Oklahoma Firefighter May 2020

Official publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association

May 2020 n Volume 37, Issue 4

Oklahoma State Firefighters Association 126th OSFA Convention

June 11 -13, 2020 Hosted By Oklahoma City Fire Department

I N S I D E

OSFA Executive Board Members’ Comments............................................................. 5-7 OSFA Executive Director’s Report - Steve Lumry ......................................................... 7 OFCA Names New 3rd Vice President .............................................................................7 ORFA Report - President Tippy Pierce ........................................................................... 8 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Report - Kenda Engle........................................................... 8 Firefighter Near-Miss Report - Greg Lindsay ............................................................... 10 Oklahoma Fire Spotlight -- Oklahoma City FD ..................................................... 16-17 Executive Board Meeting Highlights ............................................................................. 24 Museum News - Gene Brown ......................................................................................... 26 In Memoriam ........................................................................................................... 24-25

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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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Oklahoma FirefighterMay 20203

klahoma Firefighter May 2020

Volume 37 — Issue 4

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

May 2019 Volume 36, Issue 4

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Pension & Retirement ... 22-23

Conrad Fire Equipment .... 13

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

ITE Fire & Rescue .............. 27

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

NAFECO ............................. 2

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

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126th OSFA

I N S I D E

2019 OSFA Convention Details .......................................................................................4 OSFA Executive Board Members’ Comments ............................................................5-6 OSFA Executive Director’s Report - Steve Lumry ..........................................................7 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Report -Marti Carpenter ......................................................8 Firefighter Near-Miss Report - Greg Lindsay ............................................................... 10 Museum News - Gene Brown ........................................................................................13 ORFA Report - President Juan Rodriguez ....................................................................15 House Passes Firefighter Bills ............................................................................... 18-19 Chaplain’s Corner - Kim Hayes .....................................................................................19 Executive Board Meeting Highlights ............................................................................ 24 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May 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

126th Annual OSFA Convention Golf Tourney

39th ORFA CONVENTION June 9 • Sheraton Downtown OKC The Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association Convention is FREE and will start at 1 p.m.

Registration opens at 10 a.m. Lunch will be provided at noon.

In an effort to expedite the registration process, please send this pre-registration form to the OSFA office no later than May 27.

Register online at www.osfa.info

Wednesday, June 10 at Hefner North Golf Course

4491 S. Lake Hefner Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73116

Entry Fee: $80 Per Player, $320 Per Team Four Man Scramble • Shotgun Start • 7:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. Tee Times

Cost includes Green Fees, Cart and Custom T-shirt - Lunch will be served at the Golf Course

For more information, call David Carter at 405-202-3112

If there are any changes to the convention, notification will be sent out.

ORFA Convention Pre-Registration Form

PLEASE Bring Door Prizes!

Golf Hole Sponsor Name/Company__________________ $100 per hole

Team Captain____________________________________________________ Phone______________

Member Name: _________________________________________________

Department_____________________________ Email________________________________________

FD Retired From:________________________________________________

Tee Time Preference (First Paid Get Preference)

______7:30 a.m.

________1 p.m.

Player 1________________________________Email________________________________________

Email:_________________________________________________________

Player 2________________________________Email________________________________________

Guest: _______________________________________________________

Player 3________________________________Email________________________________________

Do You Plan to Attend the OSFA Convention, as well? o Yes

o No

Player 4________________________________Email________________________________________

Do You Plan to Attend the OSFA Banquet?

o No

Entry fee enclosed____________________________

o Yes

NOTE: Cost is $50 to attend these OSFA events -- Not included in FREE ORFA Registration

Make checks payable to: OSFA 2020 Golf Tourney

Entries must be postmarked no later than May 15 T-shirt not guaranteed if registration is late

MAIL TO: ORFA Convention 2020, 2716 NE 50th St, OKC, OK 73111

Mail to: OSFA Golf Tourney 2716 NE 50th OKC, OK 73111

Register online at www.osfa.info

2020 OSFA Convention White Water Rafting

16th Annual OSFA Convention Poker Run

Thursday, June 11 Begins at 12:30 p.m. at Sheraton Downtown OKC

Thursday, June 11 at OKC Riversports

(Ends at 4 p.m. at MDA Picnic in the Myriad Gardens)

Starts immediately following convention meetings

Entry Fee: $25 Per Person (includes Custom T-shirt) Riders will visit establishments around Oklahoma City • Open to All Modes of Transportation Prizes for High Hand, 2nd High Hand and Low Hand

For more information, call Sean Hoskinson at 405-659-9402

725 S. Lincoln Blvd., OKC, OK 73129

Cost: $20 per participant (includes Custom T-shirt) • Bring your swimsuit to convention!

Includes: floating the river • ropes course • rumble drop • slides • zipline • new wave machine For more information, call Scott VanHorn at 405-831-0005

Name______________________________________________________________________________

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Department_____________________________________________________________Shirt Size_____

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Phone_______________ Work Phone_______________Email_________________________________

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Entry fee enclosed____________________________ Make checks payable to: OSFA 2020 Poker Run

Entries must be postmarked no later than May 15 Registration accepted day of event (cash only, t-shirt not guaranteed)

Mail to: OSFA Poker Run 2716 NE 50th OKC, OK 73111

Register online at www.osfa.info

Entry fee enclosed____________________________ Make checks payable to: OSFA 2020 White Water Rafting

Entries must be postmarked no later than May 15 Registration accepted day of event (cash only, t-shirt not guaranteed)

Mail to: OSFA Rafting 2716 NE 50th OKC, OK 73111

Register online at www.osfa.info

Oklahoma FirefighterMay 20205

PresidenT n

Mike Kelley

OKC FD

I hope that as I write this

that everyone is doing well.

It has certainly been a very eventful and challenging last couple of months.

As we all know, while most of our communities have shuddered, we as firefighters have continued to answer the call to serve our citizens, friends and neighbors.

We are not just firefighters we serve as all-hazard response agencies. When our citizens call, we show up with a can-do attitude and stay until the job is complete.

This current pandemic challenges us like nothing we have faced before due to the unanswered questions and uncertainty.

While we should do this every day, it is more important than ever to recognize that we cannot help anyone if we do not take care of ourselves and those closest to us. Wear your PPE, decon properly and look out for each other’s mental health during this unprecedented time.

The OSFA Board continues to meet during this crisis, and while most events have been canceled or rescheduled, we are going to attempt to hold the ORFA and OSFA Conventions as scheduled in June.

405-623-4338

The 39th ORFA Convention is scheduled for June 9 in Oklahoma City.

The 126th OSFA Convention is scheduled for June 10-13 in Oklahoma City, and so is the 88th OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Convention.

All three 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 OSFA Executive Board will make a final decision about the fate of the conventions on May 7.

Should the June dates not work out, as of now we are looking at a backup date of July 28 - Aug. 1 if needed.

The Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association postponed its 98th OFCA Conference until August.

They held a special board meeting on April 22 to appoint a 3rd Vice President.

There were three good candidates, and the board selected Chief Richard Kelley from Oklahoma City.

(See Page 7 for more information).

Congratulations Chief Kelley! I can tell you that he will do a tremendous job!

The legislative session came to a grinding halt when a staffer tested positive for COVID-19.

1st Vice PresidenT n

Eric Harlow

2019-20 OSFA Executive Board

mkelley@local157.org

Guthrie FD

Greetings Oklahoma Firefighters!

Well, it appears we are finally starting to slowly return to a state of normalcy.

Businesses are starting to open back up and hopefully our economy will rebound soon.

It will be a slow road back, but we are Okies and we will persevere.

I hope this finds you all healthy and doing the best you can to take care of yourself and those around you.

It’s been a trying few months for most of us, and the sooner we can get back to “normal,” the better.

We mention it all the time, but really make sure you check on your family and co-workers.

This whole COVID-19 mess has many folks struggling with mental health issues due to a variety of reasons, such as loss of a job, cuts to their work hours, less income and other medical issues.

It’s a good time to just wrap your arms around those near you and make sure they’re doing OK. Due to the pandemic, the OFCA had to postpone its annual conference until later this year.

Due to this, their Executive Board took applications for those interested in becoming the new OFCA 3rd Vice President.

Their board met April 22 and appointed Oklahoma City Fire Chief Richard Kelley to the 3rd Vice President position. Congratulations to Richard and welcome to the group.

Look for more on the new date for the OFCA Conference as it becomes available.

ericharlow200@gmail.com 405-520-2893

Spring time is here, everything is green and the storms have started. Please be weather aware and be prepared for the ever-changing Oklahoma weather.

We’ve already had some tornadoes and large hail in the state and unfortunately a few fatalities in the Madill area.

Two large industries in the Madill area took heavy hits from the storm and they are already in the process of rebuilding. Please pray for those in that area as they mentally and economically recover from the damage.

I want to close with a special message to a retiring firefighter from our department.

Guthrie Fire Department Battalion Chief Rob Bukofzer retired at the end of April with 30 years on the job. He was the senior man on our department for the last several years and was a mentor to most of the guys on the job.

His knowledge and abilities with our apparatus was second to none. He was a true fireman’s fireman. He was as aggressive as they come and was always determined to get the job done quickly and get everyone home safely.

Rob was well known throughout our area and has seen a lot of big jobs during his career. I am proud to call him a friend and wish him and his wife Cindy the very best in retirement.

They plan to move to Belize as soon as the pandemic mess calms down, so I know they’ll definitely enjoy things.

Congratulations on a job well done sir!

Until next time, everyone stay safe and continue to practice your social distancing!

PRESIDENT: Mike Kelley 405-623-4388 • mkelley@local157.org 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 PAST PRESIDENT: Dereck Cassady 580-761-5338 • IAFFLocal2479@yahoo.com Our No. 1 issue is securing an overdue COLA for our retirees. We have obviously received overwhelming support in the house!

Our friends in legislature have told us that few bills will be heard, however they still think that they can secure our overdue COLA. We believe that this is an economic stimulus bill in a time that our state desperately needs economic stimulus.

Thanks for serving your communities! Stay safe!!

2nd vice President

n

Cliff Davidson

Ringwood FD

580-554-1886 davidsoncliff@yahoo.com

Hello all! I hope this finds everyone well during this unprecedented time that we are enduring with the COVID-19 pandemic.

It will be interesting to see how the economy rebounds as businesses reopen and people are allowed to return to their places of employment for those that were unable to work.

The pandemic has created a heightened awareness of the importance of PPE and hand hygiene. Many departments have experienced a decrease in the volume of calls, as well.

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns in how calls are responded to, such as MVAs, and being PPE-prepared upon arrival to the scene and treat everyone as if they are infected with the virus.

The main issue is the availability of PPE. We started by wearing our SCBAs until we were able to acquire the N95 mask and face shields.

We were fortunate to have TYVEC suits donated to us for the medical calls.

I hope everyone has been able to acquire the PPE needed to protect themselves.

Maybe with the warmer temperatures the heat will help eradicate the virus.

Everyone stay safe!

6May 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

3rd vice PresidenT n

Jim Ed Nimmo

Tulsa FD

918-557-8379 • jimnimmo7@gmail.com Howdy fellow hunker downers. I trust all of you have distanced well over the last month.

I don’t really need to ask because I know you have. I’ve seen the Lowe’s, Walmart, Reasor’s and Home Depot parking lots.

And while the nail salons, hair salons, massage parlors and churches may have been empty, the big box stores weren’t.

Along with Amazon, it has been Christmas in July ... I mean April ... for all the big box stores. People have spent less money at restaurants, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t buying food. They are just buying it somewhere else.

Of course, that hasn’t kept local and state leadership from floating out a little gloom and doom on the horizon, and I’d expect a lot more of that in the months to come despite the economy being reopened, if that takes as predicted.

In the last pension board meeting, one of our investment managers made an interesting observation concerning the CARES act. Some of the firms we invest in look for stressed businesses to acquire. There are different ways they profit and in turn our pension profits from this, but one example would be buying into these stressed companies at a severely discounted price, leveraging their equity to improve the business practices of the stressed company and then selling their equity at a profit.

He pointed out many businesses who were already facing bankruptcy due to poor business practices or severe economic cycles within that business (the kind of opportunities they look for) were being bailed out by the Act. Artificially extending the inevitable. Last month I talked about knee jerk reactions and that’s the kind of thing I was talking about, but what’s done is done.

I’ve become used to gloom and doom when it comes from those that sign the paychecks. When I started in this business, America was in the middle of the dotcom boom, online trading was pretty new, and newer still were guys who had barely graduated from high school watching CNBC all day on TV while day trading on clunky late 90s laptops. I’m not saying they weren’t capable investors, I never saw what their checkbooks looked like.

At the same time, I don’t know of any who sold off their mowing businesses, fighting chickens, or cattle operations to move to the Caymans or the Redneck Riviera (aka the Emerald Coast, as those with business interests there prefer to call it).

Through that boom, all municipalities and the state were, although often churched up with fancier language, broke. Then came the dotcom bust. They were really broke. Next was the aftermath of 9/11. Broke again. Then the housing boom. Still broke. Then the housing bust. More broker.

Most recently, we were on the upside of the biggest oil and gas play since the late 70s and early 80s. You guessed it, still broke. Can you see the pattern?

Now we have another oil bust and this Covid19 mess, very similar to the situation after the dotcom bust and 9/11. Two big hickies in a row.

I hate seeing the uncertainty it creates in the minds of newer folks in the shadow of budget woes. I suspect that apprehension is a shared experience of us all because, regardless of age, if you’ve been a member of the fire service for any length of time, you’ve been through it at one time or another.

To those of you who are experiencing this anxiety now, I would say go talk to someone who has been around a while about how it was in your department through the events I’ve already mentioned.

But before you do, put in a little thought into the value of who’s opinion you ask. Pick someone who will tell you how it was and how it worked out, not just what they think you want to hear.

Obviously, there will be some economic impacts, and it will impact some more than others. This could be the real deal, or it could be another in a long list of opportunistic behavior and stalling tactics. If you are able, prepare yourself for both eventualities.

In the meantime, the important thing to figure out in my eyes is whether or not budget slashing is because of some verifiable loss of revenue, or because your organization is buying a building to repurpose as a new city hall to bail out a business already in Chapter 11 ... oops.

To tie this off with a little gloom and doom of my own, don’t completely write off this virus business at the first sign of light at the end of the tunnel.

Like everyone else, I would like to go do what I want, where and when. At least follow the guidelines put out in your area.

We’ve already paid it forward economically, considering we just cut a check for 10% of our GDP. If there isn’t a second spike, maybe we’ll get through this without a colossal health crisis in Oklahoma in addition to an economic one.

Hunker down a little longer, to what extent you can.

PAST PREsident n

Dereck Cassady

Ponca City FD

IAFFLocal2479@ yahoo.com • 580-761-5338 This month as I sat down to write another article, I read another story of a firefighter suicide. This is a senseless act that we can put

a stop to.

