Oklahoma Firefighter September 2019

September 2019 Volume 36, Issue 7

Official publication of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association

LEAVE NOBODY BEHIND OSFA Hosted Regional COLA Informational Meetings Across Oklahoma in August

23rd Annual David Bain

OKLAHOMA FALLEN & LIVING FIREFIGHTERS

Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019 • At Lincoln Park Golf Course I N S I D E

See Pages 17-18

Memorial Golf Tournament

See Page 14 for more details

OSFA Executive Board Members’ Comments............................................................. 5-6 SAFER Grant Report - Sheri Nickel ................................................................................ 7 ORFA Report - President Tippy Pierce ........................................................................... 9 OSFA Women’s Auxiliary Report - Kenda Engle........................................................... 9 Chaplain’s Corner - Danny Ringer .................................................................................12 Museum News - Gene Brown ......................................................................................... 15 OSFA Executive Director’s Report - Steve Lumry ....................................................... 16 Firefighter Near-Miss Report - Greg Lindsay ............................................................... 18 In Memoriam .................................................................................................................. 25 Executive Board Meeting Highlights ............................................................................. 28 Oklahoma Fire Spotlight -- Hickory Hills FPD ............................................................. 29

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2September 2019Oklahoma Firefighter

Oklahoma FirefighterSeptember 20193

klahoma Firefighter September 2019

Volume 36 — Issue 7

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

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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.

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Letters to the Editor: Oklahoma Firefighter encourages the

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

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

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

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

for its leadership and commitment to the Great State of Oklahoma

OSFA Convention Sponsors’ INDEX Ardian ................................. 21

Pension Tech Group ............ 28

Beutel Goodman ................. 10

River Road Asset ................. 26

Brandywine Global .............. 10

Saxena White ....................... 26

Capital Dynamics ................. 8

State Street Bank ................ 23

Cooke & Bieler ................... 11

WP Global Partners ............ 3

LGT Capital Partners ......... 27

ADvertisers’ INDEX Casco Industries ............... 32

OAEVT Conference ............. 12

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

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

OSU Fire Service Training .... 22-23

Conrad Fire Equipment .... 15

Pension & Retirement ... 27

ITE Fire & Rescue .............. 13

Phillips Murrah P.C. ......... 9

Please provide your name and address for verification.

Manhattan Life ................. 31

Roberts Testing ................ 10

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

Share the Load ................... 25

OAEVT .................................. 12

Sharp Testing ..................... 19

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Oklahoma FirefighterSeptember 20195

PresidenT n

Mike Kelley

2nd vP OKC FD

mkelley@local157.org • 405-623-4338 I hope everyone enjoyed their summer!

The OSFA staff has been hard at work throughout the summer meeting the needs of our membership.

I’m continually impressed by the dedication of Sheri Nickel as she criss-crosses the state bringing needed training to our volunteer brothers and sisters!

Your Executive Director Steve Lumry has scheduled and conducted meetings around the state discussing our Number One legislative priority -- a COLA for our retirees.

Thanks to the board members, the retirees and subject-matter experts, as well as you the membership, for your time in attending those meetings.

As you should know by now, the House and the Senate are both conducting interim studies on a 4% COLA in the House and 2% COLA in the Senate.

We know that this doesn’t come close to catching up those who haven’t received a COLA in over a decade. However, even though we will

continue to communicate the need to the legislators, we need every member to engage in this effort.

While this may not directly affect you, depending on where you are in your career, remember we will all be retired one day and we need to support each other. You should have received or will shortly receive a legislative alert from the OSFA. Please take the time to respond!

There has been no movement on the lawsuit against the Pension system concerning the mandatory distribution of interest. Currently, the system is awaiting a ruling from the State Supreme Court over the temporary restraining order only.

Your June 30 interest should be posted to your account.

Make plans now to play in the 23rd Annual David Bain Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighter Memorial Golf Tournament. It will be held Sept. 18 at Lincoln Park Golf Course with a 1 p.m. shotgun start.

This tournament specifically funds the maintenance of the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial on the campus of your OSFA. Stay safe brothers and sisters!

1st vice PresidenT n

Eric Harlow

Guthrie FD

ericharlow200@gmail.com • 405-520-2893 Greetings Oklahoma Firefighters! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for this heat and humidity to end.

The good thing is that football season is officially here. And before you know it, the holidays will be upon us.

Our various committees have all been selected and are beginning to have their respective meetings. We owe a lot to our committee members, as they are truly the workers of our organization and its effort to improve the services we provide to our members.

If you’re still interested, hop on the OSFA website and fill out and application. We may still be able to get you involved this year.

This is a great way to participate in various events throughout the year.

In its second year, the Public Education Committee has proven to be a game-changer for our state. They are constantly working to better the public education capabilities of departments statewide.

I truly see this to be a huge benefit to the safety of our citizens as they continue their hard work.

Speaking of public education, Fire Prevention Week will be here before you know it. This year’s national theme is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape.”

Please be thinking about making contact with your local schools and daycares and try to make

arrangements to present to the children in your community. Even just showing them what a firefighter in turnout gear looks like so they’re not afraid makes a huge impression and really gets their attention.

If you don’t have a school in your district, reach out to your neighboring departments and see if you can help them with their presentations.

It’s a great time to have community involvement.

And who knows, maybe you’ll inspire one of them to be a firefighter when they get older!

Your executive board, along with the OSFA staff, continue to pound away with the work on a COLA for our retirees. You should have received a letter with information to use when contacting your local legislators. If you have not received one yet, it may come in the next week or two.

It is very important that all our members reach out to their elected officials at the Capitol so we can better our chances at getting this very important measure passed. It’s been far too long since our retirees have received a raise and it’s high time they get what they’ve earned.

In closing, encourage your citizens to keep the grass and brush trimmed away around their structures. With all the moisture we’ve received this summer, once we get a good freeze, we will be presented with a tremendous amount of dead fuel.

This winter could possibly be a busy wildfire season for us all, so be prepared and spread the word to your residents to be fire wise. Until next month, stay safe!

n

Cliff Davidson Ringwood FD 580-554-1886 davidsoncliff@yahoo.com

Hello everyone! Looks like summer has slipped by and the kids are starting school again.

With that said, be sure to watch those school zones and those buses loading and unloading our future.

For the month of August, I have had the honor of traveling around the state to visit with fellow firefighters for the “Leave Nobody Behind Campaign.”

This is one of the things I enjoy the most about being on the OSFA Board -- getting to meet face-to-face with fellow firefighters and discussing the issues facing the fire service of Oklahoma.

This campaign is for a grassroots effort of all the firefighters of Oklahoma to stand together and fight for one another; working to get a cost of living adjustment (COLA) for our retirees, the people who have served before us.

It has been 12 years since they have received a COLA, and as you all know, insurance and medication has skyrocketed in the last 12 years.

We have retirees who have to make a decision between eating or buying medication. In my opinion, this is unacceptable.

Some of you may not know that a paid firefighter does not receive Social Security. They only receive what they earn in their pension.

Being a volunteer, this was hard for me to wrap my head around. But the paid firefighter and whichever city or municipality they work for pay a percentage of each firefighter’s earnings to the pension system -- and that is their sole retirement.

If the firefighter works a second job and earns social security, he pays in the same amount as everyone else but can only receive 40% of what he or she pays in. The firefighter’s spouse falls under the same rule.

To me, I have a hard time understanding this. If a person has to pay in the full amount as the law requires, they should be eligible to receive what they pay in.

But currently, Federal law has not been changed for them to receive their full benefits from their second job. What a great benefit for someone that is trying to work to support their family, including the fact that their spouse falls under the same reduction rule.

With the Leave Nobody Behind Campaign, we are asking all the firefighters of Oklahoma to stand together and contact their Legislators in their district to support a COLA increase for our fellow firefighters.

If you are a volunteer, you may ask yourself why this concerns you. The fact is that if you ever expect your retirement from your volunteer service to increase, you have to help out.

All fire service retirements have to increase together since they all come from the same pension system.

All pension systems are governed by the State Legislature.

If you have a family member who is a retired school teacher or law enforcement or state employee, your support on this matter is greatly needed. Because the COLA increase will affect all that rely on a state pension.

The OSFA will be sending out letters to all members with a letter for you to sign and mail to your legislators with instructions and talking points if you choose to speak to them in person.

The OSFA will send out an email blast when the time comes to follow up on your letter/email/visit with your legislators. If you are a member of the OSFA, make sure your current contact information is up-to-date.

Our Retirees are being held hostage for prior Legislature’s use of pension funds and it’s not right. So please make the effort to support your fellow firefighters.

Thank you for your time.

6September 2019Oklahoma Firefighter

3rd vice PresidenT n

Jim Ed Nimmo 918-557-8379

Tulsa FD

• jimnimmo7@gmail.com

A week or so ago, I was in Muskogee, is there any need to say Oklahoma?

I was there for the retirement reception of the Fire Chief.

In the past, I haven’t made a habit of going to these types of things unless I actually worked with them, they were a personal friend, or both.

A friend of mine, a fireman from Tahlequah named Justin Hackworth, and I were on our way back from McAlester after a Regional Meeting about the COLA legislation we are trying to push through as an organization.

I’ll admit that nostalgia was getting the better of me on the way back from McAlester. We passed several of my old haunts like RCBs (if you know you know) and a dance hall called Cowboy’s (also an if you know you know place) that has been dozed and replaced by a Super 8 or Hampton or some other brand of Motel, which I’m sure stays full of Oil and Gas service workers.

We also passed Lake Eufala and I thought about how for a couple of summers a pretty large group of firemen would meet at Duchess Creek and go out to the “cut” or whatever it is called now and beach their boats or waverunners and have fun.

We pulled into Muskogee and took a left at Main and Okmulgee on our way to the Muskogee Civic Center where we were already 30-ish minutes late for the reception. As we crossed 2nd Street, I looked to my left and saw what was left of the first fire station I ever worked at.

I was pleasantly surprised that old 1’s in Muskogee hadn’t been turned into a parking lot for the VA offices across the street. As a matter of fact, it had been turned into a microbrew called Muskogee Brewing Company. Nice! I pointed it out to Justin and we drove on.

We pulled into the Civic Center and I had pretty much made up my mind that if the microbrew was open when I was done with the reception, I was going to have to stop by. The reception was nice, most of the well-wishers and fire companies were starting to leave as we walked in.

I visited with retiring Fire Chief Mike O’Dell, or Odie, or Odis, as I knew him when he was a Driver and I was a Private on the back of Engine 7.

Mike is a great guy, and although I’m sure all Fire Chiefs feel pretty beleaguered by the job when they decide to leave, I found him to be the same guy I had worked with 18-ish years ago.

He has a steady, easygoing manner and sense of humor that I remember having a calming effect on a sometimes, maybe oftentimes, high strung private. I’m sure that trait served him well as the Chief of what I remember being a very passionate department.

Oddly enough, he was preceded as Fire Chief by our former Captain and now retired Fire Chief Derek Tatum, who I thought to be the exact same way.

If you had told me 18 years ago that either -- much less both of them -- would eventually be Chiefs of the Department, I would have said you were crazy. Not because they were bad picks, rather because they were good ones, at least in my eyes.

I would never have expected the city (of Muskogee) to appoint not one, but two firemen’s firemen in a row to the rank of Fire Chief.

We talked about the pension COLAs and Plan B, his feelings about both, and I gained a little perspective on the issues and perceptions that surround each. I visited with a few guys on the job, as well as a retiree or two, then said some goodbyes and slipped out.

We pulled out of the Civic Center and drove about a block east back to Old 1’s. It was open and we went inside. It was the first time I had been there since they shut it down not long after I started.

I showed Justin around and did the old “back when I was here” routine. We drank a beer, and I visited with the owner and revealed to him -- or actually, Justin revealed to him -- that I had worked there (I hate doing that sort of thing).

The place was cleaned up, and although the owner had done an excellent job of preserving what he could of the feel of the old station -- including a lot of memorabilia from the department -- obviously it wasn’t the same.

