OKFF October 2018

October 2018 Volume 35, Issue 8

Official publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association

BE PREPARED

Memorial COMMITTEE Volunteer Fire Service

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

Financial Advisory COMMITTEE

Educational Advisory COMMITTEE

Safety & Health COMMITTEE

2018-2019 OSFA COMMITTEES NAMED

221 Members on 12 Committees

Museum Expansion COMMITTEE

EMS COMMITTEE

Members & Mission Public Statements Education

Inside COMMITTEE

Membership COMMITTEE

Stavros Scholarship Foundation Benevolent COMMITTEE I N S I D E

OSFA Executive Board Members’ Comments............................................................. 5-6 OSFA Executive Director’s Report - Steve Lumry ...........................................................7 ORFA Report - President Juan Rodriguez .......................................................................8 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Report -Marti Carpenter .................................................... 10 Firefighter Near-Miss Report - Greg Lindsay ............................................................... 11 ISO Report .......................................................................................................................25 Executive Board Meeting Highlights ............................................................................. 26 Chaplain’s Corner - Chuck McDade .............................................................................. 27 In Memoriam ..................................................................................................................28 Museum News - Gene Brown ......................................................................................... 28 Oklahoma Fire Spotlight -- Eufaula FD ......................................................................... 30

ChangeService ServiceRequested Requested Change

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

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City, Permit No. No. 570 570 Permit

2October 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 20183

klahoma Firefighter October 2018

Volume 35 — Issue 8

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

From High Pressure Skids to Brush and Rescue Trucks, call today and let Unruh Fire design and do a custom build to meet your needs.

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.

ATTENTION ATTENTION Fire ChiefsOR and FIRE CHIEFS DepartmentHEADS Heads DEPARTMENT The OklahomaNEED Association of FOR YOUR TRAINING Need MECHANICS? training for your mechanics?

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

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Get your Oklahoma Firefighter newspaper the minute it goes to press!

Read it on your smart phone, laptop or other digital device!

It’s an easy and convenient way to stay on top of what’s happening in your Association!

Plus, every page in the digital newspaper is in color!

And the digital version also features videos!

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

Please provide your name and address for verification.

that can be tailored to your department

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4October 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

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Firefighters Serving Firefighters

Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 20185

PREsident n

Past PREsident

Dereck Cassady

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Ponca City FD

Congratulations and thank you to Oklahoma Task Force 1 members who were activated to assist in North Carolina.

We can all be proud of our own who were able to respond and share the Oklahoma Standard with our brothers and sisters from around the nation.

My church recently completed a series entitled Mastermind. And if I haven’t lost you already, then please stay with me.

The foundational truth of the message is that your life will always move in the direction of your strongest thoughts.

My question to you: What are your thoughts about your department? The OSFA? The fire service?

Because how you think about those and every other area of your life will determine your potential

•

Firefighters will never forget.

On Sept. 11, more than 200 firefighters from as far away as Colorado completed a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the 40-story ONE Gas Tower in downtown Tulsa.

We all made the three trips up and down in full bunker gear to commemorate the sacrifice of 343 FDNY brethren that were lost that day 17 years ago.

Thank you again to Joey Marshall, IAFF Local 176, the Tulsa Fire Department, Tulsa Police Pipes & Drums, along with Jackie Price and all the members of the Price Family Properties Team for setting up this incredible event that raised almost $5,000 for the Hydrants of Hope Charity.

OSFA was also proud to be on site when 343 firefighters from all over Oklahoma and around the region completed a 110-story climb at the Chase Building in downtown OKC on Sept. 15.

All proceeds from the OKC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb go to support the Oklahoma Firefighters Foundation. Thank you again to Josh Reason and his team that made this awesome event possible once again!

Portions of Oklahoma Task Force One, our urban search and rescue (US&R) team, deployed in response to Hurricane Florence. This incident showcased their newest rescue component, the Helicopter Search & Rescue Team.

These highly trained operators integrated with military aviation units to affect hundreds of rescues in the most austere

I want to thank everyone who came out and supported the Memorial by playing in the golf tournament. It was a huge success.

As I mentioned last month, in November we go to the polls to make some very important decisions. Remember, we need people in the Capitol that will not only stand up with us, but also stand up for us.

As I was thinking about what to write this month, my mind kept coming back to behavioral health and PTSD. With my wife getting her Master’s in Psychology, I have plenty of material to look at.

So this month, let’s talk about chaos and mayhem, also known as the butterfly effect. (Sorry guys, no cool animal like the panther effect or the jaguar effect. It’s the lowly little butterfly that is the cause of all chaos.).

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

Another way to expresses this is that a small change in the initial conditions leads to drastic changes in the results. As firefighters, we understand the principle and live it in our daily work and home lives. When something happens at work, it can directly affect our home life, such as being awakened in the middle of the night to go on a call. Whether it ends well or not, this can lead to grouchy replies aimed at our spouses and/or our children at best.

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

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

Mental health in our field is just like that. One day it is there and we don’t know what to do with it.

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

Mark your calendars now for these upcoming events: The Statewide Memorial Service is Oct. 7 at your Memorial.

And the ORFA Golf Tournament is Oct. 10 at Fire Lake Golf Course in Shawnee.

Tulsa FD

matthewlay@icloud.com

IAFFLocal2479@ yahoo.com • 580-761-5338

1st vice PresidenT

Matt Lay

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Mike Kelley

OKC FD

impact positively or negatively.

Do you believe that you can make a difference?

Then you can! But will you? Because if you’ve decided that you don’t believe that you will make a difference, then most likely you won’t.

Your thoughts in that instance will likely become a self-fulfilling prophecy and you won’t put forth the effort necessary to make your department, the OSFA, or

In August, Mike Kelley received his new badge from OCFD Fire Chief Richard Kelley after being promoted to Shift Commander.

918-760-9065 and desperate situations imaginable in the aftermath of flooding along the east coast. Great Work!

The OSFA continues to represent Oklahoma Firefighters at the national level.

Vice-President Mike Kelley and I attended the International Association of FireFighters Convention, marking the Centennial Anniversary of that organization (1918-2018).

Vice-President and Guthrie Fire Chief Eric Harlow helped represent the Southwest Division at the International Association of Fire Chiefs annual conference.

New 3rd VP Cliff Davidson and Coordinator Sheri Nickel represented our state’s volunteers at the National Volunteer Fire Council Executive Board Meeting.

Coming up, President Dereck Cassady and Executive Director Steve Lumry will represent the OSFA at our nation’s Capitol as members of the State Fire Marshal’s Ambassador Delegation.

The work never ends. One incident or disaster gives way to preparing for the next. One election cycle gives way to another legislative session.

Be involved, play a role in whatever you want to see changed.

As always, if there’s anything the Board or Staff of the OSFA can do for you or your department, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Take Care and God Bless.

mkelley@local157.org • 405-623-4338 the fire service better than when you joined the ranks.

On the other hand, will thinking or even knowing that you can make a difference really make a difference? It certainly can! Because the people that serve their community, department and fellow firefighters with the thought of making a difference have already succeeded.

Those individuals will put forth the effort needed to better themselves and the people and organizations that they serve.

What I love about our job is that it’s the ultimate team sport. When we succeed, we succeed together!

Personally, we all have ups and downs -- you didn’t get the promotion, someone didn’t take your suggestion, or things just didn’t go your way.

Do you let the negative things that happen define you and your thoughts about the job? Or, do you take the disappointments, reframe them as opportunities to grow and double down on your belief that you can and will make a difference?

I would challenge each of you to be the person that believes in their ability to make a difference. Those are the people that we all want on our team!

Thanks for what you do every day to further the fire service in Oklahoma! Stay safe!

6October 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

2nd vice PresidenT n

Eric Harlow

Guthrie FD

ericharlow200@gmail.com

405-520-2893

Greetings Oklahoma Firefighters!

Can you believe how green it is for this time of year?

I can’t remember mowing this much so late into the summer. While it’s kept the yards looking good and kept the grass fires down, it has provided a humongous fuel load for

this winter.

Encourage your citizens to keep everything mowed down even after we get our first few freezes. This will cut down on the available fuel later on this winter. I hope you’re all enjoying the football season as much as I am and have been able to relax and take in a few games.

If you haven’t read it yet, I want to show you the recent article by State Treasurer Ken Miller, featured in his monthly Oklahoma Economic Report.

State Pension Investments Set the Curve Investment of the $32.9 billion in Oklahoma’s seven public pension systems is doing quite well in the ongoing record-setting bull market – better even than most other public pensions. The funds’ investments during FY-18 saw average returns of 9.5 percent, outperforming 86 percent of all public pensions.

Another strong year It marks a second consecutive year of strong returns on investment of each of the state’s pension systems. In fact, four of the seven systems have produced positive returns for nine years in a row. The three others have shown growth in eight of the nine years following the end of the Great Recession. Not surprisingly, the consistently positive investment results track closely with the nine year current bull market.

The Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System, the state’s largest at $16.5 billion, posted performance in FY18 at 10 percent. That compares to returns of 15.4 percent during FY17. The next largest system, the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, valued at $9.7 billion, reported returns of 8.3 percent during the last fiscal year. During FY-17, the system posted returns of 12.8 percent.

The $2.7 billion Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System reported the best investment performance of the state’s public systems at 11.7 percent. That compares to returns of 14.3 percent in FY-17. The Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System, valued at $2.5 billion, posted gains of 8.7 percent during the fiscal year, compared to 11.6 percent during FY-17.

The Oklahoma Law Enforcement Pension System, with an estimated value of $994 million, reported investment returns of 9 percent, compared to 13 percent during the prior fiscal year. The Uniform Retirement System for Judges and Justices, valued at $338 million, reported investment returns at 8.3 percent, compared to FY-17 returns at 12.7 percent. The Oklahoma Wildlife and Conservation Retirement Plan, with a value of $114 million, experienced investment returns of 8.2 percent in FY-18, compared to 11.3 percent during FY-17.

Better than most Firefighters’ investment returns ranked in the top 1 percent of all public pensions nationwide. Teachers was the second best performing Oklahoma public pension, with performance in the top seven percent of public systems. Law enforcement was next, with performance ranked in the 22nd percentile. Police system investment ranked in the 30th percentile, while Public Employees and Judges ranked in the 37th and 38th percentiles, respectively. Wildlife ranked in the 41st percentile.

In perspective Experts agree the strong investment performance of the past few years is unsustainably high. Examining returns over a few years is interesting, but long-term performance compared to assumed rates of return are the key measurement. In the past two years, all seven systems have outperformed the assumed rate of return.

It wasn’t that long ago that Mr. Miller was screaming that our pensions were failing and pushed to change them to a defined-contribution system. This type of system was, unfortunately, successfully pushed on new state government employees.

We cannot let our guard down and stop fighting to make our system stronger. We have a very well-rounded board that will continue to work on ways to strengthen our system, continuing our mission in taking care of our members and retirees.

Until next month, stay safe!

3rd vice PresidenT n

Cliff Davidson

davidsoncliff@yahoo.com

Ringwood FD •

580-554-1886

I hope everyone enjoyed their summer. It looks like Fall has arrived.

I had the privilege of attending the NVFC Fall Conference in Bismarck, ND, this past September and was amazed at the dedication everyone had for the fire service. We have a lot of seasoned and dedicated people in our country that are working diligently for the Volunteer Fire and EMS services of our great Nation.

I encourage you to be part of it. The NVFC is there to serve all of us, and OSFA is your state connection to it.

At this conference, I had the privilege of listening to a young lady speak.

This young lady decided at the young age of 16 that she wanted to be a firefighter, so she went to her local Volunteer Fire Department and filled out the forms she needed to and joined. She attended every training that she could and worked very diligently to become a firefighter.

From day one, she was met with resistance. Apparently, the men in the department thought that a woman’s place was to cook and clean. This young lady was subjected to sexual innuendos and threats.

She was told that if she ever told anyone of what was going on in the department that they knew where she lived and where her bedroom window was. They said that they would come in the middle of the night and she would disappear.

They even told her they knew who her younger sister was and threatened to do harm to her.

All that this young lady wanted to do was be a firefighter. She was so beat down emotionally that she became introverted. She was too scared to tell anyone. Not even her parents.

When she turned 18, she was old enough to run on structure fires. She responded to the station for a structure fire in a neighboring department. She got into the engine and proceeded to check her SCBA as she had trained so many times before to do. It all was good, it was full of air, and everything checked out good when they arrived at the scene.

However, they had a problem with the water supply. The hydrants were frozen, so they had to work on getting them thawed. So she set her SCBA down and helped to get the hydrants thawed. It took them awhile but they got the water flowing. She went to get her SCBA on and got ready to go in.

The Fire was in the back of the building, so they left the air off until they got closer to the fire. When she went to turn her air on, there was nothing.

She had checked everything on the way to the fire and the bottle was full.

While she was busy helping thaw hydrants, one of her fellow firemen thought it would be funny to drain the air out of her air bottle. As she frantically exited the building, a group of fellow firefighters were all standing outside laughing at her and telling the other department’s guys she couldn’t handle the heat.

This young lady was done with this department and her hopes and dreams of becoming a firefighter were all but gone. There is so much more to this young lady’s story and what she went through, it would take two full pages to print it.

I am not the type of person that likes to sit down and write these articles.

As you have noticed, my previous articles have been fairly short and not well written. I apologize for that and I will do my best to improve.

As I sat and listened to this young lady’s story, I became overcome with emotion, and mostly it was anger. I am a father of two daughters and the thought of one of them going through something like this would kill me.

The fire service is something that I have a great respect for, and to think this type of stuff happens in the fire service makes me sick.

The sad part is that it does happen and it is up to us in the fire service to make sure it doesn’t. It saddens me to think that there are men in this world that treat women so poorly, let alone the fire service.

The responsibility of everyone’s wellbeing in the fire service falls on its leaders. That is from the chief down.

I challenge all leaders in the fire service to do what’s right to make sure this doesn’t happen.

Thank you for reading this. My only hope is that we can put an end to this type of behavior in the fire service and all other aspects of life.

Let’s learn to be kind to one another and treat everyone with respect.

Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 20187

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OSFA executive director

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Steve Lumry

stevel@osfa.info • 405-424-1452

Where Dreams Begin, Safety Lives, and Memories are Preserved October is National Fire Prevention Month. It is a time when Fire Safety Education comes to the forefront of the Fire Service.

Some people will talk about how that came to be with the Great Chicago Fire and how Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicked over the lantern to start the fire. Others will concentrate on coloring books and Stop, Drop and Roll.

But, I’m going to concentrate this article on How the Future Meets the Past.

Many of you already know the basics of the ongoing expansion of the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum. You’ve seen the architect’s rendering pictures in prior issues of this newspaper. You know we are attempting to raise $9.5 Million to make this dream a reality.

However, what you might not know is the vision and outreach that the newly renamed Oklahoma Firefighters Museum and Family Educational Center will be. In other words, where the dream begins.

Therefore, I will provide you with a little insight into the future of YOUR Oklahoma Firefighters Museum and Family Educational Center.

Who We Will Be The Family Educational Center will house sections for children’s fire safety education, senior safety education, fire prevention education, home safety education, wildfire prevention and safety education, a statewide schools outreach program and senior safety outreach, to name a few.

We will have a fire public education officer resource center that will offer “Fire Safety Lessons-In-A-Box” available to any fire department in the State upon request and checkout.

We will also offer Public Fire Education Officer continuing education and training, as well as an office for Public Fire Education Officers from around the state inside the museum to provide safety and fire prevention presentations and/or work on and improve the fire safety education curriculum.

Members of the current OSFA Public Education Committee are already beginning work in this area and in addressing the need for public education officer continuing education.

The committee members (listed on Page 16) are beginning the vision and ensuring that safety lives in your new Museum and Family Educational Center.

Author Roy Bennett said, “Good leaders have vision and inspire others to help them turn vision into reality. Great leaders have vision, share vision, and inspire others to create their own.”

We hope to be able to help members of the Oklahoma Fire Service create their own vision of public fire safety education and risk reduction for their own communities and to provide the resources to allow that to happen.

