OSFA News - Convention Reports

Oklahoma State Firefighters Association (OSFA)

Convention Reports

• The 2009 - 115th Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Convention Report
• The 2008 - 114th Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Convention Report
• The 2007 - 113th Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Convention Report
• The 2006 - 112th Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Convention Report
• The 2005 - 111th Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Convention Report
• The 2004 - 110th Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Convention Report

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115th Oklahoma State Firefighters Convention Report
(submitted by NFD Delegates to the Convention, Jason T. Smith & Nick Terhune)

June 19, 2009 - The Oklahoma State Firefighters Association held its 115th convention June 3-6, 2009 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The Conference’s theme was a, “Bond Forged by Fire Cannot Be Broken.”  OSFA President Ray Hammons (Tahlequah), the executive board and staff and the Tahlequah Fire Department joined forces to host this five day event.  

NFD/IAFF Local 2067 representation included: Grant Deason, Dana Cramer, Butch Crawford, Bobby Anderson, Justin Burright, Jason Smith, Nick Terhune and Jesse Baldwin.

Please read through the complete and comprehensive report on this years OSFA Annual Convention. Jason & Nick did a great job of hitting every highlight. You will find it informative; the good, the bad, and even some ugly. (The 115th Annual OSFA Convention Report...)

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114th Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Convention Report
(submitted by Jason Smith...) (Printable Version...) (Convention Image1, Image2, Image3...)

June 12, 2008 - The Oklahoma State Firefighters Association held its 114th convention June 4-7, 2008 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This OSFA Conference themed, “First In Last out 343 911 Never Forget,” honored the memory of fallen emergency personnel from the attack on the Twin Towers, The Pentagon, and the crashed 747 plane in Pennsylvania  nearly seven years ago.  OSFA President Don Chambers (Tulsa Fire Department), the executive board and staff and the Tulsa Fire Department joined forces to host this five day event.

IAFF Local 2067 representation included:  Grant Deason, Dana Cramer, Bobby Anderson, Justin Burright, Jason Smith, and Nick Terhune.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

• Convention festivities kicked-off with several activities lasting throughout the day and night. Those activities included: a fishing tournament, held at Ft. Gibson Lake, a golf tournament (Mohawk Golf Course), and hospitality activities hosted by Tulsa Green Country and the Oklahoma City Firefighters Local.
• Local IAFF 2067 members Grant Deason, Craig Roberts, and Pat Holding along with Retired Oklahoma City Chief Jon Hansen participated in the golf tournament. 
• Local IAFF 2067 member Dana Cramer also participated. Cramer teamed with Assistant Director of the Pension System Herb Bradshaw.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

• A breakfast honoring the past OSFA presidents began the morning. Dana Cramer, OSFA President 1999 and IAFF Local 2067 member, participated.
• Current OSFA President Don Chambers, Tulsa Fire Department, called the first session to order and the Tulsa Honor Guard presented the colors.
• A memorial service honored the memory of Oklahoma’s fallen firefighters with the Last Alarm. Families of deceased firefighters and convention participants paid respects with silence as 3rd Vice President Bert Norton, Midwest City Fire Department and 2nd Vice President, Les Foughty, Oklahoma City Fire Department Fire Department, read the names aloud. 1st Vice President Ray Hammons, Tahlequah Fire Department, struck the bell after each name.
• The Norman Fire Department suffered the loss of four members in the past twelve months. Those deceased are:
• Charles D. Hill (Retired in 1979)
  Robert L. Russell (Retired in 1988)
  Harold K. Wood (Retired in 1959)
  Former Norman Fire Chief Zona Clark (Retired in 1973)
• Larry Bowles, Tulsa Fire Department Public Information Officer delivered the invocation.
• Senator Kenneth Corn addressed the congregation. Senator Corn is the Democratic Caucus Chair and the Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary. He also serves on the Criminal Jurisprudence, Education, Finance, and Retirement and Insurance committees. Corn’s message pleaded for firefighters to fight for their needs in the coming fiscal year. Additionally, Corn warned firefighters of “politician promises” and encouraged fighters to hold politicians accountable. Corn, an Oklahoma Senator from District 4, which includes Sequoyah and Le Flore County served in the House from 1998-2002. He was elected to the State Senate in 2002 at the age of 25, the second youngest senator in the state’s history.
• Tulsa Fire Chief Allen LaCroixand welcomed convention participants. 
• OSFA President Don Chambers recognized special guests including those who serve on OSFA boards.
  IAFF Local 2067 boasted four (4) OSFA Committee members, the most present of any delegation. 
  ·        Grant Deason- Chairman of the Educational Committee
  ·        Dana Cramer- Legislative Committee, Memorial Committee, Credtials Committee, Museum Board, OSFA Ambassador
  ·        Jason Smith- Safety and Health Committee
  ·        Nick Terhune- Financial Committee
• Upon session adjournment, participants enjoyed a Poker Run, and social mixers and a picnic provided by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
• Thursday’s activities reached a crescendo with music and dancing at the historic Cain’s Ballroom. Proceeds from this activity went to the family of Tulsa Firefighter Stacey Ward. Ward was hurt in a motorcycle accident December 21, 2007. Ward’s injuries have confined him to a wheelchair. This fundraising effort netted $9500. 

