Oklahoma Firefighter March 2020 newspaper

Official publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association

March 2020 n Volume 37, Issue 2

18th Annual OSFA Volunteer Fire Caucus held Feb. 1 in El Reno Stavros Scholarship Application Deadline is April 1

More Photos on Page 13

More Info on Page 27

Oklahoma Fire Pipes & Drums Going to World Championships Story on Page 14

2020 OSFA State Fire School is May 7-9 in Tulsa More Info on Page 15

I N S I D E

OSFA Executive Board Members’ Comments............................................................. 5-6 OSFA Executive Director’s Report - Steve Lumry ......................................................... 7 ORFA Report - President Tippy Pierce ........................................................................... 8 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Report - Kenda Engle........................................................... 8 Firefighter Near-Miss Report - Greg Lindsay ............................................................... 10 Museum News - Gene Brown .........................................................................................12 In Memoriam .................................................................................................................. 18 OFCA Winter Workshop Recap / OFCA Conference Info ........................................... 16 Executive Board Meeting Highlights ............................................................................. 24 Oklahoma Fire Spotlight -- Noble FD ........................................................................... 26

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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

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2March 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

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larry@iteok.com 405-520-5438

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Oklahoma FirefighterMarch 20203

klahoma Firefighter March 2020

Volume 37 — Issue 2

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 Steve Lumry stevel@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.

Official publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Official publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association

May 2019 May 2019 Volume 36, Issue 4 Volume 36, Issue 4

ACTA NON NON VERBA VERBA (( Actions Actions not not Words Words )) ACTA Oklahoma State State Oklahoma Firefighters Firefighters Association Association

125th OSFA OSFA 125th Convention Convention

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June 5 5 -- 8, 8, 2019 2019 June Hosted By By Hosted

Ponca City City Ponca Fire Department Department Fire

ADvertisers’ INDEX Casco Industries ............... 28

Pension & Retirement ... 22

City Carbonic .................... 17

Phillips Murrah P.C. ......... 3

Conrad Fire ....................... 27

Ride to Remember .......... 12

ITE Fire & Rescue .............. 2

Roberts Testing ................ 3

NAFECO ............................. 4

Santa Fe Express ............... 17

OAEVT .................................. 10

Sharp Testing ..................... 11

OSU Fire Service Training .... 20

Triple H Transmissions .... 19

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It’s an easy and convenient way to stay on top of what’s happening at OSFA!

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

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II N N S S II D D E E

2019 OSFA Convention Details .......................................................................................4 2019 OSFA Convention Details .......................................................................................4 OSFA Executive Board Members’ Comments ............................................................5-6 OSFA Executive Board Members’ Comments ............................................................5-6 OSFA Executive Director’s Report - Steve Lumry ..........................................................7 OSFA Executive Director’s Report - Steve Lumry ..........................................................7 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Report -Marti Carpenter ......................................................8 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Report -Marti Carpenter ......................................................8 Firefighter Near-Miss Report - Greg Lindsay ............................................................... 10 Firefighter Near-Miss Report - Greg Lindsay ............................................................... 10 Museum News - Gene Brown ........................................................................................13 Museum News - Gene Brown ........................................................................................13 ORFA Report - President Juan Rodriguez ....................................................................15 ORFA Report - President Juan Rodriguez ....................................................................15 House Passes Firefighter Bills ............................................................................... 18-19 House Passes Firefighter Bills ............................................................................... 18-19 Chaplain’s Corner - Kim Hayes .....................................................................................19 Chaplain’s Corner - Kim Hayes .....................................................................................19 Executive Board Meeting Highlights ............................................................................ 24 Executive Board Meeting Highlights ............................................................................ 24 Oklahoma Fire Spotlight -- Ft. Towson FD .................................................................. 26 Oklahoma Fire Spotlight -- Ft. Towson FD .................................................................. 26

Simply call (405-424-1452) or email the OSFA office (osfa@osfa.info) and request digital editions!

Please provide your name and address for verification.

Roberts Testing Pump Testing in your Community 405-834-5975 • groberts1960@gmail.com

4March 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

Oklahoma FirefighterMarch 20205

PresidenT n

Mike Kelley

We had a great night of fellowship and a day of business at the annual Volunteer Caucus.

This is one of the most important events that the OSFA holds annually. It is a time that the volunteers come together and tell us what issues they are facing and then as a body decide what is most important. These issues are then put forth at convention.

This year we had Dana Musgavero, Director of First Responder Support Service in Tulsa, speak to the group about PTSD. This was very good information and was encouraging, as well, because she explained to the group that PTSD is not only treatable but curable.

I want to emphasize that’s why it is vitally important for each of us to know the signs and symptoms of PTSD and to encourage and support each other in the healing process.

We do a great job caring for our citizens! Let’s vow to do the same for our brothers and sisters.

Mark your calendars now for upcoming

events: n OFCA will be hosting its 98th annual Conference in Chickasha April 8-10. The Conference will be hosted by Bruce Anthony and the Tuttle FD. n State Fire School will once again be held at the Tulsa Community College Northeast, and the dates are May 7-9.

Our state fire school is one of the premier training events in the nation, and the training is

OSFA’s David Bain Award recognizes any

individual who has provided service both to community and to OSFA, and who possesses attributes that coincide with involvement in youth programs through church, school, and/ or community, provides a role model for other leaders, and has proven to be a person of courage and impeccable character Nominations must be received by April 29

For a nomination form, go to www.osfa.info For more information: 1-800-308-5336 • 405-424-1452 stevel@osfa.info

2019-20 OSFA Executive Board

mkelley@local157.org

OKC FD

405-623-4338

PRESIDENT: Mike Kelley 405-623-4388 • mkelley@local157.org

free. Your Educational Advisory Committee works hard year-round to bring together classes that will benefit you and your department.

There is literally training for everyone! Come join us at this year’s Fire School. The OSFA State Fire School is a great time of training and fellowship

1ST VICE PRESIDENT: Eric Harlow 405-520-2893 • ericharlow200@gmail.com 2ND VICE PRESIDENT: Cliff Davidson 580-554-1886 • davidsoncliff@yahoo.com 3RD VICE PRESIDENT: Jim Ed Nimmo 918-557-8379 • jimnimmo7@gmail.com

n The 39th annual ORFA Convention will be held June 9 in Oklahoma City.

n The 126th annual OSFA Convention will be

held June 10-13 in Oklahoma City n The 88th annual OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Convention will also be held June 10-13 in OKC. All three OKC conventions will be held at the downtown Sheraton (1 N Broadway Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102).

This is in the heart of OKC within walking and streetcar distance of many great restaurants, bars and entertainment.

The legislative session is in full swing and

our number one issue is securing an overdue COLA for our retirees.

We have obviously received overwhelming support in the house, and after the interim studies have been gaining in the senate.

There is currently legislation out there for both a 4% and a 2%. We will continue to work to secure this much-needed COLA. Our retirees have waited far too long and many people have worked tirelessly to secure a COLA.

PAST PRESIDENT: Dereck Cassady 580-761-5338 • IAFFLocal2479@yahoo.com

OSFA & Museum Staff Executive Director Steve Lumry • stevel@osfa.info Special Projects Tim Bartram • timb@osfa.info Receptionist Leesa Black • leesab@osfa.info Events & Promotions Trisha Chain • trishac@osfa.info Member Services/ Grant Coordinator Sheri Nickel • sherin@osfa.info

Publications Penelope Soldan penelopes@osfa.info Museum Director Gene Brown • geneb@osfa.info Museum Assistant Quintin James • quintinj@osfa.info Museum Assistant Bob Noll • bobn@osfa.info

Thanks for your contribution to the fire service in Oklahoma! Stay safe!

1st vice PresidenT n

Eric Harlow

Greetings Oklahoma Firefighters!

How many of you wish our weather would make up its mind? Hot, Cold, Hot, Cold ... No wonder so many folks are sick!

Have you checked on all of your firefighters lately? Have you checked on yourself lately?

Mental health continues to plague our fire service and we need to try and get abreast of the problem.

There are many avenues out there to get mental health assistance, but we, as firefighters, are typically the last to ask for help. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Keep in contact with your folks and make sure they’re all doing OK. Especially check on them after a traumatic type of call or even a working fire.

Different types of calls can take their toll on all of us. Just because you’re OK doesn’t mean they’re OK.

Guthrie FD

ericharlow200@gmail.com • 405-520-2893

On the legislative front, we are working hard monitoring the situation at the Capitol.

There are many bills that could have an effect on the fire service so we will keep our eyes glued to any updates that come down.

We will continue to fight for a COLA raise for our retirees. It’s been far too long and the board is committed to working with our legislators to make it happen.

A bill that we have been monitoring is House Bill 1992. It recently passed the House and now goes to the Senate for consideration. If signed into law, it would allow cities to call for a vote of their citizens to create a property tax funded public safety district.

This would provide stable, wellneeded revenues for emergency services.

Please contact your Senators and encourage them to get this heard and passed.

The 2020 State Fire School classes are online and available for registration. This

annual event is May 7-9 in Tulsa and is sure to be a great event.

The Educational Advisory Committee has an excellent slate of classes from a variety of instructors. There’s sure to be something for everyone, so please check it out and make plans to attend.

Classes are filling up quickly, so head over to www.osufst.org and find something to sign up for.

Another upcoming event is the annual Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association Conference. This year’s conference hosted

by Tuttle FD is being held April 8-10 in Chickasha at the Grady County Fairgrounds.

OFCA President Bruce Anthony has a great agenda lined up for us, and it is sure to be a great conference. Something new for this year is a Bowling Tournament, so come show everyone what you’ve got!

Until next time, stay safe and get ready for Spring!

6March 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

3rd vice PresidenT

n

Jim Ed Nimmo

2nd vice President n

Tulsa FD 918-557-8379 jimnimmo7@gmail.com

It’s a pretty overwhelming issue, healthcare that is. It is expensive and we all need it (not just want it).

It isn’t illegal (kinda). Customers have to agree to pay for it regardless of the outcome. You don’t have to tell your customer how much it will cost before they buy it.

A large segment of the field is self regulated. People are obligated to have insurance for healthcare, and if they don’t, you just charge them less or nothing at all and raise the price for those who do.

You don’t have to worry about the insurance companies raising a fuss, they’ll just raise the premiums instead. So they’re basically doing the same thing.

In short, it is pretty much a dream market if you can figure out a way to make money off of it.

So how can it be fixed? I don’t have an end-all list, but I have read or heard of a few ideas that stand out to me and I have some of my own, but it’s not like someone hasn’t thought of them before me.

I’m going to stick with one that could possibly be enacted at the state level.

I could go into a lot of anecdotes and metaphors to illustrate the problem, but if you need that to understand the problem or the solution, there probably isn’t much hope anyway.

The idea I’ve read about the most that might be workable is a fixed price market. You’ve probably heard of this and it is usually based on setting everyone’s price for health services at the medicare reimbursement prices for service.

This gives providers (in the broad sense) incentive to control their own cost because they can only hope to make a set price that could be adjusted for the increase in American GDP every year.

It would work similar to energy markets like oil and gas where the profit is made via the efficient extraction and refinement of fuel, rather than via the sell of the finished product at retail which is priced largely the same across the country.

The truth is this fix will be accompanied by a lot of squalling by stakeholders from non profit hospitals, to private insurance, to Doctors and beyond.

No one likes change to a game they understand, especially when they are the only ones who understand it, and they are the ones making the money.

So how is the game played. As far as I can tell, the only rule is keep raising the price of insurance for those who work for it (as long as they’ll pay it) to fade the price for those who don’t. The ones who work for it generally have enough to lose that they’ll pay.

Do not, under any circumstances, tell them what whatever they are using that insurance for will cost. If for some reason you do have to give them a price, spread it out over so many different entities, agencies, providers, billing reps, and time that they’d need to be a cross between Jason Bourne, John Nash, and Magnum PI to figure it out.

The biggest problem I see with the previous solution is that everyone making money off of this system also has the money and influence to keep it from changing until the whole thing collapses. They don’t have to convince us all that its raining. They only have to convince a few of us in the right places that they know what is best, or that the problem can’t be solved.

I was having a discussion with a friend and his wife, both retired, the other day about this very issue. He did 30 years behind the wheel at Wal-mart and she the same as a public school teacher. Insurance is eating them up.

After giving my input on how to fix it, he looked up from under his black cowboy hat and said in a deep eastern Oklahoma accent with a hint of Cherokee that the only way you might pull their head back is if everyone just quit paying their premiums and medical bills at the same time.

It’s hard to argue with that kind of logic.

Cliff Davidson

Ringwood FD

580-554-1886 • davidsoncliff@yahoo.com Well, another month has gone by and I hope everyone

is doing well.

If you missed the Volunteer Caucus, you missed a great time. I think it would be safe to say that everyone who attended had a great time and gained some new friends that share a passion for the Volunteer Fire Service.

Many good topics were discussed and ideas shared. I personally enjoy seeing people that some I only see this one time of the year. And I made a couple of new friends, as well. So I hope you will try to make plans to attend next year.

I can say that February has been an interesting month for me as to dealing with issues that I truly and deeply care about.

One being friendships and the other the fire department that I have the honor of serving on.

Relationships can sometimes be strained when disagreements arise, and trust me if you have been in a department long enough, one will always rear its ugly head.

The one thing we must always remember is the department is bigger than any one or two of us.

I would hope that the reason we are serving is for the people we took an oath to

serve. It can’t be about us. We must always put the people we serve first.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are at a difference of opinion, do not address it at the heat of the moment. Take a little time to think about it and address it when tempers cool down. And talk it out amongst each other and remember, the argument you are having is with a person that is your friend.

