Local heroes honored at Vian meeting

Vian’s Board of Trustees met for their regular meeting on Oct. 21 where some local heroes were honored and several upcoming events were announced for Halloween and November.

During the communications portion of the meeting, Vian Police Chief Mark Harkins surprised some local heroes, presenting two firemen and one police officer with Medals of Valor for their actions and heroism during a traffic accident that severally injured Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Deputy Duwaine Chase.

Harkins said on the evening of Sept. 26, assistance was requested by the Sheriff’s Department to help block I-40 at the Vian exit.

“Firefighters Dennis Fletcher and Jason Fieldgrove immediately went into action, placing a tanker truck at the 297 exit to divert traffic off the interstate,” Harkins said.

Meanwhile, Vian Police officer Cody Jackson was helping divert traffic on the west on-ramp down U.S. Hwy. 82.

“Deputy Chase was on scene assisting with traffic diversion when a speeding vehicle approached,” Harkins continued. “That’s when Firefighter Fletcher yelled to Chase, but it was too late due to the speed of the vehicle.”

“After Chase was hit, Fletcher sprang into action, calling the ever dreaded “officer down” call over the radio, which resulted in immediate lifesaving measures to begin being routed from other agencies.

“Fletcher, along with Firefighter Jason Fieldgrove, both begin tending to the deputy and his injuries, trying to divert traffic even more for his safety,” he added.

The police chief said after hearing the “officer down” call, Officer Cody Jackson responded and assessed the situation, noticing Chase’s badly injured arm that was bleeding profusely.

“Officer Jackson used his department issued tourniquet to stop the bleeding, with all three tending to to Deputy Chase until medical assistance arrived and took over,” Harkins said.

“The selfless act of these individuals is a testament to their character and professionalism. If it was not for the heroic actions of these three, Deputy Chase may not have had the chance to survive and attempt to overcome these injuries,” Harkins told those present at the meeting.

Harkins then presented each of them with their medals, along with a certificate.

Other business

A couple who resides on Echo Street then spoke about concerns they have over stray dogs and speeding in the area. Harkins gave the couple his contact information and told them to call the next time it occurred.

After viewing and listening to an online presentation regarding a proposal with TextMy-Gov, the trustees voted to table the issue and look into other options.

The Vian Community Foundation was given the green light to sell bricks to be placed around lamp posts now available on Blackstone and Main Streets.

In employment matters, the trustees voted to rescind the resignation of Gregory Bonham, accept the resignation of Robert Rice, and approved the full-time employment of Jesse D. Massey as a police officer. Massey is a resident of Sallisaw and last worked for the Okmulgee Police Department.

Harkins reported his department took 511 calls for the previous month, which he stated was actually down compared to an average 600 calls per month.

Trustee E.O. Jr. Smith commended the police department for their presence at away football games, stating he’s received some really nice comments and feedback from other towns and schools.

Town administrator and fire chief, Keith Boshers, reported the fire department had new equipment coming in and 12 calls for September, stating it was a “busy month” with three car accidents happening in one week. The trustees also approved Christmas bonuses for 11 eligible firefighters.

The police and fire departments, along with Pafford EMS, will host a trunk-or-treat for Vian youngsters from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 on Main Street. They will be handing out candy, free hotdogs and drinks on Halloween night.

Boshers said the town’s fall cleanup was in full swing, and they were gathering bids for the concrete for the new pickleball court. He said if all goes as scheduled and there is no burn ban on, there would be a bonfire for Vian Public Schools on Nov. 14 at the downtown Anna Bell Farmer Park.

The trustees also hope to continue their concert series at the Vian Amphitheater at Armstrong Park. The final concert of the year will be held on Nov. 9 with three bands, with the trustees agreeing to meet at a later date to discuss a concert series for 2024-25.

Permission was granted to John Ford, on behalf of the Westside Church of Christ, to use the amphitheater for a meeting and primitive camping the weekend of April 25, 2025.

During the public works authority meeting, the trustees discussed possible action regarding a letter from Doyle Harris Davis & Haughey law firm representing SCWA (Sequoyah County Water Association) – Notice of Water Rate Increase.

The board members voted to draft a letter in response, with the meetings concluding at 7:41 p.m.

This news story is based on the unofficial minutes from the board meeting and could be in error if the minutes are changed prior to adoption.