The tribe contributed over $300,000 to 117 fire stations throughout its jurisdictional area Thursday.
"So many Cherokee communities and our Oklahoma neighbors rely solely on rural fire departments and their dedicated volunteers during emergency situations," Chad Smith, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief, said. "Each of these men and women are committed to our safety. This contribution is in appreciation of the services they provide."
Smith said the funding is a way to show the tribe's commitment to community partnership efforts. Cherokee Nation officials coordinated with the Eastern Oklahoma Development District and Grand Gateway Economic Development Association to create a contribution process and identify fire departments that met the criteria.
"Over the past 12 months, Oklahoma communities have experienced natural disasters that have impacted the lives of Cherokee citizens and our Oklahoma neighbors," Smith said. "It is often rural fire departments that provide the first line of support. We are grateful to be able to give back to communities in a way that helps not only Cherokee citizens, but all residents who live in our jurisdictional boundaries in northeastern Oklahoma."
Janelle Lattimore Fullbright, tribal council member representing Sequoyah County, said, "We are proud to be able to assist our rural fire departments with financial help. They provide a great service to all of Sequoyah County. Recently, our area experienced 60 mile per hour winds and wild fires were breaking out in several areas of Sequoyah County. Our fire departments were able to contain all fires quickly. We greatly appreciate all the work they do for all of us."
Another tribal council member representing Sequoyah, David Thornton Sr., said he realizes that running a fire station is expensive and understands the importance of making this funding available to fire departments.
"If it wasn't for the funding, the rural fire departments wouldn't be able to got to fires," Thornton said. "They are a heck of an asset to rural communities. We must remember that these rural fire departments not only go to house and grass fires most times they are the first to arrive at a car wreck or other type of emergency citizens in rural areas experience. This contribution helps in so many ways and I'm glad that I can be a part of it."
According to Ernie Moore, Eastern Oklahoma Development District Rural Fire Coordinator, the contributions first came about during the funding crisis experienced by rural fire departments during the wildfire season of 2005-6.
"The Cherokee Nation saw the dire straits the fire departments were in and promptly stepped forth by providing much needed funding to help maintain rural facilities," Moore said. "We are thankful that the tribe has continued to provide help to ensure that money is available to departments to buy fuel, fire pumps or to repair existing equipment. As a rural fire coordinator, and on behalf of the rural fire departments and the members of the communities they serve, I extend my thanks and appreciation for the continued support of the Cherokee Nation."
"Thanks to the Cherokee Nation," Joe Shamblin, Muldrow Fire Department Chief, said. "You really don't know what these funds mean to us. This is all about people helping people. The Cherokee Nation will get a lot back in return for these funds. We appreciate all the tribe does for volunteer fire departments. Their water line and roads projects help us to provide services to the community and help to take care of our equipment. I just want to thank everyone at the Cherokee Nation for all that they do."