And the whole reason you serve is for your community and the people you serve.

I have always felt that there is no room for egos in the fire service. You can serve with pride, but always be humble.

Anytime you put 20 people together, there will always be disagreements. It’s how you handle them that’s important. So stay humble and serve your people.

Thank you for your time and stay safe.

Buffalo Valley FD received an award from OSFA at the Volunteer Caucus

Past PREsident n

Dereck Cassady

Ponca City FD

IAFFLocal2479@ yahoo.com • 580-761-5338 As I was thinking about what to write, my mind kept coming back to behavioral health and PTSD. With my wife getting her Master’s in Psychology, I have plenty of material to look at.

So this month, let’s talk about chaos and mayhem, also known as the butterfly effect.

(Sorry guys, no cool animal like the panther effect or the jaguar effect. It’s the lowly little butterfly that is the cause of all chaos.).

The Butterfly Effect grants that the power to cause a hurricane in China comes from something as innocent as a butterfly flapping its wings in New Mexico. It may take a long time for the result, but the connection is real. If the butterfly had not flapped its wings at just the right point in space and time, the hurricane in China would have never happened.

Another way to expresses this is that a small change in the initial conditions leads to drastic changes in the results. As firefighters, we understand the principle and live

it in our daily work and home lives. When something happens at work, it can directly affect our home life, such as being awakened in the middle of the night to go on a call. Whether it ends well or not, this can lead to grouchy replies aimed at our spouses and/or our children at best.

Worst case scenario is that we are awakened several times every shift, we are pulling call-back hours and we are not processing the work that we do. This can lead to chemical imbalances, poor self-care habits, PTSD, and other mental health maladies.

Do we push on or do we seek help? Do we say, “awe, it’s just part of the job” and bury it in our gut ... until the butterfly flaps its wings and we lose it?

Mental health in our field is just like that.

One day it is there and we don’t know what to do with it.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 • Text 741-741 Those who are uncomfortable talking can text with a counselor.

Oklahoma FirefighterMarch 20207

OSFA executive director n

Steve Lumry

stevel@osfa.info

•

OCFD Retired 405-424-1452

What’s Happening?

Those of you who are a

little older out there probably remember a 1970’s sitcom by the name “What’s Happening!!” If you don’t remember it and you are curious, it has a listing in Wikipedia.

Anyhow, one of the main characters of the show was called Rerun, and he always went around and asked, “What’s happening?”

I sometimes feel like I’m talking to Rerun because I’m asked that a lot. That is a good thing, by the way, because you should know what’s happening with your OSFA. We are an organization made up of you, for you, and about you. So, I thought I would give you a “rerun” of what’s happening at OSFA. We are still working diligently on the Museum Expansion. The Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum has been rebranded as the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum and Family Educational Center.

We have hired the civil engineering firm SMC Consulting Engineers, P.C. to do the civil engineering for the entire Museum Expansion and they are already at work on it. We have taken bids on the six-bay storage building which will be the first project we begin.

We are starting with the storage building for a number of reasons: 1) We have trucks outside that shouldn’t be.

2) We have too many trucks inside 3) We need to clear space inside the Museum to begin the interactive displays 4) We need to disassemble the current storage building and move it out of the way of the future parking lot 5) It will show our contributors that we are moving forward and keeping our promises on what the Museum will be.

Both the Museum Expansion Committee and the ORFA Cornerstone Committee’s sub-committee on fundraising are working on ways to help raise funds for the expansion.

The ORFA sub-committee is working on a statewide raffle selling tickets to win a side-by-side (or UTV, if you prefer) to help raise funds.

They are currently trying to identify the best possible way to obtain the UTV. If you have a contact that could help out, please call office and let us know.

Currently, Dereck Cassady, Tippy Pierce and Brian Foughty are working this end of it trying to find the best possible way to make it a reality. They are also looking at ways that those with Plan B accounts would be able to direct (rollover) donate to the Museum Expansion to give them a tax advantage.

More will be coming on that later. You can also consider making a donation in your will so you can make a significant donation (as defined by you) to the expansion in the case of your untimely passing.

While all of this is going on, the Public Education Committee under the direction of Tony Carbajal (OKCFD) are working on many things that will enhance the Museum experience for every visitor, as well as a statewide public education outreach program that includes a public education trailer that can be reserved

and delivered to your department for use with your local children.

It just has to be scheduled through the Museum.

The Memorial Committee is working on the upcoming Ride to Remember event. It is the largest continuous poker run in the world and one-third of the proceeds are donated to the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighter Memorial.

Last year it brought in $15,000 in donations to our Memorial and stands to do at least that much this year. It is set up and run by the Wind and Fire Motorcycle Club and headed up this year by Marty Thorne (OKC Ret.), with help from Willie Butler and the group.

We also appreciate the OSFA Women’s Auxiliary’s assistance during this event. Susan Walker (OSFAWA President) and her Board are working wonders. We expect to have 2000 people show up to draw a card at the Museum, and without all these folks and a few more helping, we couldn’t possibly do it.

The Memorial Committee is also working on the

David Bain Memorial Golf Tournament coming up in September.

The Membership Committee is working to find and bring you new benefits all the time. David Thompson (Slaughterville FD) and those folks have recently added the partnership with Columbia Southern University and MASA MTS. You can check out our website under Member Benefits to learn more about these two new benefits.

The Benevolent Committee under the leadership of Phil Ostrander (Tulsa Ret. and Ret. OSFA Executive Director) is researching ways that we can better assist departments and members’ families in those times of need. They are currently working on a resource book and ways to make it easier to contact the OSFA. Melanie Colvin (Lexington FD) has been particularly active in searching Facebook for notices of members deaths so we can get the Memorial flag hung in their honor and recognize them in this newspaper.

The Volunteer Fire Services Committee under the supervision of Travis Fortune (Fairview FD) just finished the Volunteer Caucus that had over 125 people in attendance and was well received.

They are also working to find ways to implement past resolutions concerning distribution and maintenance of Wildland Task Force equipment around the state. Cory Beagles (Deer Creek FPD) heads that up and we are looking for great results from that group.

The Safety and Health Committee is working hard to study the effects of PFAS and the links to cancer, as well as the impact on firefighters and the general public through contamination.

The preliminary information is showing that this could have a tremendous impact on the way and type of foams that we use. They will have more information on that soon. Donnie Bennett from OKCFD is leading that effort as chairman.

They are also working with the Legislative and Educational Advisory Committees on was to address PTSD and mental health in the Oklahoma Fire Service.

The Educational Advisory Committee is working as hard as ever to bring you a tremendous OSFA John

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 tags can be customized to 6 letters as approved by the Tax Commission.

F. Futhey, II State Fire School in Tulsa again this year.

This wouldn’t be possible without the help and efforts of the Tulsa Fire Department and OSU-FST. This shows a commitment of the Oklahoma Fire Service to work together no matter if you are paid or volunteer.

Trent Bryan from El Reno and this committee are doing outstanding work. The school is open for registration and is already filling up quickly.

The Legislative Committee is also working very hard to deliver a COLA this year to our retirees.

Through convention action, the COLA is the absolute #1 priority of the organization and will remain so until successful.

They are also helping us monitor and keep track of several other key pieces of legislation as well as working on the mental health issue and fire department response billing issues.

The EMS, Financial Advisory, Public Education, and Pete and Lela Stavros Scholarship Committees are also working very hard this year to ensure that the fire based EMS is represented at the state level, the finances of the organization are being utilized wisely and in the best interest of the membership, and providing Pub Ed information that is up-to-date and pertinent and finally providing scholarships for OSFA members kids that might not otherwise qualify for a scholarship.

This is all on top of the OSFA working on the grant program and helping to fund FFI and FFII classes and other FF training across the state while providing mileage reimbursements, overnight stays, per diems, bunker gear, and physicals to our volunteers that train.

We are working hard to provide everything that we can to assist fire departments and firefighters throughout Oklahoma.

We can only do this in partnership with all the other organizations and agencies (OSU-FST, State Fire Marshal, FMAO, FSIO, FOOLS, and others) that work with us, with the 220+ members of our committees, with our outstanding staff, and with your help.

You might understand why I’m heading on vacation as soon as this article is complete. Until next time, STAY SAFE and we will see you upon our return.

8March 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

n

ORFA REport

n

Trisha Chain

Tippy Pierce Moore FD Retired I can hardly believe that it is March. We are working hard to get the COLA for everyone at the 2019-2020 State Capitol.

ORFA It looks like there are three big Executive Board issues at the Capitol this year and one is the COLA. If you are not busy, come up to the Capitol on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. We will be meeting in one of the PRESIDENT rooms on the 4th floor.

Tippy Pierce, Moore It has come to my attention that retirees have been 405-924-1104 fftip@swbell.net calling the Pension System about their 1099s.

If you had to call them, it was because your address 1ST VICE PRESIDENT is incorrect. Remember, if you move during the year, George Fina, OKC you need to fill out a 16A change of address form. You 405-373-2409 can find them on the web page for Oklahoma Firegomsc38@gmail.com fighter Pension and Retirement System (https://www. ok.gov/fprs/Forms/index.html).

2ND VICE PRESIDENT There are several forms that you may need, and it is A.K. “Yogi” Cole, Tulsa simple and easy find. Print them and send them in.

918-231-3591 One of the other matters that has come up is the reycole@ipa.net tired firefighter Death Benefit. It is Form 11 Designation of Recipient for $5000 Death Benefit.

3RD VICE PRESIDENT Another is the Plan B designation. It is Form 11B Des- James Fullingim, Norman nfdchief@hotmail.com ignation of Recipient for Deferred Benefit (Pan B).

These are so important to have them in place before PAST PRESIDENT something happens to you that it goes to who you want Juan Rodriguez, Lawton it to go to. You may have filled them out when you jrod911@gmail.com retired, but as you know, things change in our lifetimes.

The ORFA Cornerstone Sub- Committee is working to start new chapters and help re-establish old chapters.

They have been meeting several times since last year’s convention. They are doing great work for the ORFA. Thanks to all that serve on this committee.

The ORFA Cornerstone Sub-Committee on fund raising, met Feb. 12, and they have come up with some ideas to help with the Museum Expansion. More news will be coming out next month.

Have a great spring break. Looking forward to seeing some of you at chapter meetings. As all retirees know, the months roll around very quickly.

2019-2020 OSFA Women’s Aux Executive Board PRESIDENT Susan Walker 580-351-4116 sw233821@gmail.com VICE PRESIDENT Michele Cole 918-698-4488 momachel@aol.com SEC/TREASURER Marti Carpenter 405-590-4608 marticarpenter@att.net JR BD MEMBER Kendra Engle 405-630-8898 kedamo10@yahoo.com PAST PRESIDENT Erica Koch 405-308-2010 ejv97@cox.net

OSFA STAFF REport

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The phrase, “It takes a village,” can apply to a lot more than raising a child. You can finish the sentence with all sorts of situations: to change legislation, to pull off events, to create a brotherhood, to run an organization of 16,000 members.

The fire service relies on teamwork to function. Tasks can be daunting and sometimes impossible when faced alone, but luckily you have your fellow firefighters, your state association and a whole world wide web of resources to tell you you’re not.

Are you facing a problem in your department? Attend one of our events and talk to people around the state to see how they handle department issues.

Want to learn how to better yourself? Attend an event (may I recommend the free fire school in May?) to listen to the subject experts we bring in from all over the nation and from right here in Oklahoma.

Want to know more about a certain aspect of the fire service or be on the leading edge of it for the state? Join one of our committees: Educational Advisory, Legislative, Public Education, Benevolent, EMS, Safety and Health, Volunteer Fire Service.

We even have committees specific to the organization, including Membership, Museum Expansion, Financial Advisory, and Memorial.

It may be pretty customary for the event coordinator to encourage attendance at events, but you don’t have to take my word for it …

Feedback from 2020 Volunteer Caucus: “The information held within was amazing, I felt like there was something for everyone listed on that agenda! I left the conversation we had feeling refreshed and with a new appreciation for what other departments around the state deal with on the level that’s relevant to them. Thank you to everyone that puts this event on, and most of all to the other departments that showed up. We can’t be viable volunteer departments in this state in the next 5 years without the support of each other.”

Feedback from 2019 John F. Futhey II State Fire School: “Glad I had the opportunity to attend.” • “Great, relevant content for moving the fire service forward.” • “This entire course will change how our department operates, trains new standards, and help the department and the city all around.”

Whether you fill out the OSFA Membership Survey, an event survey or the class evaluations at fire school, I can promise you someone is reading them – they don’t just go in a file untouched.

Thank you to everyone who participates in committees and events and who give us feedback, as it helps us know how to help you.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

Women’s Aux report Kendra Engle Jr Board Member

Hello all! I hope everyone is gearing up for OSFA Convention that will be held June 11-13 in Oklahoma City As a reminder, all ladies across the state can be a member of the State Ladies Auxiliary for only $10 a year. You do not have to be a member of your local auxiliary to be a member of the state auxiliary.

If you are interested in joining, please send your money to Marti Carpenter, Secretary/Treasurer, or you can join at convention. There will be plenty of festivities for everyone to enjoy.

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Other upcoming events to keep an eye out for include: 98th OFCA Conference hosted by Tuttle FD -- April 8-10 Ride to Remember 2020 -- April 18 2020 OSFA State Fire School in Tulsa -- May 7-9 Inaugural OSFA First Responder Throwdown -- May 9 39th ORFA Convention in OKC -- June 9 Until next time!

Events & Promotions

Apply for New Turnout Gear and Helmets through Globe Gear Giveaway Program Does your department need gear? The application period is open for MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway program!