Friday, June 6, 2008

• OSFA President Don Chambers (Tulsa) called the meeting to order.
• Danny Lynchard, Tulsa Fire Department Chaplain, delivered the invocation.
• Lt. Governor Jari Askins addressed the convention crowd. Askins message centered on image.  Additionally, Askins presented a challenge to hold politicians accountable. Furthermore, Askins triumphantly announced that there will “never be a tie concerning fire services issues.  Because you can count on me to always break the tie favorably.”
• Representatives Joe Dorman and Eric Proctor offered the OSFA their support.

Destry Horton Burn Center

Jeri Thomas, the mother of Destry Horton, Chickasha Firefighter killed in the line of duty, spoke about renovations to the Integris Burn Unit.  The proposed renovation will result in four Burn Center ICU rooms with a central nurse’s station providing better work-flow for staff, more efficient visual monitoring of patients, space for advanced medical equipment, and improved accommodation for the patient’s family.  This renovation will make the current unit state of the art.  The Noble Foundation has donated $500,000.  Mrs. Thomas challenged firefighters to help raise the other $500,000.  The burn center will be named after Horton.

Muscular Dystrophy Association

Andrea Poe (MDA) reported that the Fill the Boot campaign for 2007 collectively raised $972,926.  The Norman Fire Department raised $24,424 in 2007.

Shelly Henderson, mother of MDA’s 2008 Goodwill Ambassador Zack Henderson presented their family’s testimony of how MDA and the firefighter’s efforts have touched their lives.  Zack, 15, is stricken with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  This disease eventually robs the victim of all muscular strength and control.  In Zack’s case, he quit walking around nine (9) years of age and doctors predict he will lose his upper body strength within a few years.  Sufferers usually die in their late teens or early 20s.  Mrs. Henderson expressed joy in how MDA has helped provide Zack with a full life.  Zack was able to play four (4) years of organized T-Ball and Coach Pitch and most recently showed a lamb despite being confined to a wheel chair.

• Reports presented to the delegation included: State Fire Marshal, Firefighters Pension System, Legislative Report, Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial, Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association, Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association, Professional Fire Fighters of Oklahoma, Fire Service Training, Museum Report, Firefighters Clown Society and the presentation of the Pete and Lela Stavros Scholarship

David Bain Award

OSFA Executive Director Chris Bain presented the David Bain award to Herb Bradshaw.  David Bain, a former OSFA President (1995) and Chief (Midwest City), was instrumental in starting the leg work on the current Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial.  The first ever David Bain award winner was IAFF Local 2067 member Dana Cramer in 2005.  Bain died of cancer

Memorial Report

First Vice-President Ray Hammons delivered the Memorial Report.  A new Centennial Clock has been installed and the granite is in place.  By October 2008, over three thousand (3,000) names will appear on the wall.

Second Report of Nominating Committee

Candidates for 3rd Vice President addressed the crowd.  Jack Ellington, a longtime EMS person and volunteer firefighter from Bridge Creek and David Thompson, a self-employed volunteer firefighter from Slaughterville spoke.  The Local IAFF 2067 delegates decided to support David Thompson. 

Council on Firefighter Training (COFT)

COFT addresses the critical state of firefighter training with the first-ever Training Task Force for Oklahoma.  Access the full Task Force Report at www.COFT-Oklahoma.org.