In addition to those benefits to the citizens of Oklahoma and beyond and the firefighters that serve them, the new Oklahoma Firefighters Museum and Family Educational Center will also have an Event Center for Banquets, Weddings, Training Events and Themed Parties. This event center will seat 400 people in rounds and have room for a podium, dance floor and state of the art presentations.

We have determined that Oklahoma City is starved for meeting space, and this planned space will be very versatile.

Of course you already know that the Firefighter Museum is where memories are preserved through the preservation of fire history and displaying fire artifact. But, we will also begin to inspire innovation and we will continue educating the future about the past.

Our Challenge Engaging families is our primary focus.

According to the National Fire Protection Association

(NFPA), the most at-risk age groups for fire deaths are under age 9 and over age 65. We have a story to tell when it comes to fire safety education and fire history.

We will ignite the imagination of the young and rekindle the flame of youth for the older generations. Most everyone remembers that feeling of excitement when they first saw a fire truck rolling down the street with lights and siren blaring and they had that desire to know what was going on. We will take that excitement and turn it into a learning experience.

Unfortunately, we have outgrown our space, have been outpaced by technology to engage the children, and each day these family educational opportunities are dissipating like a cloud of smoke.

Kindling the Flame of Knowledge The Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum and Family Educational Center has initiated a capital campaign for a 25,000 square foot expansion and a remodel of our existing facilities, plus a 6100 square foot workshop and storage building at our current site at 2716 NE 50th Street in Oklahoma City.

Our location is the gateway into the Adventure District which includes the OKC Zoo, Science Museum, other museums and family destinations. Our expansion in this high-traffic area will allow us to greatly enhance our ability to deliver a safety-oriented message to the general public in Oklahoma and beyond.

Our vision for this centrally located, easily accessible campus in Oklahoma includes space for: • Interactive Tours • Computer Technology Games with Fire Safety as the Takeaway • Interactive Displays that Challenge your Knowledge of Fire Safety • Fire Truck Driving Simulator for Children of All Ages • Smoke Detector Education Displays • What to Do When There is a Fire in Your Home Interactive Display • Real World Firefighter Experience • Kitchen Safety/Burn Safety/Stop-Drop-Roll/ Home Storage Fire Safety/Wildfire Prevention and More • Senior Citizen Fire Safety and Injury Prevention A multitude of state-of-the-art upgrades are at the heart of our renovation plans.

Working in partnership with the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, a statewide working group of Public Fire Education Professionals and other Fire and Children’s Museums both locally and nationally, we will provide the most effective and comprehensive fire and safety education programs available with a statewide impact.

I hope this vision “catches fire” and you are proud to be a part of something that can impact the safety and improve the lives of many, many Oklahomans.

I also hope that you are inspired to take part in promoting and encouraging folks to participate in any way they can to make this not only an initial success but an ongoing success story. For many of us, the Oklahoma “Firemans” Museum is where our dreams began, we learned about fire safety and in our minds safety lives in our Museum, and of course as we get older and the fire service changes, our memories are preserved right here.

We hope to see you soon. Until then, stay safe!

8October 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

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ORFA REport Juan Rodriguez Lawton FD Retired

Hello Firefighters!

I attended the opening game of the OU football season against FAU. I tweaked my knee while walking in the stands and took a trip to the doctor.

Because of my swollen knee, I missed the Memorial Golf Tournament. I can’t remember the last one I missed. Getting old is not for sissies. I hope all had a good time.

The ORFA Board is still working on Medicare through the Medicare Committee. We have more meetings this month and I have no progress to report.

The open enrollment starts October 15. That was going to be our deadline, but this is too big of a project to rush.

I did make a trip to the insurance commissioner’s office. They receive federal funding to provide Medicare education to citizens. I recommend anyone that needs help with Medicare to contact their office. They are not a insurance agent, so they can give the best, unbiased information.

My knee is no longer swollen, so I hope to see everyone at the Retirees’ golf scramble at Fire Lake Golf Course in Shawnee. It is a beautiful course.

Our Statewide Memorial is Oct. 7. Please join me in honoring ours.

2018-19 ORFA Executive Board PRESIDENT Juan Rodriguez, Lawton • jrod911@gmail.com 1ST VICE PRESIDENT Tippy Pierce, Moore • fftip@swbell.net • 405-924-1104 2ND VICE PRESIDENT George Fina, OKC • gomsc38@gmail.com • 405-373-2409 3RD VICE PRESIDENT A.K. “Yogi” Cole, Tulsa • ycole@ipa.net • 918-231-3591

2018-19 ORFA Medicare Sub-Committee

By Tippy Pierce, ORFA Medicare Sub-Committee Chair This is a new committee formed after this year’s OSFA Convention in Tulsa.

It was brought to the ORFA Board that many of our members that were 65 years of age and older were paying way too much for their Health Care.

So the ORFA Board formed a Sub-Committee for Medicare on June 27. The first meeting was held July 18 and we started to define the mission for this committee and a mission statement.

Mission Statement: To assist the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association members in making informed, cost-effective health coverage decisions; provide an Informational Medicare Supplement Overview to assist in determining healthcare coverage options for maturing members; advise where to obtain the information and provide examples of coverage.

As work on this mission started, we felt like it would only take about three meetings to have our goal’s accomplished. What we found was that it was a much bigger project than we had ever thought. It is going to take us some time to accomplish this mission.

There is Medicare Part A, which is Hospital Coverage. Then there is Part B, Doctors Coverage. Then Part C, D, G, F, K, I, M and N. There was too much misunderstanding about all the parts involved. Just what does a person need?

Medicare supplements are another part of Medicare and what do they cover?

Some are only available in the metro counties around Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Then what do we need to do for the volunteers in the State of Oklahoma? These are just some Tippy Pierce - Moore Ret., Chair of the areas we are working on.

George Fina - OKC Ret., Vice Chair This committee is made up of retirees from John Ayers - Nash Ret. paid and volunteer departments. We are adding Larry Bogges - Lawton Ret. people it seems like every month that we meet T. Dick Cagle - Tulsa Ret. due to need to cover Medicare information for Yogi Cole - Tulsa Ret. all retired firefighters.

James Fulligim - Norman Ret. We will continue to bring you updates as Juan Rodriguez - Lawton Ret. they are available to help our membership make educated decisions on Medicare.

PAST PRESIDENT Dana Cramer, Norman • dcramer3@cox.net • 405-570-1387

The 2018 Stipend: What It Means For Retired Firefighters

By John A. Soos, Oklahoma City Retired On May 8, 2018, Governor Mary Fallin signed off on House Bill 1340, which provides a stipend for retired firefighters (and members of other state pension systems).

The bill became effective Oct. 1, 2018.

The following information is an effort to clarify what that means to the individual retired firefighter.

This stipend differs from a raise in that it will come in the form of a one-time lump sum payment. According to our pension board, qualifying members can expect this payment to be included as part of your pension check amount to be paid on Oct. 31, 2018.

But be very clear, this does not mean that your pension amount will be increased on a monthly basis, and it does not mean that the stipend will be repeated in future years.

Editor’s Note: There have been some questions concerning the upcoming stipend that will be paid to retired firefighters that was passed in HB1340 during the last legislative session.

This article written by former ORFA Board Member John A. Soos (OKC Ret.) was presented to us regarding this issue. We felt that it did a good job of explaining the issue and decided to reprint it.

We hope it helps, but if it still leaves questions, feel free to contact the OSFA office at any time at 405-424-1452.

The bill simply provides that you will receive this onetime additional amount in October 2018.

Who qualifies?

All retirees (volunteers and paid firefighters) who have been retired for an least five years qualify for the stipend. And, yes, active service time while on Plan B counts as retired years.

How much is the stipend?

The stipend for all retirees from volunteer departments is a fixed amount of $100.

The amount of the stipend for retirees from paid departments is based on 2% of your annual pension amount, which means the amount will vary.

However, there is a minimum stipend amount of $350 and a maximum stipend amount of $1,000 for this group of retirees.

Use the following formula to figure the exact amount of your stipend: Annual Pension Amount x 2% = Amount of Stipend.

Example: The average monthly pension amount of this group at the time of our last raise in 2008 was $2,335.25 (or $28,023 annually).

If that is your pension amount, your stipend will equal $560.46.

Will taxes apply to the stipend?

Yes, all usual taxes will apply and be deducted from all stipend amounts for all groups.

Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 20189

Question & Answers Oklahoma Firefighter asked last issue’s readers this question: “What Oklahoma event do you look forward to each year?”

Here is what they said: w Mike Bower, Midwest City Retired: I really enjoy the annual Oklahoma Firefighters Convention every June.

During the last 41 years, I have missed only 1 convention when DeAnn scheduled a family vacation without checking the calendar. I always look forward to seeing friends from across the state, attending the memorial service and receiving updates from board and staff. DeAnn and I plan to attend for as long as our health allows. w Jeremy Goodrich, Yukon: The OU/OSU football game! w Greg Lindsay, Oklahoma City: In Oklahoma, I always look forward to the day ragweed dies. w Aaron Burns, Broken Arrow Retired: Toss-up between May Fest or Octoberfest. Whichever one is coolest out, I enjoy more. w Greg Roberts, Norman Retired: Like the majority of Oklahomans, I look forward to football season! w Mike Duncan, Dewey Retired: It is an honor to attend the Statewide Memorial Service for those that have passed before us. It is an opportunity to honor them and their families for the service of the fallen firefighter and the sacrifice of the family members.

I attended the first one after the Memorial was built and plan to attend all I can. w Bert Norton, Midwest City: The OSFA Convention. It is a time to catch up with friends from around the state. w Edward Fowler, Del City Retired: Oklahoma Sooners football! Is there really anything else? w Bryan West, OSU-FST: The OSFA State Fire School. That’s the only event I have time for, and that’s because it is workrelated. w Brian McDaniel, Ardmore: Fire Convention. Networking with fellow firefighters is important. w Scott Kirby, Mill Creek: Oklahoma Sooner Football! Boomer Sooner!

w Mike Weinkauf, Orlando: I look forward to the outdoor expo put on at the Lazy E by the Wildlife Department. w Eric Harlow, Guthrie: OSFA State Fire School. It’s amazing to see the level of instruction that is being provided to our firefighters for FREE! It has become the premier regional training event, thanks to the hard work of the many entities involved. w Juan Rodriguez, Lawton Retired: The event I look forward to most is not an actual event. I can’t wait for the Spring Crappie Spawn. w Larry Bogges, Lawton Retired: I have several events that I look forward to. I guess the main one is the State Memorial Service. w Jim Ed Nimmo, Tulsa: There are two yearly events in Oklahoma that are high on my list.

I love small town festivals, and I have yet to attend one that I enjoy more than the Red Fern Festival in Tahlequah.

It is a spring festival, themed on the book “Where the Red Fern Grows” that most all Okie schoolchildren -- if not all American schoolchildren -- are familiar with (at least those born before smart phones dominated our lives).

For those that don’t know, the area around Tahlequah, in the Cookson Hills, was the setting for the book. If you get a chance, go. You won’t be disappointed.

It is a great family atmosphere, a beautiful area, and a great destination for a drive or motorcycle ride. After the festival in downtown Tahlequah, go to the Sparrowhawk primitive area and hike up to the bluff where the Illinois river wraps around Sparrowhawk Mountain. You’ll truly be able to see where the red fern grows.

Not far from there, and hidden from view by the white oaks, red oaks, sycamores and cane breaks that line the Illinois River, is Diamondhead Resort.

Diamondhead is the location of my other favorite Oklahoma yearly event, a fall music festival called Medicine Stone.

It is a great location on the clear cold water of the Illinois river featuring what most of us call Red Dirt music. It is a great time, but put your party pants on if you plan on attending. It is the real deal.

Next Month’s Question -“What is an odd food combination that you enjoy?”

Everyone is Welcome to Participate!

Email Your Response to penelopes@osfa.info

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SAFER Grant

Sheri Nickel Humility is a lost art.

Long gone are the days of teamwork and supporting each other.

Everyone wants to be better than someone else or be in a competition with their co-workers, friends and even loved ones.

Men strive to be the better grandparent and women work hard to look better than the ex-wife or girlfriend.

We always seem to be comparing ourselves to other people. It makes us work harder, eat better or even in some cases lie, cheat or steal to make ourselves feel better about whatever it is that we need to do to feel better about.

Whether you have ever taken credit for someone else’s hard work or left out the fact that Grandpa made that ice cream cone that you just gave your little granddaughter Susie to make her think that Grandma is the best, there is no denying that at one time or another you forgot what humility was.

We have to stop and ask ourselves when the last time it was that we worked as a team to accomplish a mission?

If you are a firefighter, then it should have been the last call that you went on.

Firefighting is a team effort. Everyone works together to accomplish a single task.

Every single call has a single outcome. Whether you are on a structure fire, a wildland fire, a medical call or a rescue, we are either putting out a fire or saving a life.

Now, we have to ask ourselves,

SAFER Grant Coordinator

when the last time it was that you recognized the people that you went on that call with?

I get it, everyone wants to be a hero.

Everyone wants to be the person that made entry into a structure fire to get to the seat or the person on the jaws that rolled the dash off of the trapped victim and it is a proven fact that everyone wants to be the one that knocks down the head of a wildfire that was about to get into a field that it would have been unstoppable in.

Now! Stop and think about this... were you there by yourself?

It is time we bring some humility back into our fire departments. We all need to start giving credit where credit is due.

Let’s support those who want to train and be better. And for crying out loud, learn to get along with your neighboring departments and city officials.

None of us single-handedly run our departments. The city and county clerks, county commissioners, Sheriff’s office and emergency managers play their part in this.

While it may feel like it, you aren’t the only person that makes things happen. Find the the strengths in your people and use them to make your team stronger.

Compliment the rookies for the things they do, even if it is rolling hose and acknowledge your people and let them know that they are important to the success of each completed task.

We are all in this together. and it makes it difficult to keep good people when a department revolves around one person.

SAFER GRANT

Recruitment & Retention First Time Firefighters Firefighter 1 - Bunker Gear Year-3 Opens Nov. 23, 2018 Funds dispersed on a first-come first-served basis

OKLAHOMA STATE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION

Sheri Nickel Grant Coordinator www.OSFA.info 405-424-1452 office • 580-554-7123 cell sherin@osfa.info

10October 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

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Educational Advisory Committee Report BreAnn Horn

Marshall FD

We just had our second Educational Advisory Committee meeting, and we have hit the ground running.

We are working towards preparing to put on another amazing State Fire School for everyone May 2-5, 2019, so mark your calendars! This school has grown with each year, and I strongly encourage everyone to come out and see what an amazing opportunity this school brings those that attend, whether you have been in a couple months or several years.

Things are constantly changing and evolving in the fire service, and when firefighters come together, we all begin to share thoughts and experiences that can help improve on what some might be doing already.

Right now we are taking applications for Presentations and will be through Dec. 7, 2018. So if you would like to present a class (Formal or Informal) or know someone that has a class and would like to submit the presentation for review, please reach out to the OSFA or a Committee Member.

This year, we have changed it up and are asking that when submitting a class that a short video explaining what it is about be submitted also.

Why you ask? Great question! We have noticed that some firefighters have missed out on a great learning opportunity that they would have signed up for but didn’t simply because of how a course was labeled.

We are also working on getting Vendors/Sponsors for the 2019 State Fire School, so if you or someone you know would like to be a Vendor/Sponsor for the school, please reach out to the OSFA to get more information.

We work hard on bringing in classes that are not offered on a regular basis and to bring them to you at no cost.

So the question I ask you is this: Why not come join us?

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Women’s Aux report Marti Carpenter

Jr Board Member

On Sept. 6, the 22nd Annual David Bain Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial Golf Tournament was held at the Lincoln Park Golf Course in Oklahoma

City.

The Women’s Auxiliary was able to help Trisha Chain work the check-in table. There were 28 registered teams made up of 110 golfers! (See photos on Pages 14-15).