A pair of shoes was still nailed to the ceiling from a retirement that happened long before my time. The diesel soot covering the walls and ceiling of the bays had been cleaned away and repainted or clear coated.

The bunk room was gone, as were the lockers, the five gallon bucket ash trays and the rec room with cement filled plastic weights, a pool table and cigarette smoke banked to floor.

The most prominent thing missing to me was the smell, which had been a combination of 100 years of smelly firemen, every kind of smoke, and metal coffee cans full of old and probably rancid bacon grease kept in a cabinet by the kitchen sink.

My wife described it as smelling like fart sheets, which made sense because that was also the first place I heard a bed referred to as a fart sack.

What was still there was the feeling.

The rear overhead door that I walked into for my first shift was still there, and I

Past PREsident n

Dereck Cassady

Ponca City FD

IAFFLocal2479@ yahoo.com • 580-761-5338

I want to start by telling everyone who attended

one of the regional COLA meetings thank you for

taking the time out of your busy schedules to show up

and listen.

It’s going to take a complete effort to get a COLA passed. Also, I would like to say thanks to the OSFA staff. They put countless hours into get the mailer sent out. When you receive the mailer, please make sure that you contact your Representative and Senator to let them know you support the retiree COLA. I also want to urge each of you to make sure everyone on your department is registered to vote. More important than being registered is exercising your right to vote. Make sure you get out and vote in all elections no matter how big or small you think they might be.

I hope everyone can come play golf in the 23rd Annual David Bain Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighter Memorial Golf Tournament at 1 p.m. on Sept. 18 at Lincoln Park Golf Course. This is one of the biggest fundraisers we have for the Memorial. The proceeds from the tournament are used to maintain the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighter Memorial.

If you haven’t been to the Memorial, you need to get to OKC to see it. The Memorial honors all Oklahoma Firefighters.

Again this month, I would like to talk a little about behavioral health.

I think it’s very important that we continue to come together as team and change the culture of the fire service.

We spend hours and hours training for emergency situations, but we don’t seem to add more focus on behavioral health. We need to give some attention to how firefighting and the emergency calls we respond to affects the mental well-being of our members.

When it comes to behavioral health, we need to understand, train and help our members who are not only affected by what they see during their career but also from stressors outside of the workplace. remembered how nervous I had been -- a feeling I’m sure many of us who have walked through similar doors for the first time have in common.

It might have been the first time I ever heard the term “meat axe” -- as in, “he looks like he’s about to $%@! (pass) a meat axe.” A saying I believe I brought to town in Tulsa five years later. I’m still not sure if a meat axe is a really big meat cleaver, or something worse, but I think passing one would be pretty horrible.

After we left, I thought about what all has changed over the last two decades. On one hand, I think not much. But on the other hand, I think a lot.

Folks talk about change, how the job has changed, how the people have changed (particularly new people). But for me, I think at its core, it is still the same.

The one thing I hear more than anything when how the job has really changed comes up is related to telephones. I feel like I’m well staggered in the generation that had it both ways.

I grew up on a party line and rotary dial. Cell phones were just becoming affordable when I started my career, and the biggest change they initially caused was not having to observe the 5-minute rule on the house line at old 1’s and no longer having to know where someone was going to be before you left the house to meet them.

By the time smart phones and text messaging took hold in the mid 2000s, I was still young enough that using them wasn’t a struggle. I can’t say the same for folks my parents age. Couple that with the social media wave, and here we are at what I consistently hear has changed the most.

What I consistently hear is people spend all their time on their phone. It is not an earth-shattering revelation, and I know I’m not the first person to recognize it.

Amid all this nostalgia, I think it is important to note that somewhere in the late 1800s to early 1900s, there were a group of aging firemen bellyaching over how much having a telephone line rather than a telegraph in the station was ruining the fire service.

That said, there is no doubt in my mind that guys sitting around the table at the firehouse staring at memes, texts, updates and videos -- often about the fire service -- has cost us a little when it comes to knowing each other.

I think it has cost us a lot when it comes to what makes the fire service special -- having fun and, more specifically, having fun at each other’s expense.

So, the next time you’re sitting at the firehouse table watching a firehouse parody from some bald guy you don’t know on a Zoo crew post from Facebook, put down your phone, tell a story or make fun of the bald guy sitting across from you.

Enjoy some real life with your crew. I doubt you’ll ever be nostalgic about that one shift you stared at Instagram for eight hours.

Oklahoma FirefighterSeptember 20197

n

SAFER Grant Sheri Nickel

Congratulations to the Volunteer Fire Service in the State of Oklahoma!

It takes a lot of self-motivation for you all to train as hard as you have been over the last year and a half.

Whether you have taken a leadership class, EVDT, pump ops or have gone all the way and completed Firefighter-1, you deserve a pat on the back.

We are about to wrap up Year-3 of this SAFER Grant and you all are the beneficiaries.

Back in 2015, a few of the guys in the leadership realms of OSFA and OSU-FST brainstormed and came up with the idea to apply for this FEMA grant in order to get training and PPE out to the people that needed it the most.

Under the direction of retired OSFA Executive Director Phil Ostrander, 2018 OSFA President Matt Lay and OSU-FST Director Dr. Erick Reynolds, Steve Lumry wrote the grant (he was OSFA Administrative Director at the time).

I was hired in the fall of 2015 as the Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Coordinator to figure out how to spend $2.1 million.

I spent all of grant Year-1 canvasing the state performing Volunteer Fire Department Assessments. I attended county fire chiefs meetings, fire schools, trade shows and anything where I thought I might come in contact with volunteer firefighters at.

I traveled in excess of 40k miles that year, devoting my time to identifing fire departments for a mapping system and determining what our fire departments needed.

The most common answer was training and grant money. I even went to Baltimore to read AFG Grants to see if I could determine why Oklahoma was lacking in receiving grant money -- only to conclude that it all went back to training.

It seems as though FEMA frowns upon giving fire departments money for a new truck when they don’t have firefighters trained to make entry into a structure.

When Year-2 of the grant began, I was skeptical about meeting the goals that were set forth in the grant. We were to award 75 sets of bunker gear and spend $260,000 on basic firefighter training and physicals.

A few months into the grant, I received a few applications from here and there, mostly from larger volunteer fire departments in the northeast.

In April of 2017, OSU-FST hosted their first FF1 Academy for the year and a few candidates were picked up from that, but we were a long way from meeting the goal.

By the time fall rolled around, I was panicking trying to figure out how to spend the money and meet the goals.

SAFER Grant Coordinator I started thinking about my own training experience and how I went through Paramedic School. My teacher was in Poteau and I attended class twice a week in Woodward, reporting to Kiamichi Tech several times over the two-year period for skills.

If our educators are teaching Paramedics like that, why can’t we teach Firefighter 1 like that?

I quickly began figuring out a model for Firefighter 1. I recalled my friends on the Woodward Fire Department telling me that they had utilized an online system from OSU-FST to teach Firefighter 1 but it wasn’t very successful.

I went and visited with them to find out why they felt it was unsuccessful. And once they gave me those answers, I went to Paddy Metcalf at OSU-FST to prepare a game plan.

The kinks had to be worked out, but we chose to beta test the program regionally.

We chose SW and NW Oklahoma since it was determined that there had not been any FF1 training in those areas in years.

Paddy knew that he had instructors there that could teach the skills, and students of all ages, genders and educational levels took the class.

While he was skeptical, Paddy went along with my hair-brained idea that we could make this work. And it did!

We completed Year-2 of the grant with all 75 sets of bunker gear awarded, and firefighters in the Duncan and Woodward areas proved that we could pursue this type of training.

Fast forward to now … we are in the 3rd year of the grant. Just since January, we have successfully trained 66 men and women to the level of IFSAC certified FF1. And we have 134 who are currently enrolled and in pursuit of that certificate before Thanksgiving.

This type of training has exploded across the state. I don’t have the numbers for the other FF1 classes that have been taught by independent departments, but I am excited that we have discovered a way to get training into the most rural parts of Oklahoma to people who never dreamed of being able to receive it.

It has been amazing to be able to put all of the pieces of the puzzle together to make this happen. The online portion of the class known as ResourceOne is a product provided by Fire Protection Publications.

The skills and testing days are arranged

by Paddy Metcalf from OSU-FST and we have instructors who have come out of the woodwork all over to help on skills days.

This is how our Fire Service should work. It isn’t about one person; it is about everyone working together to take care of the people who are actually putting out the fires.

“Teamwork makes the Dream work” and now is the time to be a part of a great team.

SAFER GRANT

Recruitment & Retention First Time Firefighters

Firefighter 1 - Bunker Gear Year-4 of SAFER Grant Opens Nov. 29, 2019

OKLAHOMA STATE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION

Funds dispersed on a first-come first-served basis

www.OSFA.info

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

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8September 2019Oklahoma Firefighter

Oklahoma FirefighterSeptember 20199

ORFA REport

n

Tippy Pierce

Moore FD Retired

Well, I cannot believe that it is September and we have made it through most of the hot part of the year.

We are all looking forward to the fall, but with cooler temps and later the cold, the grass fires through the state will get more plentiful.

That means that active paid and volunteer firefighters will be busy. For retired firefighters, we will be busy working on a new and exciting direction.

We have formed a committee under the ORFA Executive Board called the Cornerstone Committee. This will be a standing committee if it is approved this coming June at the ORFA Convention.

You will see this Constitutional Resolution change in the newspaper in the coming months. What is the Cornerstone Committee going to look like? It is going to be a multi-tasking committee to start working on issues that affect the ORFA.

Items listed below: 1. We will be working on new membership for the ORFA. We know that the ORFA gets it strength from its membership. We need all retired members or their widows to join. If you are retired and know someone who is retired and not receiving the Oklahoma Firefighter newspaper, that means they are not an ORFA member.

2. We will be looking into how the ORFA can help the museum expansion fundraising efforts.

3. Legislative Issues (Subject to the OSFA Executive Board Approval) on the COLA. 4. Anything else that the ORFA Executive Board and Cornerstone Committee need to address.

Member of the Cornerstone Committee are:

James Fullingim, Chair Larry Bogges, Lawton Kenneth Cook, OKC Steve Dow, Durant Brian Foughty, Moore Carl Hickman, Mustang Clifford Lewis, OKC Phil Ostrander, Tulsa Greg Roberts, Norman John Soos, OKC Kevin Wofford, Vinita

T. Dick Cagle, Vice Chair Mike Bower, Midwest City Dana Cramer, Norman Steve Day, Woodward Paul Gallahar, Tulsa Ernie Ledbetter, Okmulgee Jim Minx, OKC Dr. Erick Reynolds, Milfay Randy Rose, OKC Ronnie Walker, Lawton ORFA Board Ex Officio

I will give you all an update in the October edition.

Feel free to contact any of the members listed above with any ideas that you might have that will help the ORFA Cornerstone Committee.

2019-2020 ORFA Executive Board

2019-2020 OSFA Women’s Aux Board

PRESIDENT Tippy Pierce, Moore 405-924-1104 • fftip@swbell.net

PRESIDENT Susan Walker 580-351-4116 • sw233821@gmail.com

1ST VICE PRESIDENT George Fina, OKC 405-373-2409 • gomsc38@gmail.com

VICE PRESIDENT Michele Cole 918-698-4488 • momachel@aol.com

2ND VICE PRESIDENT A.K. “Yogi” Cole, Tulsa 918-231-3591 • ycole@ipa.net

SEC/TREASURER Marti Carpenter 405-590-4608 • marticarpenter@att.net

3RD VICE PRESIDENT James Fullingim, Norman nfdchief@hotmail.com

JR BD MEMBER Kendra Engle 405-630-8898 • kefd07@yahoo.com

PAST PRESIDENT Juan Rodriguez, Lawton jrod911@gmail.com

PAST PRESIDENT Erica Koch 405-308-2010 • ejv97@cox.net

n

Women’s Aux report Kendra Engle

Jr Board Member

Just like that, summer is over and it’s back to school time! It seems like summer goes by faster every year.

With the start of school, it brings a lot more traffic in every town and more children present in all aspects.