Pension and Retirement System

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, total assets of the System increased 16.5%.  Return on investments for the System equaled 16%.  The funded status, based on GASB No. 25 liabilities and on actuarial value of assets, increased from 58% to 61.6%.  Access the complete report at www.okfirepen.state.ok.us.

Fire Service Training
(Per Firehouse.com and www.iaff2067.org)

FST Director Ralph Brown addressed the recent death following live burn activities at OSU-FST in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The fallen firefighter has been identified as Russell Thomas "Rusty Gains" Topping, a member of the Barnsdall Volunteer Fire Department.

At approximately 6:45 p.m., about 45 minutes after a group of 25 firefighters had finished a live fire training exercise at the facility located in Stillwater, the 28-year-old firefighter was found collapsed and unresponsive. Fellow firefighters began to administer recovery efforts on Topping, who was then transported by Stillwater crews. Topping was pronounced dead at the Stillwater Medical Center. The Oklahoma State Firefighters Association is currently conducting an investigation.

Topping was participating in the "Fire Fighter I Outreach Academy," a program offered by OSU that gives rural and volunteer firefighters the opportunity to gain accredited "Fire Fighter I" credentials for little or no cost.  The group completed a majority of their training in Dewey, Okla., but was in Stillwater to complete the live burn portion. This is the first training-related fatality in the more than 75-year history of the fire service training program at OSU. "This is a real tragedy," Spokesman Gary Shutt said. "Oklahoma State University extends its thoughts and prayers to the family and to his fellow firefighters. OSU Fire Service Training personnel are devastated by this loss."

Brown has asked for an investigation into Topping’s death.  Additionally, Brown has suspended further live burn activities at OSU-FST until the conclusion of the investigation.

Museum Report

Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum Director Mike “Rookie” Billingsly explained that customers may order merchandise from the Museum online including Red Books.  If ordered through the Museum, IFSTA sends a portion of the profits back to OSFA.  Doing so, does NOT increase the price of merchandise and the order arrives at the buyer’s door step in just 2-3 days.

• Friday evening finished with a “Business Casual” dress banquet.  Items on the buffet included salad, chicken, green beans, rice, and rolls.  Following the banquet, door prizes were distributed and “The Uninvited Guest Band” entertained. 
• A helmet painted by IAFF Local 2067 member Ronny Davenport was the featured item for auction.  This helmet sporting a predominantly red color with the theme “911. 343. Never Forget” painted on the side.  OSFA President Don Chambers (Tulsa) purchased the helmet for $1,000.

OSFA SAFER Grant Report

The SAFER grant awarded to the OSFA was for the Recruitment and Retention (of volunteer firefighters) activity. The OSFA has leased 15 billboards throughout Oklahoma AND placed display advertising in over 185 newspapers in order to convey this simple message... "Volunteer" and, "Be an Oklahoma Firefighter".

The OSFA SAFER grant seeks to recruit from the public to augment the efforts of fire departments statewide.
Also, a training stipend is available to active, volunteer firefighters who submit an application to participate. There is a stipend for food, lodging and fuel depending upon the event or activity.

A Firefighter Wellness initiative is also funded by this grant whereby the Fire Chief may apply to be reimbursed the costs associated with an entry-level physical for volunteer firefighters.

Saturday, June 6, 2008

• President Don Chambers called the meeting to order.
• Retired Tulsa Fire Department Pastor Gary Rogers delivered the invocation.
• Les Foughty, Oklahoma City, invited firefighters to attend the 116th OSFA Convention in (2010) in Oklahoma City.
• Ray Hammon, Tahlequah, invited everyone to attend next year’s OSFA Convention in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
• This session, reserved for legislation discussion, featured the presentation of one (1) voting resolutions plus the election of the 3rd Vice President. Resolutions and voting results are listed below:
  • Constitutional Resolution #06-02
    ***RESOLUTION FAILED***
    
    To: Oklahoma State Firefighters Association
    Re: Convention Constitution and By-Laws Resolution
    
    WHEREAS, the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association is to support the efforts of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association;
    
    WHEREAS, the objectives of the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association are to assist the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association in pursuit of their goals;
    
    WHEREAS the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association is to cooperate with Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Executive Board and Executive Director in serving the best interests of active, volunteer, retired and widowed firefighters of Oklahoma;
    
    WHEREAS members of the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association have many years experience and history that would aid in the debate and discussion made by the Executive Board of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association;
    
    WHEREAS Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association contributes financially to Oklahoma State Firefighters Association and has no vote on the Executive Board;
    
    THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Article 4, Section 4, shall be amended to read, “One additional person shall serve as liaison officer on the Executive Board, the President or his designee from the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association (ORFA), being recognized as the liaison officer. Being recognized as a liaison officer, he therefore, shall have a vote, but not nor proceed through the chairs.