Brought to you by MSA, DuPont, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the 2020 program will equip 13 volunteer fire departments with four new sets of state-ofthe-art turnout gear and four new helmets to enhance their firefighters’ safety.

Since the program began in 2012, 507 sets of turnout gear have been awarded to 108 departments, for a total of over $1 million worth of life-saving personal protective equipment. MSA donated four helmets to each winning department for the first time in 2019 and will continue to do so in 2020 to help provide full ensemble protection.

To be eligible to apply, departments must be over 50% volunteer, serve a population of 25,000 or less, be located in the U.S. or Canada, demonstrate significant need for new gear, and the person applying or the department chief must be a member of the NVFC. MSA will provide complimentary NVFC memberships to the first 500 applicants to help departments meet the membership requirement.

Learn more and apply by June 1 at www.nvfc.org/ globe-gear-giveaway. Winners will be announced monthly between July and December.

Oklahoma FirefighterMarch 20209

Question & Answers Oklahoma Firefighter asked last issue’s readers this question: “What’s the most useless talent you have?”

Here is what they said: w Wayne Mosley, Yukon Ret.: I can suck milk up my nose, and then shoot it out of the tear duct of my eye. It actually is an amazing talent at parties. Hahaha. w Aaron Burns, Broken Arrow Ret.: You do not want to know. Lol .. haha haha! w S.R. Hunter, Bethany Ret.: The ability to take what should be a short and simple explanation and turn it into a novel. I’m the guy that tells you how to build a clock when all you wanted to know was the time. w Tom Marcum, Mooreland: I can wiggle my ears! w Bre Horn, Marshall: This one I struggled with a little, so I leaned on friends and family. The choices we narrowed it down to were chugging a beer (friends) and playing the flute (mom). Both are talents I still have but just don’t use that often anymore. w Melanie Colvin, Lexington: Completely useless tidbits of information which may only be good to know if I’m playing trivia! w Bert Norton, Midwest City: That’s a tough one. Not sure I have one. w Bryan West, OSU-FST: My useless talent is reading people’s mind. It’s too boring. w Tippy Pierce, Moore Ret.: I am a water witch! What is that, you say? It’s a person that uses a tool to find Irrigation Water.

The only problem is nobody calls me to do it anymore, and it has been since 1979 that I was called to use this talent. Seems useless now to me. w Clifford Lewis, Oklahoma City Ret.: Singing. w Donnie Bennett, Oklahoma City: I can run backwards really fast!

Next Month’s Question -“What app do you use most?”

Everyone is Welcome to Participate!

Email Your Response to penelopes@osfa.info

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FSIO REPORT

Mark Murdock FSIO President

Moore FD

Firedoc004@gmail.com • www.fsio.org

Training: It’s not just for the recruits!

Training is a vital and necessary task that we have to deliver to our fellow firefighters in order for them to perform their duties in a dangerous environment.

Before I begin, I feel it would be beneficial to look at what exactly the word training means in order to get us all on the right track.

The word “training” according to various publications is defined as: 1) “the action of teaching a person a particular skill or type of behavior.”

2) “the act of increasing knowledge and skill of an employee to do his/her specific job.”

3) “the systematic process of enhancing the job-related skills, attitude and knowledge of personnel.”

All three definitions have the word “skill” in it. Therefore, that means training is much more than just a classroom activity. Computer software and being lectured to are merely tools to enhance learning and not be relied upon as the sole source.

You must involve multiple sources of learning in order for the firefighter to get the best outcome. Self-teaching only goes so far and leaves a huge gap in knowing what to do and being able to actually do the job.

Too many instructors these days do exactly that and do not involve themselves in the practical evolution or do not have a practical evolution. This is a huge mistake! Actually doing the skill brings confidence and competence to the job.

As an instructor you must be able to perform the skills that you’re expecting others to perform. A firefighter needs more than a computer program or a book to develop and rise within the organization and increase their value within the department and the community.

During my search, I also came across some other useful information to further explain the term training that could benefit us all to look deeper into. So, if you’re responsible for training in your department it’s extremely important for you to understand your role.

The primary function of training is to prepare employees with the tools and skills needed to do productive and high-quality work that will allow the department to serve its customers effectively. You must be able to communicate to the employees about what is expected out of their training in a simple and professional way.

WHY IS TRAINING SO IMPORTANT? The benefits from training can be summed up as: 1) improves moral 2) improves job satisfaction and job security 3) Increased safety and efficiency 4) Increased customer satisfaction 5) A well-trained employee will have better performance and higher job satisfaction 6) Ensures that all employees have the technical skills to perform the job efficiently and smoothly WHAT IS THE CONCEPT OF TRAINING? It is the process of teaching new and/or present employees the basic skills they need to perform their jobs.

Alternatively speaking, training is the act of increasing knowledge and skill of an employee for doing his/her job.

WHAT IS THE OBJECTIVE OF TRAINING? Increases the knowledge and skills for the development of growth in all aspects.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRAINING? 1) Increases job satisfaction and morale 2) Increased confidence and motivation 3) Increased efficiencies in processes 4) Increased capacity to adapt to new technologies and methods 5) Increased innovation in strategies and processes The benefits of a good training program far out-weigh the downsides. Being able to perform our job at the most effective and safe manner is invaluable.

Making it happen is where it can be difficult. Budget constraints, time and resources are a never-ending problem. But there is good news! You don’t have to have a big budget or a fancy training facility to deliver good effective training. Yes, it’s true!

A good trainer that is creative can make learning happen in many environments. Fancy classrooms and props are awesome, but we need to be real here not everyone has that kind of money.

Firefighters are some of the most creative people I’ve ever worked around. Give them a problem and they start thinking of ways to make it work, including training.

Now that we’ve looked at the definition and see how important it is to all of us, we should look at who is responsible for this task.

According to NFPA 1021 all officers, regardless if you’re elected or promoted, are responsible for the training of personnel. So, it’s not just the Fire Chief that’s responsible for training! WOW! Who would have guessed that we are all responsible for training?

The Fire Chief is however responsible for choosing the appropriate personnel to lead training. So how does a Chief make a selection of a Training Officer? Is it by knowledge and experience or by popularity? When selecting a trainer, it’s important to know what attributes are important.

Here is a short list of attributes that a training officer should possess: Experience Knowledgeable Good Research Skills Good time management Strong communicator and listener Passion for learning and sharing People oriented Goal and team oriented

Fair Enthusiastic Technology skills Patient Flexible Organized Responsible Self-starter

Just remember that trainers need training too! Constant research, attending classes, practicing skills and learning new techniques is a must.

Reach out to other instructors and join professional organizations to keep yourself up to date. Preparation is the key to a successful training session.

The instructor is the vital link between information and the student. Whether or not it’s in the classroom or the rig room, the instructor still has the responsibility to the department and themselves to do a good job. One person can’t do it all or know it all, but one person can make a difference.

Sharing what you learn is the key to success to any organization.

Until next month, remember: “Lead with Passion and Train with a Purpose!”

10March 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

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NEAR-MISS REPORT

By Greg Lindsay

Firefighter Training 1403 Style April showers might bring May flowers, but when winter gives up to warmer temperatures, firefighters look for outdoor training opportunities.

When moderate weather allows, we tend to begin searching for realistic scenarios. This is the perfect weather to consider live-fire training.

When we are considering realism, using an acquired structure is a great option.

Though acquired structures require a substantial amount of prep work, they can be useful in more ways than fire training. Training facility live fire burns also have essential elements for specific tasks. Though they are not as realistic as an acquired structure, they are more manageable from a safety standpoint.

The lessons shared in a burn facility are things that need a controlled environment.

Whether acquired structure or department facility, the rules that govern the actual training are similar. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) provides guideline 1403: Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions to assist firefighters with best practices for this training. The featured report this month describes how following this guideline prevented a potential injury.

Live Fire Training Air Pack Incident

(Published: 3/14/2017 http://firefighternearmiss.com/Reports?id=8619) EVENT NARRATIVE In April 2016, at approximately 1000 hours, a member experienced a near-miss event while performing live-fire training in a class “A” burn building. The firefighter involved was the acting officer for the fire evolution. His crew consisted of the regularly assigned engineer and firefighter for the apparatus. Before the training evolution, the entire crew participated in the burn-building walkthrough, and all elements of NFPA 1403 were adhered to throughout the training. The participants wore all appropriate PPE. For the evolution, the crew needed to hook into a standpipe prop on the first floor and perform fire attack on the second floor. While the acting officer completed the 360, the firefighter donned his PPE and prepared for entry into the burn building.

After the acting officer joined up with the firefighter, he donned his facepiece and spoke with the firefighter, indicating he was not yet ready to enter the structure. After donning his PPE completely, he indicated to the firefighter he was ready to enter the structure. They both clipped their second stage regulators to their facepieces and entered the structure together.

While in the structure, the acting officer and firefighter were in voice contact while completing their assigned tasks. While progressing up the stairway, one of the assigned safety personnel observed the acting officer slow his pace and reach back to manipulate the SCBA cylinder valve. The safety personnel asked the acting officer if he had air, and he replied yes. Once on the second floor, the acting officer separated from the firefighter and, according to one of the RIT personnel, exited the burn building in obvious distress and stated he could not get enough air.

The RIT member initiated a Mayday and requested medical assistance for the acting officer. According to the RIT members, the second stage regulator was attached to the acting officer’s facepiece, and there were no audible indications that it had engaged, providing positive pressure airflow. RIT personnel extinguished the fire, all personnel were removed from the structure, and the training evolution was terminated.

Per policy, the batteries were removed from the SCBA, and it was bagged for inspection and testing to assess for any malfunction. Fortunately, the acting officer was cleared to return to duty by

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ambulance personnel and without significant injury. He officially documented the incident.

In the documentation, he stated, “The most likely issue was that my second stage regulator was improperly sealed to the facepiece.”

Two members of the Air Tech team assessed the SCBA used by the acting officer after the incident. They performed two separate tests, one with the acting officer’s facepiece and one with a test facepiece. They found no issues or malfunctions during either test. At the request of the Department Safety Officer, the RIT personnel at a subsequent training event attempted to attach the second stage regulator to a facepiece improperly. They were unsuccessful in their attempts; however, one member of the RIT team inadvertently attached the second stage regulator improperly before entering the burn building, thus, recreating the situation experienced during the incident.

This report details a mishap with a firefighters SCBA. Though the event was addressed immediately, it brings up several questions about the equipment, and about this training. Consider the following discussion points as they relate to the report first, and secondarily to events in your department.

• Discuss with your crew how this may have occurred, and the types of any malfunctions you have ever experienced with your SCBA. • Recognizing this was a training drill in a burn prop, theorize how the second stage regulator may have been improperly seated to the face mask. What could have been some of the contributing factors in the officer’s regulator seal being misaligned? How would factors like haste, task saturation, staffing, or tunnel vision have affected this situation? What other conditions could have impacted the situation?

• How could the safety plan in the 1403 checklist have been modified to address this situation?

• Do you always follow NFPA 1403 for all live-fire training?

The person submitting this report had the following to share from the incident. Initially, the lessons reinforced the need for following NFPA 1403. However, the event also highlighted an additional observation.

LESSONS LEARNED 1. This incident reaffirms the importance of abiding by NFPA 1403 standards and procedures for live-fire training in fixed facilities. The appropriate staffing for the training and the response by the RIT personnel, instructors, and participants had a significant positive impact on the outcome of the incident. By adhering to the 1403 standards, a safety plan was established prior to the training and, when needed, executed very professionally.

2. This incident also stresses the importance of performing training drills to maintain proficiency in SCBA function and emergency operation. As shown by the safety personnel attempting a misalignment of the second stage regulator to the facepiece, there is a possibility of not having appropriate SCBA function after following routine donning procedures. However, if the user is proficient in the use of the SCBA, he or she should be able to identify any problems and not enter an IDLH environment without addressing the issue.

Drilling to maintain proficiency in SCBA emergency operations is also a valuable lesson and would have had a positive impact on this incident. The Acting Officer did not perform the emergency operation of activating his emergency bypass, which would have provided positive pressure air flow allowing him to exit the structure safely. To raise SCBA proficiency, personnel need to increase the quantity and quality of emergency SCBA operation drills at the department, shift, and company level.

There are so many ways an SCBA can malfunction. If the seal is not tight, the bottle could empty faster than expected. When the main air valve is only opened a few turns, the opening can freeze shut, and the airflow will stop abruptly. This doesn’t even begin to address any damage that can occur due to use in extremely hot environments.

We know the SCBA facepiece is the most fragile element in our protective ensemble.

Being proficient in managing any contingency where our breathing apparatus is concerned is a crucial skill that can save our own life. Managing these emergencies is something everyone who wears an SCBA should practice.

An additional part of this report addresses training for proficiency. Having experience with various methods of donning the breathing equipment is a best practice that should not be overlooked. Try different drills from a variety of preparedness.

It is recommended to have RIT personnel at 90% on the scene. Starting from there is a useful drill for quickly donning our mask. Another is beginning the exercise without any PPE and dressing until completely protected in full PPE with SCBA. Establishing acceptable completion times and working to that level of proficiency department-wide is the goal.

The national reporting system needs your support. Having these reports to share is only possible when you send them in. If you have had any type of mishap with breathing equipment, share the story while it is on your mind. The lessons you share are valuable and could save the life of one of our own.

Thank you for reading and have a safe shift.

Oklahoma FirefighterMarch 202011

Bob n NFPA Report

chaplain’s corner

Sullivan

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National Fire Protection Assoc. SW Regional Director bsullivan@nfpa.org • www.nfpa.org Residential Sprinklers – Part 6

Hello OSFA! In Part 6 of this series, we’ll discuss some of the educational resources that are available to help build support for residential fire sprinklers.