Make sure when you’re out and about, if you see a school bus stopped with their sign out and lights flashing that you stop! It’s so important to drive safely in school zones, pay attention to everyone around you and most of all be cautious when school buses are involved.

Our children are our greatest assets and we want to make sure everyone’s kids go home safe at the end of each day.

I don’t know about you, but the latest temperatures have felt like they are off the charts hot! As you all know, it is so important to stay hydrated and cool as much as possible.

If you have elderly neighbors or family members, check in on them and make sure they are staying cool. We all get busy and can easily forget to check in.

I know this sounds like a broken record, but so many people get forgotten and we want to make sure we help others in every way possible. Hopefully, the weeks ahead will bring us cooler temperatures with Fall just around the corner.

There are a couple of upcoming events the Woman’s Auxiliary would like to invite you to: • The 23rd annual David Bain Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial Golf Tournament will be Sept. 18 at Lincoln Park.

• The OSFA Statewide Memorial Service is Oct. 6 at the OSFA Complex.

We would love to see you at both events!

Finally, we are always taking donations for the OSFA Convention Silent Auction. It is never too early to start donating items so we can make our auction in June a huge success. If you have something you would like to donate in advance, please contact anyone on the OSFAWA Board.

10September 2019Oklahoma Firefighter

Register for Free Alliance for Response Forum An Alliance for Response is being organized in Oklahoma for emergency management personnel and cultural organizations including museums, libraries, archives to preplan before a disaster strikes.

Our state has a wealth of cultural resources of art, archives, photographs and artifacts which can be threatened by fire, tornados, flooding, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

The Oklahoma Museums Association along with many partners will address this threat response by leading the Alliance for Response Forum on Oct. 25. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.

The Forum is free, but please register by Oct. 15 to attend. To register, go to https://okmuseums. wufoo.com/forms/kv6veq010uj9zd/ The day will consist of a short presentation

by Dr. Bob Blackburn, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, followed by a panel discussion between responders and cultural organizations.

A keynote lunch address will be given by Oklahoma State Climatologist Gary McManus on Oklahoma: A Culture of Extreme Weather.

After lunch, emergency personnel will have a behind the scenes collections tour of the Oklahoma History Center to gain a better understanding of where treasurers are stored in a museum, library or archive in the event there is a disaster.

The Forum will allow the emergency personnel and the cultural organizations to preplan and have a knowledgeable conversation and build

Roberts Testing

a good working relationship and improve their preparedness to help with a disaster, such as took place at Notre Dame in Paris when the emergency personnel were able to save many artifacts and treasures.

n FUNDRAISER Green Country FOOLS 4th annual Benefit Golf Tournament Sept. 20 at Heritage Hills Golf Course. Shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $300 for 4-person team.

Proceeds benefit local fire departments or firefighters in need. For more info, email GreenCountryFOOLS@yahoo.com.

n FREE TRAINING Recruitment & Retention Certification Course Sept. 21-22 at Missouri’s Battlefield Fire Training Center.

Free interactive 2-day course being offered through the IAFC for volunteer and combination Fire Chiefs.

You do not have to be IAFC members to participate.

For more info, visit iafc.org/vals.

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2017-06-26 12:24 PM

Oklahoma FirefighterSeptember 201911

Question & Answers Oklahoma Firefighter asked last issue’s readers this question: “What’s the most outdated piece of tech you still use?”

Here is what they said: w Tippy Pierce, Moore Retired: It would be a Sony video camera that uses a cassette cartridge to record and replays through a VHS and DVD player to extract video. LOL w Edward Fowler, Del City Retired: Simply put, pen and paper. w Greg Roberts, Norman Retired: I still use an analog watch. I refuse to go digital with a wrist watch! w Sheri Nickel, OSFA Staff: My oldest piece of technology that I still use is my 52-year-old husband. He is like Google -- he knows it all! w Aaron Burns, Broken Arrow Retired: I still can’t do without my blackberry.

n

educational Advisory

Donnie Bennett

The 2020 OSFA State Fire School is several months out, but it is definitely not too early to put the dates in your calendar.

The 2020 John F. Futhey II OSFA State Fire School will be May 7-9.

The hardworking OSFA staff (the unsung heroes) and the Educational Advisory Committee have already hit the ground running in order to make the 2020 Fire School a success.

If you would like to be an instructor, proposals must be turned in by Dec. 2 at 4:30 p.m. Submissions should focus on current issues, lessons learned, creative best practices, participant interaction and hands-on training. Multiple submissions are welcome, and a presentation application is available at

OKC FD • Safety & Heath Committee

www.osfa.info.

If you plan on attending State Fire School, registration and a schedule should be available as early as February.

This event truly gets bigger and better every year.

So take advantage of this great opportunity to learn, fellowship and meet new people.

w Bert Norton, Midwest City: Well, I’m not sure that it is tech, but I have a backup camera on my car, however I still use the mirrors to back up. w S.R. Hunter, Bethany: I still utilize pen and pad to track my running and/or exercise activities in a daily log. I can tell you where I was and what I did for the past 40 years. I have a written alibi. w Tom Marcum, Mooreland: My work computer, but you use what you’re given. LOL

Cooke & Bieler is an independent professional organization dedicated to providing investment counseling services to institutions and families.

w Bruce Anthony, Tuttle: I still use (and frequently) an electronic adding machine with a paper printout. Every one laughs when I fire it up, but I like the key board. w Richelle Treece, Bethel Acres: 3x5 cards. I always have a few on me while at work in case I need to jot anything down or remember something. w Donnie Bennett, Oklahoma City: My iPhone 6s. w Bryan West, OSU-FST: A pencil, it still takes great notes and doodles, and it never needs to be charged. w Greg Herbster, Moore: I still use an iPhone 5 because I love the size of it -- although it comes with a lot of grief from my kids. w Bre Dahl, Marshall: I would say pen and paper to take notes on at work and home is my most outdated now. But it was all of the above until I got married to a tech guy -- although he blew up my TV during an ice storm. Yep, hooking up the generator.

I tried to say something but was told he knew what he was doing. He plugged it in before starting the generator and the surge made sparks and smoke come rolling out after a loud pop was heard.

Next Month’s Question --

“What do you resent paying for the most?”

Everyone is Welcome to Participate!

Email Your Response to penelopes@osfa.info

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE OSFA

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12September 2019Oklahoma Firefighter

OKLAHOMA EVT 2019 TRAINING CONFERENCE October 7-11 • Edmond Fire Training Center Several EVTCC Refresher Classes Will Be Offered -- EVTCC Testing is October 11 -Cost:

$175 per person (lunches provided)

Does Not Include EVTCC Testing

Must Pre-Register With EVTCC (www.evtcc.org) Register: www.okevt.org OklahomaEVT/Facebook Tim Dowers

6310 Quail Lane, Enid, OK 73703

580-554-9458 Host Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn (I-35 & Covell Road)

405-726-8611

FIRE & AMBULANCE CLASSES

Oct. 7-8 Oct. 7 Oct. 8 Oct. 9 Oct. 9-10 Oct. 11 Oct. 10-11

Hale Pump Tear Down L1 E-0 Ambulance Maint., Inspect & Testing E-1 Ambulance Design & Performance F-4 Fire Apparatus Electrical Systems Basic Electrical E-3 Amlunance HVAC

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

Need training for your mechanics?

Are the mechanics working on your equipment certified?

Think you cannot afford training?

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

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

n

Chaplain’s corner Danny Ringer

Elk City FD Chaplain

Wants or Needs?

Do you ever struggle with wants and needs?

I really enjoy all the new gadgets and new apps for my phone. I like to have all the latest tools and To post prayer requests equipment for work. I have a tendency to get in a bind because the newest, latest and greatest tools and find up-to-date inforneed the newest and latest software updates or mation on the Oklahoma another attachment to make them work properly.

Fire Chaplains, go to I have had times that I actually went back to www.okfirechaplains.org. the tool that I was more familiar with in use. I have had a few situations the old tools worked pretty darn well for me.

This process has led me to evaluate my life and what I need or what I want.

Am I content? And if I stay too content, do I allow better practices and tools to pass me by?

I’m sure many of you want to be efficient and fulfill our duties with excellence, but at what point do we just waste resources and time with some new-fangled tool that isn’t as good as the older tools we used?

The past three months I’ve been trying to down size to the things in my life that I really need. I’ve been trying to look at my time, money and resources with a new direction of efficiency.

I’ve given some things away and even trashed a few things that, for some reason, I just kept around for a rainy day.

I’m learning to evaluate my spiritual life, too. What am I doing with my life spiritually that is making a difference?

This verse has really grown on me the past couple of months: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 4:19 NASB) Those moments that I begin to stress about stuff or those moments that I’m tempted to over exceed my budget, I’m reminded that my God will supply all my needs. So, I begin to pray and seek wise counsel before making some of these decisions.

I’m also reminded that when it comes right down to it, what do I really need?

Jesus!

n

FSIO REPORT Rodney Foster

Shawnee FD

Good day to all the wonderful personnel all over the state!

We, at FSIO, are so excited about the upcoming conference. And we are tying a different approach this year.

We will not be offering train the trainers like in the past.

We have surveyed personnel throughout the state and found that instructor development is what they would like to see us provide.

The 38th annual FSIO Conference is Oct. 23-26.

Wednesday, Oct. 23, will be sponsored by OSU-FST. This will be an instructor update for continuing education needed by current staff of OSU. We would welcome anyone interested in getting involved at OSU-FST. Thursday (Oct. 24) and Friday (Oct. 25) will be focused on instructor development. We are excited to have speakers scheduled that have been in the business of training for many years. These presentations will create better organization and a new set of ideas for the future of your departments training program.

On Saturday (Oct. 26), we will provide a hands-on day. This will consist of teaching specific skills and drills to better prepare instructors for hands on training evolutions. These skills and drills will be a great benefit in implementation of the 2020-training plan we will provide to all that attend.

If you have a great instructor that you would like to nominate for instructor of the year, please nominate as soon as possible. Thursday night of the conference, we will have our Instructor of the Year Banquet. Please go to our website (FSIO.org) for more details.

Oklahoma FirefighterSeptember 201913

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14September 2019Oklahoma Firefighter

23rd Annual David Bain

20th Annual Statewide

OKLAHOMA FALLEN &

OKLAHOMA

LIVING FIREFIGHTERS

FIREFIGHTERS

Memorial Golf Tournament

Memorial Service

Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019

Sunday, Oct. 9, 2019

At Lincoln Park

At Oklahoma Firefighters

(WEST COURSE)

Museum & Memorial

You Can See the Firefighters Memorial From the 6th Fairway!

All Firefighters & Family Members Are Invited to Attend

4 Man Scramble / Shotgun Start $100 per Person / $400 per Team

Honoring Oklahoma’s Firefighters Statewide Oklahoma Firefighters Memorial Services Through the Years 2007

Includes Green Fees, Cart & Dinner at Oklahoma Firefighters Museum Registration Begins at Noon Tee Off at 1 p.m.

2010

OPEN TO ALL Don’t have to be a Firefighter LIMITED TO FIRST 36 TEAMS Register Online Today at www.osfa.info All Proceeds Benefit Oklahoma Fallen & Living Firefighters Memorial

2006

2005

2009

Oklahoma FirefighterSeptember 201915

OSFA STAFF report n

Trisha Chain

Event & Promotions

There are few things more inspiring to me than the heart of a servant.

I’m sure most of you are familiar with John 15:13, the ‘no greater love’ verse that is popular on firefighter-themed décor.

But for once, I’m not going to brag on you all, I’m going to brag on those you serve.

I decided to make a trip to my hometown of Hunter to see my family over my birthday weekend, and the last night of Vacation Bible School just happened to correspond.

I got to see my niece and nephew perform in the program and see some of the crafts and projects the group did throughout the week.

One night, the kids were tasked with writing thank you cards to their local fire department, and I just had to get some pictures of them.

It may not seem like a lot for “normal” size towns, but it was great to see a bulletin board covered in cards.

Hunter may only be a town of about 200, and I can’t vouch for what other departments have been through, but I know this group has sure been through a lot in the past few decades.