I remembered an article that I read back in 2016 and may have even done an article on before, but it’s still fitting today. We as a fire service family need to keep our eyes, ears and minds open to our surroundings and the actions of those around us.

The following was originally posted in Fire Engineering Community in December 2016:

Fire Engineering Community: Firefighter Down from Suicide

By Mark W. Lamplugh, Jr. Originally posted in the Fire Engineering Community, Dec. 19, 2016 As a firefighter, we face death in a million forms every day. It could be the crash of a falling roof beam, entrapment in a quick-moving blaze, or the slow poison of the toxins we’ve accumulated in our lungs. But there’s one that seems to make some people especially uncomfortable: suicide.

For those of us who have never felt the urge, it can be incomprehensible that anybody would want to take their own life. Out of the pain and guilt of those left behind, accusations arise: selfishness, weakness, moral inferiority. The Bible tells us suicide is a sin; Dante imagined a forest in the Inferno where the suicides were twisted into wailing trees, forever trapped in their misery.

The most useful way of understanding suicide is to view it, not because of character flaws, but because of a person experiencing a level of suffering that is literally unbearable. When a human being experiences pain beyond what is tolerable, they will take any means necessary to alleviate that pain. For some unfortunate people, the only way out that they can see is through death.

Suicidal people are suffering, and often have been suffering for a long time, and look forward to the future and see only more suffering, more disaster.

Society has largely recognized the issue of PTSD and suicide amongst returning veterans.

However, the prevalence among America’s firefighters is generally less well-known, even to other firefighters. This is unfortunate, as it is one of the true hazards of the occupation.

A firefighter is three to four times more likely to die by their own hand that in the line of duty.

Of all the dangers, inherent in battling blazes, all the myriad hazards we know we must mitigate, this is the one that’s taking us out -- three to four times as often. It appears firefighters are great at mitigating corporeal hazards, but perhaps less effective at mitigating problems inside ourselves.

In 2016 alone, 125 first responders took their own lives. This is a little higher than usual, but roughly average. Most years, a little over 100 first responders will die by their own hands. Many, many more will struggle with urges and make attempts.

So who are these people? The Institute of Medicine has compiled a list of backgrounds most common to suicidal people:

• Male • Age: 18-24 and 40-55.

• Caucasian.

• Acute and chronic stress.

• Trauma.

• Substance or alcohol abuse.

• Childhood trauma.

• Relationship issues.

• Personality traits such as aggression and impulsivity.

Does this sound like anybody you work with on your team? If your department or crew is like most, it probably does. These are exactly the people we know and work with in fire. Young people -- many of them male. Many of them struggle to make ends meet. Plenty are impulsive.

I’m sure we all know a firefighter or two who has a “work hard, play hard” attitude when it comes to alcohol -- it might even be ingrained into your unit’s culture and traditions. Then, on top of that, we throw 80 pounds of gear on them and send them into the most stressful situations any human can ever experience.

Every day, we must live with the knowledge that we are responsible for the lives of others -which even a small mistake, can result in injury or death of another firefighter or a victim. This is what the Institute of Medicine refers to as “acute and chronic stress.”

Odds are good that somebody you know in your department or on your crew is struggling with suicidal ideation right now.

So, what can we do to help? In the macho culture of fire, talking about feelings can be somewhat taboo. This is especially true for deep, troubling feelings like an urge to self-harm. In the past, many of these issues simply went unspoken.

However, that does seem to be a changing trend. Fire programs have been acting to increase suicide awareness and discourse, but with so many individualized programs across the nation, it can be difficult to understand exactly what steps are being taken. Government agencies do not track firefighter suicides or firefighter mental health resources.

The best resources for a suicidal person are mental health professionals. But many suicidal people are wary of reaching out to these providers.

As a fellow firefighter, you can be an effective resource to a suicidal coworker. If somebody expresses an urge to harm themselves, it is imperative that you take them seriously. It may be a cry for help. Try to open a dialogue with them. Remind them that they are not alone, and that you care about them, and why. Listen to what they say without judgment.

Remember that suicidal people are not psychotic or insane; they are normal people dealing with an overload of grief. Urge them to seek a professional counselor. They will need help doing this since suicidal people can sometimes become so despondent that they can’t perform simple tasks like make a phone call. Don’t abandon them, even if it gets frustrating.

By simply being there to listen, you can save a life.

Oklahoma FirefighterMay 20207

OFCA Board Selects New 3rd Vice President During a special meeting of the OFCA Board on April 22, three potential candidates for the 3rd Vice President position were considered.

Several OFCA members watched via video conference as the Board progressed through the meeting by accepting the withdrawal from consideration by his request of Chief Anthony Stewart from Kingfisher.

Board members then heard from Chief Richard Kelley from OKC and Chief David Thompson from Slaughterville.

After considering all the qualities of each candidate, the Board decided to appoint Chief Richard Kelley to fill the vacant position on the OFCA Board.

Congratulations Chief Kelley and welcome to the Board!

Board members also wish to thank and show appreciation to Chief David Thompson and Chief Anthony Stewart for their willingness to serve and participate in their association.

Chief Kelley, along with the remaining OFCA Board members, all took the oath of office and the appointment was effective immediately.

Q&A with New OFCA 3rd Vice President Richard Kelley, OKC Fire Chief OFCA’s new 3rd Vice President Richard Kelley was born in Oklahoma City, adopted at birth by his incredible parents and raised in Moore.

He graduated from Moore High School, Rose State College and OSU-OKC, where he obtained his EMT-Basic.

Kelley was hired by the Will Rigers Airport Fire Department in 1990 and worked there one year while testing at other FDs around the state and country.

On Sept. 13, 1991, he started his career with the Oklahoma City Fire Department, where he was promoted through the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Major. He also held positions as Special Operations Coordinator, Technical Rescue Station Officer, Ride-out Officer, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief of Support Services and Deputy Chief of Operations.

Kelley is also a Fire Instructor Level II, EMT, HazMat Technician, Rescue Technician, Dive Team Member and OK-TF1 Task Force Leader.

In a question-and-answer session with Oklahoma Firefighter, Kelley, 50, shared the following: When did you know you wanted to be a firefighter? I was attending Rose State College where I was majoring in accounting, and a friend of mine started talking about testing for the Oklahoma City Fire Department.

I got a flier from him and started doing research and, from that point, I was hooked. I knew this was my calling in life.

OSFA executive director n

Steve Lumry

stevel@osfa.info • 405-424-1452 I’m writing this article on the morning of April 20th while in a melancholy mood. I watched the 25th Anniversary show yesterday about the Oklahoma City bombing and I’m sure that is contributing to my mood.

Also, the COVID shutdown is having its impact on my mood, as well. Our office is still closed and we are operating on a limited one person per day staff with everyone else working from home. I come in several days a week and catch everything I can up in between working from home with video conferencing and cell phones.

As I watched the bombing anniversary, I was struck by what Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said in his address. On Sunday, Mayor Holt, marked the anniversary by saying the way Oklahoma City responded to that tragedy can inform how the nation responds to the coronavirus pandemic.

“COVID-19, 9/11, the bombing, these are all similarly shared experiences along this journey we call life,” Holt said in the anniversary video. “In the wake of such events, what matters is that we take lessons from them and emerge wiser and more prepared to face similar challenges ahead.”

The bombing, carried out by Timothy McVeigh, began with dehumanization, Holt said.

“The journey to such an act begins with thoughts. Those thoughts become words, and like a virus, those words are heard by others,” he continued. “Soon, one carrier becomes many, and an ecosystem is created where ideas once considered absurd are treated with credibility.”

Holt said he sees similarities in the current political climate.

“If you are not hearing those echoes again in our current political discourse, I ask you to listen harder,” Holt said. “We all have an obligation to speak up and to reject words of dehumanization, words that divide us, words that cast others as our enemy. Right now, I hear such words coming out of the mouths of some of the most prominent people in our country.”

“Let this place be a reminder,” Holt said. “We must have better conversations. We must reject dehumanization. We must love one another.”

I took those quotes from an NPR report about the anniversary video, but they were accurate on what I heard Mayor Holt say.

Firefighters represent some of the best of humanity. Whether we, as individuals, always live up to the representation or not, as firefighters we do represent hope, a chance at survival, and a shoulder to cry on. I can’t say it any better than what Mayor Holt said, “We must have better conversations. We must reject dehumanization. We must love one another” and finally, “We all have an obligation to speak up and to reject words of dehumanization, words that divide us, words that cast others as our enemy.”

We have to adapt and overcome. We have to be the role models during times of crisis and times of calm. We have to be firefighters and we have to REPRESENT! Until next time, wear your PPE on calls, wear your masks in public, keep your families safe, and STAY SAFE! P.S. -- At the time of this writing, the OSFA and ORFA Conventions are still scheduled to continue on the original dates and times during the week of June 9-13. There will be a re-evaluation for one final time on May 7th. If there is a change, it will be posted on our Facebook and sent out through our email blast. See you there!

How’d you go about getting into the fire service? I transferred from Rose State College to OSU-OKC and I started preparing for new opportunities in the fire service. At that point, I started testing at every department that was hiring so I could learn more about the process.

When I was hired by the Oklahoma City Fire Department, I was actually starting the process at Denver Fire Department and Dallas Fire Department.

What do you like best about being in the Oklahoma Fire Service? The people are what I love about the Oklahoma Fire Service. I am proud to be a part of such a great group of people that will give the shirt off their back to help you. I also love the expected high levels of service that is demanded from all firefighters.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another,” -- Proverbs 27-17.

What are your hopes for the future? My desire is to train and equip young men and women to be successful in the fire service. I am truly blessed to work in a professional field with people I completely respect as co-workers, friends, and fire service professionals.

My goal is to mentor the future fire service leaders and leave a small mark on the great career that God blessed me with. Once I complete 35 years in the fire service, I will have a transition plan to work in another capacity to build future leaders in the fire service.

OCFD Retired

ATTENTION Fire Chiefs and Department Heads The Oklahoma Association of Emergency Vehicle Technicians helps mechanics and departments find training, servicing and parts for emergency equipment.

Need training for your mechanics?

Are the mechanics working on your equipment certified?

Think you cannot afford training?

O.A.E.V.T. CAN HELP! oklahomaevt@gmail.com

wilkerson.robert@icloud.com

O.A.E.V.T. can provide FREE TRANING that can be tailored to your department

8May 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

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ORFA REport

Tippy Pierce

Tippy Pierce, Moore • fftip@swbell.net

I hope that this issue of the Oklahoma Firefighter newspaper finds you all well.

I would like to inform you that we have lost a great man to the Coronavirus. His name will always be remembered at the OSFA Convention for his words: “Clear the Halls.”

Yes, we have lost Richard Walts, and this is going to be a big loss.

Please keep his wife Linda and all his family in your prayers. (See Page 27 for a tribute to Richard Walts).

This virus has changed the way we do business for the ORFA, OSFA and OFCA. It has closed the OSFA office and the Fire Museum.

The ORFA has cancelled all meetings and activities until the ORFA Convention. And we don’t know if it will be held due to the Governor’s 10-people gathering rule.

At this time, I know that the COLA is in the Senate for the third reading. I still have hopes that they will pass it due to the real issue -that many retired firefighters need this COLA so bad. I know that it is not the fix-all, but it could be a start to help our brothers and sisters.

I know that the stock market is down and many people have lost so much out of their portfolio. But I think that when this recession is over that the stock will return ... but it may take some time.

I am concerned about the people who are unemployed and how many need things to return to some of the normalcy that we enjoyed for a few years.

I hope that all our firefighters are safe and protected from what they have to do in their jobs. I can remember over the years making runs and how we had to use PPE to protect ourselves. There were times when you would not know what you were running on until you got to the scene.

Now they are going on something that they cannot see and may not know until days or weeks later. I would like to tell each and every one of them to be safe and expect the unexpected.

Thank you for the job you are doing as firefighters.

live long & prosper Donnie Bennett Oklahoma City FD

Constant updates and new policy and procedures regarding COVID-19 are currently our new normal.

New and important information is being administered on a daily basis, so our organizations can continue to operate and safely serve the community.

Understand that regardless of your rank/position within your respective department, it is your responsibility to understand the new policies and procedures that are being put into place.

This being said; it is imperative that we all remain patient, positive and keep an open mind throughout the duration of this pandemic.

Remember; we’ve always been “essential,” so also remember that taking care of yourself, is taking care of your family ... your fire family, as well as your family at home.

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay ready.

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PRESIDENT

Moore FD Retired

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Women’s Aux report

2019-2020 ORFA Executive Board

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Kendra Engle

1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Jr Board Member

George Fina, OKC • gomsc38@gmail.com

2ND VICE PRESIDENT

A.K. “Yogi” Cole, Tulsa • ycole@ipa.net

3RD VICE PRESIDENT

James Fullingim, Norman • nfdchief@hotmail.com

PAST PRESIDENT

Juan Rodriguez, Lawton • jrod911@gmail.com

2019-2020 Women’s Auxilary 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

What a crazy month we have had!

I’m a stay-at-home mom and also home-school my kids, so being home isn’t unusual for me. But I have noticed how frustrating it is not being able to go and do things as freely as I want since all of the Coronavirus mess has started.

I can only imagine how frustrating it has been for those who have been put out of work or have children in the public school sector.

Hopefully we are going to start moving back into a more normal lifestyle soon.

However, I must say I kind of hope people have realized how nice slowing down and spending more time with their family is and choose to do normal a little differently.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Richard Walts. He was such a great guy whom, I believe, everyone will miss. Convention will not be the same not having him there to yell, “Clear the Halls.”

Convention is quickly approaching and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Ladies, if you haven’t joined the auxiliary, it’s not too late! You do not have to be part of your local auxiliary to join the state auxiliary, and it’s only $10 per year. You can mail your membership to Marti Carpenter or can pay at convention.

Until next time!

volunteer fire service Committee report Melanie Colvin

Lexington FD

Hello all! Our current state of affairs are interesting, to say the least.

With increased awareness of infection control during responses and the unknown, we are all working hard to continue to respond to our communities needs while protecting ourselves and our citizens.

There have been some interesting ways to cope with something we can not see.

Tulsa FD came up with a way to modify a SCBA to create a system that could spray disinfectant on surfaces to decontaminate, and Tulsa has shared that with other departments.

Distilleries are switching operations to create hand sanitizer, and clothing companies are switching their operations to create masks, gowns and other medical supplies.

Firefighters from all over have seen a need and created ways to overcome challenges that have arisen while still fulfilling our obligations.

Departments have seen issues with budgeting purchases of masks, gloves and sanitizing products. Some have supplies, others don’t.

CORRECTION: Orlando Fire Chief Mike Weinkauf submitted the Volunteer Fire Service Report in the April 2020 issue.

Continued training has been an issue, as well. Concern with spreading infection and maintaining normal operations has had an effect on all of us.

Several organizations are offering free or reduced cost online training for fire departments.

