House and Senate Pass Resolution Honoring Firefighters and First Responders Battling State Wildfires
OKLAHOMA CITY – The House and Senate passed a concurrent resolution today honoring and thanking firefighters and first responders who have been and continue to fight widespread wildfires across the state. High winds, low humidity and ongoing drought conditions brought high fire chances last week and those conditions continue into this week. House Concurrent Resolution 1008, by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert and Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, recognizes and thanks the firefighters and first responders who jumped into action over the weekend and asks the state to pray for all those impacted by the fires. "These fires have ravaged our state and I saw the destruction firsthand in my district as Creek County and the city of Mannford were severely impacted. These are our neighbors, and they need help not only today, but in the days and weeks ahead," said Speaker Hilbert, R-Bristow. "Without the quick action of our local firefighters and first responders, I know the impact could have been far worse. We are grateful for their service and continued dedication to keeping our state and citizens safe." Hundreds of wildfires broke out beginning Friday, starting in western Oklahoma and continuing eastward, damaging or destroying pasture, crops, barns, buildings, homes, businesses, infrastructure and other assets. At least four Oklahomans lost their lives as a result of the wildfires or the high winds or a combination of both and hundreds of others were injured as a result. The resolution recognizes the paid and volunteer firefighters in both rural and incorporated areas, along with the firefighting personnel of many Native American tribes and many first responders for using their training and expertise to combat the fires, to preserve property, to save lives, to treat injured persons and to provide all forms of assistance to those impacted by the fires. “The Senate stands firm with our House counterparts in this resolution, affirming our support for the firefighters, law enforcement, emergency personnel and countless volunteers, who have shown incredible courage and resilience in the face of these destructive fires,” said Pro Tem Paxton, R-Tuttle. “As Oklahomans begin the difficult process of recovery, the state stands ready to assist those who have lost homes, property and livelihoods. We will do everything within our power to help impacted families and communities rebuild. Oklahoma is strong because of its people, and together, we will overcome this tragedy.” The resolution states "the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma State Senate wish to express gratitude and most sincere appreciation on behalf of all people of the State of Oklahoma for the professional services, courage, dedication and the spirit of public service demonstrated by both paid and volunteer firefighters, the firefighting personnel of several Native American tribes and all first responders during this critical period of time." Copies of the HCR 1008 will be distributed to the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association, the Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association, the Professional Firefighters of Oklahoma and to the several Native American tribes the firefighting personnel of which were called into service during the severe weather high wind event.