So here is my thank you card to my friends and family (some literal, some figurative) at the Hunter Fire Department – thank you for

n www.CONRADFIRE.com

n

Gene Brown

trishac@osfa.info

protecting the people and places I love most.

And to everyone else -- there are many people who can’t or won’t do what you do. I’m sure there are days it can be hard to stomach, but everyone is appreciative of you, and I truly hope everyone shows it.

Like I said, there are few things more inspiring to me than the heart of a servant -- but a community who rallies to cherish them is one of them.

Be safe out there, and let us know if there is anything we can do to help you.

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

Hello Everyone!

The Museum has received the smoke trailer from the Oklahoma City FD. Our goal is to make it available for training across the state.

Your Public Education Committee is working on the curriculum to assist you with training the children of your community.

We are also working on getting a truck donated to pull the trailer around the state. Hopefully we can make this happen as soon as possible.

If anyone knows of a dealer or company that might be able to help with our venture, please let me know.

Work on the Memorial Fountain is coming along. The repairs should be done before the OSFA Statewide Memorial Service on Oct. 6.

The 23rd David Bain Memorial Golf Tournament is Sept.

18 at Lincoln Park West. Please make plans to attend.

This is an important fundraiser for the Memorial. Also a great time! Please help support our Memorial.

Hope to see you soon!

@conradfire

@conradfireequipment n (913) 780-5521

@conradfire

Conrad Fire Equipment and Steve Martin would like to thank and congratulate the Norman Fire Department on its recent purchase of this Pierce Arrow XT Tanker/Pumper.

RYAN REEVES (405) 269-3844

CARY PROVENCE (405) 623-8216

STEVE MARTIN (405) 620-1891

ROGER BROWN (785) 865-6941

Firefighters Serving Firefighters

16September 2019Oklahoma Firefighter

OSFA executive director n

‘leave nobody behind’ meetings

Steve Lumry

OSFA invited ALL firefighters (active, retired, paid and volunteer) that are in the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System to attend “Leave Nobody Behind” Regional Meetings.

The meetings focused on the current Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that is pending

OCFD Retired stevel@osfa.info 405-424-1452

Are You a Part or Apart?

My old friend T. Dick Cagle, retired from Tulsa, was a member of the OSFA Executive Board from 1995-1999 and was President in 1998.

He used to sign off at the bottom of his articles in this newspaper with the phrase, “Be a part not apart.”

That is still a very true statement today.

When you analyze that statement a little, you realize that you can’t be both. You are either a part and participate or you are apart and don’t do anything for the overall fire service.

The OSFA, and frankly the ORFA, are membership organizations that serve the best people and profession in the world. That is firefighters!

However, serving is a two-way street.

We are a “from the ground up organization.” You have your input through convention, volunteer caucus, committees and individually. We currently have 11,154 OSFA members and over 4,400 ORFA members for a total membership of around 16,000 (including active life members and such). That is a lot of firefighters to represent.

Convention is held in June of each year with around 450 people attending. The Volunteer Caucus is held in February with around 150 participating.

The more than 220 committee members meet at various times throughout the months and are able to call in to the meetings if they can’t be there in person. There are a lot of ideas generated in that group of participants and all are important. However, that is still a small portion of the overall membership.

Being a part means to take action when it’s necessary. Now is the time when it is necessary.

You should have received a letter in the mail from us by now. If you have not, you will be receiving it shortly.

I know most mail these days is junk mail and bills, but this is neither. It is labeled “Legislative Bulletin.” It is important information on how to help obtain a COLA for our retirees.

You can see Cliff’s article (on Page 6) for more of the details.

It’s obvious why it’s important to the retirees to help on this issue. However, some of the active folks may not understand why it should be important to them, as well.

Just look around you at the station. The fact that there is a fire department at all. The fact that there is equipment, gear and training. The fact that they maintained a good reputation with the citizens that we serve.

These things are due to the efforts of those who came before you. They left it better than they found it, and it is up to you to do the same for those who come after you. And even if they didn’t for some reason, it’s time to change that environment and become a part of the larger fire service.

Also, a big part of leaving it better than you found it is taking care of those who came before you. Besides, if we can’t obtain a COLA now, we may never get another one, so it directly affects you as an active member too! Because “never” is a long, long time.

Please take a couple of minutes to do your part. Answer the call. Follow the firefighter creed and Leave Nobody Behind.

Take action and be a part. Until next time, stay safe!

Regional COLA Informational Meetings August 13 Guymon (Fire Station #1) Grant Wadley, host Emphasis on Paid and Volunteer

August 14 Lawton (Central Fire Station) Raanon Adams, host Emphasis on Paid August 14 Marlow (Marlow Library) Jason Miller, host Emphasis on Volunteer

August 16 Elk City (Western Tech Center) Billy Sizemore, host Emphasis on Paid

August 16 Mooreland (Community Center) Tom Marcum, host Emphasis on Volunteer

August 27 Bartlesville (Central Fire Station) John Banks, host Emphasis on Paid

August 27 Bartlesville (Central Fire Station) John Banks, host Emphasis on Volunteer

August 29 McAlester (Training Center) Brett Brewer, host Emphasis on Paid

August 29 Antlers (Fire Training Center) Delbert Gay, host Emphasis on Volunteer

at the State Cap the status of th what we as mem happens.

The Executiv Pension System Members from

meetings held across oklahoma

pitol. They included updates on he legislation, the impact, and mbers need to do to see that it

ve Directors of OSFA and the m were there, along with Board the OSFA and ORFA, to discuss

the issue and answer your questions.

Due to differences between a paid pension and a volunteer pension, there was an emphasis on one or the other at each meeting to expedite the meetings.

Below are snapshots from a few of these meetings.

Oklahoma FirefighterSeptember 201917

NEW ‘FUNDAMENTALLY FIRE’ VIDEO SERIES

OSFA has launched a video series on topics of importance to the Oklahoma Fire Service. It is called “Fundamentally Fire” and it can be viewed on the OSFA Facebook page.

Hopefully the series will prove to be informative and useful to Oklahoma Firefighters.

The first installment titled “What is a COLA?” features McLoud volunteer firefighter Quintin James interviewing OSFA Executive Director Steve Lumry.

Below are power point presentations from the video.

What is a COLA?

18September 2019Oklahoma Firefighter

n

NEAR-MISS REPORT

By Greg Lindsay

Reduced Scheduled Maintenance Contributes Mechanical Failure Regular equipment maintenance is an important part of the job we do. Even during morning rig check, we investigate the condition of our apparatus.

Each time we fill out a fuel card, record the level on the oil dipstick, or check the tire pressure we’re investigating the condition of our equipment, and identifying any maintenance concerns. Understanding when these checked conditions indicate a malfunction is important for our safety The featured report this month was sent to us from a malfunction during training in 2018. There were pictures included with this report, which makes it unique in that you can see exactly how the crew conducted the investigation.

The pictures presented with this report were from the maintenance shop where personnel began diagnosing the malfunction. Consider how you might have addressed this type of mechanical failure in your own department. (More pictures are available at http://firefighternearmiss.com/Reports?id=15844)

Crew Uses Cribbing To Stabilize Aerial Ladder During Inspection Published: 12/12/2018 EVENT NARRATIVE A tractor-drawn aerial truck experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure of the hydraulic outrigger and aerial ladder components during an inspection.

The apparatus was being exercised/ inspected by the fleet shop supervisor after it had touched a building with the aerial ladder the previous week while conducting crew training. A mechanic did not inspect the truck at the time of the initial incident.

While the shop supervisor was at the turntable control panel maneuvering the aerial ladder at an approximate 40-degree angle and extended at approximately 40 feet, the outrigger began to settle.

The assigned crew watched at ground level when the aerial ladder began to oscillate causing the captain side tiller outrigger to lose pressure. The settling caused loud popping to be heard at the turntable and resulted in snapping torqued bolts at the turntable.

As the outrigger settled and the aerial ladder began to lose elevation another fire department engine began to pull into the area. The engine crew was waived off from pulling under the aerial ladder and could have been struck if there was a total failure of the aerial ladder.

As the outrigger began to fail and settle, the assigned crew ran to the failing outrigger and began placing cribbing underneath to prevent the truck from completely rolling over to the failing side.

If the truck had rolled over the potential existed for injury to the assigned crew and the shop supervisor, and damage to the additional fire department engine, multiple personal vehicles in the parking area, fire station property damage, and a solar panel array.

There is an investigation currently being conducted by department administration with no current expected date of completion.

OKC Fire Department

After reading about this incident, consider discussing the following with your crew: • How often do you test your aerial equipment?

• Do you follow the NFPA standard for aerial testing?

• Frequently, assigned personnel identify problems with our hydraulic equipment. What is an acceptable amount of drift for a hydraulic outrigger?

The quick actions of this crew may have prevented the apparatus from further damage. Cribbing under the outrigger could be the only reason the ladder didn’t tip over. Without knowing how fast the ladder was settling, it could have been a very risky task for the ladder crew.

Anytime we have a question about hydraulic equipment maintenance, it’s always safe to assume that fluids can leak.

The best way to tell is by examining what will happen if seals begin leaking. It’s not always evident by looking for a spill. Sometimes the best indicator is to measure how much a hydraulic cylinder will drift under pressure.

Start slowly by setting the equipment with a small amount of pressure and use a tape measure to determine a baseline. After an hour, measure again to determine the drift.

Different manufacturers have different levels of acceptability on hydraulic drift. In some instances, ¾ of an inch in an hour is acceptable. Contact the manufacturer for specific parameters.

Additionally, the hydraulics are only one element in an aerial device. Mechanical fasteners can also fail and cause problems. A complete visual inspection is recommended prior to other types of testing. Keep in mind that most apparatus malfunctions related to routine maintenance are discovered during daily apparatus checks.

To be sure, routine maintenance is a vital part of maintaining equipment readiness. If you have had an occasion where regular checks revealed a significant problem or avoided a significant failure, I would like to read about it. Positive examples of best practices are also appropriate for publication on the website.

Click on to www.FireFighterNearmiss.com and share your story. It’s easy to navigate through the website, and 100% anonymous. Your story could resolve a problem others are about to experience. Share your story; make it safer for the next shift.

Officer’s Side Stabilizers

LESSONS LEARNED What recommendations do you have to prevent a similar occurrence?

1. Schedule and complete maintenance on all fire department apparatus.

2. Complete apparatus testing in accordance with applicable NFPA standards.

3. Implement a comprehensive fleet replacement schedule.

4. Hire sufficient personnel to conduct fleet maintenance.

What changes are being implemented in your department due to this event?

NFPA compliant testing is scheduled for all aerial trucks. An apparatus specification committee has been working on new standards for the department. Further changes will be identified once the investigation is complete.

Driver’s Side Stabilizer

Oklahoma Firefighterď źSeptember 2019ď ź19

n

OSFA at official signing ceremonies for bills benefitting firefighters

Governor Kevin Stitt signs HB 2051 in Official Ceremony on July 29

This bill will allow retired paid who are not on disability and active paid firefighters to become volunteer firefighters in their communities. This new law will take effect on Nov. 1.

This bill was at the request of the volunteer firefighters at the 2018 OSFA Volunteer Caucus.

It was authored by Mike Sanders (R) and Casey Mudock (F)(R).

Governor Stitt signs SB 164 in Official Ceremony on Aug. 5 Thank you Senator Roland Peterson, Representative Gary Mize, Representative Ryan Martinez and Representative Nicole Miller for sponsoring SB 164, which modifies the terms of fire protection board memberships. This bill will benefit our states Title 19 fire protection districts.

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20September 2019Oklahoma Firefighter

2020 NVFC Training Summit Set For June The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has announced that the next NVFC Training Summit will take place June 26-27, 2020, in Orlando, FL. Pre-register at www.nvfc.org to save your spot and get updates as event information becomes available.

Launched in 2014, the Training Summit provides an opportunity for first responders from across the country to participate in valuable classroom training, as well as exchange ideas and best practices with their peers.

The NVFC’s signature annual conference is open to all volunteer firefighters, EMS providers, department leadership and other fire department personnel.