These resources include: information about residential sprinklers and how they work; educational aids; events; initiatives; and ways to connect with the public to help increase their awareness of this life-saving technology.

1) The NFPA website (www.nfpa.org). On the home page, look along the top of the page for the link called “Fire Sprinkler Initiative.” This will bring up another page full of resources, including fact sheets such as the one titled “Myths vs. Facts About Home Fire Sprinklers”; videos; and links to other resources including “Home Fire Sprinkler Week” and Fire Sprinkler Coalitions that advocate for home fire sprinklers in many other states in the country.

2) The link for “Home Fire Sprinkler Week” on the NFPA website will take you to a separate page that talks about this year’s annual Home Fire Sprinkler Week, which will be May 17-23, 2020. This week is similar to the annual “Fire Prevention Week” that we are all familiar with in October, however, the focus in May is mostly on Home Fire Sprinklers.

There are resources available for suggested activities during this week to help raise the public’s awareness about residential fire sprinklers. There is also information about a nationally-televised event that will take

place in Chicago on May 20, 2020, which will include a side-by-side burn/sprinkler demonstration to show the effectiveness of residential fire sprinklers in battling a fast-growing room-and-contents fire.

3) The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition website (www. homefiresprinkler.org). This website includes a wealth of information including an animated timeline video that shows the average timeline for growth of a residential fire versus the average response time for the fire department, and how residential sprinklers can impact these timelines; incentive programs for developers to provide residential sprinklers in new 1- and 2-family residential construction; numerous educational resources for fire departments to share with their communities; information about how to become a “Built For Life Fire Department” and add to your community risk reduction programs; technical reports; news updates regarding residential fire sprinklers; and the list goes on.

If you have a little free time, I would encourage you to check out these resources and see all the information that is available. As your NFPA representative, please feel free to contact me anytime if I can assist with any questions.

I am interested in talking with all of the fire organizations in Oklahoma about considering creating a Fire Sprinkler Coalition that would advocate for residential fire sprinklers and provide education to the public, all with the goal of helping to reduce the annual fire fatality rate.

This will conclude this series on Residential Sprinklers, and in the next article we will explore some other topics that are of interest to the Fire Service in Oklahoma.

Hal Penner

Weatherford FD

It is the month of March and that means spring is just around the corner. Spring, a great time of year.

Spring ... the cold winter days are edging away, and the warm summer sun stands taller in the sky.

There is nothing like the cool mornings and warm afternoons. The wind blows wildly from the south. There is baseball opening day, March Madness and Spring Break.

Spring ... a time to think about change and new birth or growth. The birds begin to hatch, and we see a slew of new young animals all over. We know that spring can mean the dead old grass gives way to new greener growth.

And with all this talk about new things, I cannot help but think of a particular verse from the Bible that addresses this same idea.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

What does this mean? Anyone who belongs to Jesus Christ has become a brand-new person on the inside. The old life he knew before is gone – a life of sin and shame and guilt and regret and death. And it is replaced by a brand-new life! This person is like the caterpillar who spent the winter in the cocoon and has emerged in the spring as a beautiful butterfly.

So, as Springtime quickly approaches, don’t just think about wildfire season, baseball, vacation and grilling. Think about whether or not you are a new creation. What better time to make a new start into a new life than the season of new birth!

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12March 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

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RIDE TO REMEMBER

Museum news Gene Brown

Oklahoma’s First Responders Memorial Motorcycle Run

Museum Director

Saturday, April 18 9 a.m. at Papa’s Leather HQ

(6628 NW 23rd, Bethany, OK) $25 - Single Riders $35 - Couples $10 - Additional Passengers

geneb@osfa.info 405-424-3440

Breakfast (for donations) available 8 to 11:30 a.m. on race day at Lutheran Church of Our Savior (next to Papa’s Leather)

Hello Everyone!

We are still working to get the 1954 Ward LaFrance going. Museum staffer Quintin has the paint looking great.

It has changed so much. He is doing a great job. We are almost ready to get it started. It’s a slow process, but very rewarding.

We are looking forward to the Ride to Remember. It will be here April 18. This is a tremendous fundraiser for the Memorial.

El Reno FD has donated a 1949 American LaFrance ladder truck to the museum. This will be a great addition to our collection.

Thanks to El Reno Fire Chief Kent Lagaly, the El Reno Fire Department and the City of El Reno. Without the support from departments around Oklahoma, we would have nothing.

Thank you and stay safe!

All Vehicles Are Invited To Participate All Money Generated Goes To 501c3 Non-Profit Organzations:

n Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial n Oklahoma Law Enforcement Memorial n Emergency Responder Assistance Program Register before April 18 at www.RTROKC.com or in-person at Papa’s Leather

ALL Prize Money and Door Prizes have been donated by Sponsors

Registration on day of event opens at 9 a.m.

Final Stop: JR’s Pub & Grill 4041 SW 149th, OKC, OK

Ride sponsored by Wind & Fire M/C, Papa’s Leather, JR’s Pub & Grill and Law Tigers

All Participants Are Due In By 6 p.m.

FIREFIGHTER MUSEUM FUNDRAISER Support Your Favorite Professional Soccer Team AND Help Raise Funds for the Oklahoma Firefighter Museum Expansion Project at the Same Time!

OKC ENERGY FC vs FC TULSA

NO EXCEPTIONS

Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m.

At Taft Stadium in OKC

Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System

Job Opportunity:

Assistant Executive Director – Director of Member Services The Oklahoma Firefighters Pension System (the “System”) is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as the Director of Member Services. This person will be one of two Assistant Executive Directors, the other the Director of Financial Services, and will work directly with the Executive Director to carry out the mission of the System.

Formed July 1, 1981 and governed by Title 11 of the Oklahoma Statutes §49100.1 through §49-143.6, the System’s mission is “to be responsive in administering retirement benefits to firefighters of Oklahoma; to manage the firefighters’ retirement fund prudently; and to embrace the highest ethical standards with regard to these endeavors.”

The ideal candidate for this position will have knowledge of the System’s statutes and will have served as a firefighter in the State of Oklahoma. Having the experience as a firefighter will help ease communication with the membership regarding the complex laws that govern the System.

While the duties and responsibilities of this position are vast and will vary depending on the needs of the Executive Director, the primary responsibilities are as follows:

Tickets are $13 each $3 for each ticket sold will go to your Firefighters Museum Purchase tickets online at https://groupmatics.events/ event/OSFA405

• Primary contact person for all member services • Liaison between financial services and members • Primary educator of members in person, on the phone, or in group settings • Assist in preparation of board meeting documents • Prepare disability application packets for meetings • Constant communication with Executive Director regarding ongoing issues and assignments needed to achieve to overall objective of the System

The desired qualifications are as follows:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or combination of education and relevant experience

• Basic level knowledge of System statutes and processes

• Computer literate with a strong understanding of the Microsoft Office Suite

• Must have strong communication and collaboration skills

• Must have the ability to take on multiple projects at once, be a selfstarter, and portray confidence to members of the System If you are eager to engage the firefighters of Oklahoma regarding their pension benefits and take on the difficult task of leading the member services team for more than 25,000 members of this System, submit your resume and cover letter no later than March 31, 2020 to the attention of the Executive Director at 6601 Broadway Extension, Ste 100, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.

Should you have any questions, please call the pension office at 405-522-4600.

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18th OSFA Volunteer fire caucus

Oklahoma FirefighterMarch 202013 On Feb. 1, more than 125 attendees representing 47 departments and other organizations gathered at the Canadian Valley Tech Center in El Reno for OSFA’s annual Volunteer Fire Caucus.

Attendees got to know each other at a social held the night before at Montana Mike’s.

And everyone seemed to enjoy the ability to freely discuss in the breakout sessions.

First-time attendee Shaun Pryor from Langston FD was so moved by the experience that he submitted a Letter to the Editor (Page 23) to further discuss ideas.

OSFA Board members presented a Department/ Unit Citation to Buffalo Valley FD (photo below) for its han-

dling of events on Oct. 12, 2019.

The FD responded to a trailer house fire and began trying to extinguish the fire. While fighting the fire, one of the members of the department was hit by a round of ammunition. While assisting with the gunshot wound, the fire chief began to have signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

They began calling for assistance from other department members as well as surrounding jurisdictions.

Air transport was contacted and both patients were transported to Tulsa area hospitals.

The award goes to FDs that display gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions.

Pins in Oklahoma map show where Caucus attendees were from

Photos By Leesa Black, OSFA Staff

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pension bill News -- old and new

On May 14, 1908, Governor Haskell signed the Pension Bill in the presence of W.C. Gruber (Guthrie Fire Chief ), J. Bart Foster (Chandler and Secretary to the Association), and George B. Gelder (Stillwater Fire Dept ), committee for the Oklahoma State Firemen’s Association; Ham P. Bee (Ardmore Fire Department) and reading clerk of the house, and W. B. Anthony, secretary to the Governor.

The bill had been drafted in the headquarters of the Guthrie Fire Department.

Every city and town was authorized to pay a sum not to exceed $40 per month to each retired member who shall arrive at age 50 and active service of 20 years or more and continuously for two years immediately preceding his retirement therefrom.

It also authorized a sum of $10 per week for injuries suffered in the line of duty for a period of 20 weeks.

This legislation also included provision for the first collection of taxes on insurance sold in the state. The cities and towns could make warrant on this tax to pay benefits to the firemen.

1908 Pension Bill signing

On Feb. 13, 2020, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed HB 1992 (by Rep. Jadine Nollan, R-Sand Springs) that allows municipalities to use property taxes to pay for public safety services.

OSFA has endorsed this legislation due to action taken at the 125th Annual OSFA Convention last year in Ponca City.

OSFA Executive Director Steve Lumry said, “We want to thank Representative Nollan for her hard work in getting this piece of legislation through the House and working with those who may oppose such legislation to ensure its passage.

“This has been an issue for cities and towns and their fire departments for almost 15 years and we’re finally moving forward again.”

HB 1992 still has to get through the Senate, however. And OSFA is working with the PFFO, OML, the Oklahoma City Firefighters and the Tulsa Firefighters to try to move this legislation in the Senate.

This legislation has the potential to help fire departments of all sizes depending on their individual circumstances.

14March 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

Oklahoma Fire Pipes & Drums Going to World Champions

By Penelope Soldan, Oklahoma Firefighter Managing Editor

Oklahoma Fire Pipes and Drums (OFPD) takes pride in honoring Oklahoma’s first responders community at funeral/memorial services, fire academy/rookie graduations, parades and other functions.

And to make sure they deliver stirring sounds at each engagement takes practice.

And lots of practice lately.

Because Central Oklahoma’s premier pipe band comprised of active and retired firefighters and several retired Military and Federal service members is going to Glasgow, Scotland, to compete at the World Pipe Band Championships Aug. 14-15.

“Preparing for band competitions and the many fire service oriented events we play takes a lot of individual time and commitment from each band member and especially our families,” said Lawton firefighter Mark Schucker, who is a piper in the band.

“Preparing for the World Pipe Band

Competition will take even more commitment. We are practicing weekly in the OKC area which involves travel for several of our members.

“We have really been working hard the last couple years to improve as a band, and this is a great opportunity to take it to the next level and prove this firefighter band can compete and measure up against some of the best bands in the world.”

There will be over 200 bands from around the world at the event. And Oklahoma Fire Pipes and Drums will team up with the North Texas Calendonia Pipes and Drums to compete — a combination that has yielded several competition wins over the last two years.

To help the band in its quest, a gofundme account has been opened (search OFPD Goes to World Pipeband Championships at www.gofundme.com).

All donations which are tax deductible will stay with the OFPD band to help its members reach their goal.

And follow Oklahoma Fire Pipes and Drums on Facebook and Instagram to see what fundraising events are coming up.

OFPD merchandise is also on sale at events and can be ordered directly through Facebook.

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Oklahoma Fire Pipes and Drums.

The band started with a small group of founding members in 2010. Current pipers Tim Abdon from Grady County FD and John Fairless from Guthrie FD were among those who started it all.

“To help support and honor fallen service members and their families will always be the priority of the band, and we are thankful to all those that have supported us through the years in the Oklahoma fire service to be able to continue to provide that service,” Schucker said.

“Today we have grown to 15 members, but we are always looking to grow our ranks and bring in new experienced and novice players.”

Oklahoma Fire & Drums Band R

PipersTim Abdon, Grady County Matt Despain, Norman OK Kevin Donnelly, Ret. Kearn John Fairless, Guthrie FD Scott Finney, Ft. Sill FD Sam Hall, Band InstructorJohn Imes, Band Instructor Bradley Kenna, Ret. Militar Mark Schucker, Lawton FD Drew Young, Lawton FD

DrummersDamon Bybee, Lawton FD Jason Davis, Lawton FD Grant Johnson, Lawton FD Chris Kinsey, Lawton FD Tim Vermillion, Ret. Militar

ships

Pipes Roster

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OSFA STATE FIRE SCHOOL May 7 - 9 , 2020

n

Oklahoma FirefighterMarch 202015

educational Advisory Kendall Williams Tulsa FD

Educational Advisory Committee

STATE-OF-THE-ART TRAINING At Tulsa FD’s Fire Training Facility

Am I Fit To Fight Fire?

& Tulsa Comm. College NE

Have you ever actually asked yourself that question? Are you physically fit enough to do your job?

As firefighters, we have a dangerous job; one of the most dangerous and physically demanding that there is.

