OKFF Dec 2017/Jan 2018

Official publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association

December 2017 / January 2018 Volume 34, Issue 10

Oh, What Fun It Is To Ride ...

... To the 16th Annual OSFA Volunteer Fire Caucus Feb. 3 at Canadian Valley Vo-Tech in El Reno (More Details on Pages 14-15) I N S I D E

OSFA Executive Board Members’ Comments............................................................. 5-6 Executive Director’s Report ...............................................................................................7 ISO Report ...........................................................................................................................8 SAFER Grant Report ...........................................................................................................9 Firefighter Near-Miss Report ........................................................................................ 10 Museum News .................................................................................................................11 Oklahoma Rural Water Association Report ................................................................12 2017 ORFA Fun & Fellowship Golf Tourney Photos..................................................... 16 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Report .................................................................................. 17 Oklahoma Fire Spotlight -- Hobart FD ..........................................................................18 Executive Board Meeting Highlights ............................................................................. 24 2018 OFCA Workshops .................................................................................................25 In Memoriam ..................................................................................................................26

ChangeService ServiceRequested Requested Change

OKLAHOMA STATE STATE FIREFIGHTERS FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION OKLAHOMA 2716 N.E. N.E. 50th 50th St. St. 2716 Oklahoma City, City, OK OK 73111 73111 Oklahoma

Non-Profit Org. Org. Non-Profit U.S. Postage Postage U.S. PAID PAID Okla. City, OK OK Okla.

City, Permit No. No. 570 570 Permit

2December 2017 / January 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

Oklahoma FirefighterDecember 2017 / January 20183

klahoma Firefighter December 2017 / January 2018 Volume 34 — Issue 10

Official Publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association 2716 N.E. 50th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111 (405) 424-1452 • 1-800-308-5336 Fax (405) 424-1032 osfa@osfa.info • www.osfa.info Published monthly by and for members of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association to educate its membership, to improve the fire service, and to enhance the value and dignity of their profession, either paid or volunteer.

Editor in Chief Phil Ostrander phil@osfa.info

Managing Editor Penelope Soldan penelopes@osfa.info

Letters to the Editor: Oklahoma Firefighter encourages the

open exchange of ideas, opinions and concerns among members of the fire service community.

Letters to the Editor should: concentrate on issues, not personalities; be typed; be signed by the writer and include writer’s telephone number; and be mailed (or emailed) to the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association: 2716 N.E. 50th St., Oklahoma City, OK, 73111 (osfa@osfa.info).

Oklahoma Firefighter reserves the right to publish, edit and condense letters according to space limitations and the editor’s judgement. Great care will be taken to ensure the message in the letter is not altered. Anonymous letters will not be published.

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Emergency Vehicle Technicians ARE THE MECHANICS WHO WORK ON YOUR EQUIPMENT CERTIFIED? Are the mechanics working on helps mechanicsTHINK and departments YOU CAN NOT AFFORD yourTRAINING? equipment certified? find training, servicing and parts Think you cannot afford training? for emergency equipment.

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ADvertisers’ INDEX Want to read Oklahoma Firefighter on your smart phone, laptop or other digital device?

Let OSFA Know!

Simply email the OSFA office at amyh@osfa.info and request digital editions.

Want to Save a Tree and Go Paperless?

Please provide your name and address for verification.

The first Electronic Newspaper Subscriptions were available starting with the May 2017 issue.

And the OSFA office has received many calls from firefighters saying they prefer getting the newspaper this way.

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NAFECO ............................. 13

Casco Industries ............... 28

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Chief Fire & Safety ........... 2

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Roberts Testing ................ 15

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4December 2017 / January 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

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COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT TO FIREFIGHTERS ... ... Just as it is to the OSFA

TO SIGN UP FOR OSFA TEXT MESSAGES: Text OSFA to 95577 NOTE: OSFA Text Messaging will be used only for highly important, time sensitive information and meeting reminders

Oklahoma FirefighterDecember 2017 / January 20185

2017-18 OSFA Executive Board

PREsident n

Matt Lay

PRESIDENT:

Matt Lay 918-760-9065 matthewlay@icloud.com

2ND VICE PRESIDENT Mike Kelley 405-623-4388 mkelley@local157.org

1ST VICE PRESIDENT Dereck Cassady 580-761-5338 IAFFLocal2479@yahoo.com

3RD VICE PRESIDENT Eric Harlow 405-520-2893 ericharlow200@gmail.com

Tulsa FD

matthewlay@icloud.com • 918-760-9065 I hope everyone is having a safe and amazing holiday season.

It’s my prayer for you and yours that this season reminds us of what’s most important in life … faith, family and service to others.

PAST PRESIDENT Mike Duncan 918-214-6865 mduncan51@aol.com

www.osfa.info (405) 424-1452 1-800-308-5336

Back to work …

TULSA FIRE: Voters approved a charter change in Tulsa to clarify language that previous politicians had used to prevent municipal employees, police officers and firefighters from participating in local politics. This measure passed by almost 70% and was strong affirmation of the free speech and political involvement by public servants.

A new class of 27 firefighters have begun the rigorous five-month Tulsa Fire Academy in November. These recruits are almost half of a total 60 firefighters that will be hired under a $6 million SAFER Grant awarded to Tulsa last fall.

OSFA SAFER Grant: It’s been just over a year since we welcomed Sheri Nickel to the OSFA Staff in the role of Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Coordinator. Now that the first year’s groundwork has been laid, we are ready to kick start Phase 2 of the OSFA SAFER Grant which means more training dollars, more bunker gear, and more firefighters to assist the citizens of this state.

FEDERAL AFG/SAFER: As you can see by the two examples above, federal funding for the fire service plays an integral role in making Oklahoma firefighters and our citizens “safer.” However, without action by congress very soon, these programs that have secured more than $100 Million for Oklahoma Fire Departments could be abolished. Reach out to your House Representative and encourage them to support reauthorization legislation. Need contact info? Go to congress.org or reach out to the OSFA. UPCOMING EVENTS: Rest and reload during the holidays because with the new year comes a slew of fire service events. See you there!

n OFCA Chiefs Winter Workshop January 24-26, 2018, at the Stillwater Community Center n OSFA Volunteer Caucus February 3, 2018, at Canadian Valley Vo-Tech in El Reno n Professional FireFighters of Oklahoma (PFFO) Annual Convention February 7-9, 2018 at the Embassy Suites Downtown OKC As always, if there’s anything the Board or Staff of the OSFA can do for you or your department, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

Take Care and God Bless.

Help support your Oklahoma Firefighters Museum Expansion and the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial by purchasing 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 $35 a year (on top of regular tag fees) and $20 goes directly to the Museum/Memorial.

Tags can be purchased from local tag agents any time during the year -- not just with your regular plate. And they can be customized to 6 letters as approved by the Tax Commission.

n FREE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES: Free Training Workshops for the new OK-Fire Website are scheduled for Dec. 13 in El Reno and Dec. 18 in Stillwater.

This is a weather-based decision-support system for wildland fire management. For more info, call 405-325-2652.

Mid-America F.O.O.L.S. OKC Winter Wonderland Free Training Event Jan. 6 at Edmond FD. Hone your skills in various HOT Topics in this circuit-style training, in which 10 participants will be placed in each group and will rotate through each station. Limited space available. Go to www.eventbrite.com/e/winterwonderland-tickets-39740479845.

Beyond Awareness Human Trafficking Summit 2018 Jan. 26 at Tulsa Community College NE Campus.

This free event will help equip, educate and empower first responders and law enforcement to become better at stopping human trafficking in Oklahoma.

For more information or to register, go online to www.thedemandproject.org The 8th Annual Destry Horton Wildland & EMS Regional School Feb. 16-18 at Fort Sill Post in Lawton.

Classes being offered include Wildland Training, Water Shuttle, Grain Bin Emergencies, Pump Operations and Electrical Safety for First Responders.

This training for Oklahoma Emergency Responders is provided free of charge thanks to Oklahoma Fire Service Organizations and our State Legislators. For more information: www.osufst.org or 1-800-304-5727.

The 2018 OSFA John F. Futhey II State Fire School is May 3-6 at Tulsa Community College and Tulsa FD Training Center.

This event is free for first responders. For the latest information, visit www. osfa.info.

6December 2017 / January 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

1st vice PREsident

n

Dereck Cassady

3rd vice President n

Eric Harlow

Guthrie FD

Ponca City FD IAFFLocal2479@ yahoo.com 580-761-5338

I want to start off by saying I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. This is the time of year we need to reflect and give thanks to those who have gone before us to get us the freedom and benefits we enjoy.

All the committees have been meeting, and they are working diligently on ways that we can better serve you and make things better at the OSFA. I want everybody to remember we are about to start a fundraising campaign for the museum expansion.

The Museum Expansion Committee has met and they are researching all the avenues possible for fundraising.

If you don’t have an Oklahoma Firefighter tag, get one. All the proceeds from the tags go to the Museum and the Memorial, and this is one the biggest ways every firefighter in Oklahoma can pitch in and make this museum expansion a reality.

The day after Thanksgiving began the second year of our Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Grant.

Volunteers remember, we can you get FFI training and bunker gear. If you have any question about the grant, make sure to give Sheri a call at the OSFA office.

Volunteers also remember to mark your calendars for Feb. 3, as this will be the date for the Volunteer Caucus.

It’s a chance for all volunteers to come together and create resolutions to go to the OSFA Convention in June. Be sure to get pre-registered for this event.

Also, be sure to get registered for the OFCA Winter Workshop Jan. 25-26 and the New Chief Officer Workshop on Jan. 24. The Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association is working hard to make these events great!

Something you need to be thinking about and scheduling time off for is the OSFA State Fire School May 3-6 in Tulsa.

This is some of the best training you can get anywhere and it’s FREE! So be sure to mark your calendars and plan to attend. The Educational Advisory Committee is working earnestly to make next year’s school even bigger and better.

I know I have talked several times about behavioral health, and I would like to touch on it again as we are in the holiday season and this time of year seems to trigger depression.

As one big family, we need to keep an eye on our brothers and sisters to look for any warning signs that we may see and make sure to help that person out.

We need to make sure to ask our brothers and sisters how they’re doing and listen with attentiveness to see if they have a need we can fulfill.

I have mentioned before we need to change the culture of the fire service. We must get rid of the stigma that you’re weak if you ask for help. That is NOT the case.

You may not be the only that is depressed or hurting, so get it out as it may help others in your department.

Remember, if you or someone you know needs help, take that big step and get it. You don’t want to put it off and it be too late.

Happy Holidays! Stay Safe!

Greetings fellow Oklahoma Firefighters!

Fall is officially here finally. Our fuels are becoming dormant and our winter fire season will be here before you know it. Be vigilant and at the ready.

Our OSFA Committees are all hard at work on their respective areas, and there is really beneficial information being exchanged amongst members of those committees.

The Legislative Committee has been keeping a watchful eye on this Legislative Special Session and is preparing to monitor the upcoming regular session as bills are filed.

The newly-created EMS Committee has already generated a lot of great discussion on a wide variety of items that affect the entire Oklahoma Fire Service.

As the state’s budget issues continue, the fire service will feel the effects of the funding cuts as they trickle down through the various state agencies.

The Volunteer Fire Service Committee is hard at work wrapping up details for the annual Volunteer Fire Caucus.

The Educational Advisory Committee is still

ericharlow200@gmail.com 405-520-2893

planning for what’s quickly becoming the premier training event for this region, and I guarantee it will be packed with great classes full of top notch instructors.

Our Benevolent and Membership Committees are also looking at ways to improve the benefits and services to our members.

On the pension front, staff continues to explore an option for members to roll their mandatory disbursements into. Stay tuned for updates on this as we move forward.

We have a few events coming up soon, so please be on the lookout for registration information forthcoming.

The OFCA’s annual Winter Workshop will be held Jan. 25-26 and the New Chief Officer Workshop Jan. 24 -- both at the Stillwater Community Center.