The weather was amazing. The threat of rain was over us all day but held off, resulting in a cool shady afternoon.

After the tournament, everyone gathered at the Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum where S&B Burgers provided everyone with a burger bar and all the trimmings. The winners were announced and door prizes were awarded. It was a successful event!

I was able to visit with Gene Brown during the day, and he expressed his appreciation to the Auxiliary and also his interest in including the auxiliary in future events.

One event I would encourage everyone to keep in mind is the Ride to Remember. It is held in April, which is only 6 short months away.

More details will come soon, but the museum is expecting a record-breaking turnout.

If you know you want to be a part of the poker run, please reach out to myself or any other member of the board. And as always, please contact one of us if you have questions about starting a new Auxiliary, joining the State Auxiliary or anything in general.

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2018-19 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Executive Board PRESIDENT Erica Koch ejv97@cox.net (405) 308-2010 VICE PRESIDENT Susan Walker sw233821@gmail.com (580) 351-4116 JR BD MEMBER Marti Carpenter marticarpenter@att.net (405) 590-4608 PAST PRESIDENT Tennie Green tennie.green@gmail.com (918) 440-7060

OSFA STAFF report Tim Bartram

Special Projects

One of my roles as Special Projects Coordinator is to assist fire departments in answering questions about how the state statutes effect how they operate.

In order to accomplish this, I have had to read the statutes many times.

One of the things that has struck me is that the main portion of Title 11 which deals with Volunteer Departments has not had any major review or updates since 1977. And even then, there does not appear to be many changes since 1967.

The Title 11 Language is the basis for how Title 19 departments operate, as well.

One of the first projects assigned to me when I started at OSFA was to assist the Title 19 Fire Protection districts in reviewing their statutes.

From those meeting, there was developed some changes which needed to be made. These changes where submitted to the delegates for approval and then to the Legislative Committee for final review.

From there, these changes were submitted as a bill to the Oklahoma State Legislature last session and were moving forward until they got hung up by the teacher walkout. We will be again moving them forward next session.

All departments and firefighters need to know what Title of fire department they are organized and operate under. Then take the time to read and understand those statutes to the best of their ability.

If you have questions or comments, feel free to contact the OSFA office and we will help.

Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 201811

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NEAR-MISS REPORT

By Greg Lindsay

Getting Ready Preparing for any incident begins well before the horn goes off.

Firefighters spend a lot of time in the apparatus bay. We clean and maintain our apparatus, work with the tools, and train. Rig checks, tool checks and PPE inspections all occur regularly before a call.

Our chief officers are more than happy to support inspections, maintenance and training; it prepares us to do our job when the lights kick on.

There is, however, a less visible part of preparation we need to consider for accomplishing tasks on the fire ground.

The best way to get ready for this aspect of our preparation is to have someone else look for it.

The featured report this month is from a rural department. Almost every submission has a personal story to tell, and I chose this report because it seems relatable to us all.

Reading about this event is important because departmental policies and funding for those policies likely prevented a death. Enforcing those policies is the reason this firefighter recognizes for still being alive.

Health Problem Found During Annual Physical

Published: 1/8/2010 • http://firefighternearmiss.com/Reports?id=4112 Event Narrative The purpose of this letter is to relate my personal story of near-miss averted due to sufficient county funding and interdepartmental procedures.

In my department, all members must complete their annual physical by the end of the calendar year or that person’s turnout gear is secured and they cannot work, respond on emergency calls, or attend any training until their annual physical is complete.

Because of this requirement, and with the end of year deadline looming, I scheduled my annual physical for mid-December. My physical went well (as it had in past years) up to the point of my stress test.

The doctor conducting the stress test was not happy with the results and prohibited me from responding until I had consulted with a cardiologist.

I consulted with a cardiologist that evening and two days later was in the hospital where I underwent a cardiac catheterization. During the catheterization, a 95% blockage of my right coronary artery was found, and a stent was placed.

I was in complete disbelief! I thought I have never had ANY symptoms. I am [under 45] years old. I really don’t eat that bad. My cholesterol is not that high.

I am heavier than I should be, but who isn’t? I didn’t have any knowledge of family history for heart disease. I was a smoker, but I have not smoked for three years. In other words, I am very typical of many other members of every fire department.

Had this cardiac problem not been caught, had it not been for the county government-funded annual firefighter physical that is mandated and ENFORCED by my department, I am certain that I would have had a life-changing, if not fatal event in the next few months.

If I could have “put off” this physical, I would have because “I am way too busy.”

I have since returned to service without any restrictions, and I look forward to many more years of service to my community.

This outcome from a physical assessment prevented a tragedy.

Consider and discuss these points from the report and other information current in the fire service.

• Does your department encourage medical evaluations?

• How much importance do you place on wellness physicals?

• Do annual physicals include a stress test or other cardiac assessment?

• Would you consider it an acceptable consequence of the policy to secure protective clothing if the annual physical is not completed?

• Cardiac related events are at the top of the list for line of duty deaths in the fire service. Studies are showing that modern combustibles produce carcinogenic smoke that are related to cancers increasingly reported by firefighters.

Does your department include any type of cancer screenings during a physical?

OKC Fire Department Lessons Learned Do not put off your physical.

Government support and sufficient funding are required for an adequate physical program. Make good use of the benefits offered to you (fitness center, physical program, etc.).

Administrations must define and enforce life safety programs.

Each member must accept responsibility for his or her own health. Health screenings, physicals, and fitness programs are of limited value if members do not take advantage of the benefits offered to them and administrations do not enforce the requirements.

The lesson shared by this reporter is consistent with other submissions that discuss physical assessments. It is important to note that many firefighters receive assessments each year where a clean bill of health is the outcome.

The nearmiss in this report is the hazardous condition identified, and an unwanted outcome is averted. I want to encourage everyone to make sure every one of our department’s resources are ready to respond.

This firefighter felt strongly enough about the event to spend a few minutes and tell their story.

A report doesn’t have to have a life-threatening element to be relevant. Any report that has a lesson you find valuable is a lesson I would like to read about.

The reporting system located at www.Firefighternearmiss.com is free, anonymous, and confidential.

Sharing your experiences today will help protect the shift on duty tomorrow.

Thank you for reading.

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12October 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

19th Annual Oklahoma Fallen & Living Firefighters Memorial Service Honoring Our Own n October 7, 2018 n Oklahoma City

LAST ALARM Afton Afton Aline Aline Anadarko Antlers Antlers Arkoma Arnett Asher Barnsdall Beaver Berryhill Bessie Bethany Bethany Big Cabin Bixby Blackwell Boise City Boynton Brent Rural Brent Rural Bristow Buffalo Burns Flat Byng Canton Canute Carter Chandler Chandler Checotah Chelsea Chelsea Chickasha Chickasha Chouteau Claremore Clayton Clinton Coalgate Coalgate Colbert Commerce Crescent Crescent Cushing Custer City Davenport Davis Del City Dover Drumright Duncan Durant Edgewater Edmond El Reno Eldorado Eldorado Elk City Empire City Enid Enid Enid Enid Enid Enos

Jerry Chandler Johnny R. White Harold L. Harmon Timothy J. Leierer Robert G. McCoin Jr. Robert L. Grose Charles O. Keeler James Eddie French Glen Dell Bullard Jarate Dewayne Condit Kenneth E. Nickels Billy L. Greenfield Joe K. Reynolds Larry D. Rhodes Ronald E. Lytle Charles R. “Jim” Michael Ernest L. Jones Steve D. Abel James E. Whittenburg Allan Nobles Grant E. Barton Samuel R. Jernigan Darrell Vix Gene O. Barnett Johnny Elliott Thomas H. Gillham Charles R. Barrick Gary A. Martin J.D. Beck Franklin R. “Rosie” Dyer Coy M. James Benjamin L. Wert Otis R. Brewer Donald L. “Pete” Delozier Theodore J. Schulze Michael R. Meigs Michael C. “Mike” Brice Ernest L. Sellers Thomas W. Thurman Charles Alexander Gene Coleman Tommy R. Griffin Randy S. Robson Alfred O. Westberry Jim Thomas Aaron L. Hart Noah A. “Tuffy” Williams Richard G. Holt Dwaine Bowman Jr. Ronald E. Bruden Adrian Dale Noland Tommy Tollison Earl E. Thiems Homer Don Wilson Wesley David Hancock Franklin D. Percell Roger Craig Jerry L. Barber Bill G. Williams John B. Henderson Jimmy W. Tinsley Julius C. Pierce Kenneth R. Whitten Everett L. Brewer Eldon W. Charles Earl “Brad” Clover Wayne E. Lawver Phillip A. Shafford William “Skeeze” Macon

Eufaula Tommy D. Dowling Fairfax Franklin E. Haines Fairland John M. Davis Fairview Jimmie D. Schmidt Fort Cobb Thurman Evans Fort Gibson William C. “Bill” Pirkle III Fort Supply Phillip G. Burkhalter Fort Supply Bernard R. Soliday Foss Clarence A. Price Jr. Frederick Gary L. Callaham Gate Harold Curtis Glenpool Chester M. Sutton Goldsby Glenn Dale Miller Goltry Richard “Rick” Severin Grayson Johnnie Fox Green Country Robin M. Elliott Grove James “Pops” Stanbrough Guymon Charles F. Ellis Haileyville Bob R. Davidson Harrah Larry L. Raymond Heavener Jerry T. Tolbert Helena Robert F. Meyer Helena Roger Nichols Henryetta William J. “Bill” Marler Hickory Rabon F. Grinstead Holdenville John F. Barrett Hugo Edgar L. Babcock Hulbert Gary Willis Jacktown Clyde A. Barnard Jones Judith A. Ainsworth Jones Merion F. Peace Kenwood Johnnie Backwater Keys Billy E. Wilson Kingfisher Garold R. Post Kingston Luther V. Little Konawa Daniel D. Khoury Sr. Lakemont Shores Billy A. Skinner Langley John E. Jeffers Lawton Jack G. McCracken Leedey William D. “Bill” Smith Lenapah Ronny G. Carter Leon J.M. Griffith Lexington Melvin D. Cagle Locust Grove Jay H. Turner Luther Howard T. Brown Mangum Darroll G. Bell Manitou Ricky Henricks Mannsville Charles E. Gray Maramec Jerry D. Keeton Maud Nicholas R. Silas Mccurtain Kennith D. Watts Medford Richard Boyer Meeker Loy “Rick” Taylor Miami Roy W. Arnold Miami Joe D. Morgan Miami Otis J. Smith Midwest City Wesley G. Bain Midwest City Arthur A. Cummins Midwest City Jimmie R. “Jim” Lemons Midwest City Michael Reese Morrison Midwest City Burrel P. Wilburn Jr. Minco Don R. Coy Moore Howard J. Boatmun Moore Kevin S. Goodnight Mountain Park Mark Shelton Muskogee Marshall L. Beard Muskogee Jack T. Johnson Muskogee Gary B. Price Nash Floyd W. Todd

SUPREME SACRIFICE Newcastle Nicoma Park Nicoma Park Noble Norman Norman Oilton Oilton Okeene Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Okmulgee Okmulgee Oktaha Pauls Valley Perkins Perry Picher Pink Ponca City Ponca City Ponca City Ponca City Pond Creek Porter Hill Porter Hill Porum Landing Prague Preston Quapaw Ralston Reydon Ringwood Rocky Ryan Sallisaw Sallisaw Sapulpa Seminole Shattuck Shawnee Shawnee Skiatook Skiatook

COWSKIN RURAL William “Willie” Brinza III FRIENDSHIP Madison “Maddy” Clinton CIVILIAN Jackie Lee “Jack” Osben

Ronald D. “Ronny” Sauer Robert S. Kolar Sr. J.C. Wertz James M. “Jim” Farris Sr. Clifford A. Lewis Gregory C. Watts Gerald W. Mills Marc K. Peck Gary L. Laubach Robert J. Anthony David M. Berna Grady Burks Thomas R. Carpenter Joe R. Catron Henry J. Criswell Michael E. Daugherty Harold L. Factory Raymond Gomez Jr. John R. Harper III Allison R. Henderson Jerold D. Henderson Carl Holmes Arliss C. King Ronald D. Lambert Karl Otto Loessin Melvin “Buddy” Lummus John D. Lyne Earnest L. “Ernie” Malone Ervin R. Mitchell James R. Northcutt Donald B. Orf Michael E. Roberts William H. Semtner Jeffrey S. White Marvin D. Witt Roy R. Whittington Sr. Matthew J. Maxwell Tim Smith Leonard A. Stevens Johnny M. McKinley C.L. Redus David E. Luthye Clell D. Ware William T. Mitchell Gary R. Fike Robert H. Taylor Harold “Van” Vanarsdale Sidney W. Wilson Harold D. Lee Mary Ann Pointer Roland Pointer Gary L. Prince John E. Sands Bobby Dodson Dale A. Neal Edd D. Burch Joe Yowell Gary D. Unruh Herman Earl “H.E.” Swart Jesse J. Williams Shelby R. Richardson Louis D. Walkingstick Sr. Raymond T. Cooper Michael L. Knowles Alvin Herber Floyd G. Cranford Raymond G. Vanzant Howard D. Bowlin Keith O. Carter

Slaughterville Henry J. Mulder South Coffeyville Jack M. Kitterman Jr. Spavinaw P.J. Baldwin Springer Dale Keith Genn Springer Ronald “Ronnie” Giddens Springer Brian L. Satterwhite Sterling Leroy E. Green Stillwater Harold “Puddin” Payne Stillwater William H. Womack Stringtown Carl Brown Stringtown William “Randy” Harris Sulphur William Miles Blevins Jr. Sulphur Marvin C. McCracken Tahlequah Tommy L. Hix Tahlequah Steven R. Smith Temple E.L. Standridge Texhoma Stanley L. Rawson Texhoma Byron “Smitty” Smith The Village Samuel G. Fox Sr. Thomas Robert D. Holmes Tulsa Bill D. Barlow Tulsa Ronald M. Collins Tulsa Bill D. Combs Tulsa Bruce W. Deason Tulsa Stephen N. Dunham Tulsa John Doug Fellinger Tulsa Ronald W. Harrison Tulsa Jack L. Heminger Tulsa William V. Jones Tulsa Thomas B. Krauser Tulsa Ronald E. Miller Tulsa Julius G. Moore Tulsa Gearold A. Slankard Tulsa E.M. “Gene” Stephens Tulsa Jay M. Stickles Tulsa Thomas R. Tucker Tulsa James W. “Toby” Watts Tulsa Donald L. Wilson Tushka Dwayne ‘Dobbin’ Combest Union City Bob G. Sanders Vian Harold D. Johnson Wagoner Daniel J. Easterling Sr. Wakita Delbert C. Pearcy Walters Terrance Tisdale Wanette Bobby R. Pybas Wapanucka Gary Don Reeder Warr Acres David E. Terrill Washington Gary L. Bolser Watonga Monte A. Creps Waukomis Bobby E. Roades Waurika David E. Sisson Waynoka Gene R. Williams Waynoka Richard Bradford Waynoka Merle D. Clemence Weatherford Kenneth R. Caulkins Weleetka Tommy L. Gorden Weleetka William “Bill” Ogg Jr. Westville Michael A. Johnson Westville Elbert “Gene” Quick Wister Joseph “Joey” Knight Wright City John O. Rowan Wright City Shawna Rowan Wynnewood James S. Wolfe Yukon Robert W. Russell OSFAWA

Pamela “Pam” Smith

Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 201813

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Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 201815

2018 david bain memorial golf tournament 28 teams • 110 golfers

Photos By Clifford Lewis, Ret. Oklahoma City

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16October 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

BE PREPARED

2018-19 Legislative Committee

By Jim Ed Nimmo OSFA Legislative Committee Chairman Howdy to all the members of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association.

I hope all of you enjoyed your summer, and for those of you with school aged children, I hope you are enjoying seeing them return to school.

I have been asked to serve as the Chairman of the 2018-2019 OSFA Legislative Committee.