The NFPA has published recommended standards to provide a fitness minimum to enable firefighters to safely do their jobs and prevent injury and death. Unfortunately, it isn’t mandatory and isn’t the law unless your department or OSHA implements it.

We continuously hear about the risk of cardiac events in this career. Did you know that 45% of on-duty deaths are cardiac related?

As firefighters, we spend years exposed to smoke, soot and chemicals, just to name a few. We adapt our lives around lack of sleep, high levels of stress and nutrition that may not always be on point.

We may find ourselves consuming alcohol or using drugs to counteract lack of sleep or high stress incidents we experience. Combine that with heat stress, heavy muscular endurance work, rapid heart race increases and working with on-the-job injuries -- it’s a recipe for disaster.

What happens when firefighters fail to be at their peak physical fitness ability? We fail the citizens in which we have sworn to protect and serve. We fail our family, blood and fire. We fail ourselves.

The responsibility to be fit falls on each one of us indiAt Tulsa FD Training Center vidually. It doesn’t matter if we are paid career or volunteer firefighters with small or big departments -- make (2819 N. Newhaven, Tulsa, OK 74155) fitness a priority.

Our citizens depend on us to be able to protect them each and every day. How can we successfully do that if we are a liability?

Be the change in your department. Don’t allow a line of duty death that could be prevented.

Now is your chance to set a goal and make changes.

Find a partner. Challenge yourselves. Prove your team is the most fit.

Sign up for the first annual OSFA First Responder Throwdown and prove your fitness! Two divisions for teams of the same sex. Fire and police from any department are welcome to compete -- you do not have to participate in fire school to compete.

Register at www.Breezescoring.Com/osfafirstresponderthrowdown. Cost is $80 per team before March 16 and $100 per team from March 16 to April 15.

The #1 Free Fire Training Event in the Southwest United States

ry-OKC

3 Days u 100+ Classes All for FREE

Offering Great Courses from all over the Nation!

Register Online at www.osfa.info

OSFA FIRST RESPONDER THROWDOWN May 9, 2020

For ALL First Responders Teams of 2 RX & Scaled Divisions (Same Sex) COST: $80 by March 15 $100 from March 16 to April 15 REGISTER: www.breezescoring.com/ osfafirstresponderthrowdown FOR MORE INFO: kendall.williams1217@gmail.com

“We don’t rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training” -- Archilochus

16March 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

OKLAHOMA FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION 98th OFCA Conference April 8-10, 2020 • At Grady County Fairgrounds in Chickasha • Hosted by Tuttle FD • Wednesday, April 8 -- Golf Tournament at Blanchard’s Winter Creek Golf & Country Club Registration 9 a.m. -- Tee off 10 a.m.

Entry fee: $75 per person, $300 per team.

Includes lunch, green fees, cart, prizes.

REGISTRATION: n By March 20 $125 per member (includes spouse or guest) n After March 20 $175 per member & $175 per spouse/guest $50 for banquet ticket only

• Wednesday, April 8 -- Bowling Tournament at Chickasha Bowling Center Entry fee: $35 per person, $140 per team • Thursday, April 9 -- Keynote speaker Dave Davlin,

Cancellations must be made by March 15.

Otherwise, there will be a charge

• Friday, April 10 -- Business meeting. Reports from OSFA and ORFA; Election of OFCA 3rd Vice President.

ACCOMODATIONS: Fairfield Inn & Suites $99 per night (plus tax) Reservations must be made before April 5

2020 OFCA WORKSHOPS

FOR MORE INFO:

405-424-1452 • 800-308-5336 405-424-1032 (FAX) trishac@osfa.info • www.osfa.info

Pre-Conference Workshop • Jan. 22 67 attendees from 36 FDs Chief officers honed their leadership skills at the OFCA Workshops, and feedback was very positive.

Attendees enjoyed the speakers, especially Scott Thompson’s “Choosing a Sustainable Culture” and Mike Walker’s “Reclaiming the Mission.”

“These were by far the best I’ve heard in my three years of coming,” said one Fire Chief.

“I enjoyed “Reclaiming the Mission” because it is a message our leadership needs to hear,” said an Assistant Chief.

“It pulls back on the direction we were headed and makes you consider the direction you should lead.”

Photos By Leesa Black, OSFA Staff

OFCA Workshop • Jan. 23-24 117 attendees from 49 FDs

Oklahoma FirefighterMarch 202017

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Moore Firefighter’s Santa Express 11th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Moore Firefighters invite you to participate in their 11th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Proceeds will be used by Moore’s Santa Express Program to provide gifts for underprivileged children within the community.

We hope to see you there!

• $75 per person / $300 per team • Four-Man Scramble • Registration at 8 a.m.

• Shot Gun Start at 9 a.m.

• Limited Space Available • Top Teams Receive Pro Shop Credits • Closest to Pin Prize on every Par 3 • Long Drive Contest Prize • Mulligans 2 for $10 or 1 for $5 • Mulligan Tickets also used for Raffle • Closest to Custom-Painted Fire Hydrant takes it home (you haul it) • Lunch served after Tournament For more information: Scott Lance 405-833-5389 Robert Crain 405-990-9907 Ronnie Rawson 405-823-4542

Moore Firefighter’s Santa Express Golf Tournament

Team Captain__________________________ Team Captain Phone #__________________ E-mail________________________________ Player #1:_____________________________ Player #2:_____________________________ Player #3:_____________________________ Player #4:_____________________________

Send Payment & Form to: Moore Fire Department Attn: Santa Express 2400 S. Fritts Blvd., Moore, OK 73160

18March 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

n

in memoriam Debra Edwards, Marietta FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Marietta firefighter Debra Edwards on Feb. 16. She was 44.

Debra was devoted to her community and served as a Lieutenant on the Marietta Volunteer Fire Department, winning Firefighter of the Year in 2012.

She was also a fierce advocate for animals and loved spending time with her fur-babies. She worked for Dollar Tree Warehouse and married the love of her life, Crissy Edwards, on June 19, 2015 in Love County.

Virgil Brandon, Kildare FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for retired Kildare Fire Chief Virgil Brandon on Feb. 3. He was 63.

A member of the Kildare Volunteer Fire Department for almost 30 years, Virgil worked up the ranks to chief.

He was a member of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and a life member of the OSU Animal Science Alumni Association.

Virgil and Nila Lou Balzer married on Aug. 12, 1977.

Except for a brief time working at the Newkirk Sale Barn, Virgil has always farmed and ranched.

Leonard Luna, Eufaula FD

Johnny Bowyer Sr., Perkins FD

The Final Fire Alarm sounded for retired Eufaula firefighter Leonard Luna on Feb. 15. He was 58.

The Final Fire Alarm sounded for retired Perkins firefighter Johnny Bowyer Sr. on Jan. 27. He was 73.

Leonard retired from the Eufaula Fire Department after 20 of service.

He worked as a custodian and bus driver for Eufaula Public Schools for 32 years. He retired and then went back to work part time for a total of 40-plus years.

On April 14, 1979, Leonard married Marilyn Kay Rule in Canadian. They were happily married for 40 years.

Dewey Garrison, Tulsa FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for retired Tulsa firefighter Dewey Garrison on Feb. 13. He was 79.

Johnny gave 25 years of faithful service to the Perkins Volunteer Fire Department, City of Perkins and those in the Perkins Fire District.

In addition, he provided mechanical and equipment services and repair to the department. He helped to design and build PFD apparatus over the years, with two of those apparatus still in service today. He married Martha Lacy on November 10, 1968.

Honoring

EDITOR’S NOTE: Kildare Fire Chief Travis Harris composed the following in memory of former KVFD Fire Chief Virgil Brandon, who died on Feb. 3 after suffering a massive stroke.

For the Kildare Fire Department, February has been a tough month and not because of fire calls.

We lost one of our own. former Fire Chief Virgil Brandon had a massive stroke on Feb. 3 at his home.

Virgil has been with Kildare Fire for about 30 years and served the department as a firefighter and Fire Chief. And when I became Fire Chief, I asked Virgil to be my Assistant Chief to help me learn my new job.

He inspired people to make themselves better by encouraging everyone to continue to learn.

Tommy Calverley Jr., Sayre & Sweetwater FDs Now I’m not writing this as a memorial, but rather to honor the people who have passed before us.

The week Virgil passed away, a lot of people stepped up to help the family. In The Final Fire Alarm sounded for retired Sayre and Sweetwater addition to being a firefighter, Virgil was a farmer and cattleman and he took pride firefighter Tommy Calverley Jr. on Feb. 11. He was 57. in his chosen profession and his community.

Tommy was a volunteer firefighter at the Sweetwater and Cattle still have to be fed and watered even though Virgil’s wife Nila, son CharSayre Fire Departments and President of OK #8 Red Knights lie and daughter Kaycee are planning Virgil’s celebration of life. Neighbors are Motorcycle Club. stepping up to help out.

Known as a hardworking man, Tommy worked in the oil field Honoring someone shows respect. The old saying is “respect your elders,” but for several years and was later employed by CCA, at the Sayre maybe it should say “respect everyone.”

Prison, in the maintenance department where he later served Honoring people at a funeral is our way to celebrate the person who is not here as a supervisor. He and his wife

anymore. It is for us, the people who are still here. It Glenda were married for 38 years.

is to share with the people who loved them, the Perkins FD tribute to Johnny Bowyer

love that they showed others.

At Virgil’s funeral, there was standing room only

at the church and fellowship hall, and the proces- Tray Caldwell Sr., Tulsa FD

sion to the cemetery was one of the longest I have

ever seen, with fire apparatus leading, an Honor The Final Fire Alarm sounded for

Guard from Ponca City Fire Department and fire retired Tulsa firefighter Dewey Gar engine carrying the casket. rison on Feb. 8. He was 60.

People truly loved Virgil, he was a truly great Immediately after graduating

husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and from Sapulpa High School in 1977,

firefighter.

He had his faults, as we all do, but he Tray followed in his father’s and

was a good guy. his older brother’s footsteps and

This has become a memorial now.

Dewey retired from Tulsa FD in January 1989 after 21 years.

While working as a fireman, he also worked for Do-All Sawing Products as a welder making saw blades.

After studying Psychology at Tulsa Junior College, Dewey enlisted in the US Navy (July 1957) where he worked as a pipefitter. He served his country proudly and was discharged in June 1961. He and Patricia Pearson were married on October 12, 1963.

joined the United States Air Force as a Fire Protection Specialist. He was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base and Whiteman Air Force Base, where he met the love of his life Angela Faye..

How will you be celebrated? Honored?

Remembered?

n

page to ponder Terrell Thompson

El Reno FD

Oklahoma FirefighterMarch 202019

TRIPLE H TRANSMISSION’S

Safety & Health Committee Hello all! I want to first start out by saying thank you to all the individuals who attended Destry Horton Wildland School last month.

To all the people who took time out of their weekend to go attend classes to update and better their wildland skills and to take the knowledge back to their own departments, thank you!

I also hope that the Chiefs Conference, that’s being held in Grady county, is as beneficial to the Chief Officers from across the state as well.

As many may know, State Fire School is fast approaching and many new and exciting classes and activities are being planned so keep an eye out for chances to enroll.

The thing I want to discuss in this article is Physical fitness in the fire service.

I believe that many of us that are reading this, have taken the time and effort to ensure we were at peak physical ability to obtain the job we currently have. I also believe that for many, but not all, there have been things that we have placed a higher priority than physical fitness.

I think it is important to touch on this subject for two reasons.

The first reason being that at the end of the day, our physical fitness plays an important role in taking care of ourselves as well as the community we swore to protect.

There have been multiple studies done stating that when individuals who consistently workout for strength, longevity, and durability they show decreases in the likelihood of sustaining an injury on the job.

The same articles also discussed how individuals who were part of a workout regimen that were injured would actually recover up to 10 times faster than someone who suffered the same injury but did not work out regularly.

When we look at these studies it provides us information showing that if we do the work, our job will reap the benefits -- as well as being able to enjoy the length of career we hope to achieve.

If we spend the hour a day to better our bodies we are actually bettering ourselves in many other facets for years to come.

The next reason is that it could cause a chain reaction in our crew and department. If our coworkers see us outperforming them on things ranging from CPR to Overhaul at a house fire, it may cause them to take a second look.

If we could encourage the other members of our crew and department to help us implement a type of physical fitness regimen it could help ensure the longevity of all members. If physical training was given the same type of attention as advancing a hose line we may actually see a decrease in everything from strains and sprains all the way to decreased cardiac illnesses and deaths.

Physical fitness has always had a role in the fire service, but it appears that if we truly focus on bettering ourselves and each other that we may be able to ensure a healthy fire service in the future.

In closing, I am so extremely proud to be a member of the Oklahoma Fire Service. The things we do and the standards we set are second to none. I am excited to see what this new decade will bring us as a united front moving forward.

I hope everyone who reads this understands that the choices we make and standards we set for ourselves, our crews, and our departments should always include that next step forward so when the time is right the next generation is able to continue our path we have shown them. Stay Safe, Train Hard & Give It Your All

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

March 2020 CLASS SCHEDULE Current as of February 19, 2020

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

All courses are FREE unless otherwise noted

Responding to MAYDAY (76653) March 1 (8 hours) Caney-Soldier Creek FD, Kingston Pump Operations (76944) March 1 (8 hours) Madill Fire Department Fire Fighter I Academy (76434) March 1-14 (96 hours) • $15000 - All Participants OSU-PSC, Stillwater Fire Inspector I (76347) March 2-6 (40 hours) • $3500 - OK Emergency Responders • $4000 - Industrial / Military • $4500 - Out-of-state Responders Weatherford Fire Department OEM Area Workshop (73715) March 3-5 (20 hours) Enid Convention Hall OEM Area Workshop (77264) March 3-5 (20 hours) Enid Convention Hall OEM-FEMA G.288: Local Volunteer & Donations Management (76458) March 4-5 (8 hours) Okmulgee Emergency Mgmt.