IFSTA now has a new feature in ResourceOne that allows for virtual classroom time so we can continue instructor lead classes through web conferences.

UL Fire Safety Academy, NFPA xchange, FM Global Fire Service Network, ResponderSafety.com Learning Network, Transcaer, and others are offering webinars and training we can take advantage of for training opportunities during this time.

A lot has changed and we still need to plan for how we all will be returning to work when the time comes.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the dedication of our Oklahoma Firefighters and their commitment to the fire service and the communities they serve.

The Oklahoma fire service sets a great example and high standard, especially in difficult times.

Keep up the good work! Stay safe and aware.

Hope we can all return to normal operations soon, having learned some things and be better prepared in the future.

Oklahoma FirefighterMay 20209

Question & Answers Oklahoma Firefighter asked last issue’s readers this question: “What topic could you give a 20-minute presentation on without any preparation?”

Here is what they said: w Mark Murdock, Moore: The importance of good communication in the fire service. w Bruce Anthony, Tuttle: Chute procedures for the Saddle Bronc event in rodeo.

How to saddle the horse, how to safely get on the horse in the chute, and how important it is to be quick yet have subtle movements to minimize injuries before the chute gate opens … because the steel surrounding you is very unforgiving. w Donnie Bennett, Oklahoma City: In a mentor setting: The art of good decision making, and choosing the right path. w Darren Alexander, Cedar Country: Bloodborne Pathogens. I could do it in my sleep, on a computer thru WebEx, phone line, closed circuit tv, and in front of a classroom.

Did it for 11 years at the NCED using every one of those delivery methods and can probably rattle it off without a power point. Could also do it thru radio since I was a radio personality in the early ‘90s in Wichita, Kan. w Randy Rose, Oklahoma City Ret.: The need for staying healthy in your retirement years ... As I am a poor example of that. w Bre Horn, Marshall: I have a few soap boxes that I can easily get on and give a 20 minute presentation. But the first ones that come to mind are Safety, Communication, and Grass/Cropland skills and techniques. w Eldon Henderson, Enid Ret.: Donning and doffing PPE. w Aaron Burns, Broken Arrow Ret.: How NHL players are tougher than any other pro athlete. Three weeks off for turf toe …

OMG, LMAO. w Wayne Mosley, Yukon Ret.: Because of everything that has happened to me in my personal life, then motivational speaking on “How do I Overcome Trauma and Life Issues That Have Impacted Me in a Negative Way,” this is something that I will speak about in a minute’s notice.

w Joann Vinyard, widow of Bruce Vinyard, Oklahoma City Ret.: I could give more than a 20-minute presentation on my topic: FIRE DEPT ... specifically the OKCFD. The Fire Dept. is more than a business, it is Family! I have always advocated for the FD. The nicest, sweetest, kindest, most helpful to us all.

Since my husband has passed away, I feel they are all my brothers and sisters and I love all of them dearly. I, myself, consider them family and so appreciate them for all they do, and have done.

If someone says, ‘they just sit around watching TV all the time,’ I really get on my soap box and let them know in no uncertain terms that that is not all they do.

When they are called out in the middle of the night in all extremes of the weather, they work very, very hard and KNOW what they are doing.

Thank you to all of you, and God bless you abundantly! I love all of you.

I could go on and on, but I will stop here and say THANKS once again! w Eric Harlow, Guthrie: Fire apparatus specifications or public information/media relations. w Fred Hoke, Broken Arrow: Grooming show cattle. w Bryan West, OSU-FST: I could give a presentation on “Live Fire Training Safety” without any preparation. w Juan Rodriguez, Lawton Ret.: Gardening -- all aspects from starting seeds to attracting beneficial insects. w Melanie Colvin, Lexington: Medical anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, phlebotomy, etc. w Tippy Pierce, Moore Ret.: The four methods of firefighting in the United States from 1700s to the present. w Steve Spencer, Oklahoma City Ret.: My relationship with “GOD.” The LORD JESUS CHRIST. My SAVIOR for the forgiveness of sin! w Bert Norton, Midwest City: Why being a firefighter is such a rewarding career.

Next Month’s Question -“If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, what TV show would you pick?”

Everyone is Welcome to Participate!

Email Your Response to penelopes@osfa.info

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NFPA REPORT

Bob Sullivan National Fire Protection Assoc.

SW Regional Director bsullivan@nfpa.org • 720-237-1752

NFPA Responds to COVID-19 Greetings OSFA! As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Fire Service has adapted quickly to changing conditions and new challenges.

Some of these changes have been as varied as the locations where they are occurring, depending on how hard the pandemic has hit in different regions. Some Fire Departments are contending with significant numbers of their own members being quarantined, while others have thankfully been spared of any members being affected.

The pandemic has altered Fire Department response procedures in many parts of the country, and has also created some fire code issues in buildings.

Firefighters and fire inspectors are dealing with buildings that have closed and are vacant, fire protection systems that are not being maintained, other buildings that are being used in different ways than normal, such as hotels that have been converted to supplemental healthcare facilities, and stay-at-home orders that have increased the number of people who are home at all times of the day with associated increases in home cooking fires, among others.

How is your Fire Department reacting to these changes?

One example that I heard today: For many healthcare facilities and hospitals, a normal Fire Department response plan for a fire in a healthcare building might include a shelter-in-place strategy, where patients in the affected area are moved from that area of the building to another area of the building, so that they are on the other side of a fire wall/barrier from where the fire is located.

During the ongoing pandemic, when that healthcare facility might have a large number of COVID-19 patients in the area of the building where the fire occurs, how might that response strategy be potentially altered in some way? Such as if the re-location of those patients might become a much more involved and manpower-intensive operation than would normally be expected?

Talking with the facility staff and receiving their input on emergency planning and response procedures will be very important to help address the safety of everyone involved should a fire occur.

NFPA has created a webpage that offers free resources to help Fire Departments address topics such as these, as well as many other subjects. That webpage can be found on the NFPA website at www.nfpa.org by following these steps: www.nfpa. org > Codes-and-Standards > Resources > Standards-in-action > NFPA-responds-to-thecoronavirus.

Other resources on the page include documents and articles for First Responder Safety and Infection Control Programs; public education and home fire safety tips; guidance on maintaining fire protection systems in vacant buildings and in buildings that are temporarily being occupied in different ways than normal; emergency planning considerations; white papers, fact sheets, news releases; and more.

This page is being updated regularly as new information develops. Webinars on relevant topics are also being offered periodically, and information about those webinars will be posted several days in advance on the webpage.

The information on the webpage has been developed with the assistance of Fire Departments from all corners of the country, to help each other deal with the pandemic.

If you have any questions about anything on the webpage, or if you have something you would like to contribute for the benefit of everyone, please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to assist. We value your input! Thank you.

OKC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Firefighter Registration opens June 1, 2020 @ 0800 Go to www.okcstairclimb.com for more information

10May 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

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NEAR-MISS REPORT

By Greg Lindsay

OKC Fire Department

On Attack

We have all been in a situation where our actions seem to outpace the event. Occasionally, we are tasked with an activity and must wait for a crew to force entry, or we have to stand by while the fire location is identified before we can start positive pressure ventilation.

The most common thing I can think of is waiting for water. Whether you are a pump operator looking for a supply line to fill or a firefighter waiting for the handline to charge, water can be your best friend.

The article featured this month discusses the attack crew advancing on a structure fire with a dry hand line. All personnel are aware of the situation but try to quickly get into position for when the elements of this plan come together.

The nearmiss occurs when the fire fails to adhere to the plan. The full report can be found at [http://firefighternearmiss.com/Reports?id=13824].

Firefighter Injured During Fire Attack EVENT DESCRIPTION Units responded to a report of a possible house fire with flames showing. Upon arrival, the first unit reported a working fire, and the first officer on scene on Ladder 1 assumed command.

The initial report is a working fire on the second floor at the B-C corner, with fire “blowing out side B.” At this time, the crews of Engine 1 and Squad 1 formed a four-person attack team, and a preconnected 200-foot hand line (1-3/4”) was deployed from Engine 1 and flaked out into the front yard.

At the front door (A side), the combined team with an acting officer from Engine 1 was preparing to make entry to the home. The two crew members from Engine 1 were masked and requested permission from the acting officer to enter the house. At this time, the line was NOT charged. The acting officer reported that this was noted but that he didn’t consider the implications.

The two members of Engine 1 advanced the line to the top of the stairs and assumed a crawling position as they prepared to advance down the hallway. The acting officer was approximately ten seconds behind the crew as he finished putting on his SCBA mask.

The crew advanced to the upstairs hallway, and FF1 and FF2 were down the hall near the fire room door. The acting officer was at the top of the stairs with FF3 behind him. Command reported that the line was charged after the first call with visual confirmation of the hose filling outside the home.

Approximately 1 minute, 19 seconds after the initial call for water, the nozzleman (FF1) calls for water again and announces that it is getting hot. He called for his crew to back up, and they moved down the hallway to near the stairs. It was at this point that FF1 and the acting officer report a sudden intensifying of the heat level, which then quickly dissipated, enabling them to move back toward the fire room.

The main body of fire was knocked down at this time, and crew from Engine 1 was chasing some small fires in the room to include a closet. FF1 passed the line to FF2 because his mask had partially melted and was obscuring his view. At some point after this, FF1 was directed to exit the building and was told by the Engine 1 officer that he “was done” for the day due to damaged PPE. The driver from Engine 1 reported to Command that FF1 had sustained burns to the backs of both of his hands.

Shortly after this, the chief arrived on the scene and met with command. Command asked if the chief could transport FF1 to the hospital. While enroute, second-degree burns were noted to the knuckles and the back of his hands with fluid-filled blistering. In addition, FF1’s left ear had second-degree burns to the lobe and a small area of blistering to the left side of the neck.

FF1 was left in the care of the burn unit.

Before we talk about the contributing factors and lessons shared, it could be useful to speculate about the event itself. Consider these points.

• As the crew entered the structure, what type of interior conditions do you think were noted?

• If you were on this attack crew, what are the other assignments you predict command would give to the next few arriving crews? How would these assignments change your decision-making process?

• How does the decision to advance a dry handline change because this is a twostory house with fire on the second floor in the back? Would the decision be different if the fire were on the ground floor?

• Moving a charged handline up a stairway can be difficult. When this crew advanced, the line was still dry. What are some of the things that can inhibit charging a line when it is advanced through a structure while still dry?

• FF1 received second-degree burns and damaged PPE; in particular, the breathing equipment was damaged beyond usable. Why do you think the specific injuries listed above were present, and why did the breathing apparatus receive so much more damage?

The reporting crew had the following to share about this event.

LESSONS LEARNED Several contributing factors led to this incident: 1. The first and most egregious was the failure to charge the hand line in a safe area as dictated by accepted training standards. Had the line been charged, the crew would have been able to cool the gases and prevent the high heat condition that led to the burns sustained by FF1.

A company officer allowed the crew to enter the fire floor with an uncharged line, but all crew members are aware of this need and could have addressed the issue prior to entry.

2. FF1 failed to wear his department-issued gloves, which are significantly thicker than those he was wearing at the time of his injury. While it is difficult to determine with any certainty, this likely would have limited or eliminated the burns to the hands.

3. FF1 failed to wear his helmet ear flaps in the down position. This would have helped to reduce or eliminate the burns to his neck and ear.

4. All crew members failed to note warning signs of impending high heat conditions. Both FF2 and the acting officer noted orange flame in the black smoke at the ceiling level but failed to recognize the threat.

5. The officer failed to bring in the thermal image camera. This would have allowed him to recognize the level of heat above the crew and react to the hazard.

Lessons Learned 1.) The attack line should always be charged in a safe area, and water flow checked prior to entry to ensure proper operation and nozzle setting. For a house fire, this should be done outside the front door unless the fire is on an upper floor with clear conditions at the door. If this is the case, the line may be charged at the base of the steps to the fire floor. 2.) Utilize the reach of the stream to cool the fire and make conditions more tenable for the attack crew. B.) Consider the use of the transitional attack strategy.

2.) All issued protective equipment is to be worn at all times. A). Old or damaged gear should be taken out of service. B.) In this instance, the hood is what kept FF1 from sustaining serious burns to his ears and neck. C.). Make sure helmet ear flaps are worn in the down position. D.) Wear wristlets to help prevent burns and cuts to wrist and hands.

3.) Keep command informed at all times.

One of the best things about our protective clothing is its ability to shield us from thermal burns, but it can also allow us to enter the heated environment without noticing our external temperature.

Maintaining safe practices during a fire alarm is complicated when the pace of the event is fast. It becomes a distraction from assessing conditions if the officer needs to check PPE before entering the structure.

The first best way for everyone to help the crew succeed in extinguishment efforts is to wear all your personal protective equipment properly every time.

Having the ability to cool the environment as we advance is a requirement.

Though our bunker gear can protect us in very high thermal environments, the breathing apparatus we wear is not capable of keeping up with protective clothing.

We must be aware of this when making decisions about advancing on a fire.

If our breathing apparatus begins to fail, an immediate retreat is warranted.

The author of this report discusses the practice of charging handlines prior to entering the structure and using a transitional attack strategy. Our best weapon in attacking a fire is overwhelming the thermal heat production by applying water.

Water does not have to reach the fire seat to cool the environment. When the fire is visible from the exterior, penciling the ceiling with a straight stream from the exterior is a recognized practice to create safer conditions.

Next, transitioning to interior operations to finalize the event and bring the incident to its conclusion.

The Near-miss reporting system was designed to help us identify the different ways our personnel are affected during a response. Sharing these unexpected circumstances is an excellent way to prepare for the next fire alarm.

Some of the experiences are new ideas to consider, but others are reminders of practices we have seen throughout our careers.

Locating a report is easy if you know where to look.

Open a browser to www.Firefighternearmiss.com and search reports based on your interests. Remember, however, those reports are only available because busy firefighters took a moment to write about their experiences.

Oklahoma FirefighterMay 202011

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12May 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

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FSIO REPORT FSIO President

Mark Murdock

Moore FD

• Firedoc004@gmail.com • www.fsio.org

Balanced Training Hello again from the FSIO Board. Wow, it’s been a very crazy few months this year with a lot of things going on in our already busy lives.

We hope everyone is well and safe through this stressful time.

Preparations are well under way for our conference in October. We still must work out some final details, but it will be held in OKC at the OSU-OKC campus on Oct. 1-3, and we are looking forward to seeing many of you there. We will be advertising more details of the conference as they finalize.

If you have been in the fire service anytime at all, you know the struggle to balance all the necessary training it takes to do the job with proficiency. The balancing act between what is required, what is needed and what is desired can be a challenging task. So where do we start?

Congratulations to David Friend from Broken Arrow Fire Department for receiving the Learning Partner Scholarship from Columbia Southern University!

Check out more information on this scholarship and others from CSU at www.columbiasouthern.edu/ tuition-finan…/scholarships.