Those of you who have been around know that progress comes slowly when dealing with the legislature, and no one knows that better than retirees who have seen the value of their pension diminished by inflation over the last decade or more without a cost of living adjustment generally referred to by its acronym COLA. There are many hurdles that any legislation faces when being introduced at the Capitol.

The job of the Legislative Committee is to take an idea generated by the membership via resolutions, the OSFA board, legislative subcommittees, caucuses, and other facets of our membership and facilitate the development of that idea into workable legislation to be introduced at the Capitol.

We achieve this by utilizing the various resources at the disposal of our organization to gauge both the political and economic climate, locate “friends” within the legislature to introduce any bills we develop, and maintain relationships with those friends as they usher the bill through, over, under or around the various hurdles it will face to remain alive once introduced into the House or Senate.

This is important to know because many of the actions needed to make changes to our benefits, such as a COLA, require action via the legislature.

Jim Ed Nimmo - Tulsa, Chair I have visited with OSFA President Dereck David Fincher - Lawton, Vice Chair Cassady, Don Armes (one of our wingmen, Raanon Adams - Lawton aka lobbyists) and other members of the board Cory Beagles - Deer Creek and the OSFA, and they feel like the political Brady Bond - Garber and economic environment, for a combination Herb Bradshaw - Ret. Warr Acres of reasons, is favorable for a retiree COLA this T. Dick Cagle - Ret. Tulsa year.

Mike Caniglia - McAlester The committee will also continue to work David Carter - Oklahoma City on other issues that face our membership and Dereck Cassady - Ponca City develop legislative solutions for them, such as Dana Cramer - Ret. Norman volunteer benefits, enforcement of burn bans Cliff Davidson - Ringwood and developing more stable revenue streams for George Fina - Ret. Oklahoma City departments.

Brian Foughty - Ret. Moore In addition, I think it is important that we Travis Harris - Kildare remain vigilant to protect and strengthen preJames Heap - Frederick sumptives related to cancer, especially in light of Alan Scott Kirby - Mill Creek what is happening in other states such as Texas.

Jim Nance - Tulsa In that thread, the committee must be proBert Norton - MWC active to head off any legislation that might Chalk Norton - Ret. Shawnee weaken our rights as firefighters.

Tippy Pierce - Ret. Moore I believe that identifying threats and havRandy Rose - Ret. Oklahoma City ing the solutions prepared before that threat John Soos - Ret. Oklahoma City becomes a reality is much more effective than Nick Terhune - Norman dealing with them on a reactionary basis.

David Thompson - Slaughterville I look forward to working with a great team Terrell Thompson - El Reno this year, and I’m optimistic that we can move Matt Webb - Stillwater the ball forward for all of our members.

Cameron Weems - Oklahoma City If you have any questions or ideas for the OSFA Executive Board committee, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Be good to yourselves.

At the last members for OSF

And all of the OSFA C are to the mem

2018-19 Public Educa Committee

By Antonio Carbajal OSFA Pub Ed Committee Chair

Antonio Carbajal - OK Joel Bain - Midwest Ci Cody Banks - Tulsa Dereck Cassady - Ponc Rick Chisum - Okmulg Jamie DuBose - Deer C Mike Fitzgerald - Edm Melissa Hobbs - Wood Amy Howard - Post M Tim Lee - Ardmore Louis Marschik - Okla Bryan Miller - Alva Stephen Mixon - Tulsa Bob Noll - Ret. Yukon Billy Sizemore - Elk Ci Jacob Stangl - Edmond Joey Wiedel - Bixby

Hello Everyone!

I bring you greetings from the Public Education Committee.

What’s that, you ask?

This committee is the start of something awesome and great for the Fire Service and for the citizens of this great state.

The mission of this committee is: To provide quality interactive educational programs and fire prevention material for all ages, emphasizing community safety and fire prevention across the State of Oklahoma.

The committee strives to provide diversified programs and education materials consistent with our local community’s needs and Fire Department’s needs.

We are really looking forward to this adventure, and I hope you

Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 201817

t few Executive Board Meetings for the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association, FA Committees were selected. A total of 221 members are on the 12 OSFA Committees.

Following is a list of Committee Members and Mission Statements.

Committee Chairs have submitted an explanation as to what their committees’ responsibilities mbership and how the committees plan to accomplish those goals and responsibilities.

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2018-19 Financial Advisory Committee

By Mike Kelley OSFA Financial Advisory Committee Chairman The Financial Advisory Committee has been active over the past year exploring three main issues.

Members of the committee have gathered information concerning the CPI (Consumer Price Index) to assist staff and the OSFA lobbyists in pursuing a COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) for our retired members. This vital information shows how much the cost of goods has increased while our retirees have gone years without a cost of living adjustment.

While the facts speak for themselves it is important to note that elections matter. We must elect people that support firefighters and our issues with a COLA being the No. 1 legislative issue at the OSFA! Another issue that your Financial Advisory Committee has worked on is the expansion of

MISSION STATEMENT To ensure the financial integrity of the Association and develop strategies to continue the financial strength of the Association while maintaining the minimal burden upon the Association’s members

Mike Kelley - Oklahoma City, Chair Mike Bower - Ret. MWC, Vice Chair Larry Bogges - Ret. Lawton Herb Bradshaw - Ret. Warr Acres T. Dick Cagle - Ret. Tulsa James Crawford - Fort Supply Steve Douglas - Ret. Choctaw Clifford Lewis - Ret. OKC Jim Minx - Ret. OKC Michael Pettey - Ft. Supply Tippy Pierce - Ret. Moore Kellie Sawyers - Ret. Oklahoma City Mike Smith - Ret. Laverne Nick Terhune - Norman Mark Zeckser - Ret. Midwest City

your Firefighter’s Museum. It is an exciting time and we are looking forward to a beautiful expansion project that not only expands the facilities but our community outreach as well. A professional fundraiser has been retained to help us raise the needed funds. And we just received word that the Gaylord Foundation has committed to a generous gift for the expansion.

While several of our members have supported the expansion with donations, I would encourage that all of our members consider investing in our future by donating to the museum expansion.

Finally, the committee has had conversation about our dues and dues structure.

The OSFA Board and your Financial Advisory Committee are committed to providing the greatest value for the dues we collect. We want to make sure that we are meeting the members expectations. One of the areas of discussion within this topic is providing membership options that fit the need of our current members and allow us the opportunity to expand our membership.

I would like to thank the members of the Financial Advisory Committee for their commitment to the committee and our membership!

2018-19 Museum Expansion Committee

By Mike Bower OSFA Museum Expansion Committee Chairman During my report on the Museum Expansion Committee last year, I spoke about several important preliminary steps that were taking place in order to move forward with the expansion of the museum and OSFA offices.

I am happy to report that most of the steps have been completed, and we are ready to move forward with fundraising efforts and actually begin construction within the next three to four years.

The Museum Expansion Committee is working with the Finan-

cial Advisory Committee, Memorial Committee, OSFA Board and OSFA Staff to insure the 25,000 square foot expansion, the 6,100 square foot workshop/storage building, and the expanded parking lot Mike Bower - Ret. Midwest City, Chair will all come together to be known as The Chris Bain - Ret. Nichols Hills Oklahoma Firefighters Museum and Family Jesse Bain - Broken Arrow Educational Center.

Mike Billingsley - Ret. Nichols Hills The total cost of the project is $9.5 milGene Brown - Ret. The Village lion, which includes construction cost, Mike Caniglia - McAlester equipment, furnishings and endowment to Dereck Cassady - Ponca City maintain the structure and upgrade equipAllen Clark - Clark Construction ment.

Mike Duncan - Ret. Dewey Fundraising efforts are underway, and Eric Harlow - Guthrie you have the opportunity to be involved.

Matt Lay - Tulsa We hope you will consider purchasing an Clifford Lewis - Ret. Oklahoma City OSFA car tag or sponsor a fundraising activGary Marrs - Ret. Oklahoma City ity in your community, such as a poker run Jim Minx - Ret. Oklahoma City or golf tournament, to benefit this project.

Clay Moss - Hall Capital You can also make a donation in the Tom Smith - Ret. Oklahoma City name of a family member or group – every Nick Terhune - Norman effort counts.

David Thompson - Slaughterville Together, we can make the dream of the Scott VanHorn - Oklahoma City Oklahoma Firefighters Museum and Family Richard Walts - Ret. Ft. Sill Educational Center a reality.

18October 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

2018-19 Educational Advisory Committee

By Jason Louthan OSFA Educational Advisory Committee Chairman The Educational Advisory Committee is tasked to research, develop and implement educational programs for the firefighters of Oklahoma and to remain diligent in identifying training needs for the Oklahoma Fire Service.

This group of peers plans the annual John F Futhey II State Fire School with the approval of the OSFA Executive Board.

The Educational Advisory Committee is off to a great start this year in planning for the 2019 State Fire School May 2-5 in Tulsa. The committee has a lot of new faces who are bringing new energy to the committee and seem to be very energetic to make this year’s school the best one yet. There are many classes already in the works to help develop and grow this school to be even better than last year.

Our goal with the State Fire School is to bring classes and learning opportunities that the Oklahoma Fire Service normally does not have the privilege to attend in our state. Members have been out talking with firefighters all over the state to gather ideas for who you would like to learn from and what classes are needed for our members.

If you have a need or idea, please contact one of the committee members and share your ideas.

We also want to recognize all of our partner agencies that have come to the table wanting to help and see our school grow: OSU-FST, OFCA, OEM, Career Tech, TCC, Tulsa Fire Dept, Red Cross, and many others.

MISSION STATEMENT To provide safe, excellent, and pertinent fire and emergency service training to firefighters throughout the State of Oklahoma and to remain diligent in identifying training needs for the Oklahoma Fire Service.

Jason Louthan - Seiling, Chair Brian Brush - Edmond, Vice Chair Bruce Anthony - Tuttle, OFCA Bd Casey Baker - Tahlequah Christopher Barton - PennWell Justin Beard - Oklahoma City Donnie Bennett - Oklahoma City Trent Bryan - El Reno Dereck Cassady - Ponca City, OSFA Bd David Conner - Woodward Jamie Dubose - Deer Creek Mike Duncan - Ret. Dewey

Rodney Foster - MWC Chuck French Jr. - Tulsa Eric Harlow - Guthrie, OSFA Bd Craig Hannan - IFSTA/FPP Mark Haugh - PennWell Mathew Hitchcock - Red Cross BreAnn Horn - Marshall Greta Hurt - Tulsa Matt Lay - Tulsa, OSFA Bd Julie Lynn - Tulsa Greg Machtolff - Guthrie David Macy - Oklahoma City Cary Provence - Yukon Dr. Erick Reynolds - OSU-FST Tony Samaniego - Newcastle Sam Schafnitt - State Fire Marshal Cort Smith - Oklahoma City Brian Stanaland - EOC Randal Sullivan - Eufaula Jason Woydziak - Ardmore

2018-19 EMS Committee

By Eric Harlow OSFA EMS Committee Chair The EMS Committee was formed last year in order to address the growing mission of Emergency Medical Services in the Oklahoma Fire Service.

A huge thanks is due to past committee chair Mike Duncan for all of his hard work in helping get this committee established and moving forward.

As we look around the nation, EMS is an ever-growing part of the job we do in the fire service.

Many statistics show that EMS is around 65-75% of the call volume of most fire departments. Many departments average a higher number, while some perform little to no EMS functions.

Every year, there are more and more Oklahoma fire departments starting to venture into the EMS world.

This committee is here to help with any issue related to EMS. This committee brings together not only Oklahoma fire service personnel, but also leaders in the EMS industry throughout our state.

We are fortunate to have Jim Winham, the President and CEO of EMSA and Greg Reid, longtime board member of the Oklahoma Ambulance Association assisting us on our mission of improving the funding, training and well-being of EMS in the Oklahoma Fire Service.

For being in its first year this past legislative session, this committee already established itself as a game-changer for fire-based EMS services in Oklahoma.

We were able to get a measure passed through the legislature, albeit in the waning hours of the session, that paves the way for supplemental Medicaid reimbursement dollars for many departments in our state.

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority is working on submitting their Medicaid plan amendment to the federal government as we speak. Once this is done, they will work on the rules for our state and how the process will work in submitting for this supplemental reimbursement.

At last calculation, it’s estimated that this program will bring around $15-20 million dollars in funding back to our state’s EMS services. This is a huge gain for our often cashstrapped services.

The kicker in this Eric Harlow - Guthrie, Chair program, however, is Mike Baker - Tulsa that the service must be Jill Boeckman - Broken Arrow a government-operated Russel Brand - Perry EMS agency. This does Chad Campbell - Woodward not include many of the Dereck Cassady - Ponca City private services in our Brian Davis - Edmond state, unfortunately.

Mike Duncan - Ret. Dewey If you or anyone on Mike Harkey - Caney your department is interScott Kirby - Mill Creek ested in serving on this Pebbles Luddington - Freedom committee, have them David Macy - Oklahoma City submit a committee apGreg Reid - REACT plication to the office.

Anthony Stewart - Kingfisher Applications are availGrant Wadley - Guymon able on the OSFA website Jim Winham - EMSA under the Committees Brian Zalewski - Chickasha tab.

Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 201819

2018-19 Memorial Committee

By Scott VanHorn Memorial Committee Chairman The OSFA Memorial Committee has been busy so far this year with the planning of the Golf Tournament as well as the Memorial Service.

I am pleased to report the Golf Tournament raised right at $30,000. Thank you to all of our board members and the OSFA staff for again making this a successful event!

I want to give a special thanks to our friends at S&B Burgers for their assistance.

They provided the dinner, and also contributed many of the gift cards and door prizes.

Please support those who support Firefighters.

Next up, we have our Memorial Service on Oct. 7. If you have not been to one, I would suggest you attend as we honor all of the firefighters who have died in the past year.

It is a special event where we get to say “thank you” to the families for sharing their loved ones with us. Firefighters are family, and their family is ours, as well.

Fundraising for the Memorial and Museum expansion is underway. Change is happening, and it will be fun to watch the progress. If you don’t have a Firefighter Specialized Tag, please get one and support OUR Firefighter Museum and Memorial.

MISSION STATEMENT To protect, preserve, and improve the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial and the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum infrastructure Scott VanHorn - OKC, Chair Yogi Cole - Ret. Tulsa, Keys, Vice Chair Raanon Adams - Lawton Jesse Bain - Broken Arrow Eric Biedermann - Oklahoma City Larry Bogges - Ret. Lawton Mike Bower - Ret. Midwest City Herb Bradshaw - Ret. Warr Acres Chigger Burch - Ret. Lawton T.Dick Cagle - Ret. Tulsa John Craig - Oklahoma City Sammye Cravens - Civilian Jordon Hughes - El Reno Clifford Lewis - Ret. Oklahoma City Bert Norton - Midwest City, OFCA Bd Phil Ostrander - Ret. Tulsa Richard Walts - Ret. Ft. Sill

2018-19 Membership Committee

By David Thompson OSFA Memberhip Committee Chairman

David Thompson - Slaughterville, Chair Jimmy White - Yukon, Vice Chair Jeff Choate - Geary Stephen Duke - Perry Brian Foughty - Ret. Moore Eric Harlow - Guthrie, OSFA Bd Travis Harris - Kildare Jerimy Meek - Midwest City David Milby - Iowa Tribe JoeVan Russell - Frederick Randal Sullivan - Eufaula Bobby Tallchief - Ret. Bartlesville Scott VanHorn - OKC Kendall Williams - Tulsa Kevin Wofford - Vinita

The Membership Committee was created in response to numerous request from entities that are engaged in fire, rescue and EMS services in Oklahoma, but are outside our traditional membership base.

The primary duty of the Membership Committee is to review and recommend any potential changes to enhance the membership structure of the Association.

The goals of the committee include recognizing and suggesting enhancements to current benefits of membership, look for new benefits with the intent of increasing the diversity, expanding the scope of OSFA’s membership base and recommending any proposed changes to the Executive Board.