OEM-FEMA G.289 PIO Awareness (76451) March 5 (8 hours) Comanche Co EOC - Great Plains Rope Rescue: Low Angle Operations (76433) March 6-7 (12 hours) Coweta Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75632) March 7 (8 hours) Guymon Fire Department Introduction to Farm Rescue (77020) March 7 (8 hours) Red River Tech Center - Duncan Exterior Offensive Fire Attack / Structural Scene Size Up (77041) March 7 (8 hours) Western Technology Center - Hobart

Fire Tanker Safety Operations (77287) March 7 (4 hours) Canadian Valley Tech - El Reno

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75639) March 12 (8 hours) Ardmore Fire Department

NIMS ICS 300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (76904) March 21-22 (16 hours) Johnston County EMS, Tishomingo

Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies (77291) March 7 (8 hours) Chandler Fire Department

Certification: Fire Fighter I (76435) March 14 (8 hours) OSU-PSC, Stillwater

Fire Fighter I Live Burn (76421) March 22 (8 hours) Kiamichi Tech Center - Durant

Wildland Fire Fighting: Skills (77004) March 14-15 (16 hours) Northeast Tech Center - Afton

Certification: Fire Fighter I Live Burn Evaluation (76422) March 22 (8 hours) Kiamichi Tech Center - Durant

Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies (77327) March 14 (8 hours) Canadian Valley Tech -El Reno

NIMS ICS 300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (77496) March 23-24 (16 hours) Tulsa Community College Northeast

Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I Part B (77331) March 14-15 (16 hours) Salina Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75643) March 24 (8 hours) Shawnee Fire Department

Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I Part B (77332) March 14-15 (16 hours) Salina Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75647) March 24 (8 hours) El Reno Fire Department

L0146: HSEEP (76365) March 16-17 (16 hours) Canadian Valley Tech - Chickasha

OEM-FEMA G.288: Local Volunteer and Donations Management (76453) March 24 (8 hours) High Plains Tech - Woodward

NFA-Admin of Public Assistance for Community Recovery (74269) March 9-14 (64 hours) El Reno Fire Department Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (75633) March 9 (8 hours) Chickasha Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75634) March 10 (8 hours) McAlester Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75637) March 10 (8 hours) Ardmore Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75635) March 11 (8 hours) McAlester Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75638) March 11 (8 hours) Ardmore Fire Department Fire Fighter I Live Burn (76436) March 11 (8 hours) OSU-PSC, Stillwater Certification: Fire Fighter I Live Burn Evaluation (76437) March 11 (8 hours) OSU-PSC, Stillwater OEM Area Workshop (77188) March 11-12 (16 hours) Comanche County Fairgrounds Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75636) March 12 (8 hours) McAlester Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75640) March 18 (8 hours) Del City Fire Department L0105: Public Information and Warning (76364) March 18-19 (16 hours) Canadian Valley Tech - Chickasha Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75641) March 19 (8 hours) Del City Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75642) March 20 (8 hours) Del City Fire Department Certification: Fire Fighter I (76420) March 21 (8 hours) Kiamichi Tech Center - Durant

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75644) March 25 (8 hours) Shawnee Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75648) March 25 (8 hours) El Reno Fire Department NFA Command/Control of Wildland/Urban Interface Operations for Structural Chief Officer (74270) March 26-27 (16 hours) Oklahoma City Fire Training Center Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75645) March 26 (8 hours) Shawnee Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75649) March 26 (8 hours) El Reno Fire Department

NFA-Leadership in Supervision: Perspectives in Thinking F0647 (74273) March 28-29 (16 hours) Berryhill Fire Prot. District, Tulsa NIMS ICS 400 (EMI) Advanced Incident Command System (76905) March 28-29 (16 hours) Johnston County EMS, Tishomingo Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75650) March 30 (8 hours) Moore Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75654) March 30 (8 hours) Norman Fire Department Curriculum Development (Instructor II) (76391) March 30 - April 2 (32 hours) • $2500 - OK Emergency Responders • $4000 - Out-of-state Responders Edmond Fire Department NIMS ICS 400 (EMI) Advanced Incident Command System (77497) March 30-31 (16 hours) Tulsa Community College Northeast Rope Rescue Technician Level I Part A (77562) March 30-31 (16 hours) Lawton Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75651) March 31 (8 hours) Moore Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75655) March 31 (8 hours) Norman Fire Department Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (75658) March 31 (8 hours) Altus Fire Department

First Responders And Accountability

By Asa Don Brown, Ph.D., C.C.C., D.N.C.C.M., F.A.A.E.T.S. Member, Board of Professional and Scientific Advisors American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress Diplomate, National Center for Crisis Management Fellow, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress Becoming accountable. What is your experience with being accountable? What does it mean to be accountable?

Being accountable means that we are reliant on the guidance, advice, and inspiration of another. Being accountable typically occurs between two people rather than a group of people; that being said, there is no reason that someone could not create an accountability group. The only hesitation is that an accountability group may feel less confidential.

The purpose of having an accountability partner is to encourage active and healthy communication; to establish a sounding board; to create a relationship that is reliable and consistent; and to personalize opportunities for growth.

What is an Accountability Partner?

An accountability partner is someone with which you can rely on. It may be someone that you have not known long, but are currently developing a relationship with. While it may be a new relationship; it is an individual that you can trust to be honest and forthright with information.

The aim of an accountability partner is two-way street.

Ultimately, an accountability relationship is devised of two people sharing and providing constructive feedback in order to build up both individuals. It is a relationship that both sides must commit an equal amount of effort to achieve a desired result.

Ideally, accountability partners should meet weekly. The relationship helps create a bond between team members and provides them someone that is safe to go to.

Keeping this in mind, accountability partners should not be forced, but rather should be encouraged to grow naturally.

You can cultivate the relationship by encouraging the team to connect with people of similar interest and ideas.

The fundamental goal of an accountability partner is to establish a safe place and an internal support system. The partnership should not be a vice to disclose or relate personal information about another.

Ideally, the accountability partner should take an unwritten oath of confidentiality. Again, if the partner does not feel safe, then the purpose of the relationship is null.

The accountability partner should intimately get to know his or her partner. What makes their partner tick? How does their partner deal and manage stress?

An accountability partner is a relationship that should be an encouraging relationship. The purpose of the relationship should be to forge a bond between team members.

The members should get to know one another’s personal interest, hobbies, and what makes them individuals. The partners should get to know what motivates one another.

It is important that they know one another’s motivations for becoming a first responder. What was the initial draw?

Why have they remained? What motivates them when critical incidents take a toll? How do they internally manage and make sense of critical incidents?

A healthy relationship is about encouraging healthy communication. Accountability partners should know how to communicate in a healthy way. It is through verbal and nonverbal communications that the partners will learn to build one another up.

If along the way you discover that you are not compatible with your accountability partner; it is of the essence that you communicate your incompatibility. It’s perfectly okay not to be compatible. Here again, it is of the utmost importance that you communicate your needs.

First Responders and Accountability Being accountable is somewhat ingrained into the life of a first responder. First responders are well aware of personal accountability on the job.

From the first responder’s perspective, accountability is related to time tagging, tracking, and reporting of people and resources at the scene of an incident.

Now from a personal level, first responders are less likely to have a familiarization with such language. As an “accountability” partner, you are looking at developing a buddy system.

A buddy system is a way with which a first responder is capable of checking in with his or her designated partner.

Dr. Asa Don Brown is an author, international speaker, psychologist and consultant.

He was born in Tulsa, attended Westmoore High School and currently lives in New York where he trains as a New York State volunteer firefighter.

The Benefits of Accountability What are the benefits of being accountable? The benefits of being accountable is knowing that you have someone with which you can consistently rely upon.

As first responders, having a sounding board may not always occur. Feeling as though your words, thoughts, and impressions are respected may be an issue.

When an accountability partner is established, you should discuss the ambition, intent, and the overall purpose of your relationship. The intent of the accountability is not to replace a psychotherapy relationship, but it is to establish a relationship that is mutually beneficial. The benefits of having an accountability partner is limitless.

If you are struggling as a fire responder, or in other ways, an accountability partner should be willing to encourage you to find the appropriate help. It is about developing the overall quality of life of the first responder. Consistency is key when developing an accountability relationship.

Establishing Accountability Relationships Establishing an accountability partner may feel awkward at first, but think of it from this perspective; it is liken any other informal relationship or friendship.

You must first strike up a relationship; then you must cultivate that relationship; and in time you will create a bond with the other person. Do not feel as though you are forcing this relationship. Again, there is nothing wrong in asking someone in your personal network.

An already established relationship will make this less awkward and capable of implementing the various tools of an accountability relationship. The core feature of an accountability partner should be to support each other and encourage each other beyond the job.

Establishing the Relationship • An accountability partner should make you aware when you are taking on too much. As first responders, we are often called upon to do various tasks related to our job. We may be asked to take on additional shifts or to increase our workload.

• First responders frequently have difficult time with burnout and vicarious trauma. It’s important that you are checking in with your accountability partner from time-to-time.

• Establish and maintain a regular time to meet up with your accountability partner.

• Be certain that you are actively listening and engaged with your accountability partner.

• Encourage your partner to practice mindfulness techniques (e.g. breathing, meditation).

• Be diligent that you are having healthy conversations beyond the job.

• Encourage your partner to take breaks and to establish a regular workout routine. Regular exercise, sleep, and mental health breaks are necessary for everyone.

• Discourage your partner from participating in the consumption of alcohol and other mind altering drugs to manage stress.

• Encourage your partner to find professional help if they are struggling.

• Be the first-line of advice for your partner.

• Consider reading constructive and positive literature together. Reflect upon that literature when you connect oneon-one.

• Develop a regular assignment or task that you will accomplish with your accountability partner. For instance, if you decide to write a reflection on an event related to being a first responder, then be certain that the task occurs and excuses are avoided.

n

Oklahoma FirefighterMarch 202021

fire service training Caroline Reed OSU FST Director

creed@osufst.org • 405-744-5727

Hello Everyone!

Last month, I wrote about 5 building blocks (1 Trust, 2 Clarify Roles, 3 Communicate Openly and Effectively, 4 Appreciate Diversity of Ideas, 5 Focus) of collaboration and team work.

When we use these building blocks to create teams within our departments, then we can put a framework of unity within our organization.

There is a popular motto: “Together we stand and divided we fall.” The phrase is used to encourage and inspire, and send the message we all live by in the fire service working together is easier, and there is strength in numbers.

I wrote all of that to remind everyone before we head into this legislative season that we the fire service of Oklahoma are a team. All of us paid and volunteer and supporting organizations must work together to support our causes.

Please take time to get involved with your organizations at the state level. Let’s help support our retirees and their much needed COLA, the Fire Marshal’s office and their initiatives, and work to strengthen our local fire departments.

When we are united and working as group, we can make our world better. Be Safe!

• The relationship should be a powerful combination of support, guidance, and motivation.

• Be certain that you are both aware and understand the intent of the relationship. It should be an opportunity to strive for personal and professional growth.

• Most of all, be an authentic friend.

The real purpose of accountability is to create an environment that is mutually respectful, inviting and encouraging.

Establishing and maintaining an accountability relationship will occur through consistency.

The relationship should allow for an opportunity to air an individual’s grievances, frustrations and possibly anger. It may be an opportunity to learn about personal responsibility.

Personal responsibility is often avoided. If I accept personal responsibility, then I am admitting to my role in this game called life. When accepted, I have no room for blame or shame, but rather, the acceptance for my choices.

The accountability is an imperfect, but perfect way to create a line of communication. It is not an error free relationship and you must be willing to accept one another’s errors in the relationship. It should be a developing and supportive relationship.

It is not uncommon for first responders have a difficult time being open with their personal emotions and feelings. Unfortunately, the job has developed into a field that creates walls of protection.

The primary benefit of having an accountability partner is to establish a relationship that is mutually beneficial. Your partner should encourage you to strive for your goals, aspirations and personal bucket list. It should be an opportunity to receive coaching and training. It is an opportunity for both partners to learn and to gain new insights into life.

Through the process of accountability, you should be encouraged to be your best on and off the job. It is not about perfection, but rather reaching for your ultimate potential.

Remember that an accountable partner should be a trusted companion who encourages you to be your ultimate best. Most of all, the accountability relationship should be an opportunity to improve your perspective and worldview.

22March 2020Oklahoma Firefighter ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Chase Rankin

Terri Williams

Executive Director

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 MEETING (Jan. 17, 2020) Members Present: Mike Kelley, Cliff Davidson, Dana Cramer, Dereck Cassady, Tippy Pierce, Jim Ed Nimmo, Brent Bryant, Matt Lay, Eric Harlow, Brent Baggett, Brandy Manek.

Members Absent: Janet Kohls and Buddy Combs.

Others Present: Chase Rankin, Executive Director; Timothy Vanhorn, Assistant Director; James Reynolds, Assistant Director; Terri Williams, Executive Secretary; Marc Edwards, Legal Counsel; Troy Brown, Tim Nash, and Tony Kay, &CO; Ted Doyle and Kevin Collins, Alger; Craig Auwaerter and Rue Cardoso, Beutel Goodman; Ted Aronson and Greg Roberts, AJO. Jonathan L. Williams/Broken Arrow - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective January 16, 2020: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Pierce to modify the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, to “Disability Not in Line of Duty”, effective December January 16, 2020. Ayes: Kelley, Harlow, Nimmo, Davidson, Pierce, Bryant, Cramer, Cassady, Manek, Lay, and Baggett. Nayes: None.