3rd Vice President

Slaughterville Volunteer firefighter David Thompson defeated Jack Ellington of Bridge Creek to become the 3rd Vice President.

President- Ray Hammons- Tahlequah
1st Vice President- Les Foughty, Oklahoma City
2nd Vice President- Bert Norton, Midwest City

ORFA 3rd Vice President

Paul Gallalher, Tulsa,  was elected as 3rd Vice President for ORFA.
President- Perry Brinegar- Duncan

1st Vice President- Mike Bower, Midwest City
2nd Vice President- Randy Rose, Oklahoma City

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113th Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Convention Report
(submitted by Jason Smith...)

June 15, 2007 - The Oklahoma State Firefighters Association held its 113th convention June 5-9 in Enid, Oklahoma. This OSFA Conference themed, “Another for a Brother,” honored the memory of fallen executive board member John F. Futhey II. Futhey, the Hunter Volunteer Fire Department Chief, unexpectedly passed away April 19, 2006. In remembrance of “Big John,” the state fire school celebrates his legacy by bearing his name. Hunter, Dewey, and Enid Fire Departments joined forces to host this five day event.

IAFF Local 2067 representation included: Grant Deason, Frank Crawley, Charles Littleton, Keith Nelson, Dana Cramer, Richard “Dick” Hartless, Bobby Anderson, Jason Smith and Nick Terhune.

CONVENTION REPORT SUMMARY
(Printable version...)

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

• Convention festivities kicked-off with numerous activities lasting throughout the day and night. Those activities included: a fishing tournament, held at Sooner Lake, a golf tournament (Meadow Lake Golf Course), a 5 Stand Competition (Grand National Gun Club), a Poker Run and a Bar Crawl.

Thursday, June 7, 2007

• The morning launched a breakfast for the past presidents of OSFA. Dana Cramer, OSFA President 1999 and IAFF Local 2067 member, participated.
• Current OSFA President Tom Smith, Dewey Fire Department, called the first session to order with the State Honor Guard presenting the colors.
• A memorial service honored the memory of Oklahoma’s fallen firefighters. Families of deceased firefighters and convention participants paid respects with silence as 3rd Vice President Les Foughty, Oklahoma City Fire Department, and 2nd Vice President Ray Hammons, Tahlequah Fire Department, read the names aloud. 1st Vice President Don Chambers, Tulsa Fire Department, struck the bell after each name.
• Chaplain Tim Dorsch delivered the invocation.
• Enid Fire Chief Philip Clover and Enid Mayor John Criner welcomed convention participants.
• Following special announcements and door prizes the first session of the 113th convention ended.
• Upon session adjournment, participants enjoyed firefighter games, horseshoes, multiple social mixers and a picnic provided by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Friday, June 8, 2007

• President Tom Smith, Dewey, called the meeting to order with Don Froese, retired Enid Firefighter providing the invocation.
• Jerry Bower, newly retired Shawnee Fire Chief, received the David Bain award.
• Reports presented to the delegation included: State Fire Marshal, Firefighters Pension System, Legislative Report, Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial, Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association, Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association, Professional Fire Fighters of Oklahoma, Fire Service Training, Museum Report, Firefighters Clown Society and the presentation of the Pete and Lela Stavros Scholarship.

MDA
John Sharp, Dibble Volunteer Firefighter, expressed his gratefulness to Oklahoma firefighters for their efforts in raising money for MDA. John’s daughters, Chelsea, 15, and Ashley 9, are stricken with Friedreich Attaxia. This disease affects 1 in 50,000 people and causes muscle weakness, impaired sensory functions, diabetes, and skeletal dysfunction. Projected life spans are thirty (30) years after diagnosis. Chelsea also touched the congregation with her words of appreciation.

Legislative Report
Long time OSFA director Jim Minx announced he will step down as consultant for OSFA. A full legislative report is discussed later in this report. Additionally, this information will also be presented at the next union meeting. If you have an immediate need concerning legislation contact any IAFF Local 2067 delegate.

