September 27, 2019 Issue, Page 5 of 26

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HOMETOWN HEROES PG5S Firefighter follows in his may be, whether it’s death or illness or loss of property, we try to help them get through that and save as much of their Structure fire numbers have decreased nationally because of good fire preven- tion training, he said. grandfather’s footsteps property as we can, or provide medi- cal care to them or their family when “It’s an amazing career, but we couldn’t do it without our community they’re sick or injured.” support and without the support of the Nidey is in his 15th year at the Elk During Fire Prevention Week in Oc- City Fire Department, where is a cap- community,” he said. “We wouldn’t tober, firefighters will visit schools to tain and a paramedic. He was born and have the equipment and training and the educate children on fire safety, such as raised in Elk City and graduated from personnel we have to respond to those a fire escape. Elk City High School in 2001. emergencies, so we’re really pretty “Especially the smaller kids are really He explained how he started work at great about telling mom and dad that grateful for that.” the fire department. He said he wouldn’t change his job for [they] need to make an escape plan and “We'll put volunteers in with no pre- the world, and is excited for the oppor- need to have a meeting place,” he said, vious training, and we’ll provide the tunity to serve the community, whether noting how children will advise their training that they need,” Nidey said. “I it be in the EMS or the firefighting side parents on what they learned to manage initially had gotten on as a volunteer, elements in their home, such as cooking and carry on what his grandfather did as and then during that time, I got my fire- safety, which can make a difference. a volunteer. Chris Nidey fighter training in EMT basic and fire- By Don Munsch, Editor fighter one as a volunteer and just pro- a rural community, we fully understand gressed from there.” Chris Nidey said the part of his job he He works three shifts on — 24 hours need for our local volunteers and first enjoys the most is helping people. He saw how much being a volunteer a day each of those days — and then is ponders. We would like to thank each off for four days after that those three firefighter meant to his grandfather, shifts. Firefighters’ days consists of of you for your service! Lawrence McCormick, and Nidey de- going on emergency calls, apparatus KTS AUTO GLASS cided to follow in his footsteps. checks, physical fitness, station duties “He actually passed away the week and EMS training. Fire department per- before I became a volunteer fireman,” sonnel also must ensure they maintain Nidey said, noting that was in 2004. He their physical health, keep up with their Serving a 100 mile radius of Willow, Oklahoma » We come to you! was a volunteer firefighter for 40 years. education with the ever-changing con- “A strong work ethic, work[ing] hard, [email protected] * 580-291-3786 * Owner-Kristofer Schell struction standards and fire loads and honesty and integrity will take you a ensure they’re aware of new vehicle long ways,” Nidey said, describing ad- technologies with auto extrication. vice his grandfather gave him. On calls, “you never knew what The Elk City Fire Department cur- you’re going to get,” he said. Firefight- from a fire, auto wreck oF T rently has 20 volunteers and 22 fire per- sonnel and six EMS personnel. Nidey ers deal with a number of challenges on the job. Many other disaster. said the fire department heavily relies “This is a small-enough community on the volunteers for their assistance, that you’re going to knowa lot of the including at structure fires, car wrecks people you’re going to encounter,” he and medical calls. The department has said, “When we encounter them, usual- a great group the department can count ly we’re seeing them at their worst, and on, Nidey said, so he appreciates their some of them may be acquaintances sacrifice. or friends. And whatever their tragedy Thank you to the first responders in our local We would like to take a community and the surrounding communities! moment to thank our local first responders! COMPANY OF OKLAHOMA McAlary An AEP Company : Js Be ik .Gity;JOK 73644 BOUNDLESS ENERGY* 0)225-0000 625 N. Van Buren, Elk City 580-225-6043 104 Blue Ridge Dr, Elk City » 580-225-6180