4June/July 2020Oklahoma Firefighter
PresidenT
n
I’m happy to report that HB 3350 -- our COLA bill -- was signed into law by Governor Stitt. This is the culmination of a 12-year battle to secure a cost of living adjustment for our retirees. This legislation outlines a stair-stepped approach where members who have been retired 5 years or more will receive a 4% increase, those retired 2-5 years will receive a 2% increase and anyone that has been retired less than 2 years will not receive an increase. Thanks to everyone who worked tirelessly on the passage of this crucial legislation during a very difficult legislative session to navigate. As part of balancing the budget, the legislature also reduced the amount of insurance premium tax that will be going into the pension system over the next two years and increased it over the five years following. While we never like to see funding reduced, we are encouraged that our Pension Fund is strong enough to grant a COLA and assist in the State budget in this time of crisis. Your OSFA Board will be monitoring this situation closely over the coming years. The OSFA Board made the decision on May 7 to hold the ORFA and OSFA Conventions as scheduled in June. The decision was made after consulting with elected local leaders and having faith that we will have opened enough to be able to hold the scheduled events.
Mike Kelley
OKC FD
mkelley@local157.org • 405-623-4338
The 39th ORFA Convention is June 9 in Oklahoma City. Immediately following on June 10-13 will be the 126th OSFA Convention and 88th OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Convention. The conventions will be held at the downtown Sheraton (1 N Broadway Ave). This is in the heart of OKC within walking and streetcar distance of many great restaurants, bars and entertainment. I appreciate everyone’s patience and the work of my convention committee and OSFA staff as we continue to plan and adjust to the ever-changing rules. Currently we are limited to 36 total teams in the golf tournament which is full. If the guidance is relaxed, we will be able to add additional teams so if you sign up now you will be placed on a waiting list. We are adjusting in other areas where they are needed to remain in compliance with our State and City guidelines. One such modification is limiting this year’s Memorial Service to delegates and guests only. This decision was made for a number of reasons: we have another Memorial Service later in the year, to limit the number of people in close proximity (social distancing), and several family members of our brothers and sisters that have gone before us are in higher risk categories. Thanks to everyone for your understanding! We plan to live stream the event so anyone who wants to may join us remotely. I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate our OSFA Executive Director Steve Lumry. Steve has
decided after many years of dedicated service to the OSFA to retire at the conclusion of the convention. During his tenure as the Executive Director, we have seen many successes, including a record high in membership and the passage of our No. 1 legislative priority -- a COLA for our retirees. I have had the privilege of serving with Steve on the Oklahoma City Fire Department and with the OSFA, and I can assure you that regardless of his affiliation, you have never met a stauncher advocate or more loyal friend than Steve. Congratulations to Steve and, more importantly, Cheryl! Enjoy your retirement and many blessings to you both! In closing, I would like to thank you, the firefighters of this great state, for allowing me the honor of serving as your president for the last year. I can assure everyone that you have an OSFA Board that truly wants to provide the best for what we believe are the best people anywhere. You demonstrate everyday what the Oklahoma Standard means! The fire service in our proud state takes a backseat to no one! And while I chose this year’s convention theme before the pandemic, I believe it is more fitting today: “Iron Sharpens Iron, Forged Through Adversity.” As I close a chapter in my journey, I feel so blessed to have been challenged and forged by the wonderful group of men and women of the Oklahoma Fire Service. Stay safe and may God Bless you and yours!