Columbia Southern University is pleased to have the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association as a Learning Partner As an OSFA member, this partnership provides a reduced tuition, plus many additional benefits. And for your convenience, all programs are offered in an online format.

The Learning Partner Program provides exclusive benefits to the employees/members of your organization, as well as all spouses and children.

Benefits of the partnership include: • • • •

10% tuition discount on all classes and waiver of the Application Fee Textbooks provided at no cost Exclusion scholarship opportunities for Learning Partner members Complimentary evaluation of previously earned college credits and training/professional certifications for consideration of transfer credit • Complimentary access to Writing and Math specialists through Student Success Center • A dedicated landing page for Learning Partners on the CSU website for prospective students and student enrollments (http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/community/partnerships/enroll-today) ABOUT CSU Columbia Southern University is a completely online university offering associate, bachelor and master degree programs in a wide variety of disciplines. For program information, contact Christie Ball at 800-344-5021 or Christie.Ball@columbiasouthern.edu Natasha Willett

Corporate Relations Coordinator, Corporate Relations 800.977.8449 ext: 1385 21982 University Lane • Orange Beach, AL 36561 ColumbiaSouthern.edu

The first thing to do is to take a good look at what type of emergency and non-emergency responses your department is required to deal with.

For many of us that is a long list of responsibilities such as EMS, Fire, Hazmat, Rescue, Public Education, Enforcement and Investigation.

How are we supposed to be professionals in all these disciplines? The true answer, if we are honest with ourselves, is that no one person can be good at them all.

This is where we must have a number of people who can specialize in one or two disciplines.

This is especially true of instructors. We can be good at several things but not good at everything. We must stay up-to-date and skilled in order to meet that need.

The need to have several instructors within a department is vital.

Prioritizing the type of training required and what’s needed are of utmost importance for sure. That is where it all begins.

The must-do training is not always popular or glamorous training, but it is required of us nonetheless. If given the choice, we would all default to the type of training that we are most comfortable with and things that are fun but that’s not always what we need.

So where do you look to find what is required of us as responders? Well that all depends on the discipline that we’re looking at.

For fire response we have NFPA, OSHA, ISO, DOT, FEMA, etc. For hazmat, there is NFPA, EPA, OSHA, DOT, etc. For EMS, there is NREMT, State Health Dept, DOT, OSHA, etc.

Well you get the idea. So many agencies require so much from us that it can be difficult to get it all done along with the stuff we want to train over. You know, the FUN stuff!

One way some departments handle this is by computer-based training. It is an easy way to assign work and track progress. Modern software is easy to obtain and use but can be expensive. It is a great way to document and keep the information uniform, but it falls short as a sole source of education.

What it lacks is the human element of being able to ask questions or have group discussions. You still need to balance your training with hands-on practice along with some type of evaluation tool, otherwise you’re just checking boxes.

Without application practice, you can’t get the job done with true proficiency. If all you want is to check boxes to say it’s been completed, then only using computerbased training is where it’s at! But your people won’t be proficient at doing their job when needed. That is where the rubber meets the road.

Most of us have heard the saying that some people talk a big game, but when comes to doing the job, they fall short of getting it done. That’s not where we should be as emergency responders. Personally, I want a FF that is knowledgeable and can perform the task proficiently.

Another avenue is just leaving it totally up to the individual or company officer to do their own training. This is can be beneficial if the individual is well educated, disciplined and proficient at his/her skill set.

This person also needs to be willing to step up and share information but also be open-minded to other ideas and techniques. Without direction this type of training can be inconsistent or doesn’t fall in line with what is needed or required.

Another downfall of this method is that there is no uniformity in training from one crew to another. The individual will train on what they like or what they are most comfortable with which may or may not be what is needed for the department. This creates a lot of confusion and breaks down the integrity of the department because efforts are not coordinated and proficient. This can make a very wellintended crew very frustrated.

A well-planned and coordinated training plan is what is needed. Each person involved with the training should be using a lesson plan in order to keep it uniform across the department. The lesson plan should follow local SOP’s and state/federal laws and be easy for all to use. It also ensures that all the different types of needed training are completed.

As you can see this is a complex problem and there is no easy fix.

But it’s not impossible! Time is an asset that we never have enough of so we must be flexible and good managers of our time training.

All departments should have several instructors trained in various disciplines.

Using lesson plans and a good balance of classroom, hands on skills and a way to evaluate ourselves are an absolute necessity.

Using any single method of instruction is a mistake and we must balance our training needs with a mixture of instruction types.

Until next month, remember to Lead with Passion and Train with a Purpose!

Oklahoma FirefighterMay 202013

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Chaplain’s corner Jacob Toews Truths to Remember When Walking Through Valleys

You’ve probably read Psalm 23 many times. It provides encouragement for the valleys we face in life -- and today we’re facing some valleys.

As a pandemic stretches across our nation and our world, we’re facing increasing health and financial concerns. These are not just difficult days for those we’re serving. They are difficult days for us!

This psalm provides tremendous hope for what we’re experiencing.

1. Valleys don’t last forever. “…I walk THROUGH the valley…”

You keep moving forward. Don’t camp out in the valley! Press on! Take the next step, which at the moment may be to stay home!

May I paraphrase Wesley’s words in the Princess Bride: “We are men of action; sitting at home does not become us.” So use your down time wisely.

“For I know the plans I have for you” -- this is the Lord’s declaration -- “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” -- Jeremiah 23:11-13 HCSB 2. We are not alone! “…thou art with me…”

God is walking through the valley with us. There are many shadows in the valley, but you deal with life’s shadows by turning to the light. Jesus is the light.

“Then Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” -- John 8:12 HCSB Feed your faith, not your fear and focus on Jesus. He is with you right now.

When you get your focus off of your fear, you can focus on God and what he wants to do through you. You may not be able to see him, but he is there!

Calera FD Chaplain

3. It always takes longer than we think.

“Yea, though I WALK through the valley….”

You can’t run through this, or ANY tough time we face. We would love to, but God has a purpose in all our problems.

Things he is teaching us. Character he is building into our lives, so that when we come out on the other side, we WILL be stronger and To post prayer requests more prepared than ever before.

“For our momentary light affliction is proand find up-to-date ducing for us an absolutely incomparable eterinformation on the nal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen Oklahoma Fire is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” -- 2 Chaplains, go to www.

Corinthians 4:17 HCSB 4. God has a purpose in all our problems. okfirechaplains.org.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” God cannot do evil. God allows evil because we are not puppets. He has given us the the freedom of choice. We live in a broken fallen world that is a result of sin.

As we go through these valleys together, we need to remember that God will use these difficult days for our good.

“I will transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope!” -_ Hosea 2:15 NLT God will get us through this valley as well. He will work it out for good.

5. Our reward WILL last forever. “…I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

Heaven will be worth any valley we go through today. There we will be rewarded for our faithfulness during our time on earth. Heaven is real -- and we’ll be there forever. No valley, no matter how long it seems now, will last near that long.

This, my friend, is NOT the end of the story.

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Firefighters Serving Firefighters

126th OSFA Convention Is A Go -- For Now

14May 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

By Penelope Soldan Oklahoma Firefighter Editor The only known cancellation of the OSFA Convention came in 1918.

“Coincidentally, that was the year of the Spanish Flu pandemic,” OSFA President Mike Kelley said.

“And the first known U.S. case was recorded on March 11, 1918 at Camp Funston in Fort Riley, Kan.” Pretty close to home.

And it hits pretty close to home, too, with the U.S. in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and the OSFA Convention just around the corner.

Mike Kelley So what is Kelley’s plan for the OSFA President and 126th OSFA Convention scheduled OCFD Shift Commander for June 11-13 in Oklahoma City?

“Obviously, we want to keep the current schedule,” he said.

“However, our tentative back-up date will be July 29th through August 1st. The decision to postpone or cancel will not be taken lightly. Should that decision be made, I still foresee the need for delegates.”

The OSFA Executive Board has deferred making a decision on the convention until May 7.

“Convention Planning Well Underway Before Crises the Hit” Kelley came up with his convention theme long before anyone heard of Covid-19.

And it is very fitting: “Iron Sharpens Iron, Forged Through Adversity.”

Here, in Kelley’s words, is how and why he selected this theme: “Every firefighter brings a different skill set to the job. And I feel that when we embrace our differences and utilize each other’s strengths, we are infinitely better.

“I tell recruits that if they keep their eyes and ears open that they will learn something every day. They may learn not to do anything like I do, but that’s still learning.

We can all learn from each other.

“Thinking through that process, Proverbs 27:17 came to mind -- As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. We are daily faced with adversity, and I have seen men and women forged through that process overcome incredible odds to serve the people who count on us.”

Oklahoma City firefighter Brian Neeley, who owns Inkling Design, created the convention logo (pictured at right).

And custom shirts are being made for each person taking part in the OSFA Convention Golf Tournament (June 10 at Hefner North Golf Course), the Poker Run (June 11) and/or the newest convention activity -- white water rafting!

Instead of the usual fishing and shooting events, attendees can opt for a $20 OKC Riversport pass good for June 11 that includes floating the river, the ropes course, rumble drop, slides, zipline and the new wave machine.

Kelley on OSFA Conventions: Anything you like better or worse from your first OSFA convention to your OSFA conventions as a board member? It’s a whole lot more fun attending as a delegate. There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes, and when we’re sitting on the stage, we are envious of our brothers and sisters in shorts and t-shirts.

Your funniest convention memory? Marcus Koch’s antics at every convention.

What are your hopes for the 126th OSFA Convention? That everyone in attendance enjoys themselves and that we get the opportunity to showcase our city. This is a unique time in our history, so my current hope is that we can hold the convention as scheduled.

What’s going to make the 126th convention stand out from previous conventions? We hope it’s a welcome back to a sense of normalcy. We are also excited to showcase the river sports facility.

126th Annual OSFA C

June 11-13 at Sheraton Downtown

DUES: Membership in the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association will be forfeited if dues are not paid by May 12.

MEETINGS: Daily meetings will be held at the Sheraton D Oklahoma City.

CREDENTIALS: Delegate registration must be on the credentials form with proper signature. Pre-registration may be mailed, but all credentials are due in the OSFA office no later than June 1.

ACTIVITIES: Golf Tournament is Wednesday, June 10, at North Golf Course (4491 S. Lake Hefner Dr., Oklahoma C 73116). Cost is $80 per person or $320 per team. Tee time a.m. and 1 p.m.

OKC Riversport passes are $20 for June 11 and include fl river, ropes course and ziplines. Poker Run is Thursday, J

REGISTRATION: Registration cost for delegates and members is $60. Registration cost for spouses and guests is $50. The OSFA encourages all members to attend convention, whether as a delegate or as an interested member.

Everyone should pre-register, including spouses and guests.

This allows the OSFA office to have your name tag pre-typed so the registration lines can move more quickly. You do not need to pre-pay to pre-register. You can also call the OSFA office to register members and guests.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Host hotel is Sheraton Downtown Oklahoma City. Rooms are $109 per night for single or double.

The Sheraton is located at 1 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. The hotel’s phone number is 800-325-3535. Mention “126th OSFA Convention.” Reservation cutoff date is May 25.

MDA PICNIC: The Muscular Dystrophy Association will ho picnic on Thursday, June 11, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Gardens. This is MDA’s way of showing appreciation to fir for all they do for MDA.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: To honor those members who hav passed since our last convention, a Memorial Service will held Thursday, June 11, at 10 a.m. at the Sheraton Downt Oklahoma City.

If a family member is unable to attend, the OSFA asks tha someone from their area pick up the certificate and deliver it to the department or family.

OSFA Conventions Through the Years

Oklahoma FirefighterMay 202015

10 YEARS AGO (2010) Thirty-nine past presidents of the OSFA made plans to participate in this convention’s Memorial Service.

A few didn’t make it, but those who did were presented with a wooden box featuring the convention coin.

“Herb Bradshaw informed me that his said the 1,116th Convention,” OSFA President Les Foughty said. “I thought about that, and I believe we’ll be around 1,000 years from now.”

Also of note:

• Oklahoma City Fire Chief Keith Bryant mentioned how appropriate and timely the convention theme of “Band of Brothers” was. “When things get difficult, that’s when we find out how true that is,” Bryant said. “And people truly know we’re brothers because we lock arms and take care of each other the way we should.”

• Mike Billingsley, retired Nichols Hills firefighter and manager of the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum from 2006-2014, was presented with the David Bain Award. He helped form the Firefighter’s Clown Society (now known as the Oklahoma Firefighters Foundation) which raises money to fund an apartment open for families of burn victims to use free of charge.

25 YEARS AGO (1995) On April 19, 1995, firefighters from across the state and around the country responded to a terrorist bomb attack on the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Downtown Oklahoma City. That’s why President Marshall Dunnam felt that “Firefighters Answer the Call” was the perfect theme for this convention.

And Gov. Frank Keating, who gave the opening keynote address, agreed.

“I have been complemented for my role as the chief executive officer of this state, but it is easy to explain success,” Gov. Keating said. “It is easy to say, yes, we did well because we have such wonderful professionals. But the reality is the world saw Oklahoma in the face of a firefighter. It was the professionalism of you ladies and gentlemen from around the state who participated with this first-class department here in Oklahoma City. That made my job real easy.”

Also of note:

• A new addition to the convention this year was the Bass Tournament. Midwest City firefighters Gary Loveland and Mike Begley finished first at Bell Cow Lake in Chandler and a total of $210 was raised for the Firefighters Memorial.

• Oklahoma City firefighter Jon Hansen, who introduced himself as Connie Chung’s PR man, reported that his first draft of a book on the Oklahoma City bombing was at Random House. His plans were to donate proceeds from the $5.99 paperback to the Firefighter Memorial. And to get things going, he handed over a check for $3,000.

Legislative Committee Chairman Stanley Hawkins was happy to report that the committee was successful in passing the three-quarters pension. Guest speaker Jack Bostick from Fort Worth said there was a little envy south of the border when they heard this news. But they are looking forward to attaining the same.

Hawkins also mentioned that the Arbitration and Collective Bargaining Bill passed the House and Senate but was vetoed by Governor Dewey Bartlett.

“That may be a break for us,” he said. “It was a pretty good bill but we weren’t involved with the writing or acceptance. My point is that if we don’t do anything on our own, it will be done for us.”

Agreeing with Hawkins was Bostick, Vice President for the 11th District of the International Association of Firefighters. “Some 32 states have passed a Collective Bargaining Act -- some good and some not so good,” Bostick said. “There are some pitfalls you should know about, and you might profit by their mistakes.”

Also of note:

• Harold Mace gave the Fire Service Training Report and outlined a program that would bring Oklahoma to the forefront of firefighter training in the nation.