The annual OSFA Volunteer Fire Caucus will be held Feb. 3 Please make note of the new location this year at the Canadian Valley Tech Center’s El Reno campus. This is a great event for our volunteers and a large variety of issues will be discussed. I look forward to seeing you all there.

In closing, please be safe and have a good holiday season!

2nd vice PresidenT n

Mike Kelley

OKC FD

mkelley@local157.org 405-623-4338

As I write this article, it, download it today.

Thanksgiving is over and We have just started year two of the Volunteer Christmas is right around Recruitment and Retention Grant. We will be startthe corner. ing reimbursements for FFI training, bunker gear We in the Oklahoma Fire and leadership training. service have much to be Grant coordinator Sheri Nickel continues to visit thankful about. I am thankful for the leadership and every part of the state to make sure that our volunstaff at the OSFA whom I can assure you are hard at teer members are aware of the services that your work every day serving the firefighters of this state.

OSFA provides.

I’m thankful for the members of the various comMark your calendars now for the OSFA Volunteer mittees that give back to this profession that they Fire Caucus Feb. 3. This year, it will be hosted by love by striving to leave it better than they found it. the Canadian Valley Technology Center in El Reno.

I am also thankful for the professional men and The Volunteer Fire Caucus is a great opportunity women that I have the privilege to work with every to fellowship and share ideas with our brothers and day and their commitment to service. sisters from across the state.

As I stated, your OSFA committees are hard at The Museum Expansion Committee will soon work. Unless you’ve served on the Educational be meeting to discuss fund raising. While we have Advisory Committee, you may not realize that they a great museum with hard-working staff, we are work year round preparing for the state fire school. looking forward to the expanded space and learning Our fire school has become one of the premiere opportunities that will be available with new interevents of its kind and is free to active exhibits. attend. Make plans now to attend There are also several new Educational Advisory Committee next year’s school which will be OSFA committees that are meetMeeting on Nov. 15. held in Tulsa May 3-6. ing and sharing ideas, including Another training opportunity the EMS Committee, Memberis the Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Asship Committee, Benevolent sociation’s Winter Workshop Jan. Committee and the County Sales 25-26. And OFCA’s New Chief Tax Committee. Just several Officer Workshop set for Jan. 24 is more examples of members givgood for not only new chiefs but ing back! anyone in a leadership position.

Have a very Merry Christmas For information about these and a prosperous New Year! and other events, check out the May God richly bless you and OSFA app. And if you don’t have yours!

Oklahoma FirefighterDecember 2017 / January 20187

PAST President

OSFA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR n

Phil Ostrander phil@osfa.info

•

Well friends, it’s that time

of the year again. Time to enjoy family and friends as we get together to celebrate the holidays.

You should also take the time to get your shopping done and your wish list finished, because I am sure there are a lot of things you don’t need but want.

Here at the OSFA, it’s time for us to get the legislative wish list prepared so we can let our friends at 23rd and Lincoln know where we stand and what we want.

You all have heard it … the state is busted. With the Governor’s vetoes and the legislature’s inability to pass reoccurring revenue measures during the first special session, that is the undeniable truth.

Some are saying trim the excess fat before you raise revenue. Oklahoma has been living on Lean Cuisine for quite some time now and the fat is all but gone.

Oklahoma has some elected officials that think a starvation diet is the best way to cut what they see as government fat.

Are there some inefficiencies? Always. Government by nature is inefficient. It is not a business and cannot operate as a business. We should, however, always make sure that our state agencies are operating inside the statutes and rules that have been established in order to provide their statutorily assigned responsibilities.

After watching state government for decades, it is my humble opinion that today we are a lot like first-time skiers that accidentally took the lift to the top of the mountain and are now wishing they

OSFA / Museum Staff Executive Director Phil Ostrander • phil@osfa.info Administrative Director Steve Lumry • stevel@osfa.info Special Projects Tim Bartram • timb@osfa.info Volunteer Recruitment/Retention Coordinator Sheri Nickel • sherin@osfa.info Administrative Assistants Amy Hall • amyh@osfa.info Trisha Chain • trishac@osfa.info Publications Penelope Soldan • penelopes@osfa.info Museum Manager Gene Brown • geneb@osfa.info Museum Assistants Quintin James • quintinj@osfa.info Robert Noll • bobn@osfa.info Melvin “Buddy” Lummus • buddyl@osfa.info

n

Mike Duncan Dewey FD

405-424-1452 hadn’t listened to the guys behind them on the lift.

Will we eventually get down off the precipice?

Absolutely! However, how do we get down safely is the dilemma.

Retirees, both paid and volunteer … as I have said in previous articles, it is past time for a benefit increase. Ten years is too long to wait.

Our state pension systems are performing at or above expectations. It is past time for a raise. We think it can be done and should be done from the funds in the pension system so as not to affect the state budget. We will cover this more in depth in a future article.

Among the other issues are some requested cleanup language for title 19 departments and a handful of other miscellaneous fire service requests.

It will be January before we get a real solid grasp of what may be in store for us when bills are actually filed. More to come…

OSFA grant coordinator, Sheri Nickel has been traveling across the state getting the word out on the OSFA Recruitment and Retention Grant, as well as fielding questions from volunteers regarding everything from sales tax to pension issues. Thank you all for participating in the discussions!

It is now Year Two of the grant, and we are now in the process of taking applications for new volunteer firefighters to get the benefits of the grant. Contact Sheri at sherin@osfa.info to get more details on the free firefighter 1 training, travel reimbursements, lodging, bunker gear, etc.

Be safe and love the one your with while you still can.

mduncan51 @aol.com 918-214-6865 Hello All! Hope everyone is doing well after the Thanksgiving holidays. Christmas and New Years will be here before we know it.

Winter will be here soon, cold weather and all. And we still need to think about staying hydrated and dressing for the colder weather.

And wash your hands often, which is the best way to beat colds and the flu.

On Jan. 18, 2018, the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs will be eliminated if Congress does not act to extend them.

In August, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed S.829, which extends the grants through FY 2023 and eliminates the “sunset” provision in the current law stipulating the elimination of the programs.

The House has yet to act on S.829 or any AFG/SAFER reauthorization bill.

On Nov. 16, the co-chairs of the House Fire Services Caucus circulated a sign-on letter to the Republican and Democratic leadership of the House of Representatives asking them to bring S.829 to the House floor for a vote.

If the House passes S.829 unchanged, it would go to the President’s desk to be signed into law, saving these critical grant programs.

We need you to contact your U.S. Representative, because we need these grant programs. You can use the NVFC’s Legislative Action Center to contact your U.S. Representative and tell them to co-sign the letter to save AFG and Safer grants.

Be Safe during the upcoming holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

NOTES & NEWS Bartlesville Fire Department Captain Jerry Berry Earns Award Bartlesville FD Investigator Capt. Jerry Berry has been selected to receive one of the most prestigious awards in the industry — the International Association of Arson Investigators’ Investigator of the Year Award for the Oklahoma chapter.

Only 70 of the awards, one for each chapter, are given each year internationally. Berry is one of just two fire investigators to ever win the award for Bartlesville.

“When I heard about the award Jerry was receiving, I immediately thought they could not have chosen a better fire investigator to give this honor to,” said Fire Chief John Banks. “The City of Bartlesville is very lucky to have such a person that is willing to spend the time and energy it takes to determine whether a fire is arson or accidental and work diligently to bring the arsonist to justice. Jerry is just a great person and it shows in everything he does.”

Cyril & Warner FDs Receive Bucket Brigade Grants From Georgia- Pacific Georgia-Pacific’s Bucket Brigade program this year awarded $188,400 in grants to 40 fire departments for equipment critical to firefighters’ safety.

And Oklahoma had two recipients -- Cyril FD and Warner FD. Both will receive funds to help purchase new protective clothing and replace items such as damaged safety gear and aging equipment.

And all grant applicants receive free memberships to the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) which provides access to tools, resources, programs and advocacy for first responders across the nation.

OSFA Membership Packets Mailed On Oct. 24, the 2018 OSFA Membership updates were mailed out to FDs across Oklahoma.

If your FD hasn’t done so yet, please make sure someone mails back the updated summary, directory listing and payment. That way, membership cards and 2018 decals will reach you in a timely manner.

8December 2017 / January 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

n

ORFA REport Dana Cramer

n

Norman FD Retired

As of this writing, we’re still enduring the Legislative Special Session with no end in sight. Regular session begins Feb. 5 with a ton of questions about whether this legislature can answer the call.

We, as firefighters, spend our whole career answering the call. It seems to me they can’t even agree on a single issue, let alone the complexity that surrounds a full session.

Please let your legislator know that raises for retirees are way over due and you would like for them to answer the call the way firefighters do every day.

The pension system can afford a COLA. State budget money does not have to be used for retiree COLA’s.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope everyone has a wondrous holiday season and is enjoying their family at this time of year.

Until next year. Be a Leader!

Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association 2017-18 Executive Board PRESIDENT Dana Cramer, Norman dcramer3@cox.net 405-570-1387

2ND VP Tippy Pierce, Moore fftip@swbell.net 405-924-1104

1ST VP Juan Rodriguez, Lawton jrod911@gmail.com

3RD VP George Fina, OKC gomsc38@gmail.com 405-373-2409

PAST PRESIDENT Phil Ostrander, Tulsa phil@okgov.us

ISO Report Yogi Cole

ISO Field Coordinator

(405) 213-9967 • yogi.cole@oid.ok.gov

There are 9 areas that training points are available for firefighters and company personnel members not including continuing education for others such as those in public education, dispatchers and so on.

The 9 points are available in training not including

automatic-aid.

It is very important to document ever hour of training that you can in order to capture all the training points possible. Everything that you do that has a training value needs to be documented.

1) Automatic Aid: For maximum credit 3 hours training each quarter with each automatic-aid company. This is used as part of the multiplier when applying the automatic-aid credit.

If you train 3 hours semiannually, then you could lose 15% of the automaticaid value. If you train 3 hours annually, then you could lose 25% of the automatic-aid value.

If you do not train with your automatic aid departments then you could lose 35% of the automatic aid value. So it is very important that you do training with your automatic-aid fire departments.

2) Training Facilities and use -- 35% of the 9 available points: This is broken down in two areas.

1. Facilities: • Live fire training structure including smoke room 17% • Drill tower at least 3 stories in height 10% • Training area at least 2 acres in size 8% • Total 35%

2. Use of facilities:

In order to obtain all 35% of the 9 available training points, each member of the department should attend 18 hours per year of training in accordance with NFPA 1403 Live Fire Training and NFPA 1410 Initial Emergency Scene Operations.

You should get credit for the percent of the 18 hours per member of training that you obtain based on the Facilities credit. Distance will determine if credit for the Facility is given if it is outside your jurisdiction.

3) Company Training -- 25% of the 9 available points: Company training is training at fire stations including training using streets, building, and open areas.

• 16 hours per member per month for max credit. You should receive the percentage of the points based on the amount of training received by each member.

4) Officer Training -- 12% of the available 9 points: This training is broken down into two categories.

1. Officer Certification -- 6% of the available 9 points

Certification of each current officer with responsibilities in fire suppression in accordance with NFPA 1021 standard for fire officer professional qualifications.

2. Officer continuing education -- 6% of the available 9 points

Continuing education for each officer training on-or off-site, 12 hours per year for all officers.

It is good practice to keep track of each different type of training separately so that when you are evaluated you can give the evaluator the training records as they need them.

I will continue this in the next issue. If you have any questions or would like for me to come out and meet with you, please give me a call.

Oklahoma FirefighterDecember 2017 / January 20189

Question & Answers Oklahoma Firefighter asked last issue’s readers this question: “If you could eliminate one weakness, what would it be?”

Here is what they said: w S.R. Hunter, Bethany: The one weakness that I would like to eliminate is the frustration and anger that is created by the conflicting political reporting and being unable to ascertain fact from fiction.

