OCFD Citizen's Fire Academy Alumni Association
CFAAA Newsletter, August 2015
CFAAA DISPATCH
Published monthly by the Oklahoma City Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association
Rob Anderson-Editor
August, 2015
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AUGUST CFAAA MEETING TO BE HELD
Rescue Ladder 18 (Photo By: Keith Sossamon)
Six members, plus two visitors, Nathan and Lindsay Goldman, were in attendance at the July CFAAA meeting, held July 16, at station 18
Station 18 is the only station to be combined with an OCPD division station and is located between NE 36th and NE 50th, on N. Prospect.
The station has a very diverse area with homes ranging from older starter homes to multi-million dollar homes.
The station’s “first-in” district has its share of problems and it is located in a high crime area.
There are several tourist attractions, including the Oklahoma City Zoo, Softball Hall of Fame, Firefighters Museum, Remington Park, and others. There is also a large array of commercial buildings, many which are heavy industry.
While there, Engine 18 responded on a lawn mower fire. Major Davidson told us things of this nature were not unusual because many people were forced to place property such as lawn mowers and motor cycles in their homes to shield from theft.
The CFAAA thanks Chief Kirk Wright and the crew of Station 18, red shift for their hospitality.
The next meeting will be August 20 at station 28. Station 28 is located at I-240 and Anderson, Rd. Exit Anderson, turn right and you are there.
The meeting will start at 6:30 PM. Bring enough food for six firefighters and yourself.
Guests are always welcome.
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OCFD BATTALION CHIEF WINS WORLD COMPETITION
Battalion Chief Kirk Wright (602A) (Photo Courtesy OCFD Facebook)
Oklahoma City Battalion Chief Kirk Wright placed first in the golf competition during the semi-annual World Police and Fire Games, held June 26 to July 5, in Fairfax, Virginia.
The World Games consists of 44 different events ranging from golf, to sports like paintball, soccer and motocross.
An avid golfer, Chief Wright won in the scratch division. Scratch is the term used for golfers that have no handicap and is the top level of Golf. There were teams from countries such as The Netherlands, China, Russia and more. Over 119 were from Malaysia alone.
Wright started golfing in his teens, but played more often after his children grew. He learned of the World Games from a fellow firefighter that had competed several times.
The next World Games are to be held in Montreal, Quebec in 2017. Wright plans on participating.
Chief Wright is a native of Midwest City and a 28 year veteran of OCFD. He is married with two daughters.
The CFAAA congratulates Chief Wright on a job well done.
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FIRE SERVICE HISTORY: THE MALTESE CROSS
Suggested By: District Chief Chris Black
As I am sure all firefighters know, and many other people know, the Maltese Cross is a symbol of honor, courage and dedication; one worn with pride.
The history of the Maltese Cross dates back numerous centuries to the tenth century, with many websites dating it at 1113 AD. In that year, a group of Knights were founded in Jerusalem by a Benedictine monk. These eleventh century knights, who were serving in a Jerusalem hospital, became known as the Order of Knights Hospitaller and later became the Knights of St. John.
This organization shared the compassion as do today’s Firefighters by caring for the ill with great compassion. Later, they assisted the Knights of Crusaders in their effort to win back the Holy Land. As the Knights of St. John and Knights of Crusaders defended the city walls, their fierce opponents who were called, the Saracens, staged an aggressive attack and hurled fire bombs containing highly flammable liquids. As the Knights banded together they were forced to fight the flames of their attackers. It was during this intense fire fight that the courage of our Firefighting ancestors was demonstrated. The Knights banded together, risked life and limb for their Brothers and fought the flames, and saved many fellow Knights. The Knights were later recognized for their bravery during the epic battle located on the Island of Malta.
As a result of their valiant efforts, the Island of Malta was given to the courageous knights. The symbol on their flag, the eight-point cross, became known as the Maltese Cross. The eight points on the cross have various meanings. However, the most widely accepted principles reflect The Eight Beatitudes as written in Mathew 5:3-10 (King James Version) entitled the “Sermon on the Mount”.
“3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Today, Firefighters continue to display the same qualities as those brave Knights so many years ago. Regardless, if the history of the Maltese Cross is directly related with the fire service, it is a true symbol of sacrifice and courage, which are the same qualities of a Firefighter. Firefighters are proud to wear the Maltese cross on their t-shirts, place decals on their vehicles, and more.
Special thanks to OCFD District Chief Chris Black for suggesting the topic… The Maltese Cross.
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2015 CFAAA MEETINGS
All meetings start at 6:30 PM. Please bring food for enough firefighters on the shift plus a couple other people.
September 17- Station 11- 900 NW 50TH, 841-2400
October 15- Station 4-NE-14200 Hogback Rd., 396-8092
November 19-Location to be announced-Annual business meeting
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OCFD PROMOTIONS
The CFAAA congratulates the following members of OCFD and wish them well in their new positions.