• Bill Story Fire & Safety Co. raffled off a Model 9 Fire Engine pedal car. More than $9,000 was collected and went toward the operation of the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum.

floating June 11.

ost the e Myriad refighters

ve be town

at r

1970 OSFA President William Maddux

75 YEARS AGO (1945)

n Oklahoma City

t Hefner City, OK es at 7:30

1995 OSFA President Marshall Dunham

50 YEARS AGO (1970)

CONVENTION

Downtown

2010 OSFA President Les Foughty

DOOR PRIZES: Each department is asked to bring three door prizes. Please indicate who the door prizes are from and turn them in at the registration table.

Grand door prizes will be given away at the banquet, and you must be present to win.

BANQUET/DANCE: Scheduled for Friday, June 12, at the Sheraton Downtown Oklahoma City.

BUSINESS MEETING: Reports from the State Fire Marshal, the Firefighters Pension and Retirement System and the OSFA Committees will be presented.

Written reports also will be made available from some of the different organizations in the fire service.

You will select the OSFA Third Vice President, who will represent you and serve on the State Pension Board for the next five years.

There will be detailed discussions and voting on legislative and constitutional resolutions that will affect the fire service over the next few years.

Questions? Call OSFA at 405-424-1452 or 1-800-308-5336.

Although treasures are still being discovered inside the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum, the notebook containing details on the 51st Convention of the Oklahoma State Firemen’s Association has not yet been located.

However, the very first notebook of the association was uncovered several years ago. It is dated 1894 and contains the hand-written First Constitution and By-Laws of the Oklahoma Territorial Firemen’s Association.

So there is hope of one day learning more about the 51st Convention. But as it stands now, the only fact that is fairly certain is that George P. Askew of Tulsa called the meeting to order. He will do so in 1946, as well, as he served two terms as OSFA President.

100 YEARS AGO (1920)

1945 OSFA President George P. Askew

Because of other business matters, President George Gattis was unable to attend the 26th Annual Convention.

Vice President Z.Z. Rogers called the meeting to order.

The invocation was given by Rev. Walter Douglas and the address of welcome by Mayor R.K. Pemberton.

Addresses were also made by Geo. M. Chaney, President of the Chamber of Commerce in McAlester, and by Governor J.B.A. Robertson. After the appointment of committees and announcements, the meeting adjourned to go to the State Penitentiary and a theater party at the new Busby Theater.

Also of note:

During the afternoon, the firemen were entertained with a band concert and an automobile ride ending at the fairground, where there was a racing program, a boxing bout and a smoker.

On the third day, topics discussed were: • “Organization” -- J. Bart Foster, National Firemens Association President.

• “Amendments to the Firemen’s Pension Fund Law” -- J.A. Norris, Tulsa.

Reports of the officers were received. The Secretary/Treasurer’s Report showed a balance of cash on hand of $1,052.85, as of Sept. 18, 1920. And on May 10, Secretary/Treasurer Slemp had notified the association about the discontinuance of the “Oklahoma Fireman.” Evidently, there were only four issues of this publication, but they contained much valuable information.

1920 OSFA President George Gattis

16May 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

n OKLAHOMA FIRE SPOTLIGHT:

OCFD

OKLAHOMA CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Chief: Richard Kelley Department formed: 1889 Joined OSFA: 1894 Uniformed personnel: 880 (Approx.)

Civilian personnel: 30 (Approx.)

ISO rating: 1 Population: 600,000+ Square miles covered: 621 Number of stations: 37 Number of engines: 37 Number of ladders: 13 Number of brushpumpers: 15 Number of tankers: 5 Number of Heavy Rescue units: 1 Number of Haz-Mat units: 2 Calls per year: 70,000 (Approx.)

HISTORIC FOOTNOTE In 1894, the Oklahoma City Fire Department, along with the El Reno and Guthrie Fire Departments, formed the Oklahoma Territorial Firemen’s Association.

Since then, the organization has evolved into what is now the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association.

Mike Kelley & crew from Station 1

OCFD June 2017

OCFD 1958

OCFD on scene in 1995

n

Oklahoma FirefighterMay 202017

BY GREG ROBERTS Norman FD Retired SPOTLIGHT: OCFD

OCFD circa 1930

LEFT: Richard Kelley, OCFD Fire Chief. RIGHT: Mike Kelley, OCFD Shift Commander & OSFA President

OCFD 1966

If you would like to see your FD featured in a future issue of Oklahoma Firefighter, please contact Greg Roberts at 405-424-1452 or groberts1960@gmail.com

18May 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

n

Candidates for osfa 3rd vice president

Justin Hackworth

Tony Lopez

Tahlequah FD, Lieutenant Firefighter

Midwest City FD, Assistant Chief

Hello Oklahoma Firefighters!

My name is Justin Hackworth and I’m writing to ask for your vote and support this year for being OSFA 3rd Vice President.

I have been an Oklahoma Firefighter since December 2000.

I have been with my wife since 2007 and we have a blended family of five kids.

I am 47 years old and my youngest children are juniors in college, so I’m in a season of my life to have a little extra time to help and give back to our amazing profession.

I am currently on the OSFA Membership Committee, OSFA Safety and Health Committee and on the PFFO Trustee Board.

I am from a small combination department in Tahlequah and have served both as a volunteer firefighter and was blessed to become a full-time firefighter in 2004.

I am a cancer survivor of two different types of carcinoma, and I take big interest in helping bring down the number of firefighters who get cancer (currently estimated at 68%).

I have recently been involved in starting a peer support system across the state of Oklahoma for our firefighters in efforts to keep all of us mentally healthy through our careers and retirement years.

With that being said, I am respectfully asking for your vote at the 2020 OSFA Convention in June.

Vote HACKWORTH and let’s bring the convention back to Tahlequah!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at fd301972@yahoo.com.

Thank you for your consideration and God bless you all.

Terrell Thompson Due to the COVID-19 crisis, it is no surprise that being able to get out and visit members of other departments and retirees has not been possible.

I want to say thank you to the OSFA for giving me the opportunity to share some information of why I am running.

My name is Terrell Thompson. I am a corporal at the El Reno Fire Department, where I have been for 7-and-a-half years. Before working for the ERFD, I was a Volunteer Firefighter at Slaughterville Fire for two years and served a short time at Lindsay Fire as one of the career firemen there. And in the last 10 years, I’ve also been fortunate enough to attend nine OSFA conventions.

I have been able to serve the members of the OSFA by participating in different committees such as: Educational Advisory Committee that puts together the State Fire School; Legislative Committee (one year as chair) where we have been able to work with State Legislators in fighting for the betterment of the Oklahoma fire service and most recently the work for COLA for retirees;

With everything going on in the world today, it’s difficult for me to get out and meet all the different departments and organizations.

So I would like to take this time and tell you more about me. I have been a firefighter with Midwest City for over 29 years and currently hold the rank of assistant chief.

I have been married to my wife Sharane for 27 years and together we have two daughters, one son-in-law and one grandson. My youngest daughter will start college in the fall.

I attend St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Midwest City and serve on the health ministry team, as well as the parish council.

In my career with Midwest City, I have been promoted up through the ranks and have held every position within suppression. I have sat on several committees throughout my career and currently am the director of the honor guard.

I have organized our “Fill the Boot” campaign for at least the last 13 years.

I was instrumental in writing our first cancer reduction policy for the department, and I am in charge of our PPE program.

I am also a member of our command staff which helps the department develop policies and procedures. I have been assigned the responsibility of budgeting items such as uniforms and PPEs along with other things tasked to me as seen necessary.

My plan is to continue service five more years within the department and retire after completing with 35 years of service.

I have been a member of the OSFA my entire career. I have served on the Safety and Health Committee and the Memorial Fundraising Committee. I have also helped with the legislative reception, have served on various convention committees and have attended at least 25 OSFA Conventions.

I have decided to run for the board with the belief that my experience and love for the job will enable me to make informed decisions for all firefighters -- career and volunteer.

I want to help protect our pension. I want to be able to help with the future recruitment and retention of volunteers. I want to better our presumption laws and help create legislation for our firefighters in the future.

I have the support of Midwest City’s Fire Chief Bert Norton, City Manager Tim Lyon, Mayor Matt Dukes and Local 2066.

I would be honored to serve all of the great firefighters of the State of Oklahoma.

You can contact me at tlopez@MidwestCityOK.org. Thank you for support.

El Reno FD, Corporal

and the Safety and Health Committee where we strive to make progressive changes that can ensure safety for our members during and after the years of service they provide to the departments across the state.

While I have been in the fire service for approximately 10 years, I have been blessed to serve on these committees for the majority of that time.

I look forward to always staying proactive and helping the fire service as a whole continue to progress while moving into the future.

There are several reasons for my decision to run for the executive board, and I would like to highlight just a few at this time.

I hope that while running, I am able to share the importance of being active in the OSFA and fire service to other members, regardless of the outcome of the election.

We are very fortunate to have some fantastic retirees and seasoned individuals fighting for us every day, and I have had the privilege of working beside many of them over the years on committees.

The knowledge I have gained is invaluable, and I feel that it is time that we all take the opportunity to see what we each can do to continue to fight for firefighters across our great state as we learn from the example of those that currently fight for each of us.

Being able to serve on the committees and stand-

ing alongside these men and women who fight for the Oklahoma fire service is an invaluable experience that I would like to encourage each of you to consider in the future.

The next key point I am running on is ensuring our fire service is unified and continues to remain that way.

When issues come our way, it is always best to be able to have a strong unified front to combat any issues that we may face.

With ensuring a unified front, it not only allows our individual departments to grow, but the fire service as a whole to benefit from this.

Oklahoma fire service has always been highly revered across the country and we should absolutely continue the work that those before us have started and passed onto us. I look forward to serving the fire service and its members for the remainder of my career as well as into my retirement, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to do so.

I hope as convention is closing in that any and all individuals who may have questions please reach out to me (tthompson@cityofelreno.com).

I will always be transparent and upfront with what my intentions are and the reasons why I would like to serve as your representative on the OSFA Executive Board. Stay Safe, Train Hard & Give It Your All!

Oklahoma FirefighterMay 202019

OSFA Legislative Resolution 20-1

OSFA Constitutional Resolution 20-1

WHEREAS volunteer members of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association met in El Reno in February to discuss and determine the issues facing the volunteer fire service; and WHEREAS these issues were narrowed to the top three issues affecting volunteer firefighters in the State; and WHEREAS the OSFA is the largest representative organization for volunteer firefighters in Oklahoma; and WHEREAS Interoperability communications is an important and cost prohibitive issue facing many fire departments in our state, both volunteer and smaller paid departments; and WHEREAS the current funding levels provided by the state and other minimal resources do not provide the type of resources that will address the funding shortfall; and WHEREAS radio systems continue to advance and improve as fast as other technology currently does; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates at the 126th Annual OSFA Convention show the overall support of the organization toward our volunteer members; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Volunteer Fire Services Committee and the Legislative Committee be directed to research, develop, and move to implement new funding sources from the State of Oklahoma to provide interoperable communications that will meet the needs of the communities in the state regardless of size or resources; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these committees will report back to the OSFA Volunteer Caucus and the OSFA Convention on their progress during the 2021 caucus and convention.

WHEREAS the purpose of the OSFA shall be to create, maintain and perpetuate a fraternal spirit among its members; and WHEREAS the further purpose is to assemble in convention and there devise ways and means of improving the fire fighting service by appropriate discussion, lectures, debates and mutual exchange of ideas; and WHEREAS the purpose is also to cooperate with the various state departments and agencies, and WHEREAS it is further to suggest helpful legislation and to educate its membership and improve the service and to enhance the value and dignity of their profession and to be instrumental in promoting improved conditions for the firefighters of the State of Oklahoma; and WHEREAS the services provided by the OSFA have far exceeded the original purpose and continue to grow; and WHEREAS the cost of doing business has continued to increase along with the cost of living; and WHEREAS the last dues increase for the organization was implemented 15 years ago in 2005 to the current level of $56 per year per member; and WHEREAS the Association has been and continues to be extremely diligent and prudent with the member’s dues; and WHEREAS the Association has created a Financial Advisory Committee made up of members from all walks of the fire service and from all areas of the state; and WHEREAS the Financial Advisory Committee’s purpose is to ensure the financial integrity of the Association, Oklahoma Firefighters Museum, and the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial; and develop strategies to continue the financial strength of the Association, Museum, and Memorial while maintaining the minimal burden upon the Association’s members; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Financial Advisory Committee begin studying the following articles of the OSFA Constitution to determine the financial requirements of the Association balanced against the ability to remit of the membership:

Respectfully submitted by: Unanimous vote of the members present at the OSFA 18th Annual Volunteer Caucus, Chair Travis Fortune

OSFA Legislative Resolution 20-2 WHEREAS volunteer members of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association met in El Reno in February to discuss and determine the issues facing the volunteer fire service; and WHEREAS these issues were narrowed to the top three issues affecting volunteer firefighters in the State; and WHEREAS the OSFA is the largest representative organization for volunteer firefighters in Oklahoma; and WHEREAS the numbers and quality of people willing to serve as volunteer firefighters in the State of Oklahoma has been declining over the past decade; and WHEREAS populations in the rural communities in the state continue to decline, however their lives and property are not any less valuable than any other citizen in the state; and WHEREAS much of the population in the rural communities must travel many miles to work and are not available to respond during working hours, particularly during the daytime hours; and WHEREAS the only current incentives for volunteers is the sense of community service, the pride in their department, a small tax incentive for receiving training, and in some cases run reimbursement money and/or a small pension; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates at the 126th Annual OSFA Convention show the overall support of the organization toward our volunteer members; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Volunteer Fire Services Committee and the Legislative committee be directed to study, identify solutions, and implement legislation to address these important issues; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED these committees be directed to report the progress back to the 2021 Volunteer Caucus and the 2021 OSFA Convention.

Respectfully submitted by: Unanimous vote of the members present at the OSFA 18th Annual Volunteer Caucus, Chair Travis Fortune

OSFA Legislative Resolution 20-3 WHEREAS volunteer members of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association met in El Reno in February to discuss and determine the issues facing the volunteer fire service;

and WHEREAS these issues were narrowed to the top three issues affecting volunteer firefighters in the State; and WHEREAS the OSFA is the largest representative organization for volunteer firefighters in Oklahoma; and WHEREAS funding is always an issue when operating a fire department of any size; and WHEREAS the cost of operations, training, equipment, and maintenance are particularly challenging in small and rural departments and with volunteer departments; and WHEREAS the operational grants provided by the state barely keep the fuel in the trucks much less keep the doors open and barely provide enough to keep firefighters safe; and WHEREAS other sources of funding through the state, grants, counties, and donations continue to be spread farther and result in less funding while costs continue to rise on an annual basis; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates at the 126th Annual OSFA Convention show the overall support of the organization toward our volunteer members; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Volunteer Fire Services Committee, the Legislative Committee, and the Safety and Health Committee all research, develop, and propose implementation of additional funding and the sources for that funding to help provide the proper resources for all fire departments in Oklahoma; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these committees report back to the 2021 Volunteer Caucus and the 2021 OSFA Convention on their recommendations.