Why are we unable to concentrate on the important issues and stop the petty bickering? What a waste of time, energy and resources. w Mike Weinkauf, Orlando:Being too NICE. w David Fncher, Lawton: My love of beer. w JeanAnn Gaona, Women’s Auxiliary: I would eliminate my adult-onset ADD. How wonderful it would be to stop getting distracted by “squirrels” and focus on the task at hand. I might actually be productive! w Juan Rodriguez, Lawton Retired: Indecision. w Bryan West, OSU-FST: The weakness I would eliminate is my desire for great food. w Tiffine Montgomery, Deer Creek: My one weakness that I wish I could eliminate would be my lack of self confidence. I really beat myself up over everything I do. Even if I do it right, I still second guess myself and/or wonder if I could have done it better. w Greg Roberts, Norman Retired: If I could eliminate one weakness, it would be negativity. w Mike Kelley, Oklahoma City: Recognize and understand that we all see the world differently, and that isn’t a bad thing! w Bert Norton, Midwest City: It would probably be food. w Tom Marcum, Mooreland: My age. I would’ve gotten into the fire service at a lot younger age. But I’m trying to make up for it! w Aaron Burns, Broken Arrow Retired: Degenerative Joint disease! w Greg Lindsay, Oklahoma City: I would eliminate needing reading glasses. Is that possible? w Mike “Rookie” Billingsley, Nichols Hills Retired: I know I have a weakness, but I just can’t remember what it is!

December’s question -“What day would you gladly relive?”

Everyone is Welcome to Submit an Answer Email Your Response to penelopes@osfa.info

n

SAFER Grant Sheri Nickel

Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Coordinator

“Don’t think about what can happen in a month, don’t think about what can happen in a year.

Just focus on the 24 hours in front of you and do what you can to get closer to where you want to be.”

This quote is good motivation for anyone in the fire service. I know it sure has helped me. If you take baby steps and don’t expect things to happen overnight, a year will go by before you know it and you will see the changes that you have worked on.

However, we live in a world where we expect immediate results from our actions. That is crucial while we are out on the fire ground and are battling the fire, but the political fight is a whole other beast in itself.

From the first day I was hired, I began figuring out the best way to distribute the funds from the $2.1 million SAFER Grant to the volunteer firefighters in Oklahoma.

With the first year requiring me to identify how many volunteer fire departments we have in the state, the first thing on my agenda was to hit the road and start visiting the county fire chiefs meetings.

By the time this article is published, I am proud to say that I have made contact with all but 5 of the 77 counties. And while some of the counties simply don’t host county fire chiefs meetings, we will just say that the rest just don’t want to be bothered.

Whatever the case may be, with the cooperation of our state’s fire service stakeholders, we will get each and every department identified. Where there is a will, there is a way.

One of the great things about being an active firefighter myself is that I still can relate to the stories that I hear from the meetings and conversations that I have wherever I go. I find it helpful to bring those topics back to the office and report to our committees or address them with our shareholders.

From the first time I attended a county chiefs meet-

ing alone back in January to the present -- where I am now traveling with Oklahoma State University-Fire Service Training, Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s office/ FTAC, Oklahoma Insurance Department and Oklahoma Pension Office liaisons -- not only am I gathering data for the grant, the firefighters are getting questions answered.

We have also revisited a couple of areas in the form of regional roundtable events and have included the Oklahoma Forestry Service and Oklahoma Emergency Management, as well as state legislators.

Training, funding and benefits are important to everyone and it takes us all getting on the same page to make the system functional.

Now it is time for you all to help connect the dots to help complete the bigger picture.

Year 1 of the SAFER Grant is over. Year 2 is now underway with 3 and 4 to follow. Contact me and we will get your firefighters trained. We have made it as easy as we can to help our state’s volunteers.

OSU-FST and Career Tech has streamlined the Firefighter-1 course to make is easier for everyone. The Fire Marshal’s office has incentives available to firefighters for their training. And, of course, we have our wonderful state pension benefits.

The free training from the forestry service for wildland firefighting can’t go unmentioned, and OEM always has our back whenever we need them.

The hours have clicked by just like the numbers on my odometer since January. Well over 40,000 miles have been tracked from one side of the state to the other.

Hours have turned into days, days into months and months into this first year.

While the fire service still is faced with politics, the OSFA is glad to help make getting the best assets into our fire stations, and those are the highly trained, well equipped firefighters.

It takes time and effort to get where we want to be, but we are certainly closer than we were a year ago. The results are imminent.

SAFER GRANT Recruitment & Retention

First Time Firefighters - Firefighter 1 - Bunker Gear Fire Chief or appointed representative must contact the Grant Coordinator in writing no sooner than the first day of the grant period and provide accurate fire department rosters for the last 5 years to demonstrate the need to add additional firefighters to their departments.

Contact the OSFA for assistance.

Funds will be dispersed on a first-come first-served basis according to goals and standards set forth in the Standard Operating Guidelines developed for this grant.

Official SOG is available upon request.

OKLAHOMA STATE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION Sheri Nickel -- Grant Coordinator 2716 N. E. 50th -- Oklahoma City, OK 73111 -- www.OSFA.info 405-424-1452 office -- 580-554-7123 cell -- sherin@osfa.info

10December 2017 / January 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

n

NEAR-MISS REPORT

By Greg Lindsay

Reading the Situation One of the most important goals of any training evolution is to teach the student how to discern what they are learning.

When we learn new skills, the instructor usually takes a low and slow approach. Each pass at skill accomplishment can be accompanied by systematic instruction or coaching along the way. Once the student is adequately familiar with the skill, additional elements are added to make it more realistically applicable.

It’s important to evaluate readiness before adding the additional elements of “real-world” application, but the goal is to be able to use a skill when needed on the job, and knowing when each skill will apply.

This month, the featured report involves this type of skill training. The event takes place during a recruit academy. This is when we teach new skills, and apply them with varying degrees of realism.

Many times, a skill is explained in a variety of ways, and the recruit can choose the style that works best for them. In this report, when the recruit attempts to apply what they have learned something happens that gets the attention of everyone involved.

Ladder Bail

Published: 10/18/2017 -- http://firefighternearmiss.com/Reports?id=10713 Event Description During new recruit training, the students were performing a ladder bail from the “Save Your Own” prop. A 24-foot extension ladder was placed just beneath the windowsill of a second-story window at a 60-degree angle.

The ladder was tied off to the prop and heeled by a firefighter. An instructor was on the second floor observing the students utilize the techniques to accomplish this skill. In addition, two more instructors were at the base of the ladder on either side acting as a safety. Several students performed the skill with no incident.

OKC Fire Department

At this time, a recruit exited the window with a Hook 2 Go 4 technique and did not keep his arm locked into the ladder.

This resulted in a fall off the ladder.

Fortunately, the recruit landed on his feet before finally falling onto his back.

The members acting as safety on the ground were able to resist some of the recruits fall, possibly preventing further harm.

Lessons Learned The lesson learned from this event is to ensure all members are following the appropriate techniques for the drill. In addition, attempt to monitor the student’s behavior so that they do not rush the skill being performed.

Leading practices that reduced the impact of this incident: Multiple instructors were on site during this event providing the necessary training to complete the task. Providing instructors on the ground for safety and one instructor on the second floor possibly helped prevent this incident from causing further harm.

This incident is an example of how several elements of training can come together with an unintended outcome. It does seem that the training staff planned this evolution with safety in mind.

Consider how you would plan this kind of training in your department.

• Discuss the different techniques used for a ladder bail from the second-floor window.

• What are the different ways to provide safety for the person learning the technique?

• Each safety practice during training has a tradeoff with respect to realism during a fire event. How would you modify each repetition to match safe practices with skill acquisition?

• How would you apply this progression to training for other aspects of the fire service?

Technical knowledge in the fire service is important to pass along to younger personnel. Where the skill set consisted of ladder and hose practices in the past, it now encompasses many more skills than ever before.

One of the concerns many of our personnel have is that we still fight fire, but seem to be losing the traditional skills necessary for doing this part of our job.

Keeping this knowledge base available for future generations is vital to maintaining the safest practices of our profession.

Another concern is that specific techniques will not fit each situation. Teaching several ways to accomplish the same outcome will give the firefighter options when identifying a possible event.

Our incident scenes are dynamic, and the decisions we can make are applicable in many situations, but not every technique will fit any event. Matching the skill with the need to use it is ultimately the reason for using realism in training.

The final point is that training should never be testing. Evaluating comes before training, and testing comes after. Take every effort to make sure training objectives are clear, and the practices are taught with safety as a priority. Like skills, safety measures should also be demonstrated in a variety of ways.

The student may be the teacher someday. Keeping the future of the fire service safe is also important.

If you have had an event that highlights safe practices in training, take a moment to send the report to our website at www.Firefighternearmiss.com. Our staff of veteran firefighters are available to help share your anonymous report with the North American fire service. Your experiences are important to share, and the knowledge you pass along could help the next shift have a safer shift.

The mission of the nearmiss reporting system begins with Fire and EMS personnel that are willing to share their story; people that are willing to help other responders learn from the events that have shaped their career.

Our mission statement is: “To reduce firefighter and EMS provider injury and death by helping the fire service apply local lessons globally.”

We know that not every situation may apply in your system, but some element of a lesson shared could have a place in your future decision-making process.

Because the Oklahoma Firefighter generously publishes this article every month, their commitment to firefighter safety and training is evident.

Every Near-Miss Report is dedicated to our Oklahoma responders that serve their communities. Thank you for reading and thank you for your service.

Merry Christmas!

Oklahoma FirefighterDecember 2017 / January 201811

n

Museum news

Mon-Sat Sunday

Gene Brown

FREE for OSFA Members & Immediate Family

Museum Manager geneb@osfa.info Hello Everyone!

The grass has quit growing. We are moving back inside to work on the museum.

We have plenty to do. We have been restoring ladders, nozzles and anything we can get our hands on.

We took the Hunter Chemical cart and the Pond Creek ladder wagon to the Great Plains Museum. They had a temporary display that ran through October. We brought them back to the museum Nov. 6. It was a pleasure to work with the great people there.

The Volunteer Caucus is fast approaching, so please make plans to attend. This is an important and worthwhile meeting. We look forward to seeing you there.

See you Soon!

The Oklahoma Firefighters Museum is always looking for things to add to our fire apparatus collection.

9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

1 to 4:30 p.m.

Doing Repair Work on the Hand Pumper

Currently, we are searching for: • Fire axes with wooden handles, • Pike poles with wooden handles • Brass 2.5” NST double males and double females • 0.75” diameter red line • Solid stream nozzels of all sizes.

Call us and we’ll either arrange shipping or pickup.

Thanks in advance!

-- Bob Noll, Museum Archivist • bobn@osfa.info

Getting the Museum Trucks Period Correct

the kloset

THANK YOU to Jan and Retired Okarche Fire Chief Leroy Kuehn, who handmade cut-out photo ops for the Museum!

Tested and approved as a great way to capture the excitement of your future firefighter!

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12December 2017 / January 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

educational advisory Report

n

Rodney Foster

Midwest City FD

Educational Advisory Committee Wow, it is already Christmas time.

We have been busy preparing for the next OSFA State Fire School. The last few years have been very rewarding for me, as I have been able to witness great training offered to anyone in the state for FREE. I hope, if you are reading this, you get your calendar out and add the OSFA State Fire School on May 3-6, 2018.

Last year, we were so fortunate to have some great instructors bring some incredible learning opportunities to attendees. I was able to be all over the place at last year’s event and found myself truly inspired by all the firefighters that were hungry for the education.

The committee is working very hard to schedule the most up to date classes for you to enjoy. Our goal is to offer classes that are not offered at any other event in Oklahoma.

OSFA wants this conference to continue to grow and provide the needed training for all Oklahoma Firefighters. The four-day event will have classes aimed at all aspects of the fire service. Partnerships with vendors and sponsors are creating a great opportunity for firefighters to receive great training.

The conference schedule will be split up into varied lengths of instruction.

Please understand you can come to just one day and attend a few classes.

We know firefighters are busy and four days is a big commitment, so look at the schedule and find something that might have a positive impact on your department.

Thanks to all who have attended in the past, as well as the OSFA and members of the committee. I hope to see you in May. Be safe! Merry Christmas!