General and breakout sessions will address critical issues in first responder health and safety, recruitment and retention, and fire prevention.

More details, including a call for presentations, stipend program, travel information and registration, will be available in the coming weeks.

Questions? Contact Rachel Buczynski at Rachel@nvfc.org or 202-887-5700.

NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides invaluable tools, resources, education, programs and advocacy for first responders across the nation.

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page to ponder Tom Low

Stillwater FD • Safety & Health Committee

Hello Brother and Sister Firefighters. This could very well be the last article I write for the Oklahoma Firefighter.

I am what we called in the Army a “Short Timer.” I will soon be joining the ranks of the retired. It’s been a great ride, but after 35 years it has come time to hang up my gear. I’m ready to get started with the next chapter in my life.

I know this will date me, but with my retirement comes an end to an era, so to speak. I am the last firefighter on the line in my department to have ridden tailboard.

Another thing from my era was going to bed with our bunker pants right beside our beds. Still smelling of smoke and soot from the last fire.

It was nothing to see fellow firefighters lighting up a cigarette as we were doing salvage and overhaul. Now I can’t even think of anyone who smokes.

As far as that goes, smoking in the rigs, in the dayroom recliners and kitchen table were free game.

And who can forget the rubber thigh-high day boots we used to wear? As the name implies, these were worn for daytime structure fires. Yes, no light weight composite SCBA bottles, no thermal imaging cameras, no 4 gas meters, PPV ventilation. Well you get the picture.

Long story short, the fire service has come a long ways in 35 years. It amazes me to think what new developments we will be seeing in the next 35 years.

The theme of this article is to put out a call to arms to the younger firefighters out there. I am struck by the apathy that is on display in the fire service. I see this in Stillwater to a degree, and I am sure you see it as well in yours.

I also see it in the OSFA. By that I mean it’s the same people doing all the work. The OSFA is the voice of the Oklahoma firefighter. They represent us at the State Capitol. They help write and pass legislation that is for us and our family’s benefit.

There are several opportunities to serve. There are several committees, all of which are so important to the firefighters of Oklahoma. There is Safety and Health, Legislative, Educational Advisory, Firefighters Memorial, Public Education and Benevolent, to name a few.

Is your department filling its allotment of delegates at OSFA Conventions? If not why not? Our OSFA Presidents are elected at these conventions. The OSFA Executive Board is charged with being the stewards of our pension system.

Resolutions are voted on here. Legislative proposals are discussed here. This is your chance to have your voice heard.

Now, unless you have had your head completely in the sand, I am sure you have heard the OSFA is fighting to get the retirees a long overdue COLA. They have been fighting tooth and nail for it. It sounded like it was going to get done this last year until it was hung up in committee.

Hopefully it comes out of the actuary study intact. Believe me, OSFA will be staying on top of this.

I have a couple other issues.

As a firefighter, did you realize your social security benefits are greatly reduced? This is a result of the Windfall Elimination Provision. It was adopted in 1983. It effects jobs not covered by Social Security. This includes, fire, police, teachers, etc.

In a nutshell, by virtue of being a firefighter, your monthly social security check will be reduced by approximately 60%.

Now bear in mind, this is regardless if you earned it and paid into the system or not.

As you know, many firefighters work off duty jobs and pay social security tax. Many police officers retire early and work another job. Plenty of teachers have or have had multiple jobs.

Jobs where social security taxes were deducted from their paychecks.

The Windfall Elimination Provision unfairly penalizes public servants. There is a movement afoot to attempt to address this injustice to public servants.

In 2015 there was an attempt made. There was a bill introduced in the House of Representatives. It was titled HR 711 “Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act of 2015.”

However, it was postponed in committee due to concerns raised by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. It also appeared as if public servants were in agreement, although not all.

Currently there is a bill titled HR 141 “Social Security Fairness Act of 2019. It would amend part of the Social Security Act by repealing the government pension offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision.

These are the very provisions that reduce or eliminate social security benefits paid to public servants and their spouses.

This bill has bipartisan support. But passage seems unlikely at this point.

Opponents argue repealing the provisions would over correct the system too far in the opposite direction. They claim it would be unfair to those who haven’t worked in the public sector. Some also argue it would have a negative impact and increase the effects of a stressed out Social Security Trust Fund.

So I can say with all sincerity, these provisions do penalize those of us who chose careers in public safety. Stay tuned to this issue and I suggest you contact your Senator or Representative in Congress at the appropriate time.

Another thing to keep an eye on is your pension. We are in good shape here in Oklahoma. But other states can’t say the same. There are many state pension systems out there are in trouble. They are unsustainable and will collapse at some point.

According to the latest data I could find, Wisconsin, South Dakota and Tennessee are in the best condition. They are funded at 99%, 97% and 94%, respectively. New Jersey, and Kentucky were both around 31% funded and Illinois is right behind at 36%.

More than half the states have pension plans less than twothirds percent funded. Five states are less then 50% funded.

So it’s a national problem. Each state has its own problems. For example, in New Mexico the retirees get a 2% annual raise annually. Now they are discussing suspending that and establishing a profit sharing model with raises fluctuating each year based on investment returns and the financial health of the retirement system.

In Illinois, they (fire & police) can retire at 75% pay after 30 years at age 55. They also get a 3% raise every year (compounded). The Illinois system is a train wreck in the making!

I am so thankful that our OSFA Executive Board and our State Firefighters Pension fund managers are such good stewards of our pension funds.

Which brings me to Alabama. The Director of the Retirement Systems of Alabama is in charge of a $44 billion fund of assets for their retirees. They made the unwise decision to purchase 40% of the shares in a luxury movie and dining chain.

When they acquired their stock, shares were selling for $6.

Shares are currently values at 56 cents. Yes, 56 pennies!

The company is now in bankruptcy. To keep the theaters afloat, the pension system has loaned them $16 million. At this point, one has to wonder how much of this they will get back.

When do you stop the bleeding?

Also right now, Oklahoma is a defined benefits plan. Some states have transitioned to a defined contribution plan.

At one time, there was talk from those in our state government to change our system to defined contribution plan. Is this something you think you might like? How do you think you would like converting your retirement to a 401 K? It’s your pension system. You better stay involved. You better get into the game.

Those that came before us created the system we have now.

They left it better then they found it. We have to do the same.

Don’t let the wheels come off on your watch. If your benefits erode, you only have yourself to blame. Be proactive!

All of this is food for thought. In closing, take care, stay safe and Happy Trails. I’ll see you down the road!

Oklahoma FirefighterSeptember 201921

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22September 2019Oklahoma Firefighter

www.osufst.org

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

September 2019 CLASS SCHEDULE Current as of August 20, 2019

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

All courses are FREE unless otherwise noted

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (71330) Sept. 3 (8 hours) Claremore Fire Department

NIMS ICS 300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (73654) Sept. 11-12 (16 hours) Del City Fire Department

Leadership for Small Departments: Administration (72969) Sept. 15 (8 hours) Pawnee Fire Department

Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I Part B (74770) Sept. 21-22 (16 hours) Pittsburg County Expo - McAlester

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (71303) Sept. 24 (8 hours) Ardmore Fire Department

NIMS ICS 300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (73681) Sept. 3-4 (16 hours) Canadian Valley Tech - Chickasha

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (74057) Sept. 11 (8 hours) Durant Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Operations Certification (74147) Sept. 15 (8 hours) Kingston Fire Department

Wildland Fire Fighting: Skills (74896) Sept. 21-22 (16 hours) Kiamichi Tech Center - McAlester

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (71980) Sept. 24 (8 hours) Yukon Fire-EMS Training Center

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (71331) Sept. 4 (8 hours) Claremore Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (74059) Sept. 12 (8 hours) Durant Fire Department

Fire Fighter II Vehicle Extrication Evaluation (74769) Sept. 15 (4 hours) Pittsburg County Expo - McAlester

Wildland Fire Fighting: Skills Train the Trainer (74897) Sept. 21-22 (16 hours) Kiamichi Tech Center - McAlester

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (71304) Sept. 25 (8 hours) Ardmore Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (71372) Sept. 4 (8 hours) Ada Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies (75142) Sept. 12 (8 hours) Skiatook Fire Training Center Leadership for Small Departments : Training (72967) Sept. 13 (8 hours) Pawnee Fire Department

NFA New Fire Chief I (74899) Sept. 21-22 (16 hours) Kiamichi Tech Center - McAlester NIMS ICS 300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (74907) Sept. 21-22 (16 hours) Tuttle Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (71982) Sept. 25 (8 hours) Yukon Fire-EMS Training Center

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (71333) Sept. 5 (8 hours) Claremore Fire Department

Industrial: 8 Hr. Fire Extinguisher & Electrical Emergencies Training (72810) Sept. 16 (8 hours) OSU/FST/FESTC

Hazardous Materials Operations: Core Competencies (74145) Sept. 6-8 (24 hours) Kingston Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Operations: Core Competencies (74915) Sept. 13-15 (24 hours) McAlester FD Training Center

Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (74140) Sept. 7 (8 hours) Pryor Fire Department

Intro to Grain Handling Hazards (75051) Sept. 13 (4 hours) Pittsburg County Expo - McAlester

Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies (74912) Sept. 7 (8 hours) McAlester FD Training Center

Hazardous Materials Decontamination - OK-RRS Basic Operation (71375) Sept. 14 (6 hours) Broken Bow Fire Department

Wildland Fire Fighting: Fundamentals (75103) Sept. 7-8 (16 hours) Chattanooga Fire Department Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies Certification (74913) Sept. 7 (1 hour) McAlester FD Training Center Industrial: 8 Hr. Fire Extinguisher & Electrical Emergencies Training (72809) Sept. 9 (8 hours) OSU/FST/FESTC Trench Rescue Technician Level I (73415) Sept. 10-11 (16 hours) Gordon Cooper Tech - Shawnee Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part A (74055) Sept. 10 (8 hours) Durant Fire Department Fire Fighter I Academy (75144) Sept. 10-Dec. 4 (100 hours) • $5,990 - All Participants Autry Technology Center - Enid

Leadership for Small Departments: Tactics (72968) Sept. 14 (8 hours) Pawnee Fire Department NIMS ICS 300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (74459) Sept. 14-15 (16 hours) Western Tech Center - Elk City Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I Part A (74768) Sept. 14-15 (16 hours) Pittsburg County Expo - McAlester Water Shuttle (75011) Sept. 14-15 (16 hours) Northwest Technology Center - Alva Basic Response to Grain Handling Hazards (75052) Sept. 14 (8 hours) Pittsburg County Expo - McAlester Wildland Fire Fighting: Fundamentals (75087) Sept. 14-15 (16 hours) Corum Fire Department - Hastings

Fire Officer I: NFPA 1021, 2014 Edition (74576) Sept. 16-20 (48 hours) • $3,000 - All Participants Chickasha Fire Department Hazardous Materials Operations: Core Competencies (75149) Sept. 17-Oct. 21 (24 hours) Skiatook Fire Training Center NIMS ICS 400 (EMI) Advanced Incident Command System (73655) Sept. 18-19 (16 hours) Del City Fire Department Pipeline Awareness for Emergency Responders (74955) Sept. 18 (4 hours) Kingfisher Fire Department Flammable Gas Emergencies (LPG) (74439) Sept. 20 (12 hours) Sapulpa Fire Department Rope Rescue: Low Angle Operations (74259) Sept. 20-21 (12 hours) Hydro Fire Depatment NFA - Wildland Urban Interface Firefighting for Structural Company Officers F0610 (71249) Sept. 21-22 (16 hours) Perkins Fire Dept. Station II Hazardous Materials Operations Refresher: Anhydrous Ammonia Emergencies (72501) Sept. 21 (8 hours) Washita County Activity Center Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies (74719) Sept. 21 (8 hours) Corum Fire Department - Hastings

Pump Operations (75001) Sept. 21 (8 hours) Marlow Fire Department

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher - Part B (71305) Sept. 26 (8 hours) Ardmore Fire Department

Wildland Fire Origin Recognition (75172) Sept. 21 (8 hours) Sayre Fire Department

Vehicle Rescue Technician Level I Part A (71986) Sept. 28-29 (16 hours) Pawnee Fire Department