Motion carried.

Paul J. Smith/Mustang – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective January 14, 2020: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Lay to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective January 14, 2020. Ayes: Ayes: Kelley, Harlow, Nimmo, Davidson, Pierce, Bryant, Cramer, Cassady, Manek, Lay, and Baggett. Nayes: None.

Motion carried None. Motion carried.

Matthew E. Penderson/Tulsa - Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective January 1, 2020: Motion was made by Lay and Harlow to modify the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty” to “Service”, effective January 1, 2020. Ayes: Kelley, Harlow, Nimmo, Davidson, Pierce, Bryant, Cramer, Cassady, Manek, Lay, and Baggett. Nayes: None.

Motion carried. None. Motion carried.

Scott Crow/Muskogee - Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Nimmo and seconded by Cramer to approve the request of Crow to modify from “Service” to “Disability in the Line of Duty”. Ayes: Kelley, Harlow, Nimmo, Davidson, Pierce, Bryant, Cramer, Cassady, Manek, Lay, and Baggett. Nayes: None. Motion carried. None. Motion carried.

John Starkey/Shawnee - Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Harlow and seconded by Lay to approve the request of Starkey to modify from “Service” to “Disability in the Line of Duty”. Ayes: Kelley, Harlow, Nimmo, Davidson, Pierce, Bryant, Cramer, Cassady, Manek, Lay, and Baggett. Nayes: None. Motion carried. None. Motion carried.

Robert C. Holly/Tulsa - Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Cramer to approve the request of Holly to modify from “Service” to “Disability in the Line of Duty”. Ayes: Kelley, Harlow, Nimmo, Davidson, Pierce, Bryant, Cramer, Cassady, Manek, Lay, and Baggett. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Executive Secretary

Than Dinh

Tim Van Horn

Controller

Assistant Director (CFO)

Keely Swonger

Assistant Controller

Martha Pierce Member Services Coordinator

Vicki Mulbery

Accounts Payable Administrator

Thelisha Clark

Records Administrator

Latoya Battle Data Processor

n CONSENT AGENDA (February 21, 2020) CHECKS TERMINATED IN JANUARY 2020 (DECEASED): Agra Glen V. Britton Frederick Michael R. Jones Holdenville Gordon R. McKane Lawton Thelma I. McCaig Marietta Sally R. Thacker McAlester Pauline Williams Oklahoma City Ruby P. Doolin Oklahoma City Donald W. Kirkham Pauls Valley Vicky L. Gates Sulphur Anna Gertrude Sulphur Tommie S. Thompson Tulsa Shirley S. Hoff Tulsa Robert D. Mays SWODA Chris L. Ankney Tryon Bob G. Buck Tryon Ted O’Connell Tulsa Shirley Hoff Woodward Fay D. Harris

$5,000.00 DEATH BENEFIT: Bethany Mercer-Adams On Behalf Of James L. Robertson Byars Pickard Funeral On Behalf Of Gordon W. Payne Cole Wilson-Little Funeral On Behalf Of Jacob Stanard Davidson Jackson Funeral Home On Behalf Of Gloyd J. Travis Edgewater Prk Mary B. Fehring, Widow Of John D. Fegring Erick Norma Austin, Widow Of Curtis Austin Frederick Jackson Funeral On Behlaf Of Michael R. Jones Holdenville Hudson-Phillips On Behalf Of Gordon R. McKane Jenks Kathy L. Jordan, Widow Of Raymond D. Jordan Oklahoma City Larry Kirkham, Child Of Donald W. Kirkham Oklahoma City Kenneth A. Kirkham, Child Of Donald W. Kirkham Oklahoma City Barbara Davis, Child Of Donald W. Kirkham Oklahoma City Larry Sawyers, Widower Of Kelli J. Sawyers Oklahoma City Vanita J. Wallace, Widow Of Gerald W. Wallace Sr. Seiling Linda Brown, Widow Of C.B. Brown Tryon Mike Buck, Grandchild Of Bob G. Buck Tulsa Nichols-Stephens On Behalf Of Ray D. Dawson Tulsa Kimberly Ervin, Recipient For Steven R. Johnson Tupelo Chriswel Funeral On Behalf Of Danny M. Johnson Wellston Lehman Funeral On Behalf Of Anciel W. Evans APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE PENSION SYSTEM: Bartlesville John Schmidt Berryhill Brock Bybec Berryhill Cody Ryan Berryhill Robert Schaffitzel Broken Arrow Joshua Blue Broken Arrow Katheryn Hansen Broken Arrow Wyatt Hatfield Broken Arrow Jo’es Okotoghaide Broken Arrow Ryan Riggs Broken Arrow Beau Stringer Broken Arrow Marcus Terry Broken Arrow Tate Williamson Coweta Eric Coates Del City Mitchell Cooper Elk City Caleb Eldridge Idabel Rebeccsa Scott Ponca City Tristan Busk Ponca City Cody Scholl Shawnee James Bailey Tuttle Daniel Warming Yukon Anntonio Auteri Yukon Justin Gerads Yukon Joseph Lashbrook Yukon Tyler Sigl APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE: 02/01/2020 Sharon Lisa P. Hayes, Widow Of Leonard W.

Hayes Deceased 01/10/2020

APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE (CONTINUATION): 02/01/2020 Broken Bow Kathy Sharrock, Widow Of

Ronnie T. Sharrock 02/01/2020 Chouteau Donna R. Newton, Widow

Of Charles D. Newton 02/01/2020 Eufaula Dayna E. Foresee, Widow Of

Thomas A. Foresee 02/01/2020 Grandfield Virgie L. Mclain, Widow Of

Sidney D. Mcclain 02/01/2020 Haskell Sherry Jones, Widow Of

Roy M. Jones 02/01/2020 Minco Carole Chilton, Widow

Of Jerry D. Chilton 02/01/2020 Minco Gloria J. Verser, Widow Of

Johnny W. Verser 02/01/2020 OKC Eva Armstrong, Widow Of

Gary L. Armstrong 02/01/2020 Perkins Martha Bowyer, Widow Of

Johnny Bowyer 02/01/2020 OKC Elizabeth A. Mckibben,

Widow Of Raymond L. McKibben 02/01/2020 Wellston Darlene S. Evans, Widow Of

Anciel W. Evans APPLICATION FOR SERVICE PENSION: 12/01/2019 Agra Donnie L. Hutchinson 02/01/2020 Bartlesville Michael Remington 11/01/2019 Bethel Acres Bryan C. Goodnight 11/01/2019 Boswell Paul A. Phillips 02/01/2020 Chickasha John D. Carpenter 02/01/2020 Claremore Curtis Mark Owens 02/01/2020 Clinton Charles S. Haggard 02/01/2020 Dacoma Chad L. Budy 02/01/2017 Grady Kenneth R. Archer 01/01/2020 Grady Janice K. Meeks 01/01/2020 Grady Paul M. Townsend 01/01/2020 Keota Warren W. Gragg 01/01/2020 Kiefer Kevin P. Ahl 01/01/2020 Leedy Tony A. Morlan 02/01/2020 Manchester James C. Jackson 02/01/2020 Nichols Hills Christopher G. Crane 02/01/2020 Oklahoma City Charles Cartledge 02/01/2020 Oklahoma City Michael S. Burris 02/01/2020 Oklahoma City Timothy L. Goff 02/01/2020 Oklahoma City David R. Graham 02/01/2020 Oklahoma City Noble F. Lee Iii 02/01/2020 Oklahoma City David J. Maynard 02/01/2020 Oklahoma City Larry D. Walker Jr. 01/01/2020 Pocola Heath Howard 02/01/2020 Sallisaw James L. Farmer 02/01/2020 Taft Derrick W. Smith 02/01/2020 Tishomingo Nelson Woolly APPLICATION FOR VESTED BENEFIT: 02/08/2020 Allen Roger D. Nickell 02/26/2020 Blair Chad P. Clement 02/01/2017 Collinsville Jerry D. Sullivan 03/03/2027 Corn Timothy D. Sandy 04/21/2017 Pocola Jody S. Grizzle 01/21/2020 Poteau William T. Cauthron 02/01/2017 Skitaook John T. Blackwell 03/15/2040 Stillwater Trenton D. Mitchell 05/15/2022 Tulsa Levi Moore III REFUND OF CONTRIBUTIONS: Hired Ricky L. Hodge Chandler 08/20/2014 Christian Canoy Chickasha 11/13/2017 Robert S. Sargent Collinsville 07/07/2008 Wesley K. Gray Guymon 07/01/2008 Garrett Rempe Moore 08/11/2014 Wade McGill Tuttle 11/23/2007

Terminated 11/14/2018 11/21/2019 07/18/2019 08/30/2019 09/26/2019 03/24/2011

NEW COUNTY AND/OR CITY FD ENTERING PENSION: Logan County/Sooner Volunteer Fire Department

Oklahoma FirefighterMarch 202023

live long & prosper

n

Bryan West

OSU-FST

Safety & Health Committee Greetings! Some of this info is a repeat from a 2016 article, however I feel it needs repeating.

In the past few weeks, I have seen too much news about emergency responder fatalities and injuries working on or near roadways throughout the United States.

In today’s world emergency responders have so many dangers to be aware of, we are placed between the dangers and those we are trying to protect.

Traffic accidents on busy highways and streets puts each of you in a position to constantly watch your back and worry about the inattentive motor vehicle operators not paying attention to your lights or vehicles blocking the road.

Some responders have said, “working on a busy highway is more dangerous than fighting an interior structure fire.”

We know too well the results of a distracted driver trying to send or respond to that very important text or email. We have too many things to distract us while we are driving, cell phones that can do everything, computers, and music plugged in our ears.

When I first learned to drive, cell phones and electronic devices were not a problem for distractions. It seems we were just more aware of our surroundings, what happened to the compassion, caring and respect for other motorists on the road?

There is training readily available to help you understand the dangers and create a safer work zone for everyone trying to help those injured or clean and remove debris from the roadway.

The Traffic Incident Management System (TIMS) training is a way to learn how to work in and around these dangerous areas to get the scenes cleared faster and understand what each agency’s responsibility is.

By creating a safe work area and reducing the amount of time on the scene is a couple of examples this training will provide. We need everyone working on the same sheet of music, not just the emergency responders but also Department of Transportation workers, wrecker services, private and utility contractors working on public roads and highways.

TIMS training will address the importance of reducing the amount of time responders are on-scene, get the incident cleared or moved quickly as possible through communication and respecting each agency’s duties. Not just fire and police but the agencies that are responsible for the cleanup, we shouldn’t leave them to do their job in those same dangers.

The important part of the puzzle is public education. We must do better to communicate the dangers that distracted driving cause. There are laws currently that address some of these issues but most automobile operators are not aware of them.

Somewhere throughout the education process those things have been reduced or completely removed from the education portion of getting your license.

The Move Over Law is one example. If you search “move over law” you will find public service announcement videos, information about the law, and statistics about deaths throughout the United States.

There are groups within the State of Oklahoma working feverishly to bring awareness to this issue and request your support to educate yourselves and the public to these dangers. Plug yourself in to training near you and become an advocate for keeping our responders safe on Oklahoma highways.

Keep training, stay healthy and be safe!

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

By Shaun Pryor, Langston City Fire PIO shaunfromok@gmail.com

On a desolate highway in the middle of America, you fall asleep at the wheel on a long trip. You leave the road and go into the ditch.

You hit a few trees, you’re OK, confused, but the door is pinned shut.

You grab your phone and call those numbers you know will always aid you, 911. Soon the red and blue lights appear in the distance, and you know help is on the way, you even feel relieved when you see them, the wail of the siren in the distance getting closer, like a whisper telling you everything is going to be OK. Now, imagine the same scenario playing out, but it taking twice as long as it should, or just one firefighter showing up on a truck to get you out.

Or … Taking 30 minutes because the nearest volunteer manned fire station closed down that year because they just couldn’t find enough volunteers to staff it.

This is a reality playing out all over the country. Quietly, it`s creeping in, and it has me asking, what do the next 5 years look like for the volunteer fire service in small town America?

At this time we are in a crisis, with the fire service. For example, in 1983 there were 884,600 volunteer firefighters in the United States. Compare that to 682,600 in 2017.

And we`re faced with data that shows the numbers are falling, and fast. But what’s the answer? How do we get more people to volunteer in our services, a question I feel we all ask on a yearly basis in the fire service -- and one I think we`re running out of time to answer.

Age is also a factor, with many small towns seeing young people moving away in search of opportunities with tech jobs and start-up companies as a “way out” of the small town life.

For those who stay, however, many see the firehouse as the “Good ole boys club” and pass it by without a thought, not realizing the brotherhood there is for them, as well.

There is, of course, the thought process of, “It`s someone else’s job” in an increasingly “ME” society. I think we have to face the fact that there are many who don’t share the values some of us did when we joined the fire service.

Some people don’t want to do this job for the feeling they get, for the smile on a child’s face or the sight of a home still standing when it wouldn’t have been if not for your intervention.

No, I think we`re in a stage where people want a reward for their service -- if not money, something tangible.

With this in mind, I`ve proposed some ideas: 1. A 10-15% price break on your water bill.

Shaun Pryor and other firefighters at the 2020 OSFA Volunteer Fire Caucus

EDITOR’S NOTE: Shaun Pryor from Langston FD recently attend his first OSFA Volunteer Caucus and was definitely moved by the experience.

He presents some of the issues that were discussed and then takes it a step further to propose specific solutions to help the problem.