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Kenwood FD’s Brad Cooper, left, and Greg Butcher

OKLAHOMA RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION REPORT: TWO HATS

By Greg Butcher, Kenwood Fire Chief & Kenwood Water District Manager In today’s society, we often end up wearing many hats -work, parent, coach, committee member, carpool, and so on.

The two hats I’d like to discuss here are the Fire Department and the Water District.

Both of these provide vital services to our communities.

I’ve been wearing my “fire hat” for 20-plus years now.

Ten years ago, a fellow firefighter, who is also the Operator with our water district, visited with me about some concerns he had and asked if I would attend a water board meeting.

That meeting was the start of wearing my “water hat,” which has been both challenging and very rewarding.

Wearing both hats gives me a new point of view on how these two services need to work hand in hand.

As the Manager of our water district, as I plan for hydrants and flush points, I now consider if a fire truck could access the location easily.

As Fire Chief, our personnel train on the effect water hammer has on our trucks and we now expand that to the hydrants and the effect it can have on the water distribution system.

With time and manpower stretched thin, it is a huge benefit having firefighters trained in the proper way to use, exercise and flush hydrants, as well as preventing back flow while filling trucks.

During an ISO rating at the fire department, water supply and fill points are high priority.

The two agencies working together benefit our community in many ways, including safety and savings.

For example, when we repair water lines next to a busy road, fire department personnel assisting with traffic control greatly enhances safety for the project and passerby’s.

Our two departments save resources by sharing equipment and tools, such as cordless saws, impacts, scene lights, large hand tools, pry bars and backhoes.

Another example, the water district could use some good trench shoring; the fire department could use the same if the need for a trench rescue arises.

The cross training, education, communication and working hand in hand enhance both agencies as well as the service we provide to our customers and the community.

My thanks to Brad Cooper, Kenwood Water Operator/Kenwood Fire Dept.

Captain, aka Uncle Si. Happy Holidays and stay safe!

Oklahoma FirefighterDecember 2017 / January 201813

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14December 2017 / January 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

16th Annual OSFA Vo Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018

n Canadian

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STEVE MARTIN (405) 620-1891

SAMMY MARTIN (405) 850-3752

RYAN REEVES (405) 269-3844

ROGER BROWN (785) 865-6941

Firefighters Serving Firefighters

For your loose equipment needs in

Oklahoma, contact

Cary Provence

at 405-623-8216 or caryp@

conradfire.com

The OSFA Volunteer Fire Caucus is open to all Volunteer Firefighters in the State of Oklahoma -- whether a member of the OSFA or not.

While all input and participation is being sought and encouraged, only OSFA members will be allowed to vote on Resolutions.

There will also be updates on the progress of items from last year’s caucus, along with reports from the Pension System, OSU-FST and Forestry.

AND there will be door prizes given away.

The OSFA Caucus is FREE to all attendees and will last from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Pre-registration is required to ensure there is enough food, as lunch will be provided.

This Caucus is prepared by Volunteers for Volunteers. Come and have your voice heard!

Conrad Fire Equipment and Steve Martin would like to thank and congratulate the Oklahoma City Fire Department on their recent purchase of these 5 Enforcer pumpers.

Register online at www.OSFA.info For more information:

1-800-308-5336 • 405-424-1452 • timb@osfa.info

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Oklahoma FirefighterDecember 2017 / January 201815

olunteer Fire Caucus

n

Randal Sullivan

Valley Tech Center - El Reno Campus

Eufaula FD

randalsullivan@sbcglobal.net

You may ask yourself, “What is the volunteer caucus about?”

This event is a great way to meet and network with other fellow firefighters.

You will learn things that are happening in legislation and have a voice on concerns in the volunteer fire service.

We will have breakout sessions where you can visit and discuss problems or ideas and bring those back to the general session.

Each group will pick its top three areas of concern to be addressed. Once all the groups come together and present their ideas or concerns, everyone will vote on the items that they feel are the biggest issues.

The top three vote getters overall from the groups will be presented to the OSFA as resolutions to be addressed. This is how change happens.

If you are concerned about the fire service, would like to see change or just learn about what’s going on, I strongly encourage you to make plans to attend this upcoming event.

It’s worth your time.

n

OSFA STAFF REPORT Tim Bartram

Coyle FD

OSFA Special Projects

18 OSFA VOLUNTEER FIRE CAUCUS - TENTATIVE AGENDA

1) 2) 3) 4)

volunteer fire service Committee report

Registration Opening Session - Mike Duncan, OSFA Past President & Dewey FD Presentation of Colors - Honor Guard (ROTC) Pledge of Allegiance - Scott Kirby, Mill Creek FD Prayer - Randal Sullivan, Eufaula FD Introduction of Executive Board & Guests - Mike Duncan OSFA Welcome & Introduction of Staff - Matt Lay, OSFA President & Tulsa FD FEMA Region 6 Staff on AFG Grants BREAK Progress Report on Resolutions from Last Year’s Caucus OSFA Legislative Update - Don Armes, OSFA Legislative Consultant Firefighters Pension & Retirement System Forestry Report OSFA Roundtable - Moderator: Mike Duncan Panel: David Thompson (Slaughterville FD), Greg Moore (Onapa FD), Mike Weinkauf (Orlando FD), Travis Fortune (Fairview FD) American Farmers & Ranchers Insurance (AF&R) - Terry Detrick Recognition of Volunteer Fire Service Committee Members Explanation of the Breakout Sessions and room assignments - Mike Weinkauf LUNCH (Sponsored by AF&R) Breakout Sessions & Discussion PRIMARY Travis Harris Tom Marcum Lee Johnson David Thompson

SECONDARY Tim Townsend Greg Moore Sherri Thomas Mike Weinkauf

OSFA Eric Harlow Mike Kelley Matt Lay Dereck Cassady

ORFA Juan Rodriguez Dana Cramer George Fina Tippy Pierce

BREAK General Session - Mike Duncan, OSFA Past President Training opportunities for volunteers in today’s world - Dr. Erick Reynolds, OSU-FST Summary of Issues from Breakout Sessions Resolutions for OSFA Convention / Vote on Resolutions Explain Voting at Convention and Saturday Only Registration for Volunteers Discussion and input from attendees regarding next year’s Caucus Meet Candidates for OSFA Board ADJOURN

timb@ofa.info

We are in the middle of our busy time of year for the OSFA staff.

Committee meetings are happening on an almost daily basis.

The Volunteer Fire Service Committee has wrapped up planning of the Volunteer Caucus. The Caucus will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Canadian Valley Tech Center El Reno Campus.

They are working to bring in Representatives from FEMA to talk about mistakes made on AFG Grant applications.

The Educational Advisory Committee is working on a bigger and better State Fire School.

The County Sales Tax Ad Hoc Committee met with the State Auditor and are working to get some questions answered in writing to help clear up some confusion with that program.

Your staff members take minutes, do research and provide administrative support to the committees.

We look forward to interacting with the members of the committees and are able to learn what is going on statewide in the fire service.

Roberts Testing Pump Testing in your Community Greg Roberts 405-834-5975

groberts1960@gmail.com

16ď źDecember 2017 / January 2018ď źOklahoma Firefighter

2017 ORFA Fun & Fellowship Golf Tournament

Oct. 18, 2017 At Fire Lake Golf Course, Shawnee

Photos By Trisha Chain, OSFA Administrative Assistant

Bartram, Bower, Nettleton

Donnelly, McGee, Blackburn, Craft

Hamilton, Rankin, Cramer, Rodriguez

Williams, Meyer, Merchant, Summers

Foughty, Miller, Tolle, Burgess

Reynolds, Duncan, Nickel, Ostrander

Avant, Knapp, Keeton, Knapp

Atteberry, Smizer, Croslin, Spor

Denny, Lagaly, Huber

Reynolds, Chism, Rose, Rose

Caywood, Garrett, Herring

Tollison, Schroder, Young, Landsberger

Mashburn, Carner, Simpson, Brinegar, Hall

Griffith, Pixler, Collins, York

n

women’s auxiliary Report Jeannn Gaona

2016 President

Hello Firefighter Family!

The Holidays are a time that most of us treasure because of the moments that we spend with family. If you are part of the fire service, your family becomes a unique mix of fellow firefighters and their families.

The years that my kids and I spent celebrating our holidays in a fire station with my husband and other firefighters truly are some of the most precious memories we share.

The turkey dinners interrupted by alarms, the endless jungle gym of fire equipment our children played on for hours as we scheduled Santa assembly duties and planned visits around the holidays with his work schedule are all a precious part of our family’s memories of the holidays.

During this New Year, I challenge each of us to find a way to support our firefighters statewide.

Look for local firefighter fundraisers throughout our state and participate in some chili cook-offs and other activities that raise money for our volunteer departments.

And, of course, start penciling in the 2018 OSFA Convention. The convention is a fabulous time to reconnect with other families experiencing the life of a fire service career.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and God Bless!

Fire

Oklahoma FirefighterDecember 2017 / January 201817

2017-18 Women’s Aux Executive Board PRESIDENT Tennie Green tennie.green@gmail.com (918) 440-7060 VICE PRESIDENT Erica Koch ejv97@cox.net (405) 308-2010

Stay Safe This Holiday Season ... and Every Day After That!

City Carbonic 406 S.W. 4th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73109

SEC/TREASURER Susan Walker sw233821@gmail.com (580) 351-4116

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PAST PRESIDENT Diana Cramer cramerdr@cox.net (405) 613-2513

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18December 2017 / January 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

OKLAHOMA FIRE SPOTLIGHT

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HOBART FIRE DEPARTMENT

By City Ordinance, the Hobart Fire Department was founded on Aug. 24, 1905 Fire Chief: Jerry Lankford

Number of Stations: 1 Number of Full-Time Personnel: 5

BY GREG ROBERTS Norrman FD Retired

Historic Footnote: On Dec. 24, 1924, fire broke out at the Babbs Switch School five miles south of Hobart on U.S. 183. The fire occurred during a Christmas program and resulted in the deaths of approximately 36 people.

Number of Volunteers: 14 OSFA Member Since: 1906

If you would like to see your FD featured in a future issue, please contact Greg Roberts at groberts1960@gmail.com or 405-834-5975

SITE OF BABBS SWITCH SCHOOL FIRE

Special thanks to Chief Lankford, the Hobart FD and the Kiowa County Historical Museum for going the extra mile in providing information and historic photos for this article.

On December 24, 1924, 36 people lost their lives while attending a Christmas Party in a one-room school house.

The fire was started by a candle on the Christmas tree.

A school building was built here as a memorial and a model to point the way to safer county schools the nation over.

The school was discontinued in 1943, was dismantled and sold.

Hobart Fire Department

Hobart Unit 2 - 2008 Freightliner E-One 1250 Pump, 1000 Tank

Hobart Unit 7 - 1996 Sutphen 1500 Pump, 75’ Ladder

Babbs Switch School on Dec. 25, 1924

Hobart Unit 1 - 1997 Ford E-One 1250 Pump, 1000 Tank

Oklahoma FirefighterDecember 2017 / January 201819

Babbs Switch School Fire near Hobart kills 36 on Christmas Eve in 1924 EDITOR’S NOTE: Ethel Taylor compiled this article and gathered the information from a variety of sources, including the Oklahoma Historical Society, Hobart Democrat Chief, Daily Oklahoman and articles of interviews with survivors.

The Babbs Switch School was freshly painted, with turpentine used for paint thinner, before the Christmas program on Dec. 24, 1924.

Repairs had been made to the building following a windstorm in May 1922, including heavy wire netting over all the windows to prevent vandalism and window breakage. The screens were bolted securely with heavy bolts to the sills.

The night was cold and a light snow had fallen. Some residents had to work late in Hobart with the Christmas Eve rush and were disappointed that they were unable to attend the Christmas program at the school.

About 200 men, women and children crowded into the 26’ x 36’ building, standing against the walls and in the aisles. The Christmas tree and program were on the east side, with the main door on the west side.

The program had been presented and Santa was presenting the gifts from the glistening tree with lighted candles; presents were all around the tree with some on it.