Firefighters Pension System
Executive Director Bob Jones spoke about the difference between Defined Contribution versus Defined Benefit Pension System. A hot topic on Capital Hill, Jones stressed the important of firefighter unity on this subject in favor of the current Defined Benefit system. Detailed information concerning this topic will be presented at the next union meeting.

Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial
Granite purchased a year ago has now been installed. Inscriptions of firefighter’s names are beginning. The memorial committee hopes to raise approximately $400,000 to pay off the balance of the memorial and create a surplus used for additions and upkeep. A recent poker run raised nearly $10,000.

Fire Service Training
Fire Service Training Director, Ralph Brown, spoke about Constitutional Resolution #06-01. Resolution 06-01 called for FST to be established s a separate and individual organization known as the Oklahoma institute of Fire Service Training at Oklahoma State University. Additionally, funding should be sought from the legislature to go directly to the above mentioned organization. Brown declined support of this resolution.

Museum Report
The State Fire Fighter Museum and OSFA offices received an upgrade to their electrical system. Replacement work of light fixtures and electrical wiring is complete. These upgrades cost nearly $4,000 and are projected to pay for themselves in just eighteen (18) short months.

Nominating Committee
Kevin Winters, Enid, Skip Jump, Ponca City, and Bert Norton, Midwest City are candidates running for 3rd Vice President.

• Afternoon activities consisted of an educational program dealing with thermal imaging cameras.
• The eloquent banquet reserved the prime time slot. Lt. Governor Jari Askins delivered the keynote address. Askins expressed sorrow for the passing of Harry Hill, describing him as “a dear friend of the fire service.” Hill, a political consultant, former PFFO consultant, and big fan of the fire service, died unexpectantly at his Oklahoma City home June 4, 2007. Askins continued by describing how the fire service positively affected her life and because of those affects the fire service will always have her support.
• President Tom Smith, Dewey, presented Askins with a white Chief’s helmet complete with her name inscribed on the front.
• Norman Firefighter Dana Cramer posed for pictures with Lt. Governor Askins. Cramer served as one of Askins “positive effects” by chauffeuring her during the busy campaign season.
• Immediately following the banquet, an auction featured two (2) airbrush painted firefighter helmets created by Ronny Davenport of the Norman Fire Department. These helmets boast the finest air brush work. The first helmet sported a poker run theme with brilliant red color, detailed playing cards complete with a Maltese Cross and finished with inscriptions of the convention event. The second helmet honored the memory of John F. Futhey II. This red, white, and blue helmet displayed the “In Memory of John F. Futhey II” emblem created for this convention along with soaring eagles and white stars on top of blue resembling our American flag. The words “Another for a Brother” presented on the side and “BIG JOHN” on the back. These helmets collectively raised $1800. The Hunter Fire Department purchased the John F. Futhey II tribute helmet.

Saturday, June 9, 2007

• President Tom Smith, Dewey, called the meeting to order with retired Enid Firefighter Don Froese delivering the invocation.
• This session, reserved for legislation discussion, featured the presentation of three (3) voting resolutions plus the election of the 3rd Vice President. Resolutions and voting results are listed below:

Constitutional Resolution #07-01
***RESOLUTION #07-01 PASSED BY MAJORITY VOTE OF THE OSFA DELEGATES.***

Whereas the construction of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Executive Board is an important issue to the membership and the organization; and

Whereas the clear understanding of who the members of the Executive Board are and how they are selected is also a very important issue; and

Whereas the term “Junior Past President” is out-dated and no longer used anywhere except in Article 4, Sections 1 and 2;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Constitution and By Laws be amended in Article 4 – Officers, Section 1 and 2 to read as follows:

ARTICLE 4 - OFFICERS
-Section 1. The officers of this Association shall consist of President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Third Vice President, and Immediate Past President. These officers shall be known as the Executive Board. There shall be at least one of the officers of the Executive Board who is a Volunteer Firefighter who is an active member of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association.
-Section 2. All officers of the Association, except the Immediate Past President, shall be elected from the active membership of the Association by the duly accredited delegates on the last day of each annual convention. A majority of the votes cast by the duly elected delegates shall constitute an election.

