CN contributes a total of $476,000 to 136 rural fire departments in northeastern Oklahoma | Services

TAHLEQUAH – The Cherokee Nation contributes a total of nearly half a million dollars to the 136 rural fire departments in northeastern Oklahoma.

Each of the 136 fire departments will receive $3,500 as part of the tribe’s contributions.

“These 136 rural fire departments are invaluable to our Cherokee communities. The brave men and women who serve in these departments leave their homes and their families to help save the lives and property of people they have never met,” said Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “We don’t always see firsthand the amazing acts of bravery and sacrifice they perform through their service, but we know firefighters are selfless. Their efforts every day leave a lasting impact on the Cherokee Nation and the communities in which these men and women live. The Cherokee Nation and our communities owe them a debt of gratitude, and it is an honor to know that the Cherokee Nation continues to invest in these departments each year.”

The tribe’s annual contribution helps support volunteer fire departments, which otherwise rely on fundraising, membership dues and the help of their community’s residents to continue their vital activities.

“Across the Cherokee Nation, our volunteer fire departments are doing their best to keep us all safe. They never know when the next emergency call might come, and the need for a firefighter to respond and assist does not take into account whether that firefighter has been working hard all day or whether they are attending a family event at the time. have to attend,” said Deputy. Chef Bryan Warner. “Anyway, when calls for help come in, the volunteer firefighters stop what they are doing and leave. They are a blessing to our communities and I am proud that we continue to honor them for their service each year.”

During the event, Chief Hoskin also marked the one-year anniversary of Cherokee Nation’s largest contributions to first responders in Cherokee history, the 2023 Cherokee Nation Public Safety Partners Grant. Under that $13 million program, every first responder agency in the 7,000-square-mile the tribe’s large reservation is eligible for $50,000 in grants from the $13 million one-time grant fund that closed last fall.

Fire departments shared $6 million from the Public Safety Partners Grant fund. However, 27 fire departments have not applied for funding. Chief Hoskin announced a two-week reopening of the $50,000 grant program, ending May 24, 2024. Agencies that have not applied in 2023 can contact the program at [email protected].

Disney Fire Department and Whitehorn Cove Fire and Rescue were both recognized as the 2024 Volunteer Fire Department of the Year.

The Disney Mayes County Fire Department has worked tirelessly over the past year to lower ISO ratings, repair trucks and hydrants, and replace critical life-saving equipment. Members of the department have contributed countless hours to this mission, and the result has been a significant reduction in the department’s ISO rating, which in turn will reduce insurance premium costs for homeowners within their jurisdiction.

“The Cherokee Nation shows that gratitude to us for doing what we do and they support us 100 percent. It is a great honor to receive this award,” said Larry Sanders, training officer for the Disney Fire Department.

Whitehorn Cove Fire and Rescue in Wagoner County has implemented new standards over the past year and focused on fire training for firefighters. The department also installed seven new tornado sirens for the community and updated the department’s firefighting equipment.

With everything going on, it’s always good to have extra. With the price of everything going up – the price of trucks going up, supplies going up, the price of foam going up – everything has about doubled or tripled since 2019, so the Cherokee Nation contribution is a big help,” Jordan said. Lancaster, Chief of the Whitehorn Cove Fire Department. “Thank you for everything you all do.”

During the event, the tribe also recognized the Cherokee Nation’s Wildland Fire Management team, which often works 16 hours a day while deployed, often for weeks at a time. Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner recognized the program and presented awards to Regional Fire Management Officer Forrest Blackbear, Fire Operations Specialist Simeon Gipson and Division Chief Natural Resources Brent Gorhh for dedicating their time and knowledge to building the program.

The Cherokee Nation also selected five recipients for the 2024 Volunteer Firefighter of the Year Award:

• Russell Yell, Mid County Fire Department. Yell has been an essential part of the Mid County Fire Department for the past 24 years, having served as fire chief for the past 20 years. Yell is one of the first to respond and take action, whether it is entering a burning building to check for persons or providing assistance at the scene of a car accident. Over the past year, Yell has responded to more than 95% of the department’s service calls.

• Matthew Meredith, Tahlequah Fire Department. Meredith’s work as a volunteer firefighter and fire investigator helped identify three suspects who admitted to their involvement in setting more than two dozen fires and destroying numerous fire hydrants in Cherokee, Adair and Sequoyah counties. Without Meredith’s dedication to the fire service and his investigation into the arsons, numerous new fires could have potentially caused injury to life and property.

• Barney Beaumont, Spring Valley Volunteer Fire Department. Beaumont has more than 10 years of experience as a firefighter and was a leader during his time at Spring Valley, not only on calls, but also in performing daily tasks to keep the department and equipment running. He is known for his dedication to repairing trucks and equipment, performing other necessary maintenance, mowing the lawn and responding to service calls, all while working a demanding job. He is known for his grace and professionalism in handling difficult situations, and his fellow firefighters believe he is a clear example of the courageous and heroic efforts of a firefighter who puts the needs of others above his own in the service of his community.

• Chris Lancaster, Jay Fire Department. Lancaster has been a volunteer firefighter for over 35 years and responds to over 95% of calls. He is dedicated to helping maintain the station, equipment and equipment of the department. While on scene, Lancaster is known for caring for others and ensuring their safety. He uses his vast knowledge of the fire service to teach younger generations of volunteer firefighters.

• Barney Grigg, Inola Fire Department. Grigg has been with the department for 50 years and he offers unparalleled knowledge and experience to other firefighters. Grigg responds quickly to calls for help, no matter the situation, and is known in the community for going above and beyond for both the city and the fire department.