As Santa distributed gifts, he reached to take a gift from the tree and pulled the limb down. The limb swung back, knocking a candle against the cotton and tinsel decorations, which caught fire and spread to the tree. Willing hands rushed forward in the effort to smother the blaze.

With the first blaze, the people moved restlessly and some started for the only door. The tree was turned over in the effort to extinguish the fire, but served to spread the fire.

In two minutes, the entire room was on fire. In efforts to escape, people broke the windows, but the heavy wire would not give. The door was jammed with people trying to get out; many were trampled to death before the flames reached them.

Spectators who witnessed the inferno said whole families

died wrapped in each other’s arms.

Those lined against the north wall and to the right of the door gained the outside because the door had opened inward. People from other parts of the building only succeeded to jam the door so that it opened only part way.

Car radiators had been drained to keep them from freezing while their owners were at the program. When those who were able to drive started for Hobart to get help, many forgot to put water in the radiators, causing a delay when the motors got hot and stops had to be made, When the first auto load of injured reached Hobart, a general call for aid was sounded and cars rushed from Hobart to the school. In 45 minutes, all the injured were returned to Hobart and received emergency treatment. Before midnight, complete aid had been rendered to all. Every physician in Hobart responded to the call and worked all night.

The stores were opened and cots and bedding were placed in the hospitals to take care of the 37 brought there.

Arrangements were made with the Rock Island Railroad to send a special car to Hobart to take the injured to University Hospital in Oklahoma City. Meanwhile, horror-stricken families and rescue workers beat through the charred timbers of the school in search of bodies of missing persons.

The Miles Sanitarium and the Physicians and Surgeons

Hospital in Hobart were filled to capacity. More than half of the dead were children.

Survivors could not remember all the nightmare things that happened in the doomed school house during minutes that seemed like hours.

Volunteer workers combed the ruins all night in bitter cold until the last body was recovered. The townspeople held a mass meeting on Christmas Day, and the community quickly organized itself to meet the emergency. Volunteers dug graves in the frozen ground. Grief stricken survivors filed past the pitiful collection of human remains at the Gish Funeral Home, which was then in City Hall.

The victims were identified by the jewelry they wore, dentures and teeth.

Money came from all over the country since news of the fire was carried in all national newspapers, along with messages of sympathy. Before the finance committee had finished its work, it had accepted $12,803.00 -- the last $1,600 bought the big red granite marker in the cemetery. Much of the money paid funeral and doctor bills.

Thirty two people lost their lives in the fire and four more died within a few days. Twenty persons were buried in the community grave where the large granite marker stands; others were buried in their family’s plots.

A campaign was launched at once by Gov. Martin E. Trapp, state superintendent and state fire marshall, to correct all rural schools in Oklahoma. As a result, all doors had to swing out, use of steel netting was banned on windows of all public buildings, proper use of gasoline lamps were required, use of candles on tress in all public buildings was prohibited, faulty heating was corrected and buildings had to have more than one exit and more windows.

Most of the public buildings came under strict safety regulations as a result of the Babbs Fire. The schools grounds are now a memorial roadside park, with a memorial marker along Highway 183, five miles southeast of Hobart (Photo at left).

20December 2017 / January 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

www.osufst.org

1723 West Tyler, Stillwater, OK 74078 • (800) 304-5727 • (405) 744-5727 • Fax: (405) 744-7377

December 2017 / January 2018 CLASS SCHEDULE Current as of November 20, 2017

Courses are subject to change • Call or check online for changes in courses

All courses are FREE unless otherwise noted

Hazardous Materials Operations: Core Competencies (66964) Dec. 1-3 (24 hours) Western Technology Center - Elk City 301 Western Drive, Elk City, OK 73644 Wildland Fire Fighting: Fundamentals (66814) Dec. 2-9 (16 hours) Grayson Fire Department 18325 Forbes Street, Henryetta, OK 74437 NFA Fire/Arson Origin and Cause Investigation (RO206) (65562) Dec. 4-15 (80 hours) • $650.00 - Okla Emergency Responders • $1300.00 - Out-of-state Responders OSU-PSC, Hwy 51 West of Stillwater Driver Operator - Aerial (66574) Dec. 4-6 (24 hours) • $125.00 - All Participants • $250.00 - Out-of-state Responders Jenks Fire Department Station II 1115 West 121 Street, Jenks, OK 74037 Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (62760) Dec. 5 (8 hours) Ardmore Fire Department 115 N. Rockford Rd., Ardmore, OK 73401 NIMS ICS 300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (66770) Dec. 5-6 (16 hours) Fort Sill - Snow Hall , Bld 730 Snow All participants for this school must enter through Key Gate which is off of I-44.

If you are Pre-registered your name and Department will be on a list at that Gate.

No other gate can be used for this school.

NIMS ICS 400 (EMI) Advanced Incident Command System (67134) Dec. 5-6 (16 hours) Vance AFB Fire Department, NWSC 546 Elam, Enid, OK 73705-5408 Volunteer Fire Fighting Practices/Basic Fire Fighting Skills Train the Trainer (67108) Dec. 5 (4 hours) Hollis Fire Department 819 N 6 St, Hollis, OK 73550 Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (62761) Dec. 6 (8 hours) Ardmore Fire Department 115 N. Rockford Rd., Ardmore, OK 73401 Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (62762) Dec. 7 (8 hours) Ardmore Fire Department 115 N. Rockford Rd., Ardmore, OK 73401

Basic Fire Department Standpipe Operations ( Classroom Only) (67052) Dec. 7 (4 hours) • $25.00 - All Participants Yukon Fire Department 1000 E. Main St., Yukon, OK 73099 VFIS Traffic Incident Management System (66813) Dec. 8 (4 hours) Kenwood Volunteer Fire Association 48582 South 502 Rd, Salina, OK 74365 Oklahoma Emergency Vehicle Drivers Training (66812) Dec. 9 (8 hours) Kenwood Volunteer Fire Association 48582 South 502 Rd, Salina, OK 74365 Structural Fire Fighter Live Burn (66969) Dec. 9 (8 hours) Autry Technology Center 1201 W. Willow, Enid, OK 73703

NIMS ICS 400 (EMI) Advanced Incident Command System (66782) Dec. 14-15 (16 hours) Broken Arrow Public Safety Complex Basic Fire Department Standpipe Operations ( Classroom Only) (67055) Dec. 14 (4 hours) • $25.00 - All Participants Yukon Fire Department 1000 E. Main St., Yukon, OK 73099

Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies (66970) Jan. 2 (8 hours) Tulsa Fire Academy 3727 E. Apache St, Tulsa, OK 74103-8427

Fire Fighter I Live Burn (66295) Dec. 16 (8 hours) • $225.00 - All Participants OSU/FST/FESTC

Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies Certification (66971) Jan. 2 (1 hour) Tulsa Fire Academy 3727 E. Apache St, Tulsa, OK 74103-8427

Oklahoma Emergency Vehicle Drivers Training (67037) Dec. 16 (8 hours) Pond Creek Fire Department PO Box 6, Pond Creek, OK 73766

Hazardous Materials Operations Certification (66966) Dec. 10 (8 hours) Western Technology Center - Elk City 301 Western Drive, Elk City, OK 73644

Oklahoma Emergency Vehicle Drivers Training TtT (67038) Dec. 16 (8 hours) Pond Creek Fire Department PO Box 6, Pond Creek, OK 73766

Curriculum Development (Instructor II) (66765) Dec. 11-13 (32 hours) • $250.00 - Okla Emergency Responders • $400.00 - Out-of-state Responders Claremore Fire Department 104 S. Muskogee, Claremore, OK 74017

NIMS ICS 400 (EMI) Advanced Incident Command System (67135) Dec. 16-17 (16 hours) Chandler Fire Department 220 S Cleveland Ave, Chandler, OK 74834

Basic Fire Department Standpipe Operations ( Classroom Only) (67054) Dec. 12 (4 hours) • $25.00 - All Participants Yukon Fire Department 1000 E. Main St., Yukon, OK 73099 Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (62763) Dec. 13 (8 hours) Oklahoma City Fire Training Center 850 N Portland, Oklahoma City, OK 73107

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (62768) Dec. 21 (8 hours) Oklahoma City Fire Training Center 850 N Portland, Oklahoma City, OK 73107

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (62764) Dec. 15 (8 hours) Oklahoma City Fire Training Center 850 N Portland, Oklahoma City, OK 73107

Fire Fighter I Live Burn (67158) Dec. 9 (8 hours) • $175.00 - All Participants OSU-PSC, Hwy 51 West of Stillwater

NIMS ICS 400 (EMI) Advanced Incident Command System (66772) Dec. 12-13 (16 hours) Fort Sill - Snow Hall , Bld 730 Snow All participants for this school must enter through Key Gate which is off of I-44.

If you are Pre-registered your name and Department will be on a list at that Gate.

No other gate can be used for this school.

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (62767) Dec. 20 (8 hours) Oklahoma City Fire Training Center 850 N Portland, Oklahoma City, OK 73107

Fire Fighter I Certification (66582) Dec. 17 (8 hours) OSU-PSC, Hwy 51 West of Stillwater Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (62765) Dec. 18 (8 hours) Oklahoma City Fire Training Center 850 N Portland, Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Emergency Services Instructor (Instructor I) (66761) Dec. 18-21 (32 hours) • $300.00 - All Participants Jenks Fire Department Station II 1115 West 121 Street, Jenks, OK 74037 Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (62766) Dec. 19 (8 hours) Oklahoma City Fire Training Center 850 N Portland, Oklahoma City, OK 73107

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (62771) Jan. 3 (8 hours) Midwest City Fire Department 8201 East Reno, Midwest City, OK 73110 Hazardous Materials Operations: Core Competencies (66973) Jan. 3-5 (24 hours) Tulsa Fire Academy 3727 E. Apache St, Tulsa, OK 74103-8427 Emergency Services Instructor (Instructor I) (66759) Jan. 6-14 (32 hours) Crescent Fire Department PO Box 291, CRESCENT, OK 73028 Hazardous Materials Operations Certification (66975) Jan. 9 (8 hours) Tulsa Fire Academy 3727 E. Apache St, Tulsa, OK 74103-8427 Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (63262) Jan. 10 (8 hours) Moore Training Center 725 NW 12, Oklahoma City, OK 73160 Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (63263) Jan. 11 (8 hours) Moore Training Center Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (63264) Jan. 12 (8 hours) Moore Training Center 725 NW 12, Oklahoma City, OK 73160

www.osufst.org 1723 West Tyler, Stillwater, OK 74078 • (800) 304-5727 • (405) 744-5727

December 2017 / January 2018 CLASS SCHEDULE continued Courses are subject to change

Oklahoma FirefighterDecember 2017 / January 201821

n

fire service training

Dr. Erick Reynolds

OSU FST Director

erick.reynolds@osufst.org 405-744-5727 (W) • 405-409-0961 (C)

All courses are FREE unless otherwise noted Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (64145) Jan. 20 (8 hours) Guymon Fire Department 402 NE 24 St., Guymon, OK 73942 Wildland Fire Fighting: Fundamentals Train the Trainer (67034) Jan. 20 (16 hours) Hitchcock Fire Department PO Box 199, Hitchcock, OK 73744 Wildland Fire Fighting: Skills Train the Trainer (67035) Jan. 20 (16 hours) Hitchcock Fire Department PO Box 199, Hitchcock, OK 73744 AHIMT - Operations Section Chief (OSC) L-958 (66221) Jan. 22-25 (24 hours) Fort Sill - Snow Hall , Bld 730 Snow All participants for this school must enter through Key Gate which is off of I-44.

No other gate can be used for this school.