Constitutional Resolution #06-02
***RESOLUTION SENT BACK FOR FURTHER STUDY BY THE 2007 DELEGATES.***

To: Oklahoma State Firefighters Association
Re: Convention Constitution and By-Laws Resolution

WHEREAS, the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association is to support the efforts of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association;

WHEREAS, the objectives of the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association are to assist the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association in pursuit of their goals;

WHEREAS the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association is to cooperate with Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Executive Board and Executive Director in serving the best interests of active, volunteer, retired and widowed firefighters of Oklahoma;

WHEREAS members of the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association have many years experience and history that would aid in the debate and discussion made by the Executive Board of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association;

WHEREAS Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association contributes financially to Oklahoma State Firefighters Association and has no vote on the Executive Board;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Article 4, Section 4, shall be amended to read, “One additional person shall serve as liaison officer on the Executive Board, the President or his designee from the Oklahoma Retired Firefighters Association (ORFA), being recognized as the liaison officer. Being recognized as a liaison officer, he therefore, shall have a vote, but not nor proceed through the chairs.

Legislative Resolution #06-01
***Resolution failed***

To: Oklahoma State Firefighters Association

WHEREAS training for the Oklahoma fire service is a top priority issue;

WHEREAS, fire training is an imperative part of safety for the citizens and the firefighters of Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS fire departments are the primary provider of safety to the majority of citizens; and

WHEREAS fire departments face many federal and state training mandates;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Oklahoma Fire Service Training shall be established as a separate and individual organization heretofore known as the Oklahoma Institute of Fire Service at Oklahoma State University; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that additional funding be sought from Legislature to go directly to the Oklahoma Institute of Fire Service Training at Oklahoma State University.

3rd Vice President

Midwest City firefighter Bert Norton won a run off election with Skip Jump, Ponca City, to become 3rd Vice President at the 113th annual OSFA Convention.
President- Don Chambers, Tulsa
1st Vice President- Ray Hammons, Tahlequah
2nd Vice President- Les Foughty, Oklahoma City

ORFA 3rd Vice President

Randy Rose, retired Oklahoma City, was elected as 3rd Vice President for ORFA.
President- Bud Shepherd, Slaughterville
1st Vice President- Perry Brinegar
2nd Vice President- Mike Bower, Midwest City

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112th - 2006 - Oklahoma State Firefighters Association Convention Report
Submitted by Steve "Doc" Roberts - NFD  Convention Delegate

June 11, 2006 - Hosted by the Lawton Fire Department from June 7-10 at the Best Western Hotel, 1125 E. Gore Blvd., Lawton, Okla., 73501. Call (580) 353-0200 for more information.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The convention kicked off Wednesday with the fishing and golf tournaments and the ended with a bar crawl.
• Thursday’s meeting was called to order and the LFD Honor Guard posted the colors. The Memorial Service had a great turnout and immediately following the meeting, firefighters from all over the state participated in water sports and the Poker Run.
• The Poker Run stated at Pro Team Harley-Davidson and the stops were spread out from Lonesome Dove through out Medicine Park and ended back in Lawton at the MDA Picnic. Chuck Kilgore was in the running for worst hand right up until the last bike came in. He came home empty handed like the rest of the Norman riders.
• Friday was a busy day with a lot of important information passed. I have written down some of the more important highlights of the reports. The details of these reports are accurate to the best of my knowledge. If you would like more information concerning any of the reports, feel free to contact a union representative and they may be able to research the information in more depth.

PENSION BOARD
The Pension made 13.3% in the month of April, which turned out to be the best month in a long time. The forecast for our pension is great but there is a lot of work to be done at the Capital. The 4% COLA for retirees was tabled for executive session. There has also been new wording placed in the Drop-Back concerning reemployment rights. The prior wording did not address firefighters who were injured or wrongfully terminated and were trying to return to work. Firefighters were forced to make a decision to drop back and retire or take a chance and try to return to work. You now have a two years time period that you can drop back if you do not get back to work. For example, you have a firefighter that is injured, he/she has two years to get better and return to work. If he/she realizes 18 months into the injury that he/she will not get better, they can elect to drop back and retire.

PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTER OF OKLAHOMA
The PFFO reported a slow year. The only issue they addressed was an incident concerning use or loose leave. Evidently, several firefighters throughout the state had use or loose leave during out terrible wildfire season. Those firefighters were not able to take the leave due to the manpower needed to support the firefighting efforts. Those firefighters lost their leave. Now, in emergencies municipalities can no longer take use or loose leave. They have to pay you for that leave. PFFO President, Billy Hubbard also reminded firefighters about an 8-day bike ride in September. More information about this ride can be found on the IAFF web site.

