Cross assists
The Tahlequah Fire Department (TFD) responded to a structure fire on Tuesday night. Around 11:45 P.M., TFD responded to the fire on the eastern edge of the city. Responding units were said to have found flames and smoke showing from the roof of the home. Crews used a piercing nozzle to get through the multi-layered roofs on the home, which included a metal roof over a composite roof.
FOX23 | June 4, 2024
FOX23 | April 25, 2024
Tahlequah Fire investigators arrest three for starting more than 20 fires, draining fire hydrants in 3 counties
Tahlequah Fire Department investigators arrested three people this week for setting more than 20 fires and draining multiple fire hydrants in at least three counties. Jacob Mills, 24, of Cherokee County, Sebastian Ritter, 21, of Adair County, and a 17-year-old boy were arrested for setting more than 20 fires and vandalizing multiple fire hydrants, which caused property damage and a significant loss of water to communities in at least three counties.
Tahlequah Fire responds to house fire caused by lightning strike
FOX23 is finding out new details about a house that caught fire after a lightning strike on Monday afternoon. Tahlequah Fire Chief Casey Baker said, in his opinion, these are among the most dangerous types of structure fires. Kids were pulled from a house that caught fire during a thunderstorm on Monday afternoon.
News
Channel 8 | Aug. 26, 2024
2 News Oklahoma | July 8, 2024
‘I feel like I really belong’: Tahlequah hires first full-time female firefighter Sarah Swayze was voted on to the Tahlequah Fire Department, working her first shift on July 1. She is the first woman firefighter with the department full-time in its nearly 130-year history. “For the first time in 35 years, I feel like I really belong something and like I’m really doing what I’m meant to be doing and so, and it’s helping people,” said Swayze. “I just wanted to help people, and I thought that’d be a good way.” For five years prior, Swayze was a middle school teacher in Tahlequah — but joining the fire service didn’t come out of left field. She said she had her eye on firefighting since she was a child, and her grandfather fought fires.
Pilot makes emergency landing on Tahlequah bypass, repairs aircraft, and flies off
Tahlequah Fire Department responded to a small aircraft that had to make an emergency landing in the eastbound lane of the bypass just west ofStick Ross Mountain Road. The pilot reported experiencing a loss of oil pressure before making the emergency landing. The pilot was not hurt and was able to repair the craft and received approval to take off from the bypass. Traffic was temporarily shut down while the aircraft took off, and the pilot landed at the Tahlequah airport shortly after.
FOX23 | Oct. 13, 2024
Tahlequah Fire Department hosts 11th annual Camp Fierce for girls interested in being firefighters
The Tahlequah Fire Department hosted 40 girls over the weekend for the 11th annual Camp Fierce. The camp is a two day, all girls fire camp which gives girls a look into the life of a firefighter. The camp started 11 years ago. Three years ago, Alexa Read and Kendall Taylor, both from Tulsa Fire Department took over the camp.
“Protect