Respectfully submitted by: Unanimous vote of the members present at the OSFA 18th Annual Volunteer Caucus, Chair Travis Fortune

ARTICLE 8 – MEMBERSHIP DUES Section 1. Active members as defined in ARTICLE 2, Section 2 of this constitution and Active NonPension Members as defined in ARTICLE 2, Section 3 of this constitution shall submit annual dues in the sum of fiftysix dollars ($56) per member of which three dollars ($3) will be placed in the firemen’s museum and memorial account to be used for continued maintenance and possible future expansions of the memorial and/or museum.

ARTICLE 2 — MEMBERSHIP Section 1. The membership of this Association shall consist of Active Members, Active Non-Pension Members, Active Life Members, Honorary Life Members, Associate Members, Pension Members, Honorary Members, Honorary Associate Members, and Limited Members. All members will pay dues in accordance with Article 8 of this constitution.

Section 2. Active Members: All members of fire departments, participating in the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System, who are not receiving pension benefits, shall be eligible for active membership in this Association upon the payment of the annual dues for every member of that department as provided by Article 8, Section 1 of this constitution. They shall have the right to attend the annual conventions, to take part in the discussion of and participate in all deliberations of the Association and shall be entitled to vote, through their delegates, on all matters coming before the Association convention. The basis of Active Member representation shall be determined according to Article 9, Section 1, of this constitution.

Section 3. Active Non-Pension Members: All members of fire departments, not participating in the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System and who are still active on their fire department, shall be eligible for active non-pension membership in this Association upon the payment of the annual dues for every member of that department as provided by Article 8, Section 1 of this constitution. They shall have the right to attend the annual conventions, to take part in the discussion of and participate in all deliberations of the Association and shall be entitled to vote, through their delegates, on all matters coming before the Association convention.

The basis of Active Non-Pension Member representation shall be determined according to Article 9, Section 1, of this constitution. Active Non-Pension Members may run for the Executive Board and serve fully in that capacity if duly elected. There may only be one Active NonPension Member representative on the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Board at any given time.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the OSFA Financial Advisory Committee complete their study by March 2021 and submit a report back to the 127th OSFA Convention in June of 2021 containing their recommendations for action by the delegates present at that convention.

Submitted by: The OSFA Financial Advisory Committee, Chair Mike Kelley

ORFA Constitutional Resolution 20-1 WHEREAS the ORFA is a membership organization of retired firefighters from around the state of Oklahoma; and WHEREAS it is in the best interest of the membership that the ORFA Board have some help and guidance from a select committee; and WHEREAS committee work takes time, patience, and lots of work; and WHEREAS when a committee turns over in membership, it tends to lose the history and momentum of projects that it has taken on; and WHEREAS a standing committee ensures that the functions of the committee are in line with the members’ interests and in line with the Constitution and By-Laws; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the ORFA Constitution and By-Laws be amended in Section VII to add a new Section 2 to read: ARTICLE VII – COMMITTEES Section 1. The President of the Association shall appoint such committees as deemed necessary to conduct Association business, both during the annual ORFA meeting and in the interim between annual meetings.

Section 2. Cornerstone Committee a) The mission of this committee will be to promote the sustainability, maintain the integrity and relevance of the ORFA by providing insight to the ORFA Executive Board to enhance membership, fundraising and other activities needed to support ORFA and OSFA. Submitted by: The ORFA Executive Board, Tippy Pierce President

20May 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

www.osufst.org

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

May 2020 CLASS SCHEDULE Current as of April 20, 2020

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

All courses are FREE unless otherwise noted

Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I Part A (77601) May 1-2 (16 hours) Holdenville Fire Department Certification: Fire Fighter I (76901) May 2 (8 hours) Pioneer Tech Center - Ponca City Fire Fighter I Live Burn (76902) May 3 (8 hours) Pioneer Tech Center - Ponca City Certification: Fire Fighter I Live Burn Evaluation (76903) May 3 (8 hours) Pioneer Tech Center - Ponca City Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (75736) May 4 (8 hours) Lawton Fire Department EMS Instructor Workshop / Bridge (78088) May 4 (8 hours) • $500 - All Participants Choctaw County EMS - Hugo

Trench Rescue Technician Level I (77744) May 11-12 (16 hours) Broken Arrow Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75721) May 12 (8 hours) Chickasha Fire Department

Fire Fighter I Live Burn (76974) May 17 (8 hours) • $2000 - All Participants Kiamichi Tech Center - Poteau

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (78106) May 22 (8 hours) Edmond Fire Department

Fire Fighter I Live Burn (77504) May 17 (8 hours) Kiamichi Tech Center - Poteau

NFA - Leadership in Supervision: Frameworks to Success F0648 (77684) May 23-24 (16 hours) Lexington High School

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (76564) May 12 (8 hours) Blackwell Fire Department

Certification: Fire Fighter I Live Burn Evaluation (77505) May 17 (8 hours) Kiamichi Tech Center - Poteau

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75722) May 13 (8 hours) Chickasha Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75850) May 18 (8 hours) Altus Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (76565) May 13 (8 hours) Blackwell Fire Department

Emergency Services Instructor (Instructor I) (77940) May 18-21 (32 hours) • $3000 - All Participants NW Rogers County FPD - Oologah

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (76568) May 13 (8 hours) Sand Springs Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (75737) May 5 (8 hours) Lawton Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75723) May 14 (8 hours) Chickasha Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (75738) May 6 (8 hours) Lawton Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (76567) May 14 (8 hours) Blackwell Fire Department

NIMS ICS 300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (77633) May 6-7 (16 hours) Robert R Lester Training Center

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (76570) May 14 (8 hours) Sand Springs Fire Department

EMS Instructor Update (78107) May 7 (8 hours) • $500 - All Participants Piedmont Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (76572) May 15 (8 hours) Sand Springs Fire Department

EMS Instructor Update (78092) May 8 (8 hours) • $500 - All Participants Copan Fire Department

Swiftwater Rescue Operations (76698) May 16-17 (16 hours) • $3600 - All Participants Broken Bow Fire Department

Basic Response to Grain Handling Hazards (77382) May 9 (8 hours) Tulsa Community College NE

Certification: Fire Fighter I (77503) May 16 (8 hours) Kiamichi Tech Center - Poteau

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (76576) May 26 (8 hours) Sapulpa Fire Department Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (77030) May 26 (8 hours) Claremore Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (76577) May 27 (8 hours) Sapulpa Fire Department

Swiftwater Rescue Operations (78080) May 18-19 (16 hours) • $3200 - All Participants Broken Bow Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (77031) May 27 (8 hours) Claremore Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75851) May 19 (8 hours) Altus Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (76578) May 28 (8 hours) Sapulpa Fire Department

OEM - FEMA G775: EOC Management and Operations (76379) May 19-20 (16 hours) Pittsburg Co. Emergency Management McAlester

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (77032) May 28 (8 hours) Claremore Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (75856) May 2-Oct. 2 (8 hours) Edmond Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (75852) May 21 (8 hours) Altus Fire Department Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (75857) May 21 (8 hours) Edmond Fire Department Pipeline Awareness for Emergency Responders (78000) May 21 (4 hours) Western Tech Center - Hobart

Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I Part A (76423) May 30-31 (16 hours) NW Rogers County FPD - Oologah Rope Rescue Technician Level I Part A (76743) May 30-31 (16 hours) Guymon Fire Department

Oklahoma FirefighterMay 202021

n

fire service training

n

page to ponder Terrell Thompson

Caroline Reed OSU FST Director

El Reno FD

creed@osufst.org 405-744-5727

Safety & Health Committee

Oklahoma State University Fire Service Training is following the directive of the Governor and we are planning to start the delivery of classes in May. When we resume course deliveries, we will still be following social distancing regulation.

We will continue to update our plan as the CDC and other regulatory groups post appropriate information.

Here are some examples of what you will see based off of early April information: General Protocols OSU FST will establish the following protocols based on CDC recommendations and these will ebb and flow as the CDC puts out more regulations and removes them, we will follow their lead.

While conducting in-person course delivery, we will include the following steps: • Health screening of students • Maintaining recommended social distancing measures of 6’ or greater with exception of equipment training requiring participants and instructor be within 6 ft. distance • Enforcing self-hygiene • Cleaning and sanitizing shared equipment between each use.

If masks and gloves are recommended by CDC at time of delivery, we will ensure adequate supplies are available for students and instructors.

Many locations where we train, host agencies are EMS providers and have equipment and supplies to assist in supporting these precautions. When no local resources are available, OSU FST will provide the resources necessary.

Health screening questionnaire and response protocols under development with Health Department. This process will be updated as required according to CDC guidelines and/or other best practices.

Faculty/Instructors must agree to participate with no instructor assignments made without consent.

Class sizes vary, with as few as 8 students and up through 20 on average. Classes where the combination of students and instructor are greater than 10 must be subdivided into smaller cohorts.

Situation 1: Field Delivery Courses Statewide locations – local delivery. No course would be delivered where local restrictions are in place, unless approved by the local authority. No more than one concurrent delivery at any location.

Protocol: Classes would follow general protocols as outlined above.

Interaction required on site: This will vary dependent upon the course to include classroom and hands-on sessions. We will continue to follow general protocols as outlined above.

Situation 2: Live Fire and Rescue Training No course would be delivered where local restrictions are in place, unless approved by the local authority. Courses would be delivered to first responders who have passed both health survey and pre-screening exam.

Protocol: Classes would follow general precautions as outlined above. Only one staff member/ Instructor would be required to transport props and will be restricted to one per vehicle to reduce exposure. Vehicle interior surfaces will be cleaned and sanitized between use at end of each workday.

Interaction required on site: All safety briefings would be conducted outside maintaining 6’ CDC social distancing guidance. Training requires live fire activities where full firefighting gear is required. Firefighters are assigned to small groups of 3-6 with one instructor per group.

Special Consideration –Stay at Home Order (example of local order) With respect to the local stay at home order and potential of an extension, training fire and emergency service personnel would be considered Essential Service Workers as outlined in the following sections: Leaving the home for Essential Activities is permitted. For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence for Essential Travel only to perform Essential Activities, as defined below, which are specifically related to health and safety, the procurement of necessary supplies and services, for outdoor activity, for certain types of work and to care for others. When engaging in any outdoor activity, individuals must comply with Social Distancing Requirements.

Public transit shall be used only for purposes of performing Essential Activities or to travel to and from work to operate Essential Businesses, Healthcare Operations, or to maintain Essential Governmental Functions or Minimum Basic Operations. People riding on public transit must comply with Social Distancing Requirements.

This Order allows travel into or out of the City to perform Essential Activities, operate Essential Businesses, or maintain Essential Governmental Functions or Minimum Basic Operations.

Exemptions. All 911 call center employees, fire personnel, corrections personnel, healthcare employees, hazardous material responders from government or the private sector, workers maintaining digital systems infrastructure supporting law enforcement and emergency service operations, first responders, emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, court personnel, law enforcement personnel; and people designated by the applicable governing authority are necessary in the performance of Essential Government Functions are exempt from this Order to the extent such people are performing these functions.

I want to start out by extending my condolences to all the members who have lost someone or are enduring financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are strong, we are hopeful, and we will get through this as a united front like we have done through countless other hardships in the past.

During this pandemic, it has become clear to a number of people that the term safety is a very vague blanket statement that encompasses things we don’t typically think or deal with.

The vast majority of individuals in this line of work, as well as other responders or healthcare workers, are always willing to make the sacrifice to give up what he or she has for the betterment of other individuals. This type of mindset is something we have instilled into us from day one, to ensure that we do our job correctly and efficiently for the safety and lives of others.

However, during this time, it’s allowed us to expand on safety measures and precautions and open the eyes of our current and new members. It is evident to all that we, as a fire service, have been battling cancer among our members for decades now and will unfortunately continue to do so for years to come.

I touch on this with hopes we keep things we do and deal with during this crisis and take it into the future with us.

The carcinogens we ignore or avoid and do not decontaminate off our persons or PPE after incidents are attacking us and our loved ones just as we try to avoid exposure of other infectious diseases, we do not place cancer on a pedestal like the others.

With COVID-19, we are willing to go the extra mile to decontaminate and ensure lack of exposure for our family, friends and the family at the firehouse by being careful and following every different protocol that is given to us day-to-day.

However, with these dangerous cancer-causing carcinogens, it is something we have put on the back burner and don’t consider it a top priority until the last decade or more. The carcinogens in our clothes and body transfer to our car and into our house with our family and sit there quietly for years until it is too late.

If there is one thing we can learn from this pandemic it is that we, the fire service, must start or continue to combat all harmful agents that attack not only us, but the family and friends we expose, too.

The second factor I want to briefly touch on is the number of things we, as well as everyone else, have overlooked or under-appreciated.

There are countless members who have children who will be missing out on large mile-stones due to this situation. It is something that we often take for granted such as: graduations, sports, holidays, birthdays, funerals, etc.

We have been able to see what life is like while dealing with heavy restrictions and what we are missing out on. I urge all the members to remember this, and allow this to remind you of all the great memories you do and will have.

When restrictions are lifted, don’t go back to how things were before and overlook things, or take them for granted. Stepping back and enjoying the family, friends, cookouts, holidays and all other wonderful events is something we need to appreciate more and more.

I hope as this crisis comes to an end, hopefully sooner than later, we will get back to a level of normal and continue to be progressive as a fire service. It is my hope we do what we do best and look back at the actions taken and implement ideas to keep our members and the families safe in the case of another event like this.

My hope is for all members to pull together and get through the crisis and continue to use our united front to accomplish whatever may face us next.

Stay Safe, Train Hard, & Give It Your All!