Fire Officer I (66763) Jan. 23-26 (40 hours) • $300.00 - Okla Emergency Responders • $500.00 - Out-of-state Public Responders Jenks Fire Department Station II 1115 West 121 Street, Jenks, OK 74037 Calling the MAYDAY (65212) Jan. 27 (8 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo 107 S. 15, HUGO, OK 74743 Exterior Offensive Fire Attack / Structural Fire Scene Size Up (65214) Jan. 27 (8 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo Leadership for Small Departments: Administration (65216) Jan. 27 (8 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo VFIS Traffic Incident Management System (65218) Jan. 27 (4 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo Wildland Incident Commander’s Toolbox (65223) Jan. 27-28 (16 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo Advanced Fire Behavior (65238) Jan. 27 (8 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo Air Management Course (65240) Jan. 27 (8 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo

Rehab for Wildland Fire Fighting (65377) Jan. 27 (4 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo Oklahoma Emergency Vehicle Drivers Training (66486) Jan. 27 (8 hours) Meno Fire Department VFIS Traffic Incident Managment Train-the-Trainer (65220) Jan. 27 (4 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo 107 S. 15, HUGO, OK 74743 Nasal Narcan for the First Responder (65378) Jan. 27 (2 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo Oklahoma Trauma Education Program (OTEP) (65379) Jan. 27 (2 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo Calling the MAYDAY (65213) Jan. 28 (8 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo Exterior Offensive Fire Attack / Structural Fire Scene Size Up (65215) Jan. 28 (8 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo

Hello Brothers and Sisters!

The holidays are upon us! Many people are starting use of their heating systems for the coming Winter season.

Please be safe when responding to these, as well as all other calls during this busy time of year.

We have many upcoming training opportunities for your consideration.

These include: • Southeast Fire and EMS School Jan. 27-28 in Hugo •Destry Horton Wildland School Feb. 16-18 at Fort Sill in Lawton Please take advantage of these incredible learning opportunities to improve your professional skills and keep yourself and your crew safe when serving the public!

A little later in Spring of 2018, the Atoka Wildland Fire School will take place.

As is always the case, we appreciate each and every one of our training partners across the State of Oklahoma.

We simply could not do what we do without the help and support of all these wonderful organizations.

Grain rescue training continues to be a focus for FST. We received a new Susan B. Harwood OSHA training

grant for 2018, so we will continue to offer this training in the coming months.

Our 3rd Cohort of the Oklahoma Executive Fire Officer class offerings will have graduated by this writing.

Graduation was Nov. 14.

And we are currently taking applications for the 2018 Cohort. Please contact Jason Louthan with any questions.

We encourage you to apply to take part in this life-changing event. I have heard many great comments about this leadership program.

The best comment, by far, came from a person who works for a previous graduate of the program. The comment was that their supervisor is simply a better boss and much nicer person to be around since completing the OKEFO program.

It is the holiday season. Please enjoy this special time of year, and take time to tell those in your life that you love that you love them. You may not get another chance. Oh, and in the politically correct department, “Merry Christmas”!

The phone is always on 24-7 and the coffee is always on. Come see us!

Leadership for Small Departments: Tactics (65217) Jan. 28 (8 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo VFIS Traffic Incident Management System (65219) Jan. 28 (4 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo Advanced Fire Behavior (65239) Jan. 28 (8 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo Air Management Course (65241) Jan. 28 (8 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo Nasal Narcan for the First Responder Train the Trainer (65380) Jan. 28 (2 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo Oklahoma Trauma Education Program T t T (65381) Jan. 28 (2 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo VFIS Traffic Incident Managment Train-the-Trainer (65221) Jan. 28 (4 hours) Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo

The Oklahoma Executive Fire Officer Leadership Program is a partnership between Oklahoma State University-Fire Service Training, Oklahoma State University Fire and Emergency Management Administration, Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association and Oklahoma State Firefighters Association.

The 160-hour program utilizes the curriculum from the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute and has been developed to bring the concepts of leadership and ethics to the forefront of an individual’s career.

22December 2017 / January 2018Oklahoma Firefighter ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Member Services Coordinator

Robert Jones

Terri Williams

Executive Director

Executive Secretary

James Reynolds

6601 Broadway Ext., Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405-522-4600 • 1-800-525-7461 toll free • 405-522-4643 fax www.okfirepen.state.ok.us

Martha Pierce

Chase Rankin

Assistant Director (COO)

Controller

Duane Michael

Than Dinh

Assistant Director (CFO)

Vicki Mulbery

Accounts Payable Administrator

Thelisha Clark

Records Administrator

Assistant Controller

Latoya Battle Data Processor

n CONSENT AGENDA (November 17, 2017) CHECKS TERMINATED IN OCTOBER 2017: Barnsdall Cherokee Chouteau Enid Enid Grove Guymon Muldrow Norman Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Pauls Valley Pryor Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Wister

Gladys N. Shrefffler Laura G. Ream Marilyn Crisp Dorthey F. Hinchey Phillip A. Shafford James L. Stanbrough Charles F. Ellis Iva I. Ellis Pauline Berry Erma L. Butler Mary Shenold Johnny M. Mckinley Thomasine L. Ward Florence W. Burcham Flossie A. Pitcock Peggy C. Woody Elnora E. Jenson

Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased

$5,000.00 DEATH BENEFIT: Bessie Norma L. Rhodes, Widow Of Larry D. Rhodes Boynton Bradley Family Funeral Service On Behalf Of Samuel R. Jernigan Colony Sandra Dickerson, Child Of Loy Luekenga Colony Karen Epperly, Chold Of Loy Luekenga Del City Ford Funeral Service On Behalf Of Tommy Tollison Elk City Martin-Dugger Funeral Home On Behalf Of Julius C. Pierce Enid Timothy A. Shafford, Child Of Phillip A. Shafford Enid Janet M. Jewel, Child Of Phillip A. Shafford Enid Diana K. Long, Child Of Phillip A. Shafford Grove Ray L. Stanbrough, Child Of James L. Stanbrough Harrah Hibbs Funeral Home On Behalf Of Larry L. Raymond Kingfisher Micha Leah Post, Widow Of Garold R. Post Kingston Bobbie J. Little, Widow Of Luther V. Little Guymon Christy D. Dewolfe, Child Of Charles Francis Ellis Guymon Charles Franklin Ellis, Child Of Charles Frances Ellis Lawton Becker Funeral Home On Behalf Of Jack G.McCracken Lexington Wilson-Little Funeral Home On Behalf Of Melvin O. Cagle Midwest City Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home On Behalf Of Jimmie R. Lemons Jr. Moore Robert Mccawley, Child Of Bill McCawley Oklahoma City Rose A. King, Widow Of Arliss C. King Oklahoma City Logan Funeral Home On Behalf Of Allison R. Henderson Oklahoma City Julia A. Burks, Widow Of Grady Burks Oklahoma City Advantage Funeral Home On Behalf Of Donald B. Orf Ryan Dudley Funeral Home On Behalf Of Billy R. Bolin Springer Harvey-Douglas Funeral Home On Behalf Of Ronald Giddens Tahlequah Hart Funeral Home On Behalf Of Steven R. Smith Tecumseh Cooper Funeral Home On Behalf Of Kenneth A. Stanley Texhoma Bunch-Roberts Funeral Home On Behalf Of Laverne Byron Smith Wright City Lisa Valenzuela, Widow Of Daniel F. Valenzuela APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE FOR CONTINUATION: 11/01/2017 Bessie Norma L. Rhodes, Widow Of Larry D. Rhodes 11/01/2017 Colbert Lena D. Westberry, Widow Of Alfred O. Westberry 11/01/2017 Duncan Deborah S. Hancock, Widow Of Wesley D. Hancock 11/01/2017 Gate Lila Curtis, Widow Of Harold Curtis 11/01/2017 Oilton Colleen Mills, Widow Of Gerald Mills 11/01/2017 OKC Julia A. Burks, Widow Of Grady Burks 11/01/2017 Stillwater Kelly A. Payne, Widow Of Harold A. Payne 11/01/2017 Stringtown Patricia A. Harris, Widow Of William R. Harris 11/07/2017 Vian Frances Johnson, Widow Of H.D. Johnson 11/01/2017 Wanette Betty Sue Pybas, Widow Of Bobby R. Pybas

APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE PENSION SYSTEM: Blanchard Blaine Smith Tulsa Cody Allen Chickasha Christian Canoy Tulsa Jordan Ashlock Chickasha Joseph Lashbrook Tulsa Chase Bagley Chickasha Matthew McNabb Tulsa Daniel Best Choctaw James Crabb II Tulsa Jordan Blount Choctaw David Nelson Tulsa Stacey Briggs Collinsville Matthew Edwards Tulsa Jeremiah Daniels El Reno Dillon Macias Tulsa Osha Davis Holdenville Edward Powers Tulsa James Foxworth Marlow Joseph Kring Tulsa Leland Gray Oklahoma City Jamil Buie Tulsa Jonathan King Oklahoma City Darren Colquitt Tulsa Jay Lavalley Oklahoma City Steven Corpus Tulsa Sean A. Lawless Oklahoma City Christian Johnson Tulsa Glenn McCoy Oklahoma City Brittany Long Tulsa Kendall McLaurin Oklahoma City Hunter Mason Tulsa Mickey Nichol Oklahoma City Joshua Owens Tulsa Houston Nole Oklahoma City Jason Page Tulsa Joes Okotoghaide Oklahoma City Kameron Rosenau Tulsa Matt Shannon Oklahoma City Marcus Shelton Tulsa Travis Stallings Oklahoma City Robert Wilder III Tulsa Timothy Thompson Ponca City Jacob Harleson Tulsa Benjamin Thulin Sallisaw Steven R. McEver Tulsa Derek Weinkauf Seminole David Scherotter APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE: 12/09/2016 Ryan Melissa Bolin, Widow Of Billy R. Bolin

Deceased 12/08/2016 APPLICATION FOR SERVICE PENSION: 11/01/2017 Altus Robert S. Tripp 10/01/2017 Braggs Barry K. Stanfill 11/01/2017 Duke Dennis K. Hennessey 10/13/2017 Goodwell Channing L. Boley 11/01/2017 Hartshorne David D. Mass 11/01/2017 Hennessey Timothy R. Riddle 11/01/2017 Holdenville Steven W. Huff 06/01/2017 Kinta Dustan W. Heath 11/01/2017 Macomb Richard L. Baker 11/01/2017 Mangum Clarence Hopinggardner 11/01/2017 Ratliff City Stacey W. Wright 11/01/2017 Rosston Roxie Luckie 11/01/2017 Savanna Sherman W. Ellis 11/01/2017 Stillwater Thomas R. Oosting 01/01/2015 Stonewall Allen L. Bynum APPLICATION FOR VESTED BENEFIT: 10/07/2017 Dickson Terry W. Lewis 02/01/2026 Hartshorne Christopher A. Botts REFUND OF CONTRIBUTIONS: Bradley S. Shaw Antlers David W. Nelson Spencer Matthew Dornan Stillwater

HIRED TERMINATED 02/26/2016 03/31/2017 1/01/2003 10/01/2004 01/02/2003 03/29/2017

CORRECTION FROM October 20, 2017 Consent Agenda APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE FOR CONTINUATION: 10/01/2017 OKC Marian Henderson, Widow Of Allison R. Henderson

Allison Robert Henderson passed away on Sept. 7, 2017.

His funeral service was Sept. 10 in Ellijay, GA.

Oklahoma FirefighterDecember 2017 / January 201823

We Can Do Better:

Injury Prevention is Up to All of Us 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 October 20, 2017 MEETING Members Present: Matt Lay, Mike Kelley, Dana Cramer, Michel Duncan, Scott Vanhorn, Jim Long, Craig Freeman, Janet Kohls, Brandy, Frank Stone.

Members Absent: Dereck Cassady, Eric Harlow.

Amendment To August 18, 2017 Minutes – Motion Was Made To Modify Stephen C. Davis From “Disability In The Line Of Duty” To “Disability Not In The Line Of Duty, Effective June 28, 2017. But The Motion Should Have Stated Davis Application Was Modified From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”, Effective April 1, 2017.

Gabriel Parker/Ardmore - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective October 20, 2017: Motion Was Made

By Long And Seconded By Kelley To Approve The Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty”, Effective October 20, 2017. Ayes: Vanhorn, Kelley, Lay, Long, Freeman, Stone, Cramer, Duncan, Manek, And Kohls. Nayes: None. Motion Carried.