Last year, we were able to take a resolution to the OSFA Convention which changed the membership by-laws to allow members from federal government fire departments and Indian nations.

It was voted on and approved.

Now the efforts of the Membership Committee are to be proactive and work to expand and offer more benefits to our current members and new members coming in.

We want to make sure that we can provide them with the quality services, representation and benefits that all our members deserve.

Since 1894, the OSFA has grown from three fire departments to over 16,000 members.

It always has been and is still our mission at the OSFA to be inclusive, not exclusive. We are looking forward to this new expansion in the OSFA family and the important role you are going to play.

I would like to mention that with the diversity, knowledge, and experience that the committee members bring, I feel confident that the committee shall make great strides as we continue to make a great organization even stronger and better.

2018-19 Stavros Scholarship Committee

By Mike Duncan OSFA Stavros Scholarship Committee Chairman Hello! I’m Mike Duncan, Chair of the Pete and Lela Stavros Scholarship Committee.

It was Pete and Lela Stavros’ desire to help with college expenses for the children or relatives of active and retired Oklahoma Firefighters who are members of OSFA. They have been helping them since 2002.

The Stavros Scolarship Foundation awards five or six scholarships every year.

And this year, five students each received a $1,000 scholarship.

It would be great to be able to increase that to $1,500 or more. But what we are giving right now is all we can do.

We do take donations, and these donations have let us get to the current amount that we are giving. If you could help, it would be greatly

appreciated, because we can do much better with your help.

To make a secure donation with a credit card, go to www.occf.org/stavros.

To make a contribution with a check, call OSFA office at 405-424-1452 for a donation card and return envelope.

And tell your seniors-to-be to apply online next year for 2019 Stavros Scholarships.

It doesn’t matter if you are a Paid Firefighter, Volunteer or retired -- your children or relatives can apply.

Mike Duncan, Ret. Dewey, Chair Bruce Anthony, Tuttle Dr. James Caster Marc Edwards Steve Lumry, Ret. OKC, Phil Ostrander, Ret. Tulsa Jim Minx, Ret. OKC OSFA Executive Board

20October 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

2018-19 Volunteer Fire Service Committee

By Scott Kirby OSFA Volunteer Fire Service Committee Chairman I’m Scott Kirby, Assistant Fire Chief with Mill Creek Volunteer Fire Department, and I have been selected by the OSFA Executive Board to serve as chairman of the Volunteer Fire Service Committee.

I would like to thank the OSFA Board for the honor and privilege to serve as chairman this year.

The duty of the Volunteer Fire Service Committee is to research within the Oklahoma Fire Service to identify the needs and requirements of the volunteer firefighters in the State of Oklahoma.

The Volunteer Fire Service Committee is comprised of volunteer firefighters and is responsible for planning, obtaining individual sponsors, identifying speakers, and setting the agenda for the Volunteer Firefighter Caucus.

The purpose of the Volunteer Firefighter Caucus is to allow the volunteer firefighters in the Association the opportunity to have unfettered input into the OSFA and its direction, political agenda, and pension requirements.

I look forward to working with my fellow committee members in the coming year and planning the next Volunteer Firefighter Caucus.

2018 ORFA FUN & FELLOWSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT

On a final note, as we head into the November general elections, I encourage each of you to get out and get to know the candidates.

Whether it be on the federal, state or county level, visit with the candidates in your area and talk to them about issues you may be facing in your area.

Be safe and God Bless!

MISSION STATEMENT To solicit and bring forth the interests, needs, desires, and requirements for the benefit of the volunteer firefighters in the State of Oklahoma Scott Kirby - Mill Creek, Chair Travis Fortune - Fairview, Vice Chair Joe Bennett - Sooner Cliff Davidson - Ringwood Mike Duncan - Ret. Dewey Craig Hannan - Perkins

2018-19 Benevolent Committee

By Phil Ostrander Benevolent Committee Chair

Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at Fire Lake Golf Course 1901 Gordon Cooper Dr., Shawnee, OK 74801

Registration at 11 a.m.

Lunch at Noon • Tee-Off at 1 p.m.

Cost: $60 per person (includes green fees, cart & lunch) Mulligans are 4 for $20

Prizes for Retirees Only 1st Place, 2nd Place, Longest Drive & Closest to Pin Everyone receives a Goody Bag for registering Register online at www.osfa.info Questions? Call OSFA Office at 405-424-1452

Travis Harris - Kildare Andy James - ODAFF Lee Johnson - Liberty James Kesterson - Turley Tom Marcum - Mooreland Greg Moore - Onapa Charlie Starbuck - Slapout Randal Sullivan - Eufaula Sherri Thomas - Lakewood David Thompson - Slaughterville Dave Webster - Deer Creek Michael Weinkauf - Orlando Elizabeth Wheeler - Dickson/ Ardmore Airpark

Phil Ostrander - Ret. Tulsa, Chair Justin Beard - Oklahoma City Chigger Burch - Ret. Lawton T. Dick Cagle - Ret. Tulsa Yogi Cole - Ret. Tulsa, ORFA Bd Melanie Colvin - Lexington Rob Crews - Lawton Mike Duncan - Ret. Dewey Les Foughty - Ret. Oklahoma City Clifford Lewis - Ret. OKC Tom Marcum - Mooreland Philip Mead - Atoka Justin Miller - Bartlesville Tim Moxley - Perry Michael Pettey - Fort Supply Juan Rodriguez - Ret. Lawton Joshua Smith - Wynnewood Andy Willrath - Mustang

Greetings! I have been asked by the OSFA Executive Board to chair the Benevolent Committee this year.

This committee is relatively new and is still in the development stage.

As we are using it, Benevolent can be defined as “an inclination or tendency to help or do good for others.” This seems a natural progression for members of the fire service.

Several FDs have structures in place to aid members and families in times of need, but many don’t. The OSFA has provided services as needed and when we are made aware of situations.

We all think of need when there is an LODD, and the OSFA is usually made aware of these cases and is available to help with the State and Federal Benefits.

I think what this committee should also focus on are not in-line-of-duty death, injuries, critical illnesses and the needs of families during these tough times.

Benevolence can also go much farther. We could look at the possibility of putting together teams of off duty or retirees to help build or repair ramps at the homes of retirees when needed.

These are just a few of the items that this committee may decide to look at.

From my perspective, the OSFA Benevolent Committee is like a blank page in a book with 16,000 OSFA Members waiting to see what way our committee writes the story about how to involve more of us in service to our brothers and sisters during times of need.

Stay Safe and stay involved.

Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 201821

2018-19 Safety & Health Committee

By Dan Newbury OSFA Safety & Health Committee Chairman

lem, write rules and create controls to make the working environment safer. It is another thing to implement MISSION STATEMENT the listed plans. This is where we as firefighters get to be better firefighters.

The Safety and Health Committee As the Chair of the Safety & Fifty percent of fire fighters die within 5 years of reacts as a clearinghouse of Health Committee, I hope to contintirement. Why? Why are the biggest and bravest people information about firefighter safety ue the great service to all Oklahoma to walk the earth dying only five years after they retire? and health and provides resources firefighters -- volunteer and career.

Why can we handle anything the world throws at us to and suggestions to the OSFA on With the help of the awesome save the lives of everyone around us but ourselves. how to improve conditions for volunteers on your committee, we Every call takes a toll on your body. All be it small, Oklahoma firefighters hope to work towards research and every run, call, and fire takes its toll on our body. We implementation of greater safety tacconstantly put our body up as collateral for strangers Dan Newbury - Tulsa, Chair tics, practices and political protection for members who everyday not thinking twice about the toll it takes on Tammy McKinney - OKC, Vice Chair work the streets of this great state. our bodies. We must consider ourselves and ask how Donnie Bennett - Oklahoma City The responsibilities of your Safety & Health Commitcan we work today to live tomorrow.

Dewayne Burk - Lawton tee are to take the suggestions and needs of our memWe must look at the safety protocols written for us Rick Chisum - Okmulgee bers and formulate a plan to best serve the firefighters of and actually use them. We must put something between Yogi Cole - Keys, Ret. Tulsa Oklahoma. the hazard and ourselves. Whether that distance is Steve Day - Ret. Woodward How does one complete such as open ended and another person to help lift a heavy patient so to protect Mike Duncan - Ret. Dewey wide covering plan? Simple -- safety is always set by our backs, distance between smoke and our lungs to Leslie Feerer - Fargo steps. Steps which set a ground work for any safe operprotect from exposures or distance between the fried David Fincher - Lawton ating system. And they are as follows: foods and our mouths. We must plan our work and Eric Harlow - Guthrie implement our plan.

Step 1 -- Identify the issue: Larry Hansen - Oklahoma City This is where we, the committee, need your help. We Step 6 -- Feedback: Sam Kohler - Guthrie will identify issues as best we can, but the fire service is Once you have used the protocols both written and Tina Lewis - Deer Creek full of people with great ideas and greater work ethic. If physical, please get feedback from crews and give Tommy Low - Stillwater you can identify an issue we will work to make the best feedback to crews. Feedback from the people which use Tyler Meyer - Oklahoma City of any situation. safe techniques is more valuable than anything thought Ron Middleswart - Broken Arrow up by a group or person writing protocols. The users of Step 2 -- Write safety and health protocol: Bryan West - OSU FST a program can fine tune the program to better allow for This step will be written by us in brevity so not to the ease of use in the future. disallow anything specifically but to set parameters in which each fire department can take our building blocks Step 7 -- Personal protective equipment: and personalize them to individual fire departments.

The last and final line of defense for not safe activities is always personal protective equipment (PPE). The reason PPE is the last line of defense is Step 3 -- Engineering controls: because it relies on the user to not only identify the time and place to use Since the last step is used to make rules and guidelines, this step will the PPE but then to use the PPE correctly and efficiently. When using PPE place physical protection between firefighters and hazards. These physical -- whether it be safety glasses, firefighting gloves vs. extrication gloves, ear separations can include items such as monitoring for noise, carbon monoxplugs vs. ear muffs -- the user must be trained and have practiced the use of ide (CO), and hydrogen cyanide (HCN).

PPE for the correct situations.

If during an event one can identify the existence of CO/HCN, know and It is better for a firefighter to block traffic with a firetruck than to only rely have been made aware of the written limits for firefighters in relation to CO/ on a reflective vest to offer protection. It is better ventilating a structure and HCN and then put space between firefighters and the hazards while venremoving hazards to our lungs then to only rely on an SCBA to protect us. tilating the hazards. The scene has been made safer to firefighters without PPE should only be used as the last option to protect us when time is of having to place firefighters in the hazard area and in personal protective the essence and other lives are at risk. The PPE we have today are better than equipment. ever but should not replace the ability of firefighters to make the scene as Step 4 -- Training: safe as possible for ourselves and the people we have been called to help.

Take the written and physical recommendations and train yourself and your fellow firefighters on these tactics. No one can be expected to change the world in a stressful environment if they don’t practice in a non stress environment. You should not aim to practice until you get it right, but practice until you can’t get it wrong. Practice as your life depends on it, because it does.

Step 5 -- Implementation: This step is where the rubber meets the road. It is one thing to find a prob-

Help support your Oklahoma Firefighters Museum Expansion and the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial by purchasing an Oklahoma Firefighter license tag.

Using the steps above and the coordinated effort of your Safety & Health Committee will make us a safer and longer lasting fire service. As the fire service’s call volume increases, so should the actions of firefighters to be more vigilant to protect ourselves and fellow firefighters.

Please email me with any ideas and feel free to volunteer your time on the local and state level. Stay safe, stay vigilant and know safety is no accident.

Money received from the purchase of each tag goes directly to financing upkeep on the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial and Oklahoma Firefighters Museum.

Oklahoma Firefighter tags cost $35 a year (on top of regular tag fees) and $20 goes directly to the Museum/Memorial.

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

22October 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

www.osufst.org

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

October 2018 CLASS SCHEDULE Current as of September 20, 2018

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

All courses are FREE unless otherwise noted

Hazardous Materials Technician

Structural Fire Fighter (70495)

Exterior Offensive Fire Attack / Struc-

Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I

Hazardous Materials Technician

Oct. 1 (8 hours)

Coyle Fire Department - Guthrie

Oct. 13 (8 hours)

Oct. 20-21 (16 hours)

Oct. 24 (8 hours)

Refresher - Part B (67518) Moore Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (67519) Oct. 2 (8 hours)

Oct. 8-Nov. 18 (48 hours)

Structural Fire Fighter (69141) Oct. 8-Nov. 19 (48 hours) Canton Fire Department

Moore Fire Department

Trench Rescue Technician Level I

NIMS ICS 400 (EMI) Advanced Inci-

Oct. 9-10 (16 hours)

tural Fire Scene Size Up (70772) Northwest Tech Center - Fairview

Part A (69557)

Slapout Vol. Fire Dept - Laverne EMS Instructor Workshop / Bridge

Hazardous Materials Operations for

Deer Creek FPD - Edmond

Oct. 20 (8 hours)

Oct. 24 (8 hours)

Oct. 13 (8 hours)

(70029)

• $650 - All Participants

Calling the MAYDAY (71021)

Durant Fire Department

Oak Cliff FPD - Edmond

Hazardous Materials Awareness for

Department of Public Safety - OKC

NFA Shaping the Future (69670)

Hazardous Materials Technician

Oct. 20 (8 hours)

Hazardous Materials Technician

Tulsa Community College Northeast

Oct. 15 (8 hours)

Oct. 2-3 (16 hours)

Refresher - Part B (67520) Oct. 3 (8 hours)

Moore Fire Department AHA Site Manager (70025) Oct. 5 (4 hours)

• $300 - All Participants

OSU-FST Classroom - Stillwater Flammable Gas Emergencies (LPG) (70669)

Oct. 5-6 (12 hours)

Oct. 9-10 (16 hours)

Oct. 14 (8 hours)

Refresher - Part B (67803)

Hazardous Materials Technician

Orlando Fire Department

Tulsa Community College Northeast

Oct. 16 (8 hours)

Oct. 9 (8 hours)

Hazardous Materials Awareness for

Refresher - Part B (66685) Sapulpa Fire Department

WMD-HazMat Emergencies Certifica-

Hazardous Materials Technician

Oct. 9 (1 hour)

Oct. 16 (8 hours)

tion (70553)

Tulsa Community College Northeast

Refresher - Part A (69362)

Shawnee Fire Department - Station 3 Hazardous Materials Operations

Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I

Oct. 10-12 (24 hours)

Oct. 16 (8 hours)

Roland Fire Department Hazardous Materials Awareness for

WMD-HazMat Emergencies (70784) Oct. 7 (8 hours)

OSU-PSC - Stillwater Hazardous Materials Awareness for

WMD-HazMat Emergencies Certification (70785)

Oct. 7 (1 hour)

Core Competencies (70555)

Center - Oklahoma City

Certification Written Retest (70946) Oct. 12

• $350 - All Participants

Durant Fire Department

Bethel Acres Fire Department

AHIMT - Resource Unit Leader (L-965) (66224)

Oct. 8-11 (25 hours)

Oct. 13-14 (16 hours)

Shawnee Fire Department - Station 3 Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (66687) Oct. 18 (8 hours)

Sapulpa Fire Department

Oct. 18 (8 hours)

• $750 - All Participants

OSU-FST Classroom - Stillwater

Oct. 13-14 (16 hours)

other gate can be used for this school.