Wildland Fire Fighting: Fundamentals (75314) Sept. 21-22 (16 hours) Osage Hills Rural FD - Bartlesville

Oklahoma Emergency Vehicle Drivers Training (73921) Sept. 28 (8 hours) Boise City Volunteer FD

Hazardous Materials Awareness for WMD-HazMat Emergencies Certification (74720) Sept. 21 (1 hour) Corum Fire Department - Hastings

Fire Fighter I Certification (74743) Sept. 28 (8 hours) Autry Technology Center - Enid

Hazardous Materials Operations Certification (74917) Sept. 22 (8 hours) McAlester FD Training Center Industrial EMS: 66 Hr. Emergency Medical Responder Training (75053) Sept. 23-Oct. 3 (66 hours) OG&E River Valley Plant Hazardous Materials Operations for WMD Refresher (71979) Sept. 23 (8 hours) Yukon Fire-EMS Training Center NIMS ICS 400 (EMI) Advanced Incident Command System (73679) Sept. 23-24 (16 hours) Canadian Valley Tech - Chickasha Fire Inspector I (74859) Sept. 23-27 (40 hours) • $3,500 - Oklahoma Responders • $4,000 - Industrial / Military • $4,500 - Out-of-state Responders El Reno Fire Department

Wildland Fire Fighting: Skills (75111) Sept. 28-29 (16 hours) McLoud Fire Department Fire Fighter I Live Burn (74744) Sept. 29 (8 hours) • $2,000 - All Participants Autry Technology Center - Enid Fire Fighter I Live Burn Evaluation (74745) Sept. 29 (8 hours) Autry Technology Center - Enid Fire Fighter II Vehicle Extrication Evaluation (71987) Sept. 29 (4 hours) Pawnee Fire Department

Oklahoma FirefighterSeptember 201923

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fire service training Dr. Erick Reynolds OSU FST Director erick.reynolds@osufst.org 405-744-5727 (W) 405-409-0961 (C)

Hello Oklahoma’s Finest!!

Well what do you know? It is raining in August! At this writing, we are enjoying the cooler temperatures. But it is supposed to be 107 degrees 3 days from now!

Always do the right thing! Always do the right thing!

Sometimes it takes some time to work through a process and allow things to jell, so to speak.

Sometimes there can be frustrations at waiting for situations to be fully vetted. But in most cases, the wait is worth the time!

Always do the right thing!

Johnny Mathis offered this: “People are stubborn about what they perceive to be the right thing or the wrong thing, and it takes a long time to filter this human condition. There’s a waiting period until people catch up. But if you have patience – which it takes when someone thinks differently than you – everybody always catches up. That patience is a wonderful virtue.”

I appreciate the many people who have waited on me over the course of my career and my life. I wrote the book on stubborn!

I cannot tell you how proud we are of the partnership between the OSFA and OSU Fire Service Training!

I truly think the model used to conduct Firefighter 1 training across the State of Oklahoma has been changed as a result of this partnership!

There have been hiccups along the way. That is just called life!

I have said this before and I will say it again -- in 10 years, we will have folks who started out as volunteer firefighters and have transitioned into career departments as a result of this partnership.

It is a great thing for our State! Thanks to Steve, Sheri, the OSFA Board and the entire OSFA staff for their willingness to work with our staff at FST to make this incredible training opportunity come to life!

Providing training through this partnership is, by definition, doing the right thing! It keeps firefighters and Oklahoma citizens safer as they go about their daily lives!

Martin Luther King said, “That old law about ‘an eye for an eye’ leaves everybody blind. The time is always right to do the right thing.”

At the time of this writing, we are still waiting on our new flammable liquid and gas props. But we should have them in the next 2-3 weeks and are looking forward to getting them in the field and getting them in service!

We are always looking for good instructors in a variety of areas. Please contact us at FST if you are interested in teaching for us. We always have room for additional, high quality, highly skilled instructors!

Have a great Fall 2019. This is my favorite time of the year! Be save out there and take care of each other.

And do the right thing!

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NFPA REPORT

Bob Sullivan National Fire Protection Assoc. SW Regional Director bsullivan@nfpa.org • 720-237-1752

Residential Sprinklers (Part 2) Hello Oklahoma Firefighters! Back for Part 2 of this series.

Sometimes the question comes up: So why is there interest in advocating for fire sprinklers in new homes?

For one thing, the nationwide statistics are showing that the number of annual fatalities in home fires is starting to go back up, after many years of decline, and even though the total annual number of reported home fires has decreased.

On the NFPA website (www.nfpa. org), there is a free downloadable report titled “Home Structure Fires” (December 2018) available at the following address: https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Buildingand-Life-Safety/Home-Structure-Fires.

The report is 14 pages long and contains numerous charts and graphs that show various trends in home fires over the past several decades.

One of the nationwide statistics stated the following: “Sixty-nine percent of reported home fires in 2012–2016 were in one- or two-family homes, including manufactured homes (apartments/multifamily were not included in this number).

“These fires caused 84% of home fire deaths, 66% of home fire injuries and 81% of the direct property damage from home fires (not including apartments/multifamily).”

Those numbers are concerning enough by themselves, but here is one more statistic that is even more concerning, as shown in one of the graphs on Page 11 of the report: 42% of the fire fatalities in home fires in that same time span (2012-2016) occurred in homes that had operating smoke alarms.

When you dig further into the informa-

tion (and into other annual reports) to find out why that many fatalities occurred in homes with working smoke alarms, two more things become evident: 1) Today’s home fires tend to grow much more quickly than they did 20-30 years ago.

Back then, residents may have had as much as 10-20 minutes to safely escape their home after a fire started, or before flashover occurred.

In many of today’s homes, with furniture and other items having a much higher plastic content, more electronics and more open-floor designs in newer homes (as opposed to older homes that have more compartmentation) and lightweight construction, fires are growing much more quickly and reaching flashover much faster in the room of origin, sometimes in as little as 2-3 minutes.

That decreased time to flashover, combined with the very fast production of highly toxic smoke filling the home, quickly creates a very dangerous environment with little chance to escape.

2) The risk for older adults has increased. The percent of home fire fatality victims 65 or older increased from 19% in 1980 to 34% in 2015.

This could be due to a combination of factors, including older sleeping adults not hearing/waking as quickly to the sound of a smoke alarm and increased mobility problems (walkers, wheelchairs, etc.) once they do awaken in a rapidly-deteriorating fire environment, that can prevent a quick escape.

And all that is often happening before anyone has even had a chance to dial 911.

Next month, we’ll continue this series with a look at how residential sprinklers can help to put a dent in these statistics during the time before the Fire Department arrives on scene.

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE OSFA

24September 2019Oklahoma Firefighter

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oklahoma fallen and living firefighters memorial -- PANEL 41

In this issues and future issues, Oklahoma Firefighter will print the names of those honored on the Memorial Wall. This issue features Panel 41.

All names can be viewed -- and etched on a souvenir sheet -- from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily on the West Campus of the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum.

ALLEN Jason Erickson Michael McCarn ALTUS Robert Tripp ALVA Timothy Starbuck Terry Swenn AMBER Mike Norman AMES Justin DeHaas Christopher Moore ANADARKO Robert McCoin APACHE William Reichardt ARDMORE Doyle Doughty Harold Petty Chester W. Phelps ARKOMA James E. French ATOKA Howard Henry Jeffrey Allen

CALUMET Gary Leck CALVIN Jon Jones Tommy Clay Shean Jones CANUTE Brian McRee CARTER Franklin Dyer Jimmy Hearn Bobby Simpson CHECOTAH Donald Ray Thomas Utley CHELSEA John Shrier CHICKASHA Michael Meigs CLAREMORE Willie McKay Gordon Carriger CLEVELAND Vernon Maxwell CLINTON Robert Howard

ATWOOD Glen Lively

COALGATE Jesse Luellen

BARNSDALL Bruce Dildine Glenn Dildine

COLBERT Ronnie Giesler

BARTLESVILLE Joe Lannan

COLCORD Johnny Botts Wade Enyart

BEAVER Herman Meier David Glascock

COMANCHE Francis Ralls Kenneth Lewis

BESSIE Al Trowbridge

COVINGTON Leslie Franke

BLACKWELL Dirk Seabridge

CROWDER Kevin Woody Steven Curtis

BLANCHARD Jonathan Anderson Ray Foster Charlie Largent BOISE CITY Casey Wilson BOYNTON Samuel Jernigan Michael Ray BRIDGE CREEK Grady White BRISTOW Herod Smith BROKEN ARROW Mike Denton Jonathan Soltis Robert Thomas BRAMAN Aubrey Kelle CADDO Todd Miller CALERA Michael Forbis

CUSTER CITY Jeffery Terrell CYRIL Michael Hicks Donald Dawdy

EDMOND Randy Antrikin Brian Nipper Kelly Lewis Timothy Thurman EL RENO Dustin McDuffey ERICK Mark LeGrand EUFAULA Tommy Dowling Mark Goodwin Lane Pittman FAIRLAND Mike Goins Jeffrey Reynolds

INOLA Randol Alves Leslie Padgett Robert Turner

McALESTER Robert Dunn Jeffrey Ketchum Angelo Rivers

JAY Robert Crank Bryan Gordon Danny Tanner

McLOUD David Thompson

KEEFETON Keith Bray KETCHUM Ted VanSchuyver KEYES Paul Lowe

FARGO Monte Stahlman

KEYS Paul Ericksen Larry Hayes Bobby Jackson Luke Jackson David Pulliam Billy Wilson

FORT SUPPLY Clay Hickman

KEYSTONE Beverly Avey George Blackburn

FAIRVIEW Gregory Harmon

FREDERICK Ricky Coleman GERONIMO Jim Davidson GOTEBO David Osmond GRANDFIELD Christopher Josefy GRANITE Floyd Walker GROVE Phillip Cearley GUTHRIE Chris Sharp GUYMON Leonard Grove Aaron Pritchard HAMMON John Robbins HARTSHORNE Curtis Baker Richard Hudlow

KONAWA Roy Hicks Daniel Khoury KREMLIN Derrick Harris LAVERNE Michael Smith LAWTON Rafael Cintron Landon Hardin Johnny Phillips Jackie Taylor John Paul Watson Jerry Wiersema Brandon Hughes Jereld Young LENAPAH Ronny Carter LEXINGTON Melvin Cagle Charles Ramsey Ronnie Rollings Randall Tarp LONE WOLF Paul Hess

DAVIDSON Jimmy Keyes

HELENA Levi Dykes Neal Wallace

DAVIS Brandon Tomlinson

HENNESSEY Timothy Riddle

MACOMB Neil Forgione William Glasgow

DEL CITY Wesley Blair

HENRYETTA Cleo Hinchey

MADILL Kenneth Pruitt

DEWEY Oscar Rice Mike Duncan

HINTON Daniel Boling Gary Seurer

MARLOW Finis Mansolo

DUNCAN Bill Rice

HUNTER Dale Chain

EARLSBORO Thomas Rumsey Robert Winrow

IDABEL Chris Crane William Griggs Steven Surratt

EAST DUKE Dennis Hennessey

LUTHER William Arthur

MAUD Billy Presley David Richards Nicholas Silas MAYSVILLE Paul Bolles

MENO Arlyss Saeger MIAMI Bill Bunch Otis Smith MIDWEST CITY Jim Lemons Jerimy Meek Michael Morrison MILL CREEK Mike Gross MINCO Don Coy Kenneth Idle Johnny Verser MOORE Thomas Hendricks MULDROW Eric Ogdon MULHALL Casey Gorrell MUSKOGEE Kenneth Blackburn Matthew Sheets Justin Wiedel Roger Folsom NASH Steven Schneider Cory Shrewsbury NEW CORDELL Gaylon Schantz NEWCASTLE Ronald Sauer NOBLE Anthony Brum NORMAN Orval Cargill Daniel Ciambella NW ROGERS James Tim Deitz James Pippin John Bortner OILTON Marc Peck OKARCHE Scott McCarthy OKEENE Trenton Lubbers