Allen K. Wallace/Hugo – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective August 21, 2017: Motion Was Made

By Vanhorn And Seconded By Long To Modify The Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” To “Disability Not In The Line Of Duty”, Effective Augsut21, 2017. Ayes: Lay, Long, Freeman, Manek, Cramer, Duncan, Kohls, Vanhorn, Kelley, And Stone. Nayes: None. Motion Carried.

Landon K. Hardin/Lawton - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective September 29, 2017: Motion Was Made By Long And Seconded By Cramer To Modify The Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty”, To “Disability Not In The Line Of Duty” And Send To Dr. Ardis Effective September 29, 2017. Vanhorn, And Kelley. Ayes: Lay, Long, Freeman, Cramer, Duncan, Kohls, Vanhorn, Kelley, And Stone. Nayes: None.

Motion Carried.

Anthony L. Slover/Oklahoma City - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective October 1, 2017: Motion Was Made By Long And Seconded

By Kelley To Approve The Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty”, Effective September 1, 2017. Ayes: Lay, Cassady, Harlow, Freeman, Stone, Cramer, Duncan, Kohls, Vanhorn, Kelley, And Manek. Nayes: None.

Motion Carried.

Keith A. Miller/Tulsa - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective October 1, 2017: Motion Was Made By Cramer And Seconded By Vanhorn To Modify The Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” To “Service”, Effective October 1, 2017.

Ayes: Lay, Long, Freeman, Stone, Cramer, Duncan, Kohls, Vanhorn, Kelley, And Manek.

Nayes: None. Motion Carried.

Philip Van Den Dool/Tulsa - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Ef-

fective October 1, 2017: Motion Was Made By Cramer And Seconded By Freeman To Modify The Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” To “Service”, Effective October 1, 2017.

Ayes: Lay, Long, Freeman, Stone, Cramer, Duncan, Kohls, Vanhorn, Kelley, And Manek.

Nayes: None. Motion Carried.

Ky S. Smith/Warr Acres - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective October 1, 2017: Motion Was Made By Cramer And Seconded By Kelley To Approve The Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty”, Effective October 1, 2017. Ayes: Lay, Long, Freeman, Stone, Cramer, Duncan, Kohls, Vanhorn, Kelley, And Manek. Nayes: None.

Motion Carried.

Jerald Young/Lawton – Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion Was Made By Cramer And Seconded By Long To Send Young To Dr. Ardis. Ayes: Lay, Long, Freeman, Manek, Cramer, Duncan, Kohls, Vanhorn, Stone, And Kelley. Nayes: None.

Motion Carried.

Danny Call/Sand Springs - Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion Was Made By Long And Seconded By Vanhorn To Approve The Request Of Call To Modify The Application From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Based On The Medical Information Submitted. Ayes: Lay, Cassady, Harlow, Manek, Cramer, Duncan, Kohls, Vanhorn, Stone, And Kelley. Nayes: Freeman.

Motion Carried.

Daniel Little/Tulsa - Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion Was Made By Long And Seconded By Cramer To Approve The Request Of Little To Modify The Application From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Based On The Medical Information Submitted. Ayes: Lay, Long, Freeman, Manek, Cramer, Duncan, Kohls, Vanhorn, Stone, And Kelley.

Nayes: None. Motion Carried.

Stephen Moeller/Tulsa - Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion Was Made By Long And Seconded By Duncan To Approve The Request Of Moeller To Modify The Application From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Based On The Medical Information Submitted. Ayes: Lay, Long Freeman, Manek, Cramer, Kelley, Duncan, Kohls, And Vanhorn.

Nayes: Stone. Motion Carried.

Erick A. Rawding/Tulsa –Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disbility In The Line Of Duty”: Motion Was Made By Long And Seconded By Duncan To Approve The Request Of Rawding To Modify The Application From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Based On The Medical Information Submitted. Ayes: Lay, Long, Freeman, Manek, Cramer, Kelley, Duncan, Kohls, And Vanhorn.

Nayes: Stone. Motion Carried.

By Kimberly Quiros, NVFC Chief of Communications Firefighting is an inherently dangerous job, but there are many steps that can be taken to lessen the risks. Injury prevention is not an abstract concept – it is something we have control over and can prioritize for ourselves and our departments.

Take for example a firefighter who is seriously injured after being thrown from a vehicle because he or she wasn’t wearing a seat belt. An action that takes a second or two to complete could have prevented this situation.

Safety needs to be at the forefront of every firefighter’s mind, whether during training, at the incident scene, or even working around the station. It may sound cliché, but the old adage rings especially true in the fire service where lives are on the line – an ounce of prevention is most certainly worth a pound of cure.

The Numbers: The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) most recent report on firefighter injuries shows there were 68,085 firefighter injuries in 2015. Surprisingly, after years of a downward trend, the number of injuries actually increased by 7.5 percent compared to 2014.

Not only that, but the number of fireground injuries per 1,000 fires has remained relatively constant for the past 20 years. This means that despite advances in gear and equipment, better understanding of fire behavior, and improved incident command procedures, we are not seeing a reduction in fireground injuries.

These facts should be a wake-up call that there is still a lot to be done in the area of injury prevention, and that the responsibility falls on department leaders as well as each individual firefighter for making positive changes toward safety. If we have better tools and knowledge and are still seeing these kinds of injury numbers, then it is time for a change in how we implement these advances during training and operations. And that means a collective refocusing on safety.

Consider the Consequences: Firefighters are in the business of putting others first, but more often than not the ‘short-cuts’ they take with safety do more harm than good. How can you help someone if you crash your vehicle because you didn’t stop at an intersection during response? Or if you are taken out of service due to cancer caused by wearing dirty gear?

Think about your family. How do you tell them you have a serious or even life-threatening injury or illnesses because you didn’t take the time to follow safety procedures?

What about your crew? An injury at the fireground can put other members of the crew at risk. And how will they be impacted if you are out of service due to a preventable injury?

Firefighters want to help people, but make sure you have a clear perspective. Taking care of yourself is the best way you can take care of others.

Speak Up: Firefighters consider the fire service as a family that will always have each other’s backs. We see this in times of tragedy, when in the aftermath of a line-of-duty injury or death we rally around the victim, their families, and each other.

We need to take this much further. Why wait until a tragedy happens in order to review safety practices? We need to come together BEFORE someone is injured or killed so we can prevent the tragedy in the first place. This includes saying something if you realize someone is being unsafe or acting recklessly.

Do you see someone removing their SCBA before the air is safe? Is someone forgoing a seat belt in a moving vehicle? Are members of your crew disregarding an established safety procedure because they value speed over safety? Then say something! These are your brothers and sisters – if you see them endangering themselves, speak up. Don’t wait until it is too late.

Training is Key: Training is one of the most important keys to injury prevention. Department leaders need to make sure all personnel are properly trained for every function they are expected to perform. Never assign someone a task for which they have not been trained. Emphasize safety in all training, and make sure personnel are following the correct procedures.

In addition, educate personnel on why safety is important. Make sure everyone understands that safety and injury prevention are critical to the department being able to accomplish its mission.

Create a Culture of Safety: It all comes down to what kind of department you want to have. Consider the new recruit. If they see seasoned members ignoring a safety protocol, they will be much more apt to do the same. This instills a belief that SOPs can be ignored or only used when it is ‘convenient.’ Is that the kind of message you want to send – that safety is an option?

We all have to take safety seriously. Remember that SOPs were put in place for a reason, and make sure to follow them EVERY TIME. Develop clear disciplinary procedures for those who don’t follow safety protocols and provide everyone with a copy so they understand how serious the department is about safety.

As a firefighter, you have a responsibility to yourself, your family, your crew, and your community to be at your best. Safety is a vital component of this. It is up to all of us to do everything we can to be there for all those who depend on us.

For additional resources, visit www.nvfc.org/ServeStrong.

24December 2017 / January 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

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OSFA Executive Board Highlights

The OSFA Executive Board met October 19, 2017 in the boardroom at 2716 NE 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, at 8:59 a.m.

Roll Call: Matt Lay, present and presiding; Dereck Cassady, excused; Mike Kelley, present via phone conference; Eric Harlow, excused; Mike Duncan, present; Dana Cramer, present.

Others: Phil Ostrander, Gene Brown, Sheri Nickel, Tim Bartram, Amy Hall, Dr. Erick Reynolds, Sean Douglas, Eric Hamilton.

Correspondence: Thank you card from the Mulbery Family (Vicki Mulbery mother’s passing – Pension). Thank you card from Dottie Kizziar for the Memorial, Thank you card from Rita Wilson regarding the Statewide Memorial.

Fire Marshal Commission Report: Matt Lay The Fire Marshal Commission has been out making rounds, along with Nickel to County Meetings. They are trying to get some ground work laid on the Firefighter Training Advisory Committee for when it gets set. They canceled their last meeting for October.

They are grateful to not be a part of the appropriated agencies anymore.

Fire Service Training: Dr. Erick Reynolds Fire Service Training received an OSHA Grant for next year to continue to do the Grain Rescue Training. They are crazy busy right now and took another 3.25% cut about three weeks ago.

Duncan discussed that the American Heart Association raised the price of the Heart Saver Cards by like 400%. The cost now is $17 for the Heart Saver Card and the books are now $2.50. He has been having meetings all around the state with all of their training sites.

By Jan. 1, 2019, your CPR mannequin has to be able to tell you if you’re pressing it deep enough, how fast you’re going and if the breaths are good enough.

Safety & Health Committee: Tim Bartram Bartram stated that they met and updated their sub-committees.

They eliminated the previous outdated sub-committees and formulated a Risk Education Sub-Committee, Cancer Awareness Sub-Committee, and an Injury Prevention Sub-Committee.

They felt like the older sub-committees were no longer pertinent and there were a lot of new issues that needed to be addressed.

They did discuss doing some type of Fun Run to potentially raise some money to bring the Cancer Dog Screening for free to Fire School.

Educational Advisory Committee: Tim Bartram/Mike Duncan Bartram stated they are continuing to meet and plan next year’s Fire School. Duncan discussed they are getting a few classes in but need to perk up a little more. Everybody is supposed to go back and follow up with those that have not turned in yet. The deadline now is set for Dec. 1.

Bartram stated that some of the committee members were able to attend the training provided by the National Guard at the helibase in Lexington. He said that it was very good and they need help in organizing what they are teaching to make it a more effect format.

The committee has reached out to the Guard group and they are definitely interested in doing something at Fire School. He believes that it is something that could develop into a good partnership.

Volunteer Fire Service Committee: Mike Duncan Duncan stated that they met last Saturday and worked on the agenda for the Volunteer Caucus. The caucus will be held at the Metro Tech in El Reno. Bartram stated there is a sponsor for lunch.

EMS Committee: Mike Duncan Duncan stated they will be meeting Oct. 31.

Benevolent Committee: Tim Bartram Bartram stated they met before the Memorial and right now they are laying some ground work. One thing that came out of it from Chairman T. Dick Cagle is that he feels the committee needs to be more involved in the actual planning and implementation of the two Memorial Services.

He believes that now they are going to start getting some traction and move forward. Duncan said that they are doing mostly everything through e-mail rather than meeting.

Membership Committee: Tim Bartram Bartram stated that they met and Chairman Thompson had asked that he be given a couple of minutes to talk about the committee at the Volunteer Caucus and maybe have a booth for the committee.

Duncan feels that it would be good to have the committees attend to talk a few minutes about what each committee does.

Museum: Gene Brown Brown stated as usual they have a ton of little things going on.

They are planning to go back and pick up our ladder wagon and chemical cart from Enid. He said that it has been a good success.

They are very pleased with it and so are we.

October 19, 2017 MEETING

Upcoming Dates to Remember: Jan. 24-26, 2018 -- OFCA Workshops -- Stillwater Community Center Feb. 3, 2018 -- 16th annual OSFA Volunteer Caucus -Canadian Valley Vo-Tech in El Reno May 3-6, 2018 -- State Fire School -- Tulsa Community College & Tulsa Fire Department Training Center Oct. 7, 2018 -- 19th Statewide Memorial Service -Oklahoma Firefighters Museum, Oklahoma City They have several nozzles that are period correct displayed on some of the trucks. They are currently working on refurbishing ladders. One of the main things they have been working on the last several months is making things right with the right tools, nozzles and hoses.