These issues and ideas are currently in discussion with the OSFA Board and several of the OSFA committees.

Shaun has also taken that step to request to serve on a committee that he feels can address what is facing the fire service as a whole in Oklahoma, not just volunteers and not just paid, but all of us.

That is the type of commitment it takes to make change, and we at the OSFA appreciate everyone who serves on their fire department, and especially those who are working to make things better for all of us and are doing it the right way by collaborating with other firefighters.

2. Property tax break while active.

These are just a few ideas, and I know there are more things everyone can think of, but I think if we continue to think outside the box like this, we will find solutions that can fit the needs of volunteer departments, and help with retention.

(Depending on tax rules and regulations, and if it makes the volunteer an employee or not by accepting a gift like this) I don’t expect this to be a magic bullet either. These items alone will not solve the crisis, but they are a start.

New ideas and new solutions are needed. We need to solve problems as simple as this to attract more minority firefighters.

With a growing Latino population in the state, bilingual volunteers are in short supply. And as a black firefighter myself, more than once I`ve had a kid walk up to me and mention they haven’t seen many firefighters that look like me.

We need more women in our firehouses. As a man who will soon marry a female firefighter, girls see her in stores in uniform and beam, and they ask for pictures. Other grown women ask her how it is with admiration.

We need a presence that appeals to everyone in the volunteer service. (And the population to support it).

I hope, however, this starts a dialogue that results in ideas and answers and brings us together as firefighters in this state.

We have 77 counties here, and 70% of the firefighters in this state are volunteers. That’s a large amount of men and women we depend on every day to answer the call.

Let`s ensure that when someone leaves the road on that desolate highway in 5 years, someone will answer the call.

24March 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

n

OSFA Executive Board Highlights

Roll Call: Mike Kelley, present; Eric Harlow, present; Cliff Davidson, present; Jim Ed Nimmo, present; Dereck Cassady, present; Tippy Pierce (ORFA), present.

Others: Steve Lumry, Sheri Nickel, Gene Brown, Trisha Chain, Caroline Reed, Eric Hamilton, Julia Jernigan-Smith.

Correspondence: Thank you card from Sawyers/ Brown/Bass/Rex family; invitation to PFFO Legislative Reception and Oklahoma Speakers Ball.

Fire Marshal Commission Report: Lumry Commission is creating fire investigation task forces; discussing code enforcement with grow facilities; and being trained on bomb explosives.

Fire Service Training Report: Reed Event schedule includes the Destry Horton fire school (Feb. 14-15); Camp Gruber (Feb. 21-23); REMS conference in Enid, Durant regional fire school (April 3-5) and Weatherford Mid-Year Conf (June 25-27).

FST is setting up Firefighter I blended learning classes in partnership with OSFA that will feature the new Essentials 7 textbooks, which will also be available for free on the FST app, and revamping Firefighter II to be able to offer those with the new OSFA grant. Each coordinator has been tasked to revamp one of their programs to be offered in the blended learning style.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: n Legislative: Lumry, Jernigan-Smith Lumry has emailed the bill tracking report to the Board. Jernigan-Smith discussed the reactions to the release of the actuarial reports.

Brown inquired about a bill that would allow small museums who meet the requirements to become tax exempt; Jernigan- Smith stated she would research it. n Educational Advisory: Cassady Committee is finalizing classes and is staying cognizant of instructor pricing, denying most classes who require fees. Lumry stated vendors could receive a complimentary classroom sponsor sign. n EMS: Cassady Discussion covered the GEMT program reimbursements. n Benevolent: Lumry Members are reporting fire service deaths frequently; committee will present at the OFCA Pre Conference Workshop. n Public Education: Brown Summit planning is going well. A total of 65 are registered and flyers will be brought to the Volunteer Caucus. The trailer’s stickers will need to be redone.

Museum Report: Brown Bob Noll had surgery but is recovering well; the carburetor is rebuilt for the Ward LaFrance, cleaning the fuel system is the next step; moles have been attacked again; staff is preparing for events.

The point of contact with Vance Auto Group will be writing an article about the donated truck. n Museum Expansion Committee: Lumry Clark Construction is putting together a proposal

with updated pricing to build the storage building.

The committee’s next meeting will be in late January.

Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Report: Nickel There are five Firefighter I classes on the books for this grant year, three of which have been planned and scheduled.

Getting the doctor’s office to schedule the physicals for the students is the biggest hurdle. There will be leftover money in the travel budget due to the classes being regionalized, but Nickel will try to roll it into the training budget.

Nickel is attending county chiefs meetings again and thanked board members for attending some of the meetings.

Lumry asked Nickel to gather information on influential retirees in the county meetings, in order for ORFA to follow up with.  NVFC Report: Nickel Congress has increased the amount of money to be given to volunteer departments; Nickel will be traveling to Orlando to attend NFPA 1000 committee meetings on behalf of NVFC. OFCA Report: Lumry The OFCA Winter Workshop will be Jan. 22-24, with the OSFA Benevolent Committee presenting the 22nd and Nickel discussing the SAFER Grant on the 24th.

OFCA Conference is April 8-10 and will feature a bowling tournament along with the golf tournament.

ORFA Report: Pierce The Cornerstone Membership subcommittee is addressing chapters that may have gone dormant; they are also reviewing and revamping the correspondence that is sent to retirees.

Executive Director’s Report: Lumry OSFA membership totals: 341 departments, 4 new (Bee Butcher Pen, Burbank, Drumright, Oakridge) with 6,689 members. ORFA membership 4,401; Brent Hatcher membership 76; digital Oklahoma Firefighter 856 subscriptions.

Board discussed increasing marketing for the Brent Hatcher Benevolent Fund and raising the minimum payout. Board asked staff to research potential repercussions of raising the minimum payout amount and report back.

OSFA Associate Memberships 26; OFCA Associate Memberships 37. Event registrations: Pre Conference Workshop 56, Winter Workshop 110, Volunteer Caucus 63, Public Education Summit 65.

Three more AD&D checks have been paid out.

James Reynolds is retiring from the Pension office.

Thank you to Harlow for his work in the donation of a truck to haul the public education trailer from Vance Auto Group; fundraiser night has been set up for May 12 at Energy Soccer against Tulsa Roughnecks. Tickets will by $13 and 50 seats will be reserved per Board consensus.

Lumry updated Board on legislative cosponsors of federal bills: HB141, SB521, HR4540, HR4527.

Justin Hackworth addressed the Board to announce his campaign for OSFA Executive Board 3rd Vice President.

Adjourned: 11:38 a.m.

Next meeting: Feb. 20, 2020

January 16, 2020 DATES TO REMEMBER March 6, 2020 Oklahoma Public Education Summit in Bethany April 8-10, 2020 98th OFCA Conference hosted by Tuttle FD at Grady County Fairgrounds, Chickasha May 7-9, 2020 OSFA State Fire School in Tulsa June 9, 2020 39th ORFA Convention in Oklahoma City June 10-13, 2020 126th OSFA Convention in Oklahoma City June 10-13, 2020 88th OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Convention in Oklahoma City

OSFA Receptionist Position

$14 an hour

Position Overview: This is an office support position requiring knowledge of general office and clerical tasks. Work involves independently performing a high level of office support duties for a Statewide Association.

Examples of Work Performed: • Answers multi-line telephone, answers inquiries, screens and directs calls to the appropriate person or entity.

• Provides clerical support to the Association and creates letters, memoranda, reports, documents, and other materials. Some evenings, weekends, and travel required.

• Processes mail and copies.

• Receives visitors, announces their presence, and escorts them to the appropriate person.

• Is responsible for coordinating, tracking, corresponding with, and maintaining organizational membership addresses in a database.

• Acts as an intermediary for the Association when requested, maintaining contacts with public and private executives and officials.

• Assists with planning and execution of meals for certain events and meetings.

• Receives and prepares response for inquiries from customers or directs to the appropriate person(s).

• Acts as committee recording secretary for several committees, provides notice of meetings, agenda, and keeps minutes.

Key Attributes: • Thorough knowledge of basic office practices and equipment, and of business English, spelling, and punctuation.

• Ability to learn and use database software programs such as Filemaker Pro. • Ability to learn and understand the organization’s functions and services.

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing; ability to follow complex, oral and written instructions.

• Ability to meet and greet visitors in an effective and professional manner and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, associates, representatives of other organizations and the general public.

• Ability to plan, organize and execute complicated and continuing assignments without instructions or reviews.

Required Education & Experience: • High School Education or Equivalent.

• One year of office/clerical experience, preferred.

• Or, Any acceptable combination of education and experience.

All qualified applicants should submit a resume to Oklahoma State Firefighters Association, 2716 NE 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111; via fax: (405) 424-1032, or via email: stevel@osfa. info (place job title in the subject line).

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS 4:15 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2020.

This business is an Equal Opportunity Employer

OSFA Snapshots

Oklahoma FirefighterMarch 202025

Got something going on at your FD? Share the news! Email photos to osfa@osfa.info

On Jan. 28, OSFA had the opportunity to visit with several people from the Pittsburg County fire departments.

It was a great pleasure to meet these dedicated individuals:

Gary Brooks, Crowder FD Donald Cathey Jr., Canadian Shores FD Donald Cathey Sr., Canadian Shores FD Mark Coffman, Canadian FD Kevin Enloe, Pitts. Co. Emergency Mgmt.

Greg Hubbard, Crowder FD Kreg Hunt, Canadian FD Sheila Hunt, Canadian FD Cody Johnston, Kiowa FD Josh Johnston, Kiowa FD Randy Martin, Canadian FD Michelle Milliniks, Indianola FD Maxine Milliniks, Indianola FD Glenda Neill, Canadian FD Vess Neill, Canadian FD Charlie Rogers, Pitts.Co.Commisioner Frank Wainscott, Canadian FD Jared Weeks, Bugtussle FD

They are working hard to protect the citizens of Pittsburg County.

Congratulations to firefighters from across the state who have completed Firefighter 1 and all of the requirements of the SAFER Grant in order to receive bunker gear for their fire stations Moore Fire Station 2 Grand Opening

Midwest City Retirees February Meeting

Seeing You Around If you are out and about and see a firefighter car tag, snap a pic of it with your smart phone and email it to osfa@osfa.info or an OSFA staff member.

We don’t need an exact location, just a city or neighborhood. A few have been spotted in the past few weeks. Let’s look for more!

Main St. Broken Arrow

Helena, OK

Rep. Garry Mize addressing firefighters at 2020 PFFO Convention

2nd & Santa Fe in Edmond NW 164th & Portland

33rd & Boulevard in Edmond

26March 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

BY GREG ROBERTS

n OKLAHOMA FIRE SPOTLIGHT Norman FD Retired

NOBLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

A Fire Chief: Phil Scott

Department formed: 1935

Engines: 3

Paid members: 13

Brushpumpers: 4

Joined OSFA: 1940 Volunteers: 12 ISO rating: 4

Population: 7000 (approx)

Tankers: 2

Ambulances: 2

Square miles covered: 14

Calls per year: 1500 (avg)

B

Noble Fire Chief Phil Scott

C

D A: Noble FD Fleet B: E-1 2005 Pierce 1250 pump / 1000 tank C: E-3 1990 Pierce 1500 pump / 750 tank D: Squad 1 E: T-4 2017 Pierce 500 pump / 3000 tank F: E-4 2016 Pierce 1250 pump / 1000 tank

E

On April 22, 1889, the day the first Oklahoma Land Run opened the Unassigned Lands to settlers, J.W. Klinglesmith, Albert Rennie, and several other businessmen crossed the South Canadian River and laid claim to the 160-acre townsite that was to become Noble.

The town is named in honor of the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, John Noble, who was instrumental in opening the Unassigned Lands to settlement.

The Santa Fe Railroad

opened a depot in August 1889. For many years, Noble was a major shipping point for cattle and other goods for both sides of the South Canadian River.

Noble is considered to be the “Rose Rock Capitol of the World”, as the concentration of barium sulfate in the soil is believed to be higher there than anywhere else, causing the formation of rose rocks.

Noble hosts the Rose Rock Festival on the first Saturday of each May.

If you would like to see your FD featured in a

future issue of Oklahoma

Firefighter, please contact

Greg Roberts at 405-424-1452

F

or groberts1960@gmail.com

Oklahoma FirefighterMarch 202027

Pete & Lela

STAVROS SCHOLARSHIP FoundatiON

Pete Stavros, a retired Oklahoma City firefighter and OSFA Legislative Director Emeritus, established the scholarship fund in 2002.

It offers children and relatives of active or retired Oklahoma firefighters who are members of the OSFA help with college expenses.

Do you know a graduating high school senior who is related to an active or retired member of the Oklahoma Fire Service and the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association?

Have you told them about the Pete and Lela Stavros Scholarship Foundation?

Scholarship Award: $1,000 TO APPLY: Fill out and submit application form online at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s web site (www.occf.org/stavros).

DEADLINE: All scholarship materials must be submitted by April 1, 2020.

Recipients will be notified by mail. Scholarship packets will be disbursed during a special ceremony at the 2020 OSFA Convention in Oklahoma City.

n www.CONRADFIRE.com n (913) 780-5521

Exclusive Pierce Fire Apparatus Dealer in Oklahoma, Kansas and Western Missouri

@conradfireequipment

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Conrad Fire Equipment and Ryan Reeves would like to thank and congratulate Marietta Fire Department on the recent purchase of its Pierce Freightliner Pumper

RYAN REEVES (405) 269-3844

ROGER BROWN (785) 865-6941

STEVE MARTIN (405) 620-1891

CARY PROVENCE (405) 623-8216

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28March 2020Oklahoma Firefighter