22May 2020Oklahoma Firefighter ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Chase Rankin

Member Services Coordinator

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

Martha Pierce Vicki Mulbery

Executive Secretary

Accounts Payable Administrator

Than Dinh

Thelisha Clark

Tim Van Horn

Controller

Assistant Director (CFO)

Keely Swonger

Records Administrator

Latoya Battle

Assistant Controller

Data Processor

n CONSENT AGENDA (April 17, 2020) CHECKS TERMINATED IN MARCH 2020: Alva Alfalfa Rural Bluejacket Commerce Elk City Fairfax Gage Hastings Holdenville Jenks Lawton Midwest City Moore Mtn. Park Oklahoma City Taloga Tyron Tulsa Tulsa Wakita

Eldon D. Easterly Sr. Todd L. Willis John L. Underwood Betty L. Ray Wilma R. Marable Linda F. Summy Anne Cole Georgia M. Herd Andrew Peerson Wesley C. Weaver John M. Schroeder Elsie J. Bryson Juanita F. Harrison Francis (Toby) Hankins Betty Jo Muse Carol A. Pollock Jeanette A. Breeden Terry R. Scott Bobbie J. Shields Mary E. Pearcy

APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE PENSION SYSTEM: Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased Deceased

$5,000.00 DEATH BENEFIT: Alva Bluejacket Bluejacket Choctaw Dill City Eufaula Fairfax Fredrick Frederick Frederick Helena Kildare Marietta Meeker Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Picher Prue Stroud Tahlequah Tipton Tonkawa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Waurika

Stephen D. Easterly, Executor Of The Estate Of Eldon D. Easterly Andrea May, Child Of John L. Underwood Diane Tillman, Child Of John L. Underwood Hibbs Funeral Home On Behalf Of Durland R, Lewis Ray & Martha Funeral Home On Behalf Of Jerry R. Hartronft Hunn, Black & Merritt Funeral Home On Behalf Of Leonard J. Luna Janice I. Weston, Widow Of George E. Weston Shirley M. Godfrey, Child Of Robert L. Godfrey Robert C. Godfrey, Child Of Robert L. Godfrey John T. Godfrey, Child Of Robert L. Godfrey Elmira Bridgforth, Widow Of Norman W. Bridgforth Miller-Stahl Funeral Home On Behalf Of Virgil M. Brandon Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home On Behalf Of Debra R. Edwards Cheryl Smith, Widow Of Jerry D. Smith Brown’s Funeral Home On Behalf Of Gary L. Armstrong Mary F. Rowe, Widow Of John A. Rowe Fred Roberson, Widower Of Carla S. Roberson Vondel Smith & Sons Mortuary, Inc. On Behalf Of Clinton Merrick Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary On Behalf Of Clarence E. Jones Alice Garner, Widow Of Lonnie J. Garner Jr. Dighton-Martler Funeral Home On Behalf Of Frederick T. Matlock Chassary Mcclendon, Death Benefit Of Michael J. Alcorn Hart Funeral Home On Behalf Of Donald E. Nottingham Jackson Funeral Home On Behalf Of Tommy N. Herring Phyllis Oleta Pedigo, Widow Of James L. Pedigo Floral Haven Funeral Home On Behalf Of Raymond L. McKibben Locust Grove Funeral Home On Behalf Of Dewey A. Garrison Palmer Marler Funeral Home On Behalf Of Tray Caldwell Sr. Nancy Boore, Child Of Shelby F. Rice Dudley Funeral Home On Behalf Of Starriett B. Watkins

Berryhill FPD Timothy Vessells Chandler Andrew Goggin Chickasha Jesse A. Cooley Chickasha Logan Scheer Chickasha Timothy Wilk Cleveland Tyler West Enid Brendon Arnold Guymon Jared Loftis Holdenville Colton Bridger Oklahoma City Aaron Dickson Oklahoma City Bradley C. Thomas Ponca City Tanner Crawford Skiatook Ross Easky Spencer Tanner Rollins

APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE: 08/31/2023 Sayre

Glenda Calverley, Widow Of Tommy P. Calverley Deceased 02/11/2020

APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE FOR CONTINUATION: 04/01/2020 04/01/2020 04/01/2020 04/01/2020 04/01/2020 04/01/2020 04/01/2020

Boswell Dill City Garber Hulbert Mustang Tahlequah Tulsa

Jackie Clay, Widow Of John V. Clay Patricia Hartronft, Widow Of Jerry R. Hartronft Patsy R. McDoniel, Widow Of Malcom McDoniel Charlene Craig, Widow Of Sidney K. Craig Alice W. McCracken, Widow Of Billy H. McCracken Sharon Nottingham, Widow Of Donald E. Nottingham Linda S. Childers, Widow Of Charles F. Childers

APPLICATION FOR SERVICE PENSION: 04/01/2020 08/01/2019 04/01/2020 01/01/2020 03/01/2020 04/01/2020 04/01/2020 04/01/2020 04/01/2020 04/01/2020 04/01/2020

Cement Colcord El Reno Fairland Grady Hulbert Oklahoma City Sterling Stillwater Wainwright Watts

Matthew S. Crawford Fred K. Denny Kent A. Lagaly Mark A. Merit Scott L. Brush Mark D. Walker Albert W. Cothran David P. Break Rhyner E. Arthur Danny R. Isbell Bartley D. Snyder

APPLICATION FOR VESTED BENEFIT: 04/01/2017 04/01/2029 04/01/2017 11/12/2020 04/25/2020 01/07/2026

Canadian Chelsea Healdton Meno Midwest City Tushka

Donald P. Eldridge Larry G. Trude Jr. Michael A. Simon Diana Mason Richard L. Huffman Michae S. Broughton

REFUND OF CONTRIBUTIONS: Dylan Brady

Norman

Hired

06/16/2015

Terminated 08/06/2019

Oklahoma FirefighterMay 202023

First Alert donates 1,000 fire extinguishers to NVFC

n MEETING (March 20, 2020) Members Present: Mike Kelley, Cliff Davidson, Dana Cramer, Brent Baggett, Matt Lay, Tippy Pierce, Dereck Cassady .

Members Absent: Eric Harlow, Jim Ed Nimmo, Brent Bryant, Brandy Manek, Janet Kohls, Ron Kreiter.

Others Present: Chase Rankin, Executive Director; Marc Edwards, Legal Counsel; Tony Kay. Dennis Self/Madill - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective March 1, 2020: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded

by Lay to modify the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, to “Service”, effective March 1,2020 Ayes: Kelley, Davidson, Cramer, Cassady, Pierce, Lay, and Baggett. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Jason Smith/Moore – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective March 1, 2020: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Pierce to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective March 1, 2020. Ayes; Kelley, Lay, Baggett, Cramer, Cassady, Davidson, and Pierce. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Tony L. Baird/Oklahoma City- Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective March 1, 2020: Motion was made by Harlow and Bryant to modify the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty” to “Service”, effective March 1, 2020. Ayes: Kelley, Davidson, Cramer, Cassady, Lay, Pierce and Baggett. Nayes: None.

Motion carried.

John D. Erickson/Oklahoma City – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty Pension, Effective March 1, 2020: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Baggett to approve the “Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective March 1, 2020. Ayes: Kelley, Davidson, Cramer, Cassady, Lay, Peirce and Baggett. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Jamey Meadows/Oklahoma City – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty Pension, Effective March 1, 2020: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Lay to approve the “Application for “Disability in the Line, effective March 1, 2020. Ayes: Kelley, Davidson, Cramer, Cassady, Lay, Pierce, and Baggett. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Daniel Hesson/Ponca City – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty Pension, Effective August 15, 2019: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Cramer to approve the “Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective August 15, 2019. Ayes: Kelley, Davidson, Cramer, Cassady, Baggett, Lay, and Pierce. Nayes: None.

Motion carried.

Wes Dotter/Stillwater – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty Pension, Effective March 6, 2020: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Baggett to approve the “Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective March 6, 2020. Ayes: Ayes: Kelley, Lay, Baggett, Davidson, Cassady, Cramer and Pierce. Motion carried.

Kenneth D. Gibbens/Tulsa – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty Pension, Effective March 1, 2020: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Cramer to modify the “Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, to “Service”, effective March 1, 2020. Ayes: Kelley, Davidson, Cramer, Cassady, Pierce, Lay, and Baggett. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Anthony W. Woods/Tulsa – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty Pension, Effective March 1, 2020: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Lay to modify the “Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty” to “Service”, effective March 1, 2020. Ayes: Kelley, Davidson, Cramer, Cassady, Lay, Pierce, and Baggett. Nayes: None.

Motion carried.

Dennis L. Robertson/Warr Acres – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty Pension, Effective March 1, 2020: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Lay to approve the “Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective March 1, 2020. Ayes: Kelley, Davidson, Cramer, Cassady, Lay, Pierce and Baggett. Nayes: None.

Motion carried.

Wilson G. Ponce/Carnegie – Application For “Disability Not In The Line Of Duty Pension, Effective January 1, 2020: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Pierce to approve the “Application for “Disability Not in the Line of Duty”, effective January 1, 2020. Ayes: Kelley, Davidson, Cramer, Cassady, Lay, Pierce, and Baggett.

Nayes: None.

Motion carried.

Bryce Brent/Oklahoma City - Request To Modify Pension From “Disability Not In The Line Of Duty” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Davidson to approve the request of Brent to modify from “Service” to “Disability in the Line of Duty”. Ayes: Kelley, Davidson, Pierce, Cramer, Cassady, Lay, and Baggett. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

John Hansen/Oklahoma City - Request To Modify Pension From “Disability Not In The Line Of Duty” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Baggett to approve the request of Hansen to modify from “Disability Not in the Line of Duty” to “Disability in the Line of Duty”. Ayes: Kelley, Davidson, Pierce, Cramer, Cassady, Lay, and Baggett. Nayes: None. Motion carried. None. Motion carried.

Craig Fletcher/Oklahoma City - Request To Modify Pension From “Disability Not In The Line Of Duty” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Lay to approve the request of Fletcher to modify from “Disability Not in the Line of Duty” to “Disability in the Line of Duty”. Ayes: Kelley, Davidson, Pierce, Cramer, Cassady, Lay, and Baggett. Nayes: None. Motion carried. None. Motion carried.

Randy Steed/Tulsa - Request To Modify Pension From “Disability Not In The Line Of Duty” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Cramer to approve the request of Steed to modify from “Service” to “Disability in the Line of Duty”. Ayes: Kelley, Davidson, Pierce, Cramer, Cassady, Lay, and Baggett.

Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Kent Long/Yukon - Request To Modify Pension From “Disability Not In The Line Of Duty” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Lay to approve the request of Long to modify from “Service” to “Disability in the Line of Duty”. Ayes: Kelley, Davidson, Pierce, Cramer, Cassady, Lay, and Baggett. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

In recognition of National Volunteer Week in April, First Alert is teaming up with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to show their gratitude and appreciation for volunteer fire departments across the country.

With first responders facing unprecedented conditions nationwide, the donation of 1,000 First Alert rechargeable fire extinguishers will go to departments registered with the NVFC’s Fire Corps program to help fire service volunteers make an immediate impact in the fire readiness of their communities.

While millions of people across the country are spending more time at home – and as home cooking increases – it is important to educate the community about the essential role that fire extinguishers play in a home safety plan.

For this reason, First Alert and the NVFC have partnered to develop the fire extinguisher donation program, which will allow volunteer fire departments to distribute fire extinguishers to keep homes and families safe.

“With more people home and cooking, the risk of fire incidents increases,” said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert.

“According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number one cause of home fires in the United States is unattended cooking, with ranges or cooktops accounting for 62 percent of home fire incidents. Many small kitchen fires could likely be resolved with a fire extinguisher if caught early.”

Fire extinguishers can help save lives when used quickly and effectively. Yet, an astonishing 70 percent of fire extinguisher owners say they would not be comfortable using an extinguisher in the event of a fire according to recent research.

The donation program is supplemented by an online training course, which will enable volunteer firefighters to educate their communities on how to properly and safely use this important line of defense.

Departments should practice recommended safety protocols and electronically share information with residents under the current climate of social distancing.

“When a fire starts, every second counts. Especially with the increase in people in their homes, knowing the proper placement and maintenance of extinguishers – in addition to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms – can help reduce the risk of severe fire incidents,” added Wey. It is important to place fire extinguishers in convenient locations in the kitchen and garage, and on every level of the home.

A simple way to remember how to operate a fire extinguisher is with the acronym PASS: • Pull the pin on the extinguisher.

• Aim the nozzle low toward the base of the fire.

• Squeeze the trigger.

• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

The NVFC’s Fire Corps program utilizes community volunteers to assist resource-constrained fire departments with non-operational tasks such as community education and smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installations.

The extinguisher donation program will enable these volunteers to equip residents with this important line of defense as well as provide instruction on how to properly use an extinguisher.

“We are grateful to First Alert for this donation to help our volunteer departments keep communities safe and decrease the number of fire-related calls,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “We also are thankful for our fire service volunteers and the commitment they make to keep their own neighbors safe from threats of fire and carbon monoxide.”

The Home Fire Preparedness: Fire Extinguisher Best Practices training course is available in the NVFC Virtual Classroom at www. nvfc.org/access-the-nvfc-virtual-classroom.

For more information on fire safety, go to www.firstalert.com.

24May 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

n

in memoriam

Submitted By Jim Ed Nimmo, Tulsa FD

Troy Bunch, Oklahoma City FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for retired OKC Major Troy Bunch on April 27. He was 64.

Troy was the former Secretary-Treasurer of Local 1524 and later Local 157. He was a signer on the Local 157 Charter when the change occurred.

Up until earlier this year, Troy was the Treasurer for the Oklahoma City Retired Firefighters Association.

He lost a short but heroic battle against lung cancer.

Troy was the son of Louis Bunch (deceased), retired OKC Deputy Chief and former OSFA Exec. Dir., and Doris Bunch, OSFA Women’s Aux. Past Pres.; and brother of Kenneth Bunch, retired OKC Deputy Chief and OSFA and OFCA Past Pres.

Stacey Ward, Tulsa FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for retired Tulsa Driver Stacey Ward on April 21. He was 57.

Stacey served Tulsa FD for 24 years. He rolled E10 and also had a motorcycle accident in 2007 that paralyzed him and led to his retirement.

He had a minor single car accident, called it in himself and went to the ER. There he had heart issues and passed.

Todd Spencer, Oklahoma City FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Oklahoma City FD Lieutenant Todd Spencer on April 27. He was 50.

Todd began his career with OCFD in 1994 and faithfully served the residents of Oklahoma City for more than 25 years. He worked out of Fire Station 33A. Todd, who was loved and respected by all who knew and worked with him, passed away after a brief bout with cancer.

n

Memories of Tulsa Firefighter Stacey Ward

At press time, news came in about the following passings:

I’d like to note the passing of Brother fireman Stacey Ward of Tulsa Fire. I won’t act like Stacey and I were best friends, but I had been around him enough to know that if you’d had only been around him for five minutes once in your life, he’d have made you feel like you had known each other forever by the time you parted company.

He was a fireman’s fireman, and a personality type you see less and less of on the job these days, a kind of funny, mean, and wild that used to be pretty common but has been stymied by litigation and an obsession with recognition as part of the professional class. Not that that those are bad.

The last time I saw him was at Hillcrest Burn Center in Tulsa. I was on duty and we were there visiting another brother fireman who had been burned in a natural gas explosion. I was glad my crew got to hear an uncensored story or three about the old days from Stacey, and also to see the spark he still had in his eye for the job, despite the adversity he faced.

Later that day we made a housefire in an old two story in our area. My company knocked down a smudge in a second floor bedroom and we were overhauling it.

I can’t remember if the initial call was over the radio or when the Captain on 15s stuck his head in to holler at me, but you can imagine my surprise when they said that someone wanted to talk to me on the phone outside. I told them they were full of **it.

Anyway, at some point someone said it was Stacey on the phone for me and I still felt like they were full of the same substance previously mentioned. After I went outside, this squirrelly looking cat who lived there walked up with a cell phone and asked “are you Jim Ed?” I said yes and he said Stacey Ward wants to talk to you and handed me his phone. It was Stacey.