MDA
The firefighter’s throughout the state of Oklahoma raised over $800,000 for MDA last year and their goal is $1,000,000 this year.

FIRE SERVICE TRAINING
OSU FST needs field instructors to teach classes throughout the state. They are reporting a budget shortfall and the Governor is giving them 3 million dollars this year. FST will be adding a cancellation policy also this year which states there will be a $15 fee charged to the firefighters department if a cancellation for a class is not received at least 5 working days prior to the start of the class. FST will be getting new equipment for training to include a new trailer with a generator that will respond for support in emergency incidents if requested.

COUNCIL ON FIREFIGHTER TRAINING
There is a new organization called Council on Firefighter Training and its main focus is training standards for firefighters. It is patterned after CLEET and they work with the Department of Homeland Security on issues concerning the training of firefighters.

FIREFIGHTER MUSEUM
The Firefighter Museum had approximately 39,000 visitors from 41 different states in 2005. They now have the largest artifact and equipment display in the country. The museum has a bunker gear surplus program and they have the following equipment on hand: 41 serviceable SCBAs, 139 sets of bunker gear, 2 Apparatus’ and 8 radios. Effective immediately their new hours are Mon-Sat 0900-1630 and Sun 1300-1630.

STATE HONOR GUARD
The state Honor Guard would like the department Honor Guards to coordinate within them so regional requests can be coordinated better. They would like the local departments to assist in some of the requests.

FALLEN AND LIVING FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL
The Memorial fund made a big purchase of granite to the sum of $72,000. This year the poker run raised $4,572, tags raised $69,549 and the golf tournament raised $15,364.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The new 3rd Vice on the executive board is Les Foughty from Oklahoma City FD. Skip Jump from Ponca City FD and Bert Norton from Midwest City FD were also candidates.

LEGISLATIVE/CONSTITUTIONAL RESOLUTIONS
The resolutions will be briefed at the next union meeting. If you have any questions, call Steve Roberts @ Station #6.
 

May 31, 2006 - Hosted by the Lawton Fire Department from June 7-10 at the Best Western Hotel, 1125 E. Gore Blvd., Lawton, Okla., 73501. Call (580) 353-0200 for more information.

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111th 2005 OSFA Convention Report
by OSFA Delegate Steve Roberts

June, 2005 - This years OSFA Convention was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Oklahoma City and hosted by President Steve Lumry, a member of the Oklahoma City Fire Department. All the hard work President Lumry and the OKC Fire Department put into this convention paid off. Everyone had fun while a lot of information was equally passed.

Wednesday began with the usual Golf Tournament, Bass Tournament, & Skeet Shoot also adding a Poker Run this year. Rumor has it Assistant Chief Baileys’ team took third in the morning flight of the golf tournament and all the Norman bikers won their entry fee back during the poker run. The day ended with a “Bar Crawl”, which also was a new addition to the fun.

Thursday was the Memorial Service and the Family Fun Day, which was held on Hudson Street at the Myriad Gardens. The day ended with the MDA picnic.

Friday we got down to business with the opening ceremony and the start of the meetings. There was only one Resolution this year concerning the Volunteer Firefighters. It involved the fact that a majority of volunteer firefighters hold full time jobs and they may not be able get time off from their jobs to attend the convention from Wednesday thru Saturday and their department may not be able to afford to pay registration fees, a resolution was written and passed to help them out. In short, Volunteers can now pay a lesser registration fee. They may show up on Saturday to vote for the Third-Vise and any resolutions on the floor. There were five candidates running for third-vise this year. Ray Hammons (Tahlequah), Bert Norton (Midwest City), Skip Jump (Ponca City), Brian Foughty (Moore) and Raymond Eldridge (Henryetta). After an initial vote, the race was narrowed down to Bert Norton and Ray Hammons. A run-off vote was taken and Ray Hammons prevailed.

The first annual “David Bain Award” was given this year. This award is the highest award given by the OSFA and the criteria to receive the award are very stringent. We are proud to report the first recipient of this award is Norman’s own, Dana Cramer. We were all very proud of him and it was well deserved.

The highlight of the convention was the keynote speaker from Phoenix, Az. Chief Alan Brunacini. Chief Brunacini spoke about Customer Service and everyone was on the edge of his or her seats.