OKLAHOMA CITY Tommy Allen James Avant Michael Booth Todd Brown William Burgess Matthew Carter Guadalupe Cavazos James Conner Joseph Culp Ron Cunningham Myrl Cuppy Reuben Ellis Henry Embrey Robert Gable Billy Gaines Bruce Gomez Raymond Gomez Steven Grellner Leon Harrison James Harville Jeffrey Heinzig Craig Herrin Jerry Hollingsworth Joseph Hoppes Hubert Hunter James Imoe Bobby Johnson Robert Johnson Scott Johnson Daniel Joslin Arliss King Barton Lewis Karl Loessin Ronald Loveless Trey Mack Kurk McCornack Vernon McCurdy Bruce McGuire Jimmy Mitchell C. Oaks Steve Phillips John Phillips Clark Robinson Anthony Slover Dwight Smith Ernest Smith Brian Stanaland Scott Strother Thomas Swanson Neil Taylor Jimmy Taylor James Teal Danny Tracey Bert Tumey Adam Welliver Jeffrey White Charles Zwirtz OKMULGEE Bill Chambers Erik Wetzel OLUSTEE Thomas Brown OWASSO Bradd Clark Daniel Johnson Edward Wofford PADEN Sam Deal PANAMA Ronald Eatmon Tony Smith PAULS VALLEY Bill Rhodes PERRY Jerry Bocox Brian Hatfield

PONCA CITY Daniel Howerton PORTER Robert Jenkins David Dickey

SPENCER Albert Davis Miller J. Hodge SPIRO Jack Grant

TUPELO Richard Ellis TUTTLE W. Morgan

PORUM David Wright

STERLING Michael Hudson

VINITA Lee Bennett Michael Williams

POTEAU Orbie Hopkins

STIGLER Noah Allison

WAGONER Roger Schilling

QUAPAW Timothy Lovell

STILLWATER Donald Berryhill

WAKITA Dean Templin

RAVIA Randy McCollom

STONE BLUFF Chris Hayes

WALTERS Rudy King

RINGLING Brad Butler

STONEWALL Allen Bynum

WANETTE Bobby Pybas

RUSH SPRINGS Clay Rennaker

STRATFORD Boyd Perry

WASHINGTON Bryan Slocomb

RYAN Billy Bolin Brian Dalton Jerry Dalton Dennis Goss James Underwood Jesse Williams

STRINGTOWN Carl Brown Lacey Moore Dennis Holly

WAUKOMIS Bobby Roades

SALLISAW Jarret Hetherington

TAHLEQUAH Tommy Hix

WAYNE Danny Claunch Bartley Keeler

SAND SPRINGS Larry Fisher Stan Smith

TALOGA Beth Morrison

WEATHERFORD Terry Roles

TEXOLA Deborah Moore

WELLSTON Terry Davis Timothy Donaldson

SAPULPA Keith Long SAYRE Richard Carmichael Marvin Dunlap Glen Hartpence Ernest Moses Stanford Perkins Ronnie Woodruff Hunter Copenhaver SEILING Troy Davidson SEMINOLE Archie Moore SENTINEL Robert Akins Terry Fry SHATTUCK Justin Jahay SHAWNEE Hershel Coomer Floyd Cranford Jimmy VanAntwerp SHIDLER Todd Roe Shawn Wehunt SKIATOOK Keith Carter Joshua Krumm SNYDER Michael Roberts S. COFFEYVILLE Robert Hough Jack Kitterman Wade Lamb

SULPHUR Marvin McCracken

THE VILLAGE Brian Hopson THOMAS Richard Johnson Donald Schantz William West TIPTON Derek Hoppes Benjamin Miligan TISHOMINGO Michael Walker TRYON James Carroll Mike Kerns Billy Moore Curt Moore TULSA Don Arnett James Baker Michael Broad Bryan Burd Earl Chilcoat Bruce Deason Jack Heminger Daniel Little Edward McCullough Thomas McKinney William Mitchell James Morris Erick Rawding John Scott Roger Sharp Charles Sisler Gearold Slankard R. Tackett David Umfleet James Wickersham Donald Wilson John Wood

WAURIKA David Sisson Gene Williams

WETUMKA Stefano Palladino Donald Bowman WOODWARD Adrian Woodmansee WRIGHT CITY Larry Ham WYNNEWOOD James Wolfe YALE Wesley Savory YUKON Robert Noll Charles Nottingham

Oklahoma FirefighterSeptember 201925

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in memoriam Gary D. Duncan, Wakita FD

The Final Fire Alarm sounded for retired Wakita Firefighter Gary D. Duncan on Aug. 2. He was 65.

Gary enlisted in the United States Navy after graduation from Mesa (AZ) High School in 1972. He served in the Vietnam War on the U.S.S. Denver.

Upon his discharge, he made his home in San Diego, California where he met Susan, the love of his life. They married in 1976 and moved to Wakita in 1982, where they made their forever home.

Gary retired from the Wakita Volunteer Fire Department and was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Wakita. He was most happy surrounded by his family, especially his five grandchildren.

Don Goforth, Poteau FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for Poteau FD Captain Don Goforth II on Aug. 11. He was 37.

Don served the city of Poteau and its residents for 10 years.

During his tenure, Don responded to 1,744 of 1,977 calls, including 191 of 211 structure fires.

He joined the Poteau Fire Department in December 2008 and served the department as Captain of Station 1 since January 2014. Don also held the title of communications officer while on the PFD. Don loved being a firefighter, and the city of Poteau is indebted to him and his family for his service. He commanded the respect of his peers, and earned their heartfelt friendship and deep love through his faithful dedication to the Department and each man who served with him.

Tommy Sadler, Altus FD The Final Fire Alarm sounded for retired Altus FD Captain Tommy Sadler on Aug. 20. He was 69.

Tommy served his community starting with the City of Altus and later transferring to Altus Fire Department, where he served for 37 years, retiring as Captain in 2012.

He was actively involved with the Firefighter Combat Challenge for many years and won numerous awards competing.

Tommy served his country in the United States Army. He was drafted in 1970 and deployed to Vietnam from 1970-71.

He received an honorable discharge among numerous other awards for his service.

Some in the Altus community remember Tommy handing out 50/50 tickets during the Rock N Rumble Burnouts. On the Altus FD Facebook page was a post saying Tommy was one of a kind, a legend that they will never forget.

26September 2019Oklahoma Firefighter

NEW SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR OSFA MEMBERS OSFA is constantly looking for valuable services to make available to our members. And these unique and valuable services have been added.

These services are available whenever you are.

No high pressure, no commitment to check them out.

Just like firefighters, they’re there when you need them.

Go to the OSFA Benefits of membership page at www.osfa.info to see what all is available.

Help support your Oklahoma Firefighters Museum Expansion and the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial PURCHASE AN OKLAHOMA FIREFIGHTER LICENSE TAG! Money received from the purchase of each tag goes directly to financing upkeep on the Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial and Oklahoma Firefighters Museum.

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

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

River Road Asset Management supports the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association, proudly managing the assets of those who protect so many

Saxena White is Proud to Support the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association

Discovering value, off the beaten path® To learn more about River Road, visit riverroadam.com

Oklahoma FirefighterSeptember 201927 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Chase Rankin Executive Director

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 MEETING (July 19, 2019) Members Present: Dereck Cassady, Mike Kelley, Cliff Davidson, Dana Cramer, Jim Ed Nimmo, Brent Bryant, Janet Kohls, Buddy Combs, Tippy Pierce, Eric Harlow, Matt Lay. Members Absent: Ron Hunter, Brandy Manek.

Others Present: Chase Rankin, Executive Director; Timothy Vanhorn, Assistant Director; James Reynolds, Assistant Director; Terri Williams, Executive Secretary; Marc Edwards, Legal Counsel; Troy Brown & Tony Kay, &CO; Janna Hamilton & Jeffrey Detwiler, Garcia Hamilton; Emily Becker & Gary Welchel, Orleans.

Marc A. Hall/Durant - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective July 1, 2019: Motion was made by Harlow and seconded by Davidson to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective July 1, 2019. Ayes: Cassady, Kelley, Harlow, Lay, Davidson, Nimmo, Cramer, Bryant, Kohls, Pierce and Combs. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Douglas C. Scott/Moore – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective July 1, 2019: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Harlow to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective July 1, 2019. Ayes: Cassady, Kelley, Harlow, Lay, Davidson, Nimmo, Cramer, Bryant, Kohls, Pierce and Combs. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Chris C. Creekmore/Tulsa - Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective July 1, 2019: Motion was made by Davidson and Harlow to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective July 1, 2019. Ayes: Cassady, Kelley, Harlow, Lay, Davidson, Nimmo, Cramer, Bryant, Kohls, Pierce and Combs. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

George D. Harris/Tulsa – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective July 1, 2019: Motion was made by Cramer and seconded by Lay to modify the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, to “Service”, effective July 1, 2019. Ayes: Cassady, Kelley, Harlow, Lay, Davidson, Nimmo, Cramer, Bryant, Kohls, Pierce and Combs. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Joseph Youngblood/Tulsa – Application For “Disability In The Line Of Duty” Pension, Effective July 1, 2019: Motion was made by Lay and seconded by Harlow to approve the Application for “Disability in the Line of Duty”, effective July 1, 2019. Ayes: Cassady, Kelley, Harlow, Lay, Davidson, Nimmo, Cramer, Bryant, Kohls, Pierce and Combs. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

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

Request To Declare In The Line Of Duty Death/William L. Henson/Roosevelt: Motion was made by Harlow and seconded by Davidson to declare in the Line of Duty Death for William L. Henson. Ayes: Cassady, Kelley, Harlow, Lay, Davidson, Nimmo, Cramer, Bryant, Kohls, Pierce and Combs. Nayes: None. Motion carried.

Member Services Coordinator

Terri Williams

Vicki Mulbery

Executive Secretary

Accounts Payable Administrator

Than Dinh

Thelisha Clark

Assistant Director (COO)

Controller

Tim Van Horn

Keely Swonger

Assistant Director (CFO)

Martha Pierce

Records Administrator

Latoya Battle

Assistant Controller

Data Processor

n CONSENT AGENDA (August 16, 2019) CHECKS TERMINATED IN JULY 2019 (Deceased): Adair Allen Antlers Boswell El Reno Hennessey Hunter Lexington Norman Okarche Shawnee Stillwater Stilwell Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Weleetka

APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCE INTO PENSION SYSTEM:

Altus Giovani Castro Blackwell Thomas Schoenborn Claremore Cody Welsch Cushing Dalton Armstrong Cushing William Lemon Hominy Brandon Jarvis Lawton Barton B. Murray Lindsay Caleb Flies Midwest City Brian Bush Noble Jacob Baker Norman Caleb Williams Sapulpa Tanner Dodge Sapulpa Michael Schmitt Sulphur Tracey Laxton

Doris Pollard Lewis W. Woodell Louise M. Wilkins Joe L. Anderson Wilda Mae Ludlow Nadine N. Harris Johnnie D. Hisey James B. Alexander Lester H. Myers Antoinette M. Lodes Sheryl Loveland Everett J. Cladwell Mary Hill Peggy L. Clubb Jyme B. Ramsey James L. Selsor Mary R. Killmer

APPLICATION FOR SERVICE PENSION:

APPLICATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE FOR CONTINUATION: 08/01/2019 08/01/2019 08/01/2019 08/01/2019 08/01/2019 08/01/2019

Blair Gracemont Minco Nash Sayre Shawnee

Linda F. Self, Widow Of James O. Self Matty L. Watts, Widow Of Ray L. Watts, Sr. Willadean Woodworth Widow Of Calvin Woodworth Billie J. Gripe, Widow Of Ernest G. Gripe Zoe A. Barker, Widow Of Arthur G. Barker Michaela Parrish, Widow Of Tommy D. Parrish

$5,000.00 DEATH BENEFIT: Adair Allen Boswell Colony Gracemont Hinton Hinton Hinton Hunter Jones Lexington Lone Grove Nash Norman OKC OKC OKC OKC Owasso Owasso Owasso Pauls Valley Shidler Shidler Shidler Sterling Stillwater Tulsa Tulsa