Oct. 17 (8 hours)

Oct. 13 (6 hours)

Healthcare Provider Instructor (70026)

through Key Gate which is off of I-44. If

partment will be on a list at that Gate. No

Refresher - Part A (69363)

Hazardous Materials Technician

VFIS - Emergency Vehicle Driver

you are Pre-registered your name and De-

Hazardous Materials Technician

AHA Basic Life Support (BLS)

Fort Sill - Snow Hall , Bld 730 Snow

All participants for this school must enter

Hazardous Materials Awareness for

Training (70727)

Thomas Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (69216) Oct. 25 (8 hours)

Durant Fire Department

Healthcare Provider Instructor (70027) • $650 - All Participants

OSU-FST Classroom - Stillwater

Oct. 20 (1 hour)

Hydro Fire Department

Alex Fire Department - Chickasha

Oct. 20-Dec. 6 (48 hours)

Oct. 26-27 (16 hours)

Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I Part A (69756)

Oct. 27-28 (16 hours)

Piedmont Fire Department

Fire Fighter II Academy (67907)

AHA Site Manager (70028)

• $6500 - All Participants

• $300 - All Participants

Oct. 22-26 (40 hours)

OSU-PSC - Stillwater

Oct. 27 (4 hours)

OSU-FST Classroom - Stillwater

Pipeline Awareness for Excavators &

Hazardous Materials Technician

Oct. 22 (4 hours)

Oct. 30 (8 hours)

Emergency Responders (69599)

Heart of Okla Expo Center - Shawnee

Refresher - Part A (69359)

Great Plains Tech Center - Lawton

NFA Shaping the Future (69668)

Hazardous Materials Technician

Oklahoma City National Memorial

Oct. 31 (8 hours)

Oct. 22-23 (16 hours)

Hazardous Materials Operations for

Shawnee Fire Department - Station 3

Oct. 23 (8 hours)

Refresher - Part A (69360)

Great Plains Tech Center - Lawton

WMD Refresher (69214)

Fire Service Training Field Instructor

Durant Fire Department

Oct. 31 (7 hours)

Oct. 19

NIMS ICS 300 Intermediate ICS for

Woodward Fire Department

Oct. 23-24 (16 hours)

• $350 - All Participants

Frisco Center - Clinton

Wildland Fire Fighting: Skills (69835)

tion (70519)

Refresher - Part A (69364)

Certification Written Retest (70947)

Oct. 24-26 (16 hours)

WMD-HazMat Emergencies Certifica-

Oct. 17 (8 hours)

Fire Fighter I Academy (67903)

OSU-PSC - Stillwater

Phillips 66 4 Street Clubhouse

Oct. 11 (8 hours)

Sapulpa Fire Department

Planning (70748)

Oct. 26 (4 hours)

Amorita & Byron Fire Dept. - Byron

Regional Multiagency Coordination

OEM-FEMA G.318: Local Mitigation

Oct. 20 (12 hours)

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (66686)

Durant Fire Department

AHA Basic Life Support (BLS)

(70846)

OEM-FEMA G.191: ICS-EOC Inter-

face (70767)

WMD Refresher (69215)

Flammable Gas Emergencies (LPG)

Structural Fire Fighter (69140)

Wildland Fire Fighting: Skills (69232)

• $12500 - Okla Emergency Responders

Certification (70557)

Oct. 20-21 (16 hours)

Tulsa Community College Northeast

Tulsa Community College Northeast

OSU-PSC - Stillwater

Oct. 7-20 (96 hours)

Alex Fire Department - Chickasha

WMD-HazMat Emergencies (70552)

Hazardous Materials Operations:

Oct. 6-7 (16 hours)

WMD-HazMat Emergencies (70518)

Water Shuttle (70655)

Guymon Fire Department

Part A (69823)

OSU-FST Classroom - Stillwater

Altus Fire Dept. - Sub-Station

Hazardous Materials Awareness for

Chickasha Fire Department

Calling the MAYDAY (71020)

(67776)

dent Command System (68637)

Refresher - Part B (66684)

Expanding Incidents (70777) The Village Fire Dept - OKC

Up Date (70521)

Edmond Fire Department

Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 201823

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Oklahoma Executive Fire Officer Leadership Program

fire service training Dr. Erick Reynolds

OSU FST Director

erick.reynolds@osufst.org • 405-744-5727 (W) • 405-409-0961 (C) Greetings Oklahoma’s Finest!

Fall is in the air here in Oklahoma. It feels good after the heat of the summer, although it has been refreshing to set a record for rainfall received recently during the month of August.

It is a time of reflection with the annual OSFA Statewide Memorial on Oct. 7. What an incredible opportunity to honor the lives of those folks that gave so much during their lives to help keep our lives safer on a daily basis.

In this thought, reflection is critically important to our well-being. We need to look back and appreciate those things in life that make us who we are!

Having said that, it is just as critically important to live in today!

Wayne Dyer said, “Stop acting as if life is a rehearsal. Live this day as if it were your last.

The past is over and gone. The future is not guaranteed.”

Appreciate today by living in the moment today! The milk you spilled 10, 15 years ago personally or professionally won’t be of much help to you today! Live in today!

Check on your family today! Check on your crew today! Check on your employees today!

I am writing this the day after Sept. 11. Be sure to ALWAYS tell those people that you love that you love them! You never know when you might not get another chance!

I want to say THANK YOU to Tara Youngblood. Tara recently left FST after many years of coordinating the Certification efforts across the State of Oklahoma. She was tasked each day with dealing with a wide variety of certification-related issues that were, at times, not much of a positive experience!

We wish her all the best in her future endeavors! We are going through some other changes in office positions over the coming months, so I would ask your patience as we move forward with the process.

We continue to stay extremely busy across the entire State of Oklahoma! We appreciate the support, help and partnership of our many training partners!

We CERTAINLY appreciate our partnership with OSFA and the training grant that we are able to support from FST! We currently have 6 firefighter 1’s going on across the State of Oklahoma, and that would not be possible without our OSFA brothers and sisters!

Please stop by the office the next time you are in Stillwater. We would love to catch up and help you with your needs!

Be safe out there!

This program is a partnership between OSU-Fire Servce Training, Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association (OFCA), Oklahoma State Firefighters Association (OSFA) and the office of the State Fire Marshal.

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

Cohort No. 4, 2019 Feb. 26-28 March 27-28 April 23-25 May 29-30 July 23-25 Aug. 28-29 Sept. 24-26 Oct. 30-31 Nov. 14 Graduation Applications Due

By Dec. 7, 2018 Tuition: $1,800

Requirements: • 10 years in fire service • 3 years as an officer • Application (www.osufst.org) • Resume • 2-3 page letter stating why you should be chosen • Letters of commitment from your organization, your chief or officer and a community leader Scholarships available to pay tuition for one volunteer firefighter from each quadrant of the state

For more information, contact Jason Louthan at Jason.Louthan@osufst.org

Lavender Ribbon Report Highlights Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer The International Association of Fire Chiefs’ (IAFC) Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have partnered to develop and release the Lavender Ribbon Report: Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer.

This report provides 11 actions that can be taken to mitigate the risk of cancer for firefighters.

Unfortunately, the topic of firefighter cancer has had a significantly increasing impact on firefighter health and welfare.

Great strides have been made by departments and responders everywhere in combating and preventing cancer, but more still needs to be done.

The time is NOW to make changes.

“We call upon fire service leaders and all personnel to make cancer prevention a priority in your department,” said Chief James Seavey, Sr., chair of the VCOS cancer committee and co-chair of the NVFC cancer subcommittee.

“We owe it to each firefighter, to their families, and to the community to take every step necessary to keep our firefighters healthy and to ensure they come home safely. Together we can stop firefighter occupational cancer.”

It is imperative that local leaders take this report to heart and spend the time and energy to make changes to improve the safety and health of responders. There are many relatively low-cost actions that can be taken to reduce the risks.

“Firefighters are contracting cancer at an alarming rate, and we need to take action to protect our brothers and sisters,” said Chief Brian McQueen, co-chair of the

NVFC cancer subcommittee.

“Fortunately, there are specific things we can do to lessen our risks and prevent exposure. The NVFC and IAFC’s VCOS strongly encourage you to read and implement these best practices in your department immediately and ensure all firefighters are adhering to them.”

All those in the fire service, whether a chief, officer, or firefighter, are encouraged to educate their membership by disseminating the report and displaying the corresponding poster in the firehouse.

VCOS and the NVFC appreciate the sponsors of the Lavender Ribbon Report for making the creation of this crucial report possible.

This report is dedicated to those responders that are battling or have lost their battle with cancer.

Read the Lavender Ribbon Report now at http://bit.ly/LavenderRibbonReport.

For more information about VCOS, visit vcos.org. For more information about the NVFC, visit nvfc.org. For additional cancer resources, go to firefightercanceralliance.org.

Editor’s note: Chief Seavey sadly passed away prior to the publication of this article after a long battle with cancer. As co-chair of the NVFC cancer focus area and chair of the VCOS cancer committee, he was passionate in his work and his death represents a great loss to the fire and emergency service community.

24October 2018Oklahoma Firefighter ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Chase Rankin

Terri Williams

Executive Director

Executive Secretary

James Reynolds

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

n August 17, 2018 MEETING Members Present: Dereck Cassady, Matt Lay, Mike Kelley, Scott Vanhorn, Jim Long, Dana Cramer, Cliff Davidson, Buddy Combs, Juan Rodriguez, Brandy Manek , Craig Freeman. Members Absent: Janet Kohls and Eric Harlow Others Present: Chase Rankin, Executive Director; Duane Michael, Assistant Director; James Reynolds, Assistant Director; Terri Williams, Executive Secretary; Marc Edwards, Legal Counsel; Patrick Fisher, Garrison; Andy Pataky and Ben Blakney, Mesirow.

John L. Bacon/Claremore - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective August 1, 2018: Motion was made by Kelley and seconded by Lay to modify the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, to “Service”, effective August 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cramer, Davidson, Cassady, Long, Vanhorn, Combs, Freeman, Kelley, Manek, and Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Tommy Williams/Midwest City – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective August 1, 2018: Motion was made by Long and seconded by Combs to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective August 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cramer, Davidson, Cassady, Long, Vanhorn, Freeman, Combs, Kelley, Manek, and Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Chad T. Julian/Monkey Island - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective June 19, 2018: Motion was made by Rodriguez and seconded by Long to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective June 19, 2018 Ayes: Lay, Davidson, Combs, Cramer, Freeman, Cassady, Long, Vanhorn, Kelley, Manek, and Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Matthew W. Segrest/Norman – Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective August 1, 2018: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Combs to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective July 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cramer, Freeman, Davidson, Cassady, Combs, Long, Vanhorn, Kelley, Manek, and Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Patrick M. Parson/Oklahoma City – Application For Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective August 1, 2018: Motion was made by Long and seconded by Lay to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective August 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cramer, Davidson, Cassady, Freeman, Combs, Long, Vanhorn, Kelley, and Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Chauncey D. Perkins/Woodward – Application For Disability Not In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective Aug. 1, 2018: Motion made by Long and seconded

by Kelley to modify Application for “Disability Not in Line of Duty” to “Service” effective Aug. 1, 2018. Ayes: Lay, Cramer, Davidson, Cassady, Combs, Long, Vanhorn, Kelley, Freeman, Manek, and Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Frank Melton/Broken Arrow - Request To Modify From “Disability Not In The Pension To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Long to approve the request of Melton based on the injury reported.

Ayes: Lay, Davidson, Cramer, Cassady, Long, Combs, Vanhorn, Kelley, Freeman, Manek, and Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Richard Schmitt/Oklahoma City – Request To Modify From “Service” To “Disabilty In The Line Of Duty”; Motion was made by Long and seconded by Cramer to approve request of Schmitt based on the injury reported. Ayes: Lay, Davidson, Cramer, Cassady, Long, Combs, Vanhorn, Freeman, Kelley, Manek, and Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Robert Black/Stillwater – Request To Modify Pension From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Long and seconded by Rodriguez to approve the request of Black based on the injury reported. Ayes: Lay, Davidson, Cramer, Cassady, Long, Combs, Freeman, Vanhorn, Kelley, Manek, and Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Bryan Burd/Tulsa – Request To Modify From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Long to approve request of Burd based on injury reported. Ayes: Lay, Davidson, Cramer, Cassady, Long, Combs, Vanhorn, Freeman, Kelley, Manek, and Rodriguez. Nayes: None.

Motion carried.

Lee Horst/Tulsa – Request To Modify From “Service” To “Disability In The Line Of Duty”: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Long to approve the request of Horst based on the injury reported. Ayes: Lay, Davidson, Cramer, Cassady, Long, Combs, Vanhorn, Freeman, Kelley, Manek, and Rodriguez. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Than Dinh

Member Services Coordinator

Vicki Mulbery

Accounts Payable Administrator

Thelisha Clark

Assistant Director (COO)

Controller

Duane Michael

Keely Swonger

Assistant Director (CFO)

Martha Pierce

Records Administrator

Assistant Controller

Latoya Battle Data Processor

n CONSENT AGENDA (September 21, 2018) CHECKS TERMINATED IN SEPTEMBER 2018 (Deceased): Afton Johnny R. White Midwest City Patricia Cheely Crescent Patsy Pearcy Minco Eudena Davis Fletcher Martha L. Ledford Muskogee Marhsall L. Beard Longdale Jackie Sessions Okarche Helen Bradford Marlow Ruth B. Young Oklahoma City Retha Miller McCurtain Kenneth D. Watts Oklahoma City William H. Semtner Miami Roy W. Arnold Okmulgee Tim Smith

Picher Ponca City Quapaw Ryan Sulphur Tulsa Tulsa

Louella (Lou) Cawyer Virginia E. Taylor Dale A. Neal Jesse J. Williams Miles Bevin Amy L. Harris Jack L. Heminger

$5,000.00 DEATH BENEFIT: Alden Madison Erman, Widow Of Zackary Erman Asher Terri Martin Condit, Death Recipient Of Jarate D. Condit Bixby Leonard & Marker Funeral Home On Behalf Of Steven D. Abel Bristow Amy Sue Barnett, Widow Of Gene O. Barnett Checotah Samuel Spears, Heir Of Joseph W. Spears Checotah Mel A. Spears, Heir Of Joseph W. Spears Checotah Steve J. Spears, Heir Of Joseph W. Spears Checotah Vernon L. Marion, Heir Of Joeseph W. Spears Checotah Carol Joann Spears Toon, Heir Of Joseph W. Spears Locust Grove Jason H. Turner, Death Recipient Of Jay H. Turner Mt. View County Gayle Moore, Widow Of James E. Moore Okmulgee McClendon-Winters Funeral Home On Behalf Of Tim Smith Okmulgee McClendon-Winters Funeral Home On Behalf Of Matthew J. Maxwell Walters Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home On Behalf Of Terrance Ray Tisdale APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE PENSION SYSTEM: Blackwell Cade Kucko McAlester Brett Homer Coalgate Michael Juristy Nicoma Park Ricky Nesmith Clinton Dylan Abnee Oak Cliff John Midkiff Cushing Shane Simma OKC Christopher Chamberlain Elk City Williams Bowles OKC Jesse Eskew Glenpool Clayton Marshall OKC Kayle Murphy Hugo Tyler Plemons Pawhuska Colby Crawford Lindsay Stephen Frizell Piedmont Tel A. Johnson

Ponca City Spencer Stillwater Tecumseh The Village Walters Warr Acres Wewoka Wewoka

APPLICATION OF CHILD FOR PENSION: 08/01/2018 Muskogee Phyllis L. McCune, Guardian Of Lyman M. Beard (Handicapped)

Child Of Marshall Beard (Deceased 7/4/2018)

Tate Williamson Blake Caldwell Rhett Strain Tyris Adams Cody McNeff Jason Calhoun Robert Yates Cody Prince Robert D. Robbins

APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE FOR CONTINUATION: 09/01/2018 Blackwell Maxine Miller, Widow Of Adelbert A. Miller 09/01/2018 Bristow Amy S. Barnett, Widow Of Gene O. Barnett 09/01/2018 Burns Flat Twilla D. Gillham, Widow Of Thomas H. Gillham 09/01/2018 Cheyenne Erma D. Harmon, Widow Of William R. Harmon 09/01/2018 Clinton Oneta F. Coleman, Widow Of Billy G. Coleman 09/01/2018 Commerce Lynda Thomas, Widow Of Jim Thomas 09/01/2018 Drumright Donita Wilson, Widow Of Don Wilson 09/01/2018 Edmond Patsy L. Barber, Widow Of Jerry L. Barber 09/01/2018 Oklahoma City Donna J. Catron, Widow Of Joe R. Catron 09/01/2018 Oklahoma City Judith K. Whitfield, Widow Of Jimmie Whitfield 09/01/2018 Okmulgee Darla N. Maxwell, Widow Of Matthew J. Maxwell 09/01/2018 Springer Tammy L. Satterwhite, Widow Of Brian L. Satterwhite 09/01/2018 Stillwater Janet E.Womack, Widow Of William H. Womack APPLICATION FOR SERVICE PENSION: 09/01/2018 Cement John B. Coin 09/01/2018 Claremore Kelly Hughes 08/07/2018 Council Hill William C. Collins 09/01/2018 Eufaula Troy S. Jones 01/01/2018 Fairmont Richard W. Boles 09/01/2018 Mangum Jerry D. Burcham 09/29/2018 Muldrow Jimmy A. Falkner 09/01/2018 New Hope Joel B. Mooney 09/01/2018 Oakwood Benjamin W. Black 09/01/2018 Oklahoma City Jack E. Baker 09/01/2018 Panama Hal W. Gordon 07/26/2018 Porter Bryan H. Jenkins 02/01/2018 Porter Bradah J. Littlefield 09/01/2018 Sand Springs Charlie E. Bowman 09/01/2018 Verden Shawn D. Singleton 09/01/2018 Welch Doyle L. Tucker REFUND OF CONTRIBUTIONS: James Novick Guthrie

Trace Satterfield Hugo Chris Herron Marlow

Hired 01/01/2008 12/21/2017 01/12/2000

APPLICATION FOR VESTED BENEFIT: 08/19/2018 Cordell David W. Gray 03/01/2018 Harrah Rodney W. Bailey 03/17/2023 Hartshorne Billy W. Thompson 03/05/2025 Pauls Valley Brian N. Black 06/01/2023 Pauls Valley Raymond D. Samford 04/23/2021 Rush Springs Phillip D. Moreno 08/30/2029 Savanna Ryan S. Toby 12/13/2025 Washington Lynn Whitaker 09/01/2015 Waurika Harold G. Hobbs

Terminated 02/24/2017 06/18/2018 05/01/2012

Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 201825

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ISO Report Yogi Cole

ISO Field Coordinator (405) 213-9967

yogi.cole@oid.ok.gov Since February, ISO has had only one field rep in our state and normally have two.

