129th OSFA CONVENTION

OSFA’s new President was born in Moore and attended Moore HS, OSU-OKC and OCCC. He’s been with Midwest City FD for 33 years -- the only FD he’s worked for. In a recent question-and-answer session with Oklahoma Firefighter, Lopez, 57, shared the following:

When did you know you wanted to be a firefighter?

I was 23 and sitting behind a desk working for Hibdon Tire Centers. I did not know anything about the fire service, but I had some friends that had been applying at different departments. So I look in the help wanted section and saw that Midwest City FD was hiring. I applied, tested and was fortunate enough to get hired my first try.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to finish my term as President then retire and spend more time with family.

What was the highlight of the 2023 OSFA Convention for you?

The board wearing cowboy hats as a tribute to Jim Ed.

Here’s a bit of history you may or may not know about your association:

OSFA President Tony Lopez has already announced the theme for his convention next year.

It’s “Back to the Future” and it’s set for June 12-15, 2024, in Midwest City.

Since OSFA Presidents started picking themes for conventions -- a practice that began 40 years ago -- they usually don’t announce what it is until a few months before convention.

Only one other OSFA President is believed to have hinted at his convention theme so early.

In the four years leading up to his convention in 2011, Bert Norton ended his monthly articles in the Oklahoma Firefighter newspaper with the words “Get Involved.”

And the theme for Norton’s 117th OSFA Convention was “Fully Involved.” By the way, Lopez helped out with that convention -- the last time it was held in Midwest City.