Career Development/Promotions
Benny Fulkerson
7/3/15 District Chief/PIO
Rocky Miller
7/01/15 Major
Glen Barney
6/22/15 Captain
Jeffrey Chappell
6/22/15 Captain
Brent Dallas
6/22/15 Captain
Derek Elwood 6/22/15 Captain
Justin Knowles 6/22/15 Captain
Brent Koeninger 6/22/15 Captain
Trevor Lewis 6/22/15 Captain
Andrew McCann 6/22/15 Captain
Ronald Robertson 6/22/15 Captain
Marcus Sandoval 6/22/15 Captain
Lamont Smith 6/22/15 Captain
Brad Tobin 6/22/15 Captain
Andy Davis 7/7/15 Captain
Donald Price 7/7/15 Captain
Leroy Montano 6/19/15 Training EMS Lieutenant
TJ Aragon 6/28/15 Lieutenant
Jeremy Bivin 6/28/15 Lieutenant
Billy Downs 6/28/15 Lieutenant
Jerod Goodwin 6/28/15 Lieutenant
Lucas Qualls 6/28/15 Lieutenant
Cort Smith 6/28/15 Lieutenant
PROMOTIONS continued:
Bryan Suchy 6/28/15 Lieutenant
Michael Tucci 6/28/15 Lieutenant
Jamie Ward 6/28/15 Lieutenant
Ryan Hill
6/22/15 Sergeant
Brian Wilson 6/22/15 Sergeant
Andrew Adams 6/22/15 Corporal
Kenneth Baker 6/22/15 Corporal
Brandon Barefoot 6/22/15 Corporal
Russell Blackmon 6/22/15 Corporal
Trace Brown 6/22/15 Corporal
Seth Clark 6/22/15 Corporal
Landon Collins 6/22/15 Corporal
Jacob Driscoll 6/22/15 Corporal
Jeremy Farris
6/22/15 Corporal
Aaron Fisher 6/22/15 Corporal
Scott Gaede 6/22/15 Corporal
Tanner Goodwin 6/22/15 Corporal
Jeffrey Hand 6/22/15 Corporal
Kevin Hajny 6/22/15 Corporal
Michael Hayward 6/22/15 Corporal
Jerimiah Hoffstatter 6/22/15 Corporal
Chris Huston 6/22/15 Corporal
Kasey James 6/22/15 Corporal
Jonathan Johnson 6/22/15 Corporal
Jacob Mansell 6/22/15 Corporal
Brooks McMurphy 6/22/15 Corporal
Steven Myers 6/22/15 Corporal
Gavan Parker 6/22/15 Corporal
Adam Simmons 6/22/15 Corporal
Scotty Stephens 6/22/15 Corporal
Caleb Timmons 6/22/15 Corporal
Joshua Wayland 6/22/15 Corporal
Jesse Williams
6/22/15 Corporal
Zachary Williams 6/22/15 Corporal
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CFAAA HAPPENINGS
CFAAA hats are on sale for $15.00 each. Contact Keith Sossamon for purchase.
To order shirts, contact Lee Lehner.
Several colors are authorized; however, the main uniform will still be dress whites. CFAAA is also allowed a jacket available in dark blue.
Allow one to two weeks for delivery.
If you are interested in helping and would like to volunteer, please email John Fink at 1jdcfink@sbcglobal.net.
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2015 DUES NOW DUE
2015 CFAAA dues are now $20.00.
Send checks payable to CFAAA to Treasurer Sandy Lookabaugh:
2241 SW 117th St
Oklahoma City, Ok. 73170
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NOTES TO PASS ALONG
A reminder. If you take pictures of a fire, accident, or other event involving OCFD, before posting, you must submit them to the on duty PIO, for approval. This only includes OCFD. Any pictures taken of departments outside Oklahoma City, or the State of Oklahoma, are not under this policy, unless OCFD is involved. benny.fulkerson@okc.gov, the new OCFD PIO Chief.
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RIDE-A-LONGS
If you haven’t done any ride-a-long’s lately, we urge you do take advantage of it.
We are entitled to three per year and it is a great way to enjoy the company of firefighters and to see firsthand what they do.
The following stations are among the busiest and are recommended for ride alongs: 12, 14, 15, 19, 21, 24, 25, and 31.
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RIDE-A-LONG
Tess Hague
Have you done a ride-a-long with the Fire Department? We would like to hear about it, especially if there was an exciting ride. Email Rob Anderson with details. If there was more than one, I will publish the most exciting.
Be sure to add the station number, shift color (if you know it), and some of the names of firefighters.
To schedule a ride-a-long, contact Tess Hague at 297-3314, Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM till 2:00 PM and she will get you scheduled.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
September 8-Citizens Fire Academy begins. Volunteers will be requested to assist during the eight week course. Be sure to tell friends, co-workers, family and everyone you meet.
September 19-Annual 5K run for Project Life 8:00 AM, Regatta Park near Chesapeake Boathouse, 701 S. Lincoln
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IMPORTANT EMAIL ADDRESSES
President: James Augenstein
Vice-President:
Lee Lehner
Secretary:
Carole Anne Koger
Treasurer:
Sandy Lookabaugh
Member-At-Large:
David Dozier
Newsletter Editor, Rob Anderson, roba1955@yahoo.com
Volunteer Coordinator, John Fink, 1jdcfink@sbcglobal.net
949-2373, Cellular 208-1391
Hospitality Chairperson, Bertha Augenstein
bertha1a@ att.net
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FINAL NOTES
The CFAAA Dispatch is published monthly by the Oklahoma City Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association, and is published with permission from the Oklahoma City Fire Department.
We thank Chief Keith Bryant, and the entire fire department staff for their courtesy and cooperation.
Copyright 2015 CFAAA and Oklahoma City Fire Department
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