They have hired Amy Howard who is with the Post Mountain FD in SE Oklahoma. She has also been active in the VFAO and a long-standing OSFA member, and I am excited about the opportunity to work with her.

Amy brings fire service knowledge with her and a passion to serve. She is currently filling her October calendar after being in training for the last few months. Her contact info is: 918-658-8002 amy.howard@verisk.com.

Alternative Water Supply: Commonly called a, hauled water program, effects properties that are more than 1,000 feet from a fire hydrant or suction point such as a Dry Hydrant. The flow of 250 gpm or more by fire department apparatus either carrying and/or relaying water to the fire.

The fire department must be able to achieve that application rate within 5 minutes of the initial arrival of the pumper apparatus at the fire site and must continue for the fire-flow duration.

Duration: One and two-family dwellings with an effective area of 4,800 square feet or less is one hour.

One and two-family dwellings in excess of 4,800 square feet is two hours for the Needed Fire Flows up to 2,500 gpm and three hours for Needed Fire Flows of 3,000 and 3,500 gpm.

A commercial property is 2 hours for Needed Fire Flows up to 2,500 GPM and 3 hours for Needed Fire Flows of 3,000 and 3,500 gpm.

When you request a Hauled Water evaluation, you will receive a packet that includes dump and fill times for each tanker and the 5-minute fire site setup.

Most ISO field representatives require you to video these in advance of the review and send it to them prior to the field evaluation. The field representative will let you know exactly what they need and their timeline.

Communities have different needs for a hauled water program. In rural areas where sometimes fire hydrants are scarce, a hauled water rating gives a rating for that fire department’s entire district within 5 road miles of their station(s).

For others, it may be areas more than 1,000 feet from a fire hydrant which could be inside or outside of a town’s corporate limits.

The hauled water rating can have a different score than a hydrant grading which can result in a different ISO rating for the area that it effects.

Also annually, all suction points such as dry hydrants, water storage tanks and cisterns need to be pumped from and flushed, such as with a dry hydrant, and the results recorded much like you would for a fire hydrant.

This will give you credit for inspection and fire flow testing just like a fire hydrant receives. NFPA 1142 sets the criteria for the establishment of a suction water supply.

As always call if I can be of any assistance.

George Fina Inducted into Oklahoma Hall of Fame for City & Town Officials Retired Oklahoma City firefighter George Fina was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for City and Town Officials during the 2018 ceremony held Sept. 13 in Oklahoma City.

Fina’s municipal career with the Oklahoma City Fire Department began in 1962 and lasted for 22 years, during which he earned the rank of Captain.

In 1969, he won the NHRA World Championship for dragster racing and was recognized as one of Oklahoma’s Sportsman of the Month in 1969.

He was city councilman and mayor for Piedmont and is recognize as the longest serving councilman in Piedmont’s history, serving in some capacity for more than 22 years.

After his retirement, the city council renamed City Hall after him.

Fina never lost sight of his municipal firefighting roots and assumed leadership roles with not only the Oklahoma City Retired Firefighters, but also the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association Executive Board, this year serving as 2nd VP.

Duncan FF1 Online Class -- First Skills Day -- Sept. 8, 2018

26October 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

n

OSFA Executive Board Highlights

The OSFA Executive Board met August 16, 2018 in the boardroom at 2716 NE 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, at 9:06 a.m.

Roll Call: Dereck Cassady, Present and presiding; Mike Kelley, Present; Eric Harlow, Excused; Cliff Davidson, Present; Matt Lay, Present; Juan Rodriguez (ORFA), Present.

Others: Steve Lumry, Gene Brown, Tim Bartram, Sheri Nickel, Amy Hall, Dr. Erick Reynolds, Paddy Metcalf & Caroline Reed, Sean Douglas (via phone conference), Don Armes and Eric Hamilton.

Guest: Julia Jernigan.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

Fire Marshal Commission Report: Lay Lay stated that they are working on inspections, working on hiring another agent for Western Oklahoma and the D.C. Ambassador trip is in October.

May 2-5, 2019 -- OSFA State Fire School -- Tulsa

Educational Advisory Committee Report: Bartram Bartram discussed that the Educational Advisory Committee is starting the planning process and is moving forward. They appointed sub-committees and have been putting out the word to get applications in for classes that instructors would like to teach.

Memorial Committee Report: Brown Brown stated that the main topic was the Memorial itself, the Statewide Memorial Service and the Golf Tournament.

The guys are working to try and get some door prizes for the Golf Tournament and working on having shirts made for the Memorial. We are pretty good on the Golf Tournament and everything is a go.

The Memorial Service is coming along and we are still a month out. We are good there and Brown has a couple of ends to tie up and all the arrangements will be made.

Brown stated the committee has discussed having an addition to the Memorial. They would like to recognize the Search and Rescue Dogs that we have lost. Maybe a statue of a dog or something to remember their service.

Financial Advisory Committee Report: Bartram Bartram stated they got some feedback on several topics that they needed some data on. Bartram is going to work with Hamilton on a set of questions to do some reports.

That way they can start looking at analyzing a regular review of our dues structure. They have talked about some data they want to look at on a regular basis and be prepared for several years in the future.

Museum Report: Brown Brown stated that everything is going well. We were approached by Stewart Fire Department. They have a 1954 Pumper and it is a pretty cool truck. He has pictures if anyone would like to see them later. They sent Bob down and he came back with a thumbs up and looks like it would be a good addition to the Museum. Lumry and Brown are set to go on Tuesday to look at it. The only problem Brown sees at this time is a tire issue.

Lumry told Brown that they will not accept the donation unless we could put it inside. Brown has assured Lumry it would immediately go inside the Museum as a display item.

Brown said the Lawton truck is going back to Lawton. There are a lot of artifact that comes with the truck.

Their Red Book sales are up, just for the simple fact that we have an on-line course starting.

Lumry stated that the Museum Expansion is in the process of submitting our first application for an “ask.”

We are asking for $1 million. It is looking very promising at this point. He would like to thank Chief Gary Marrs for helping facilitate some of the contacts for Art. That one has also turned into another one that said to please submit our application. Then a third one visited the other day with one of their Board members here at the Museum. Bob gave him a grand tour and he was very impressed by the tour. He seems very impressed by what we have, what our plans are, and the answers to his questions. As he left, he said be sure and submit an application.

AUGUST 16, 2018 MEETING

Oct. 7, 2018 -- 19th Statewide Memorial Service -Oklahoma Firefighters Museum, Oklahoma City Oct. 10, 2018 -- ORFA Golf Tournament -- FireLake Golf Course, Shawnee April 3-5, 2019 -- OFCA Conference -- Claremore

We have a rendering that is almost completed. Our “leave behind” packet has one last feature to be done, which is the actual folder it will go in and it will go to the printer to be printed. He believes it will be at the printer before he leaves on vacation.

They put a video together for us and he will show you after the meeting if you would like to see it. It is just the first draft, so do not get too caught up in the long pauses and the way it flows. We are changing the flow of it completely but you will see the details.

Fire Service Training: Dr. Reynolds Dr. Reynolds stated that things are good, just busy.

They did receive their AFG Grant and they are buying new propane props. Their Certification Coordinator is leaving and Sally has left. He is on the Board for Friends of OK Task Force One, which is a group that helps with the search dogs.

OSFA talked about putting a memorial out here. We met with that Board the other day and they want to move forward with the K9 Memorial. He stated he does not know if he needs to meet with the Memorial Committee but would like to meet with them if that is okay. They would like to move forward with that here if possible.

Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Report: Nickel Nickel stated that we have all 75 spots filled for the bunker gear. We have 12 alternates and if they do not qualify for the bunker gear they are still getting their tuition, mileage and the physical part of the grant.

The Duncan class is starting tonight and there are 26 enrolled in that. We have our class in Woodward starting in two weeks and there are close to 40 enrolled. There is also a class starting at EOC and also one at Kiowa. She is really excited and hopes this on-line works and if it does, next year will be outstanding for the grant.

Brown stated that he thinks that Pontotoc Tech has one getting ready to start because he just sold them some books for Firefighter I. NVFC Report: Nickel Nickel said that NVFC is working on getting Oklahoma people to read grants. She worked with NFVC on that last month. We have five selected from Oklahoma that are going to be on that panel and they also submitted a nice letter to deliver to the family in Friendship for the LODD. They will be going to North Dakota next month for the NVFC Board meeting.

OFCA Report: Douglas Douglas said there is not much going on other than working on their Winter Workshop. Chief Norton has a draft agenda for it and has the date set.

He is working on the Conference in Claremore. They are in between meetings this time of year. They are just getting ready to start planning for the Winter Workshop.

ORFA Report: Rodriguez Rodriguez stated they had a meeting yesterday but it was not an ORFA Board meeting, it was for the Medicare Committee. They have been given quite a bit of information from Cagle. There is a lot of information to get to the members. It seems like a lot of people are keeping their insurance with their original employers. It is a little bit more expensive way

to go about it.

One of our members, Ayers, his former employer has the supplement but at a much higher price. One of the things we are trying to do is to inform all of our members, particularly retirees, those who are 65 or close to being 65. The point of the idea, is that maybe OSFA can be the consultant.

They do not have near enough information to give you more than that. The Committee will have better information next month.

Lumry stated that basically, we would have consultants out in the field under the ORFA and OSFA flagship. Whatever policies that they “sell”, and that is a broad term because they can’t sell their policy, they have to just go out and explain to people what all the policies are that are available in their area and let them pick the policy they want. If there is one they happen to “sell”, we would make money off that to help support the organization and provide that additional benefit to the membership.

Lumry discussed that Cagle gave his personal example of what his insurance was costing for the City of Tulsa and even with the Medicare Supplement vs. what he was able to do by just going out under a Plan G. He saved around $700$800 a month. They can get the same basic coverage and get it for a significant savings to make their pension go a whole lot further. But, at the same time people are afraid to leave their city coverage because once they leave their employer coverage in most cases you can never come back.

The ORFA Golf Tournament is coming up at FireLake Golf Course in Shawnee on Oct 10.

Executive Director’s Report: Lumry Lumry discussed that the membership is currently over 11,000 members, 7,000 are volunteers and just over 4,000 are paid. We are doing well in that regard. Brent Hatcher membership is up to 420 members and the benefit is currently $2,100. The electronic newspaper subscriptions are up to 448. Since we publicized it several times and made it clear, we have gone up over 300 subscriptions.

FSIO contacted us and they are looking for sponsors for their 37th FSIO Conference to be held Oct. 31 to Nov. 3 in Edmond. They have vendor tables for $100 and they have another opportunity to sponsor the Past President’s Luncheon. He has not had a chance to follow up with Rodney Foster or Melanie Colvin to find out what exactly that cost is. We have been working well and have a good partnership with FSIO and he would like to keep that going. It would be Lumry’s recommendation to get a vendor booth.

Lumry received a price quote from the Museum, they are needing some fire safe file cabinets to be able to store pictures and documents in. They are needing about four of them. Four used, four drawer legal-size, fire-proof file cabinets would cost $850 a piece. It would be about $3,400.

It is not something that we have to do right away but something we definitely need to consider. Lumry is leaning more towards next budget year.

Update on the golf cart: Brown and Lumry went up to look at it, in the pictures it looked super-duper nice, we get up there, look at it a lot closer, Brown took it for a spin around the parking lot and Brown said, “I think we are going too be way too far apart on this one.” The guy said he could come down a little bit but can’t come down much.

They decided not to purchase the golf cart.

Since then, Davidson got us some estimates from Justice Golf Cart and we can get something a lot nicer, a lot newer at fairly close to the same price range. He knows that Brown would like to move forward on that at some point in the near future but it is Lumry’s evaluation, that it would be a budget item for next year.

Lumry introduced Julia Jernigan, our newest lobbyist.

She wanted to come today to sit in on the meeting with Don to get a little bit of history on what it is we do. Glad to have her here.

Bartram is working on getting a FEMA Grant Workshop scheduled in November. They have had preliminary discussions with FEMA. We would hold it here at the Museum. It won’t be a full day, we are trying to see how their schedule mixes with our ideas, Bartram has an idea to start at 10 a.m. to give people around the state time to get in. Then do two hours, have a sponsored lunch, then two hours to finish up

Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 201827

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Exec. Highlights

CONT.

and give them time to do what they want in the city or head home.

FEMA would rather do four hours and four hours and have an eight hour day. They are working out the details but it looks like there is a decent chance of it happening.

Lumry had a call from Chris Masterman from KOPI a few weeks ago and they are wanting us to get more involved again. He told Lumry that membership is typically $2,500 a year but they have received some grants and it is now more about our input than it is about money. They are interested in us participating again. There was discussion by the Board.

It is getting close to renewal time for the AD&D Policy. Lumry has some information to follow up with Provident and he will be doing that in the next few days.

Lumry has talked to Candice some more on the insurance policies and she is wanting to try and roll out pretty soon. He told her that the Board is interested in having a full package put together and once the Board sees the full package and what the options will be is when we will move forward. Lumry has also talked to Colonial Life. They have local agents out of Oklahoma City and they say they can put together a very similar package and close to the same price range.

Reminder, Saturday, Aug. 25 is the next Dodgers game and tickets are already on sale.

Lumry passed out the Strategic Plan from the last Camp Dana. The next Camp Dana will be in Stillwater on Aug. 29-30. It will be the Board, Lumry and Amy attending the meeting. Lumry would like the Board to review it, see where we are at and be ready because the meeting is just a couple weeks away.

We will meet up there at 4 p.m. at the Cimarron Hotel. Thursday morning we will meet over at FPP. Brown has been meeting with the Pub Ed Committee and they are going to be working on and turning in for a grant that can help fund those Lessons in a Box that we have been talking about. Their goal right now is to be ready and apply for the Nov. 30 deadline.