Evidently the guy that lived there and Stacey were friends and the guy had a couple of “concerns” that he didn’t want disturbed. I did my best to accommodate him. That’s the kind of guy Stacey was. He’d call a Captain out of a fire to try and help a friend out.

I doubt too many people can say they’ve been paged for a phone call while in a house fire, but I can, and I’ve got Stacey to thank for that. Happy Trails Old-timer, and put in a good word for the rest of us sinners with the man.

OSFA Executive Board Highlights

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

Others Present: Steve Lumry, Gene Brown, Sheri Nickel, Trisha Chain, Leesa Black, Eric Hamilton, Bruce Anthony (by video), Caroline Reed (by video), Don Armes, Julia JerniganSmith.

Fire Marshal Commission Report: Lumry The April meeting has been cancelled and May’s meeting is tentative.

COMMITTEE REPORTS n Legislative: Jernigan-Smith The Capitol is shut down to visitors and the session could potentially be budget only, which the C.O.L.A. would fall into. n Educational Advisory: Lumry The committee has made a recommendation to the Board to postpone the John F. Futhey II State Fire School to May 2021. n Volunteer Fire Service: Davidson The committee discussed rotating the annual volunteer caucus around the state in regions to encourage attendance. First will be the southwest quadrant at Lawton. n Financial Advisory: Kelley Committee will be submitting a resolution for convention to recommend studying the issue of raising membership dues.

March 19, 2020

with the committee on the development and distribution of the curriculum. n Memorial: Brown The Memorial golf tournament has been penciled in at Lincoln Park.

Museum Report: Brown Brown will be hosting a meeting between the museums in Wichita Falls, TX and Wichita, KS for a small networking meeting. Accessions are moving along well, as is the restoration of the Ward LaFrance and Brown is working on getting tires donated for it.

The smoke detectors courtesy of Vision 20/20 are now in the museum and ready to be dispersed. Brown expressed concern about keeping the museum open and recommended to be closed to the public.

The Women’s College World Series was cancelled and the Ride to Remember will most likely be postponed; the Oklahoma City Memorial marathon has been moved to the day of the OSFA Memorial Service.

Lumry stated Hudiburg has expressed interest in creating a donation program to the expansion, as well as making a personal donation. n Museum Expansion Committee: Lumry The civil engineer was hired and they have started work on surveys and have questions into the city.

n Membership: Black David Thompson met with tribal departments to discuss and answer any questions about OSFA membership.

Fire Service Training Report: Reed Most classes have been shut down and a few are finishing up; they are working with the career techs who are hosting the classes and when classes are rescheduled, they will be posted on the website.

n Public Education: Brown Committee met with Cindy Swearingen, a representative of the State Department of Education, to discuss the developed curriculum. Feedback was positive and she is happy to work

Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Report: Nickel The grant classes have been shut down but Nickel has been working with various clinics to be able to offer pension physicals.

Nickel was able to deliver donated gear to Webbers Falls; members have expressed appreciation for help the OSFA has been able to provide.

NVFC Report: Nickel Meetings and events have been cancelled.  OFCA Report: Anthony The OFCA Board will be meeting March 24 to discuss the fate of the Conference.

ORFA Report: Pierce The Cornerstone fundraiser subcommittee will be purchasing a side-by-side to raffle as a fundraiser for the Museum expansion.

Committee meetings have been shut down up to the Convention. Armes discussed the dynamics of the coronavirus and the impact it may have at the Capitol.

Executive Director’s Report: Lumry OSFA membership: 478 departments (78%), 7 new (Broxton, Cove Acres, Delaware-last members in 2005, Fort Coffee, Kenton, Sharon-last members in 2002, Tiger Mountain) with 10,247 members.

ORFA membership 4,394; Brent Hatcher membership 143; digital Oklahoma Firefighter 935 subscriptions. Public Education Summit event total was 104.

Second billing has been sent, credentials will be sent soon and the receptionist position has received five applicants so far. Lumry will follow up with Energy soccer on the fundraiser game.

New Business COVID-19 Concerns: Board will discuss Convention plans at the next meeting.

Adjourned: 10:11 a.m.

Next meeting: April 16, 2020

Oklahoma FirefighterMay 202025

n

in memoriam Richard Walts, Fort Sill FD

The Final Fire Alarm sounded for retired Fort Sill Fire Chief Richard Walts on April 3. He was 73.

Richard called firefighters to OSFA convention meetings for years.

His booming “Clear the Halls” call got everyone’s attention -- even bystanders just walking by as the firefighter meetings commenced.

His wife Linda attended quite a few conventions with Richard, including the 123rd OSFA Convention held June 2017 in Dewey. At that event, Richard was awarded the “First In, Last Out Award by the OSFA. “I was in shock,” Walts said a few days after the award announcement.

“When they asked me to say something, I froze. Then I quietly said ‘Clear the halls!’ Many said those words were very appropriate.”

Richard was made an OSFA Honorary Life Member since Fort Sill FD was never a member of the association. He also served on the Museum Board and the Memorial Centennial Sub-Committee that in February 1992 helped select the current Oklahoma Firefighters Fallen and Living Memorial Statue.

2017 OSFA Convention

2011 OSFA Convention

With Linda at Firefighters Museum

2014 OSFA Convention

2012 OSFA Convention

COVID-19 took my dad I woke up EDITOR’S NOTE: Friday morning Patrick Walts, the son of with the knowlretired Fort Sill Fire Chief Richard Walts, posted this on edge that my dad Facebook on April 4. was going to die that day.

It received more than 50,000 He’d been unconscious and views by the next day and was on a ventilator for two weeks, and shared by several news outlets. was showing no signs of improve“My objectives were twoment. His heart was weakening, fold: Put a human face on this and he was developing blood crisis to jolt people out of their clots. Nothing good was going to collective complacency, and to come out of any of this, and it was tell everyone how proud I am decided that later that afternoon we’d be disconnectof my dad,” Patrick said. ing him from the ventilator and releasing him from “He meant a lot to a great his suffering. many people, and they’ve let My mom, in full PPE, was permitted to be with me know this. It is much appreciated.” him. She’s COVID-positive. I’m not, and therefore they could not allow me into the hospital. I fully understand that, and I doubt he would have wanted me there anyway, because of his protective nature. So I watched my dad die from the comfort of my own bed, on FaceTime, on my phone.

They put his phone up to his ear and let me speak. My mom, his wife of 46 years, stroked his hair with a gloved hand and told him it was okay to go. It was all over in minutes. After disconnecting him, he went into respiratory failure and peacefully died.

This was a man who, as a firefighter, saved many a child from many a burning building. Lives were lived because of his intervention. He’s well-known in the firefighting community for his service as the former Chief of the Fort Sill Fire Dept, as well as his time as a state Fire Marshall and his involvement with the Oklahoma Firefighters Association.

His integrity was unwavering, and he fought against the good ol’ boy system at every turn, even when it made him extremely unpopular with certain “important” people who didn’t take too kindly to his not simply giving them a pass on fire code violations. He did not care what anyone thought about it, either. They expected him to play the game, but he stood for what was right, and stood his ground. He showed me, by example, how to be a man of integrity and to never back down on my convictions.

Throughout his life, he stood up for the underdogs and stood nose-to-nose with corruption and never blinked.

That guy dying in the pic above? That’s a hero. Not only is he a combat veteran, and a lifelong fireman, he was also heavily involved in children’s charity work. He was extremely active in various church activities that helped a lot of people. He never stopped.

He was active until the day he got sick.

The last time I saw him was at the beginning of March, on his birthday. I gave him a children’s birthday card and wrote something inside of it about how he’d had so many birthdays I’d burned through all of the adult cards. We laughed. We hugged. I went to work.

This has all happened so suddenly that I’m not sure what to think or how to process it. I can’t even hug my mom. She had to drive herself home and go back into her house and be alone. All I can do is visit her from the back porch, our phones both on speaker.

I’m angry. At what, though? I don’t know, specifically. I’m angry at people who aren’t taking this seriously, for one, even though he contracted it before anyone knew it was going to be a big deal. The world was a different place three weeks ago.

After I watched him die, I cried, I shouted and cursed and pounded my fist on my dresser. And then I started laughing like a lunatic. Losing a parent is really weird, guys, especially when everything is so depersonalized now, by necessity.

Anticlimactic is the word that first comes to mind. I got a call from his phone after waiting all day long for 3:00, as if waiting on a hanging, and there he was. He died, and my mom drove home and my wife and I ate dinner and watched the Joe Exotic thing on Netflix, and I laughed.

He had a huge celebration planned for his funeral, and now he’ll just go into the ground with none of his beloved church family at the Edmond Church of Christ, no honor guards, no flag ceremony and USAF buglers, no anything of his meticulouslydetailed previously written instructions for conducting his funeral.

We’ll have a memorial later on, but for right now, if you have a family member who dies of this, they die and you go home. And that’s it. I can’t even hug my mom. She’s a tough woman, but I know this is testing even her limits. I just want her to get well. I don’t want to lose them both at once.

Please, be careful out there, people. You don’t want this.

26May 2020Oklahoma Firefighter

After 25 years, first responder to the Oklahoma City bombing said positivity is what saved him

By Kayla Branch, The Oklahoman Gene Brown, eating a red sucker and leaning back in an office chair during an early morning interview this spring, has a casual and easygoing nature about him.

He meanders through a conversation about his family with at least a dozen stories and jokes, and when a co-worker drops in to say he’s headed out of the office, Brown follows up with an “I love that guy.”

But when Brown talks about his time as a first responder in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, his tone becomes serious, his elbows make their way onto the table and he tells his story in a level of detail that suggests the memories are etched into his brain.

Brown spent almost four decades as a firefighter for The Village Fire Department and now works as director of the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum.

In the 25 years since the bombing, Brown has experienced sacrifice and happiness as he pursued the main lesson he learned while sorting through the rubble in downtown Oklahoma City: Life is short, so make the most of it.

“I carried that back from the bombing, just trying to keep things in perspective and not dwell on the bad,” Brown said.

“That was probably the biggest asset I had that kept me sane and able to deal with it like I have. And another one of the things I got was thinking ‘I need to be happy today. I can’t wait for it to come. I have to find it.’”

Brown, 60, was the third of four kids and grew up in Midwest City.

He played sports and raced motocross. His dad was a truck driver, and his mom stayed home with him and his siblings until she began managing restaurants.

“It’s a funny story,” Brown says before launching into multiple tales explaining that his parents were beloved by all they met, that his grandpa helped raise him while his dad was on the road, that he once was forced to chauffeur his grandma on a trip to visit family and learned about a long-lost cousin.

It was a big family but a close family, and Brown said that sense of community and loyalty has stayed with him.

It’s why he took a job at the first fire station that offered him a position and then stayed put for his entire adult career.

“I was lucky,” Brown said. “I had a really good life. I had a great family.”

April 19, 1995 On the morning of April 19, 1995, Brown had been a firefighter with The Village for 14 years.

He was sitting at his fire station in a meeting when the entire building shook.

“We thought someone had hit the station with a car,” Brown recalled. “We’re walking around outside to see where the car is at, and one of the guys from inside comes out and says ‘Hey, the Murrah building exploded.’”

Fire departments throughout the metro area began to respond, and Brown soon found himself standing in what was the basement of the federal building.

Brown cleared debris, using infrared cameras to find those who

EDITOR’S NOTE: Museum Director Gene Brown was interviewed by The Oklahoman reporter Kayla Branch in mid March. It was for an article reflecting on the 25th Anniversary of the OKC Bombing.

The article appeared in The Oklahoman on April 17 and is being re-printed here with permission.

The person Gene was talking about when he said “I love that guy” was Museum Archivist Bob Noll, retired Yukon FD. had died. It was grueling work, he said.

“Toward the end, weeks had gone by, I can remember standing out there working, thinking ‘God, I wish this was over. I wish we could just get this done,’” he said. “But probably one of the things that affected me the most was the outpouring of help and caring from the community.”

From food to clothes to receiving pictures drawn by children, the first responders were embraced by their community, Brown said. In Brown’s eyes, those were the heroes.

And those are the memories Brown said he chooses to remember.

“I have always tried to think of the positive side of it,” he said. “But you do have thoughts once in a while. Watching little kids play. Just all kinds of little things. There are reminders that trigger you a little bit.

“But you know you helped people. That’s the part that has to stay up here,” he said, gesturing to his head.

Roy Brock was fire chief at The Village during the time. His men would come back to the fire station to talk, decompress and joke with one another.

“That was always part of the healing process,” Brock said. “The guys had to keep each other cheered up, and Gene was always one that would.

He was always upbeat and cheerful. I think we were a real close-knit group, and we all matured from that experience.”

A changed life As the months went by, Brown practiced a few key lessons: Be present with his kids, don’t dwell on the negative, try to find happiness.

It was with those lessons in mind that just over a year after the bombing he filed for divorce from his

n

Museum news

Gene Brown Museum Director geneb@osfa.info 405-424-3440 Hello everyone! I hope this finds you in good health.

As I write this article, the Museum is still closed. We are ready to get back to work.

Covid-19 hit very close to home for all of us. We lost Richard Walts. I can’t say enough good things about him.

It is a tremendous loss to all of us in the Oklahoma Fire Service. I’m proud to have been able to call Richard my friend. God speed my friend!

Not much to report from here. We are getting a few thing done for the museum.

Bob Noll has been working from home. He built some display cases that turned out great. Thank you, Bob. Please take care of yourselves!

wife of nearly two decades.

“Good, bad or indifferent, one of the things after the bombing, it really made you reassess everything,” Brown said. “That pushed me to say something has to be different. You learn that life is very short, and we just didn’t get along. After, I was happier. I was a better father, a better brother, a better son.”

Katie Welch, one of Brown’s four children, said she didn’t remember her dad acting differently after working the bombing, but she did remember the personalized vacations he took with each of his kids and spending time in the garage watching him “tinker” away.

Welch is a trauma nurse at OU Medicine, and she said that career choice was influenced by watching her dad work as a first responder.

One of Brown’s sons is a paramedic, also.

“I think it runs in the family,” Welch said. “Being able to call my dad about difficult situations and asking ‘How do you respond to someone tragically passing away?’ No one else would understand that.”

Brown spends his days giving tours at the state firefighters museum, spouting off a surprising number of facts and equipment history.

His parents, grandparents and sisters have died, but Brown and his younger brother are close.

“It is a harsh reality whenever you grew up in a fair-sized family and now it is just him and I,” Brown said. “But my perspective on that is kind of from the bombing — try not to dwell on the past. Be thankful for what you’ve got and make the best of it.”

He’s remarried and enjoying his transition to being a grandparent.

“Appreciate your friends more. Appreciate your family more,” Brown said. “Like I say, you got to keep the positive side going and make lemonade. That is probably one of my favorite sayings.”

Gene at the station with Joe Thompson, Brian Hopson, Todd Higgins and Rob Gilkison

Gene at the bombing site with Keith Blagg, Ken Henson and Wes Tollison

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