There was discussion about an upcoming auction in Lawton to purchase smaller artifacts for the Museum. The museum staff, after lots of research, is 99% sure that the displayed Amoskeag Steamer is the oldest existing steamer in the country.

Bartram stated that Noll had viewed a video of an almost an identical water tower to the Oklahoma City water tower on display in our museum and they actually raise it up and are pumping water. That is something we plan to work on and try to get into our rotation along with pumping the hand pumper when visited by fire recruit academies.

Brown relayed that the plan is to have all the pictures digitized in the next six to eight months. That way they can be able to show them and have a computer set up to search for a specific department. Brown is looking for different videos that we can play on the TVs for different events. That way, it will not be the same video rolling over and over again.

Ostrander stated that one of the things he has noticed since he started here was some of the museum staff did a lot of sitting around, but he thinks it is really cool what is going on now.

Quintin is getting schooled up and we might be creating a monster with him. Noll has been personally working with him on restoring things and he is learning a lot.

Brown stated that on Monday, Yukon’s Honor Society will be coming in to do volunteer work. They will be polishing trucks and they have a lot of other things set up for them to do.

Choctaw High School has expressed interest in letting their Honor Students come to do their volunteer work and Brown told them we would happily accept.

Ostrander discussed that VanHorn and himself have been playing phone tag on the Museum Expansion. There is a group coming in next month to talk about how to research Grant Programs. They can help us pinpoint foundations, local and national foundations from which we can get grants.

Brown believes once we get our Public Education going, that will open us up for money there to help us with our interactive displays and be able to get fire safety training to the kids.

Ostrander stated that the original price of the expansion will probably end up costing more than 40% of the original quote to get everything done that we need done.

Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Report: Nickel Nickel has presented a map showing all the counties she has attended meetings at and shows the one’s that she is still needing to attend. She believes by the end of October, she will have 50 counties covered and has a majority of what’s left scheduled.

There are still some departments that she has no contact with anyone or have shown opposition to her attending their meetings.

She stated that we are at the end of Grant year one and does have lots of inquires. Everybody gets the SOG. The SOG says that there is a limit of one firefighter per department.

We are going to take applications; they will send a letter application asking her to consider their person for the program, need roster for the last five years, have contacts set up with the guy who does the Pension physical, have all the bids from three different companies for the bunker gear and it is up to the Fire Chief and the candidate on what program they will attend.

When she was in Pauls Valley recently, they stated they did not know how to get into Firefighter I. So she contacted Paddy at OSU-FST and they are supposed to be working on getting them a Firefighter I Program done.

Nickel believes that it would be beneficial to have a Roundtable Discussion in the South Central part of the state. She stated that the Sulphur Fire Chief would really like us to do a Roundtable Discussion there in Sulphur.

National Volunteer Fire Council: Duncan / Ostrander Duncan discussed that NVFC received a Retention Grant. They have been pushing their Share the Load due to suicide rates keep climbing. They have a committee started on the opioid problem.

Most of the prevention money is going to the law enforcement side and would like to see more money come to the fire/ems service side. Ostrander discussed that we have received information on the Jr Firefighter Program.

Duncan stated that he is on the Retention/Recruitment Committee and said they are doing a lot of programs around the country for senior high school students. There was more discussion about the Jr Firefighter Program.

Bartram said that while sending out the 2018 OSFA Membership Billing we are also adding the Share the Load flyer.

Duncan discussed while they were in Nebraska, the lady who runs the New York Museum spoke very highly of our Museum.

Duncan stated that while in Nebraska, he went to their Memorial Service and they honored their Ladies Auxiliary Past Presidents that passed away. He believes that we should start doing this as well during our Memorials.

Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association: Sean Douglas Douglas discussed the Winter Workshop that is coming up in Stillwater, Jan. 24-26, 2018, and their Conference will be April 3-6, 2018, in Lawton.

ORFA Report: Dana Cramer Cramer stated that ORFA had their Golf Tournament yesterday.

It was moved from Choctaw Creek to FireLake in Shawnee. They were really great to work with and they did not charge us per player but gave them a flat rate. He stated they would love to keep going back there. Everyone enjoyed the course and the flat rate was green fees, cart and the meal. The only issue was with the beverage cart and that was just a miscommunication.

The teams were slow coming in but there were a few walk-ins.

They decided not to do the ORFA Board meeting that day but will schedule one soon.

Rodriguez has been working on the Chapter Packets and that will be discussed at the next meeting.

Executive Directors Report: Phil Ostrander Ostrander said that Steve and Cheryl Lumry are back on U.S. soil and are at home.

Ostrander wanted to share something with the Board: Amy Hall has been catching up on some of the “little” things on which we have been behind, such as the Club 100 notifications. The Club 100 is something that exists to recognize any donation to the Museum of $100 or more. There are different levels by the amount donated.

Ostrander got a letter today reminding him of one of the reasons we do our job here. Marsha Hawkins, her husband was the Fire Chief that hired Ostrander on the Tulsa Fire Department, sent a letter stating how much she appreciates the Club 100 certificate sent to her. This is the kind of letter that people like Ostrander get every now and then that highlights why we do this job and that these “little” things mean a lot to people like her.

He would like to thank the staff for keeping up their efforts with these things.

Ostrander said that Nickel discussed a South Central Roundtable meeting in Sulphur and he would like to know what the Board thinks about the last week of November. They are looking at tentatively scheduling for Nov. 29 and will check with other partners to see if that date works for them.

Ostrander went to the Replica meeting last week. The theory behind it is to let the licensed/certified medical people in your state be able to operate in other states that are participating in the Replica Program. He believes the Air Ambulance Service will be the ones who really benefit from it. David Macy from Oklahoma City said that he has to carry six licenses with him and this would help on that. Ostrander stated that IAFF has some objections to it. Maybe our EMS Committee needs to evaluate that. There was more discussion by the Board.

Ostrander has been working on dates with the Chairman of the Legislative Committee.

New Business: 1) Committee Removal Request: Loyd Mosier, Owasso – Educational Advisory; JT Crawford, Fort Supply, Chris Hopingardner, Mangum, and Nathan Lowery, Iowa Tribe – Benevolent; Tyler Meyer, McAlester – Safety & Health; JT Crawford, Fort Supply – Financial Advisory.

Without objection, all Committee members per their request have been removed.

2) Pub Ed Committee List given to Board members for approval.

There was some discussion by the Board.

Next meeting: Nov. 16, 2017

Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association

Oklahoma FirefighterDecember 2017 / January 201825

2018 OFCA WORKSHOPS New Chief Officer Workshop January 24 at Stillwater Community Center 315 W 8th Ave, Stillwater, OK 74074

Winter Workshop Jan. 25-26

Make Plans To Attend These Informative Events

2018 OFCA WINTER WORKSHOP

Budgeting a Career: Time, Money & Me

Among the Guest Speakers Are:

For more information:

Tonya Hoover

Tom Bradley

Beth Gallup

Mark Goeller

Dana Mugavero

1-800-308-5336 • 405-424-1452 trishac@osfa.info

26December 2017 / January 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

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in memoriam Phillip Burkhalter, Ft. Supply FD

The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Ft. Supply firefighter Phillip “Dawg” Burkhalter on Oct. 19. He was 56.

Burkhalter was proud of his 15 years of service with the volunteer firemen at Ft. Supply, and he often worked long hours fighting wildfires with the crew. He also served several years as Assistant Fire Chief.

He was awarded the Ft. Supply FD Medal of Valor three times -- in 2009, 2011 and 2013. And he also received the Ft. Supply FD Meritorious Service Award 2013.

Mike Brice, Chickasha FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for former Chickasha Fire Chief Mike Brice on Oct. 23. He was 55.

Brice served as City Manager of Sanger, Texas, for the last 10 years. Prior to Sanger, he was Assistant City Manager for Chickasha and Chickasha Fire Chief for five years.

He achieved his dream to become a second generation firefighter with over 20 years of service on the fire department.

Most of his time was spent at Nichols Hills, where he rose through the ranks to Assistant Fire Chief.

Ronald Dean Lambert, Oklahoma City FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Retired Oklahoma City firefighter Ronald Dean Lambert on Nov. 4. He was 71.

Lambert was as a firefighter with the Oklahoma City Fire Department and retired after 25 years of service. He was a member of the Retired Firefighter’s Association, Blanchard Secondhand Lions, Tri-City Cruisers and the Chrysler 300 Club.

Charles Ray “Jim” Michael, Bethany FD

The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Retired Bethany firefighter Jim Michael on Nov. 6.

He was 75.

Michael graduated from Bethany HS in

1960 and joined the Bethany Fire Department in 1963. He retired from the fire department in 1983, and then began driving a special needs bus for Putnam City Public Schools, retiring after 25 years.

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page to ponder S.R. Hunter

Bethany FD

Safety & Health Committee As firefighters, we have all been involved in responses that we will remember for the rest of our life.

Some are pleasant while others remind us that a higher power is at work.

We have a beautiful museum that remembers the apparatus and the tools of the past.

We have a Memorial that remembers both the fallen and the living who have served their communities with courage and honor.

We remember the tremendous loss of life at the Murrah Building bombing.

All these events we remember because they are so important and we will not forget.

There is another group that we must remember -- those brothers and sisters that came before us. When I say remember, I mean more than a pension or a Memorial after they are gone. We need to remember them every day.

How many departments have a spot on their web page for the retirees to utilize? Have you thought about an annual breakfast or dinner at the station for retirees? Most are very proud of being a part of the fire service and really appreciate a hat or coffee mug with their department’s logo.

Does your chief or a designee meet with family members when we lose a retiree? Our retirees blazed the trail for us. They set the benchmark that we strive to maintain today.

They must be remembered for all they did.

Last week, we lost a brother that gave 20 years of his life as an active duty firefighter and was a passionate retiree who continued to serve his community and his department literally to the last day of his life.

He was a committed and diligent advocate for both our department and his fellow retirees. He was the liaison between the active and retired members and was a great asset to our organization.

In Honor of this man, I would like to include the content of a plaque that was given to his family by our department: In Honor Of Charles Ray “Jim” Michael

CUSTOM FROM START TO FINISH AGRICULTURE | OIL FIELD | FIRE DEPT | INDUSTRIAL CONSTRUCTION | GOVERNMENT | PERSONAL Chassis and frame modification Chassis component addition or removal Chassis component modification Component swapping between chassis

BRUCKNER’S OF ENID 5913 E. Owen K. Garriott • E. Hwy 412 • Enid, Oklahoma 73701 877-601-1236 enid-fab@brucknertruck.com • brucknertruck.com

It is with deep regret that we bid farewell to our friend and comrade Charlie Michael, but we also know that this is a new beginning for Charlie, for today he is happy, healthy and watching over us with our heavenly father, and if there were a fire department in heaven I’m sure Charlie would already have been issued his badge and bunker gear.

Charlie’s time on this earth was well spent. He dedicated twenty years of his life to the Bethany Fire & Rescue and the community he loved. Charlie was instrumental in establishing many of the standards, policies and procedures that guide and direct our department today. Charlie continued to serve our organization as a passionate volunteer and liaison to other retirees. Charlie never missed a “retiree’s breakfast.”

So remember as you wipe your tears The joy I knew throughout the years The Oklahoma Retired Firefighters As I did the job I loved to do Association (ORFA) has several I pray that thought will see you through FD Chapters throughout the state that provide fellowship and I know Charlie would not mind me speakinformation on fire service issues. ing for him.

While this is his last alarm on this earth, he To join or help form a Chapter in has started his “rookie year” with a department your area, contact the OSFA Office that will last for eternity and I have no doubt at 405-424-1452 he will be a great asset. See you later, buddy.

Oklahoma FirefighterDecember 2017 / January 201827

Call Us at (877)562-8785

28December 2017 / January 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

Oklahoma Office 3601 N.W. 10th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Phone: 405-945-0400 Fax: 405:945-0401

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