This is a yearly thing, but it is one of those deals that if you receive it, you can’t apply again for three years. If you don’t receive it, you have to wait a full year before you can apply again.

We have the Lawn Care company hired and on board. He believes everyone saw the results when they pulled in. The flowerbeds and the bushes are one of the biggest things that makes the difference. They spent a lot of two-day time periods working on that.

We did that sponsorship for Heroes Fore Charities Golf Tournament and Lumry got a call from Tony Young who heads that up and he said that they support a Military Charity, Fire Charity and Police Charity. The Fire Charity is the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The Tournament had requested a State Rep be at the tournament, help out, have a booth, and talk about themselves. That way the people would know what the money is going to and give them an opportunity to sell merchandise as well.

They asked if the Memorial would be interested in being a beneficiary at the Golf Tournament in the future and Lumry said we are.

An update on that NFPA Training Summit that Lumry told the Board about last month. He did hear back from FMAO there is some interest on their side to partner on that. The thought right now is, if they want to partner then that is good because the two organizations could work together. We can provide that as part of the track for Fire Marshals at our State Fire School.

The NFPA pays entirely for the first year, bringing in instructors, housing them, everything and then each year after that they back off some even though they still provide you with a little bit of support. Brown and Lumry will be going down to Quartz Mountain Resort next Thursday to meet with Bob Sullivan and FMAO. Old Business: 1) Membership Insurance - Lumry already discussed in the Executive Director Report.

2) Jack Osben – Civilian – Discuss approval for addition to the Wall of Valor.

Lumry stated that is a discussion for the Presidents of the three associations, since they are the Wall of Valor Committee and since all three are here today it could be determined.

Discussion by the Wall of Valor Committee. It was approved by the Wall of Valor Committee to include Civilian, Jack Osben to be engraved on the Wall of Valor.

New Business: 1) Selection of Committees. (See Pages 16-21).

2) Approval for Public Consulting Group to be Associate Members of the OSFA. 3) Sponsorship for the 37th FSIO Conference to be held October 31st through November 3rd in Edmond.

Adjournment: 11:58 a.m.

Next meeting: Sept. 20, 2018

n

Chaplain’s corner Chuck McDade

Midwest City FD Chaplain

In the Kitchen Hooray for October! This is one of my favorite months of the year.

Football is in full swing and the high temperatures of Oklahoma summers are behind us.

Having lived here for 61 of my 71 years, one would think that I have become accustomed to hot summer weather. However, it seems that the older I become, for the FOX 25 News Report: the less I enjoy those hot lazy days of summer.

“What Happens to First By the way, who ever coined that phrase “lazy Responders After the Disaster?” days of summer” doesn’t know diddly about summer in Oklahoma. The hotter it gets, the faster my grass grows, and I am right back out there in the heat again.

This brings us to another phrase, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”

Every June, July, and August, I feel a call to move to the Rockies and cooler climes, but the Lord has not seen fit to endorse that call, so here I am still in the heat.

For whatever reason, this is where the Lord has put me and so this is where I “cook” -and everyone knows you can’t cook if you aren’t in the kitchen!

By now you are beginning to wonder what in the heck is this guy rambling about? Well I told you that I was 71 and rambling seems to come naturally. However, there really is a point.

Being a firefighter is a “call” as much as it is a vocation. You answered this “call” because you wanted to make a difference in the lives of those in your community. I am referring to heat that is not from a house or grass fire. After all, a really good house fire doesn’t come around all that often any more.

Most of your “heat” comes from responding to the crises in which people keep finding themselves on a daily basis. If there is one thing at which mankind really excels, it is finding himself in the middle of a crisis.

How many times have you responded to a crisis that started with the words, “Hey guys, watch this!” How often you walk away saying, “I can’t believe they called 911 for this!”

There are also those who leave you with a heavy heart and wondering if this is really what you should be doing.

We all know that it is critical that we stay hydrated if we are going to work in the heat of Oklahoma summers. We don’t always do as well staying emotionally hydrated working in the heat of the fire service shift after shift.

While I stress the importance of Critical Stress Management to our guys in Midwest City, I would also stress the importance of having a strong relationship with the One who is able to provide us with “the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension...” when we are working in the “heat.”

Just as mankind is a constant source of crisis (that’s called job security), God is a constant source of “peace.” May His peace surround you and keep you.

Remember, He is always on duty.

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28October 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

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Museum news Gene Brown Museum Director geneb@osfa.info 405-424-3440

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Hello Everyone! It’s been busy here at the museum.

The Memorial Golf Tournament has come and gone. It was a great success. I hope all that attended had a great time.

I would like to thank everyone for coming out to play. A big thanks to all the Memorial Committee Members and the OSFA Women’s Auxiliary.

We could not make this happen without your help.

And thank you to all our sponsors for helping make this a success. The food was provided by S&B Burgers, and the food was great!

The Statewide Memorial is Oct. 7 here at the museum. Please make plans to attend. Help us remember those that we have lost this past year. We look forward to seeing you here.

Have a great day! Be safe!

VISIT YOUR OKLAHOMA FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM Mon. thru Sat. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Sun. 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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in memoriam Jody Dreves, Cox Store FD

The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Cox Store Volunteer Fire Chief Jody Dreves on Sept. 8. She was 61.

Jody married the love of her life, Alfred “Al” Dreves, on Dec. 31, 1989. Together, they were volunteer firefighters for the Cox Store Volunteer Fire Department. After Al’s passing in 2013, Jody was appointed the Fire Chief position that Al had carried for 17 years ... a job that she loved.

Jody was a hard working, compassionate, caring woman that people loved being around. She will be missed by all who knew her.

William “Bill” Womack, Stillwater FD

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The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Retired Stillwater FD Assistant Chief Bill Womack on Sept. 1. He was 76.

In late 1967, Bill joined the Stillwater Fire Department and rose through the ranks to the position of Assistant Fire Chief.

He retired from the SFD on Sept. 30, 1994.

Bill pursued his love of agriculture with his Angus cattle operation. He developed a feeding program to ensure his herd was healthy and that his calves thrived and grew out to their full potential.

He died as a result of a tractor accident on his cattle farm southeast of Stillwater.

Jerry Barber, Edmond FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Retired Edmond FD Captain Jerry Barber on Aug. 23. He was 63.

Upon graduating Edmond High School, Jerry joined the U.S. Navy where he served aboard the U.S. Samuel Gompers AD 37 as a ship’s fireman.

Shortly after leaving the military, Jerry began his career as a firefighter for the Edmond Fire Department. He served his community in that capacity for 25 years, eventually rising to the rank of captain before retiring in 2004.

He was the embodiment of honor and integrity and was highly respected by all who knew him. He will truly be missed.

Oklahoma FirefighterOctober 201829

Poteau Fire Department -- Those Were The Days EDITOR’S NOTE: J. Pete Hopkins wrote a 6-part series for The Poteau Daily News on the Poteau Fire Department.

He granted permission to OSFA to re-print the articles over the next few issues. Following are Parts 5 & 6.

“A few days ago, my granddaughter’s husband Ben Belden, who is a fireman here in Sand Springs, arrived home, asking my granddaughter: ‘Did you know your grandfather is writing articles for the Oklahoma Firefighter newspaper?’

“That made me feel good. Now, maybe I’ll get a little respect. (Just joking!) They have provided us with three great-grandchildren.”

AFTER THE FIRE

By J. Pete Hopkins In previous articles, I have shared my memories of the Poteau Fire Department back in the late 1940s and early 50s.

Back then, the telephone operator would be notified about the fire by some observer. After activating the siren atop City Hall, the operator would advise everyone who called in about the type and location of the fire.

Regardless of where they were, or the time of day, after getting their information from the ‘operator,’ the firemen would all head for the fire station.

None of the firemen had any special lights or horns on their personal cars or trucks. They would just turn on the headlights and honk the horn as they headed to the fire station. Of course, everybody had probably heard the ‘fire whistle’ and would be watchHoses washed and ing for the firemen rushing to ready to be put in the station. dryer. Photo taken at At one time, probably the Conoco station around 1948, they did have when new Truck metal signs, like license #3 arrived around plates, with FIRE DEPT Christmas 1947. stamped in large letters.

with the fire trucks. The oven was about six feet tall and four feet square. After the dirty hoses were washed and cleaned, each section was rolled up and laid flat on a wire tray. The oven could hold maybe a dozen trays, one above the other. The hoses were gently dried over the course of a few hours, or maybe days.

The firemen might work for several hours after a fire, washing the dirty hoses and placing them in the hose drying oven. Then they would install a clean, dry set of hose on the truck. It required several firemen to install the clean hose on the truck. It was laid in a specific pattern in order to be pulled from the truck at the scene of a fire. They wouldn’t leave the station until all the trucks were ready to respond to the next alarm.

Although known as ‘volunteer’ firemen, there was a modest amount of pay involved. At one time, each man received $1 for working a small fire. If it was a house fire, or similar, where the big hose was used, they were paid $3.

After each fire, when everything was finished, hoses cleaned, water tanks filled and trucks parked back in the station, the men went into city hall and signed a log book. Each man had to sign his name and no one could sign another’s name for them. The form of payment was a check, issued every three months -- if the city had any money to pay them.

As far as I know, the city never charged anyone for responding to a fire, whether they were inside the city limits or not. I am not aware of them ever charging for responding to a fire in a nearby town like Wister or Cameron. It was just common practice to help your neighbors.

It wasn’t unusual to respond to a grass fire along the railroad right of way. The railroad steam engines had a large, coal-fired box to heat the water. Occasionally a random ember might escape and ignite some dry grass. Also, there might be a ‘hot box’ on the wheels of a freight car creating sparks that could start a fire.

I remember Dad telling me that either the Frisco or KCS Railroad had sent the city a check for $100 for responding to a fire on one of their small trestles. That was a lot of money back then!

A lot has changed since my Dad was a fireman back in the 1940s and 50s.

Oh, yes . . . those were the days!

These were placed on the front of their vehicles.

After arriving at the station, they would decide which truck, or trucks, to take to the fire.

The basic layout of a typical small-town fire truck in the 1950s would include the warning lights and siren at the front. The cab would have room for the driver and perhaps two more beside him. There was a water tank hidden behind the cab. It would hold enough water for a normal grass fire.

There would be a water pump, hidden from view, near the water tank. Above the water tank would be the hose reel for the ‘small’ hose used for the smaller fires. The small hose was about an inch in diameter, and between 50 and 100 feet long. This reel would be ‘hand cranked’ to rewind the hose after a fire.

Behind the water tank, would be the ‘hose bed’ where the larger hose was stored. The large hose could be between two-and-a-half and up to four inches in diameter. It came in sections, about 20 feet long, joined together with brass couplings. The hose bed was about the size of a pickup truck bed, with sides about four feet high.

If the large hose was required, the truck would stop near a fire plug and one end of the hose would be wrapped around a fireplug for an anchor. Then, the truck could move toward the fire and the large hose would be pulled out of the back of the truck. With one end of the hose connected to the fire plug, the other end could be connected to the truck and water pumped to other hoses.

Or, a nozzle could be put on the end of the hose and the water from the fire plug could be aimed directly to the fire. This would usually require two or more men to hold the nozzle to keep the hose from ‘getting away’ and twisting uncontrolled due to the water pressure.

If the large hose was used, the firemen knew they would have more work after the fire was extinguished. The hose had to be cleaned and dried before being reinstalled on the truck.

There was a large, electrically heated, This dryer in Garrett #1 station hose drying ‘oven’ installed in the garage may date to the 1950s.

TIME OUT FOR FUN This is the sixth and final article of my memories of the years that my Dad was ‘on the fire department.’

Some of the best times during those years were when the firemen and their families gathered at one of the picnic shelters out by the swimming pool. Each summer, the firemen had a picnic or watermelon feast.

It was a time for the men to relax, the women to visit and for the children to play.

This could have been any time between 1944 and 1956.

When the WPA built the swimming pool

in about 1935, they also built two nice picnic shelters with concrete tables and benches. One shelter was south of the pool and the other was located to the north between the swimming pool and the cemetery. A care-takers cottage was also constructed near the north shelter.

There was a small rock and concrete dam which created a large pond between the swimming pool and the north shelter. At some later time, there was a tall fenced area between the north shelter and the pond. There were a few peacocks and deer living in the fenced area. Numerous ducks and geese also made their home in and around this fenced area and the pond.

In addition to the annual ‘watermelon’ feast, I remember one time when the firemen had a friendly ‘water fight.’ It was around 1950 and happened at the intersection of North Witte Street and Page Avenue. F.L. Holton, Jr. built a new home on this corner about this time. The Pete Clark family and the Grady Ollie family also had homes at that intersection.

The firemen were divided into two teams. Instead of water pistols, they used large hoses connected to fire hydrants located a block away in each direction. A metal barrel was placed upright in the middle of the intersection between the two teams. The object of the ‘game’ was to use the stream of high pressure water to push the barrel toward the other team.

I remember seeing the barrel spinning ‘out of control’ after being hit by the high pressure water. I don’t know if anyone got hurt, but looking back now, this probably wasn’t a good idea.

There was also an annual ‘Christmas Banquet’ for the firemen and their wives. (The children were excluded.)

Dad never talked about how or why he became a volunteer fireman. But, I may have recently found a clue to that.

Chief Jon Pickel gave me a copy of the roster, or ‘Members History’ of all the firemen who have served on the Poteau Fire Department, with their dates of service, starting in 1906.

Looking down the list, I noticed several last names appearing on the list more than once. There was Jack Bridgeman joining in 1906 and Bob Bridgeman in 1919. Then, D.L. Kerbow joined in 1912, Layne Kerbow in 1921, Bill Kerbow in 1958 and Tony Kerbow in 1965. There was Vernon Fair in 1920 and F. V. Fair in 1927. Amos Rowley in 1933, his grandson Randy Peters in 1975 and Todd Peters in 1986. Fay Couri joined in 1944 and Richard Couri in 1974.

The only Hopkins listed was my Dad, Orbie, joining in 1943. However, I noticed that Earl Holloway joined the department in 1911. During the past few years, my wife and I have spent numerous hours researching our ancestry. Earl Holloway was my Dad’s uncle! So, there was a connection!

I’ll never know for sure, but it is possible that knowing that his uncle had been a fireman may have influenced my Dad to volunteer.

Thanks to Chief Jon Pickel for his help with some dates, photos and other information. Thanks to Lynda Garrett for This bell from 1931 Ford Truck #1 letting me photowas presented to Buck Garrett when graph the bell from he retired in 1985 after 44+ years. the 1931 truck. Since the 1940s, the location of the stations has changed, the equipment has changed, and the ‘volunteers’ have changed.

Thanks to all these volunteers, past and present, Poteau is fortunate to have a modern and well-equipped Fire Department!

While writing these articles, I’ve enjoyed recalling some of the good times while my Dad was a fireman. Not everybody can say: “I’ve ridden on a fire truck. I’ve ridden on the back platform, hanging on to the chrome bar. I’ve sat in the front seat and operated the siren as my Dad drove the truck.”

Not everyone can say that. But I can, only because I was one of the lucky ones!

Oh, yes . . . those were the days!

30October 2018Oklahoma Firefighter

n OKLAHOMA FIRE SPOTLIGHT

EUFAULA FIRE DEPARTMENT

3 Engines

Fire Chief: Cliff Shatswell

Joined OSFA in 1920

1 Tanker

All volunteer (21 members)

Population: Approx. 2,950

Established in 1902

Area covered: 17 square miles

E-1805 1992 Pierce 1250 pump 750 tank

E-1807 1983 Ford Boardman 1000 pump 1000 tank

2 Brushpumpers 1 All Terrain Vehicle Avg. 180 calls a year

BY GREG ROBERTS Norman FD Retired If you would like to see your FD featured in a future issue, please contact Greg Roberts at 405-424-1452 or groberts1960@ gmail.com

Tanker 1809 2007 Freightliner 200 pump 2500 tank

Engine 1803 1991 E-One 1250 pump 750 tank

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