Shipman’s Funeral On Behalf Of James Powell Jr. Fisher Funeral Home One Behalf Of Lewis F. Woodell Joni Aldridge, Child Of Joe Anderson Lockstone Funeral Home On Behalf Of Truman E. Smith Matty L. Watts, Widow Of Ray L. Watts Sr. Turner Funeral Home On Behalf Of Clarence R. Findley Sr. Catherine Pearson, Child Of Roderick L. Johnson Emily Allison Vinson, Child Of Roderick L. Johnson Henninger-Henson Funeral On Behalf Of Johnnie D. Hisey Oweta M. Williams, Widow Of Dee C. Williams Wilson-Little Funeral Home On Behalf Of James B. Alexander Craddock Funeral Home On Behalf Of Albert R. Rice Poteet Funeral Home One Behalf Of Ernest G. Gripe Vickie L. Jones, Death Recipient Of Gerald L. Fuzzell John M. Ireland Funeral On Behalf Of Jerry Hollinsgworth Bobby J. Mowles Jr., Child Of Jerry Hollingsworth Bobby J. Mowles Jr., Child Of Bobby J. Mowles, Sr. Darrell R. Mowles, Child Of Bobby J. Mowles, Sr. Mark Stuckey, Child Of Ronald E. Stuckey Barbara Griffith, Child Of Ronald E. Stuckey Gary Stuckey, Child Of Ronald E. Stuckey Frances A. Chaufty, Widow Of Raymond Chaufty Cynthia Jo Row, Child Of Carolyn Sue Long Kimberly Taylor, Child Of Carolyn Sue Long Susan Kilpatrick, Child Of Carolyn Sue Long Stacy A. Dudark, Child Of Leroy E. Green Connie S. King, Widow Of Everett J. Caldwell Leonard & Marker Funeral On Behalf Of Paul R. Hudson Wanda Wheaton, Widow Of Loyd D. Wheaton

08/01/2019 08/01/2019 08/01/2019 07/16/2019 07/16/2019 08/01/2019 08/01/2019 07/21/2019 08/01/2019 08/01/2019 06/01/2019 08/10/2019 08/01/2019 07/01/2019 08/01/2019 08/01/2019 08/01/2019 08/01/2019 07/15/2019 07/01/2019

Atwood Binger Carmen Comanche Comanche Cyril Duncan Edmond Enid Francis Hollis Lexington Midwest City Grady County Mutual Panama Ponca City Sand Springs Shady Point Waynoka

Harold D. Sanders Tracy L. Walsh Jerry A. Gumaer Matthew Byerly William R. Robison Eric L. Walker Randy D. Bleer Ryan C. Dubord Justin McAlister Maxine L. Rice Kenneth E. Gollihare Jr. Tracy A. Parker Steven M. Huff David T. Wildman Darren Cottom Gary D. Kirk Steven M. Long Rick Portilloz Nathan Goodwin Scott W. Smiley

APPLICATION FOR VESTED BENEFIT: 10/14/2017 04/07/2026 02/22/2018 07/07/2019 08/01/2016 09/26/2023 08/06/2019

Amber Dewar Earlsboro Okay Cleveland Watonga Waukomis

Randell S. Ely Gary H. McGowin Ii Robert L. Stephens Jr. William A. Fielder Randy Snyder Alex Mink Scotty P. Savage

REFUND OF CONTRIBUTIONS: William J. Rogers Hired 01/01/2004 Greg Carpenter Hired 04/20/2016 Brandon K. Norman 01/11/2010 Jay D. Mayfield Hired 08/27/1999

Catoosa Terminated 09/18/2013 Elk City Terminated 07/08/2019 Purcell 07/23/2019 Wewoka Terminated 06/19/1997

“Building and developing partnerships with our clients and within our firm is at the core of our activities. We strive to exceed expectations through hard and honest work.”

Executive Management Team, LGT Capital Partners

28September 2019Oklahoma Firefighter

n

OSFA Executive Board Highlights

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

Others: Steve Lumry, Gene Brown, Tim Bartram, Trisha Chain, Riki Manley, Don Armes, Eric Hamilton, Chase Rankin.

Correspondence: Thank you notes from Oklahoma City Community Foundation, Clifford Lewis, Robert Doke, Logan Palomino, Kelley Bess, response letter from Jim Minx to Bess.

Fire Marshal Commission Report: Lumry Commission has requested a representative from both the OFCA Executive Board and the Governor’s office be on the committee to appoint a new state fire marshal. Commission will be using the OSFA Boardroom to conduct those interviews.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: n Educational Advisory: Cassady

Committee met and selected deadlines for State Fire School and appointed subcommittee chairmen.

n Volunteer Fire Service: Lumry

Committee discussed the COLA and plans to move that forward.

Committee would like to have regional meetings to educate members on contacting legislators, with meetings having a focus on either paid or volunteer firefighters.

Museum Report: Brown Staff is working on restoring trucks.

Brown attended an Oklahoma City Community Foundation luncheon.

OCCF is willing to print up to 1,000 donation cards.

The approved golf cart is ordered and being built. Memorial Golf Tournament flyers will be posted at golf courses.

The Heroes Fore Charities tournament is coming along, and the OSFA has two teams in that tournament.

Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Report Board discussed online Firefighter-I classes starting in Enid, Antlers, and Okmulgee.

NVFC Report: Davidson Will be attending the NVFC Fall Meeting in October at Augusta.

Anheuser Busch is still giving out emergency drinking water for wildland firefighters.

OFCA Report: Lumry The Executive Board met and approved joining the Oklahoma residen-

tial sprinkler coalition. Discussed the Fire Marshal’s trip to Washington D.C. Have requested a meeting with the Rules Committee of the Pension system to discuss language regarding a mental capacity test and the CPAT test.

ORFA Report: Pierce The Executive Board meeting has been rescheduled to July 22.

Pierce would like the ORFA Board to address the lack of members’ knowledge of PTSD support for retirees.

Executive Directors Report: Lumry Lumry recommended sending two members to the annual Fire Marshal’s trip to Washington D.C. Harlow reported receiving no correspondence regarding the FST Certification Committee.

Cassady reported receiving no correspondence regarding the FST Director Search Committee.

Altus Fire Chief Kyle Davis has retired, and Oklahoma Policy Institute has named Ahniwake Rose as the new Executive Director.

OSFA, OFCA, and OSU-FST have written a joint letter to oppose the proposal that the Department of Transportation would administer all OKTIMS training.

A contract with GuestX has been signed, so Firefighter Museum tickets will be sold in ticket packages at partnered businesses.

The Training and Benevolent Fund Board will meet later today. Repair on the Memorial granite walls is currently ongoing.

OSFA membership totals: 462 departments with 10,812 members.

ORFA membership: 4498 members.

Brent Hatcher Benevolent Fund: 183 members.

Digital subscription to Oklahoma Firefighter: 731 members.

2019- 2020 Associate Member renewals for OSFA and OFCA have been mailed.

NEW BUSINESS n Memorial Committee Selection:

Chairman Scott VanHorn – OKC Vice Chair Yogi Cole – Ret. Tulsa/Keys 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 Robert Doke – Ret. Chickasha Jordan Hughes – El Reno Clifford Lewis – Ret. Oklahoma City Bert Norton – Midwest City

July 18, 2019

Phil Ostrander – Ret. Tulsa Richard Walts – Ret. Fort Sill n Lumry, Sheri Nickel, and David

Thompson will be in Spavinaw for a consult with the city Adjourn: 1:01 p.m.

Next meeting: August 15, 2019 Upcoming Dates to Remember: September 18, 2019 October 6, 2019 October 9, 2019 David Bain Fallen & Living Firefighter Memorial Golf Tournament – Lincoln Park, OKC OSFA Statewide Memorial Service – Firefighters Museum, OKC ORFA Golf Tournament – FireLake Golf Course, Shawnee

Upcoming Events: Sept. 18, 2019 23rd David Bain Memorial Golf Tournament Lincoln Park West Course in OKC Oct, 6, 2019 OSFA Statewide Memorial Service Oklahoma Firefighters Museum in OKC Oct. 9, 2019 ORFA Golf Tournament FireLake Golf Course in Shawnee

n OKLAHOMA FIRE SPOTLIGHT

HICKORY HILLS Fire Protection District Fire Chief: Craig Youngblood Asst. Chief: Lana Youngblood Department formed: 1985 Joined OSFA: 1986 Number of personnel: 15 ISO rating: 8-B Calls per year: Approx. 275 Square miles covered: 22.5 Number of engines: 2 Number of tankers: 2 Number of brushpumpers: 7

Glenn and Mary Fields, along with few of the neighbors, watched three homes burn to the ground in just a few months. From that point. they all decided to start a fire department.

The Hickory Hills Fire Association was formed in August, 1985, when the board members were appointed and began the process of forming a fire department.

Jeeps and brush pumpers were donated. as well as an engine. Multiple fundraisers were held

Oklahoma FirefighterSeptember 201929

BY GREG ROBERTS

Norman FD Retired

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

-- bean dinners, concession stands, jail, auctions and raffle drawings.

They had a $25 membership fee per family along with the donations until the fire department became a Title 19 tax supported organization in 1991.

Then the fire department was renamed the Hickory Hills Fire Protection District. Soon after, a Board of Directors was formed and HHFPD became members of the Oklahoma Firefighters

Pension & Retirement System.

Over the years, the department has grown and the number of firefighting apparatus has tripled.

The department covers 22.5 miles of unincorporated area in northestern Oklahoma County. The average call volume is 190-200 rescue/EMS related calls and 70-80 fire related calls each year.

HHFPD Fleet

E-904 1980 Ford/E-One 1000 pump/500 tank

BP-908 1998 Stewart/Stevenson 100 pump/600 tank

BP-906 1999 Ford F-450 100 pump/300 tank

E-924 2016 Peterbilt/Deep South 1250 pump/3000 tank

30September 2019Oklahoma Firefighter

OSFA Snapshots

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

SAFER GRANT NEWS OSFA is thrilled about the response to the enrollment for the Online FF1 that opened the morning of July 24.

It is believed that a new record was set with the class filling up in less than 15 minutes.

Firefighters from Checotah, Haydonville, Kellyville, Kiefer, Liberty Area, Morris, Mounds, Nuyaka, Oak Grove, Okmulgee, Preston, Toppers, Wainwright and Wilson will represent their departments over the next couple of months as they work to join the 154 other firefighters that have benefited from OSFA’s SAFER Grant.

Classes are currently being set up in Antlers and Elk City, and one more area is yet to be determined.

And another round of classes will begin next grant year.

Congratulations to the Altus FF1 class that graduated Aug. 17.

Kicking off the Broken Arrow online FF1 class Aug. 16. This is the 7th online class this year.

Carter County Fire Chief’s meeting Aug. 20

Volunteer firefighters dedicated to improving their skills and training at Enid FF1 class Aug. 10

Bunker gear was delivered Aug. 7 to firefighters in Union City and Corum

Okmulgee firefighter Zach Ledbetter with Ernest Ledbetter (Okmulgee Ret.) Aug. 20 at Oklahoma Firefighters Museum & Memorial. Zach posted the following: “Got to spend some time with Grandpa at the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum. My Grandfather and Father both have names on that wall, and someday I hope to have the honor of joining them. #bestjobintheworld.”

Terrah Philpot posted these photos from a day at the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum

Oklahoma FirefighterSeptember 201931

Now available to all OSFA members

COVERING OKLAHOMA FIREFIGHTERS AND THEIR FAMILIES FOR OVER 30 YEARS! M ed i cal • Lif e • A c c i de nt • D e ntal • Me di c ar e Suppl emen t • Ca n c er Open enrollment fo r ma jo r me d ica l s ta rts N o v e mber 1. En ds D ec emb er 15.

www.OSFAin s.com For m ore informati on or t o en roll: please v isit www. OSFAi n s . com Can d ic e B a r be r cand ic e @c be nefi ts . com 8 00.752 .3 419

ManhattanLife

SM

32September 2019Oklahoma Firefighter