Some other hot issues talked about were the forming of the VFFO (Volunteer Firefighters Organization) and the status of our Pension. It seems there are some volunteer firefighters who do not think the OSFA isn’t doing all they can in looking out for them and ignoring their issues. They have the backing of a State Representative and have formed the VFFO. They have lobbied at the State Capital. However, this in turn gives the appearance the firefighters in the state are divided. We spoke about the need to stick together while taking care of each other.

The Pension is expected to be at 7.5% by the end of the month.

Next year, Juan Rodriguez from the Lawton Fire Department will host the OSFA convention. They have a tough act to follow but we are sure they will do a great job.

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110th 2004 OSFA Convention Report
by Frank Crawley

June, 2004 - The 110 OSFA Convention has come and gone. It was a productive and fun gathering of Oklahoma State Firefighters. The convention came a little early this year. The inclusive dates were: June 2, 2004 to June 5, 2004.

On June 2, the OSFA held the annual OSFA golf tournament. Norman firefighters had several teams in the tournament. Everyone had a great time, with the MDA serving lunch between the morning and afternoon sessions. The weather was great for the morning session. However, a large thunderstorm blew in about the time the second session began and most players were on the first or second hole, complete with hail and a deluge of rain.

On June 3, meetings were held in the morning with family members and the reading of The Last Alarm (really nice for family members of fallen brothers and sisters). Also, in the afternoon, the Firefighter Combat Challenge held an event at the Bass Pro Shop parking lot. The Norman Fire Department had two teams entered in the relay event. You will be happy to know that both teams qualified for the Combat Challenge World event to be held in Las Vegas later in the year. One team sponsored by O`Connells restaurant, (Kurt Holley, Mike Wilson, David Randolph, Jason Bradford and Brian Lewis), was their first time in competition as a team; and they qualified for World. (Great job men)! The other team, I think we all know as "Team York" with Jack Ingram (Colt), Mike Shuffield (Skin), Chris Beirne (Crash), Brian Edwards (Spike) and Jeremy Morris (Rooster), placed second in the relay event. They were only a few seconds behind the winner of the event, "Team Dr. Pepper" from Altus. Congratulation men! Later in the evening the MDA had a Barbecue dinner for convention members. (MMMMMM. good!) Also later in the evening, "Hooters" held a firefighter HOT WINGS eat competition. (I don't know who won because some of us had to go to bed).

On June 4, meeting were held in the morning and the afternoon (a little boring). But later that evening, the OSFA held its annual banquet and dance with many door prizes given away. (This event is fun and you get to know a lot of other firefighters through out the state).

Finally, on June 5, the big voting day, our voting delegation of nine votes was very limited. (I think you know why!) We were told that a bill was only needing to be signed by the Governor to allow a firefighters widow, or next of kin, the ability to "drop you back" on Plan B; if God forbid something happens to you. Other business that was voted on is as follows:

• Constitutional Resolution #1, allows the OSFA board member to be a delegate at large which basically allows them the power to vote on matters without being elected delegates by their respective department.
• Constitutional Resolution #2 made Mr. Douglas Jacobson a Honorary Life Member of the OSFA. 204 for and 1 against.
• Legislative Resolution #3 from 2002, was killed by a vote of 6 for and 199 against. This would have allowed firefighters terminated or fired to collect on the pension before they got their full vestment in. Apparently other legislation has taken care of this problem.
• Legislative Resolution #3 from 2003, was killed by vote of 5 for and 200 against. This was going to allow firefighters to be chief officers in other fire department in the state (as do police officers) and double-dip in the pension.
• Legislative Resolution #1 2004, passed by a vote of 203 for and 2 against. This was a wording change from was to shall, dealing with retirees and dependents insurance.
• Legislative Resolution #2 2004, passed by vote of 202 for and 2 against. This is a study for the feasibility and cost of providing health insurance to retired firefighters through our pension system. The report and finding to be brought back to next years convention.
• Legislative Resolution #3 2004, passed by a vote of 201 for and 4 against. This changes the CPI-U from the Number one legislative priority of the OSFA and made it a legislative priority.

And then they passed the Axe from President Chris Bain to Steve Lumry of OKC. In addition, the third vice president was voted on; he is from Tulsa Fire Department. (I forgot his name.)

Finally, was the Adjourn Sine Die, or something like that. (That mean to go home.)