September 27, 2019 Issue, Page 6 of 26

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PG6 HOMETOWN HEROES Letter from EC fire department The Elk City Fire Department was It also teaches them ways to get out of established in 1906. In March 1911, a building in the event of a fire and to it became a member of the Oklahoma never re-enter a building that is on fire. Firefighters Association. The fire department also has a full- The department started out as an all- time fire inspector. He looks for hazards volunteer service. Today, it is a combi- and violations in commercial business- nation department comprised of full- es and issues recommendations to cor- time paid firefighters and volunteer rect the problems. This prevents fires firefighters. In 2003, the city decided that the fire department could run an am- and helps to keeps our citizens safe. bulance service out of the firehouse and The fire chief is also the emergency Some firefighters stop for a moment on a recent day. Pictured do a better job in the process, all while manager for the City of Elk City, That here are, from left, are Tate Chaney, Kyle Hutton, Mark Chester saving the city money. All the full-time job started out as the civil defense di- and Colton Wood. Staff photo by Don Munsch. members of the Elk City Fire Depart- rector and was a bit different during the ment are cross-trained as Basic EMTs, Cold War when everyone was focused Advanced/Intermediate EMTs or Para- on fallout shelters and the nuclear medic EMTs. Each member could, at threat. any time, be called upon to respond to a The department runs three shifts. medical call with an ambulance. These each have eight people who work Fire prevention is a large part of the 24-hour shifts and are subject to call- department’s mission. Each year during back. These men and women are very Fire Prevention Week the area schools Thank you to our and daycares get a visit from the Elk dedicated to their work and have proven | public employees City firefighters. Starting children at an it repeatedly, Elk City Fire/EMS contin- and volunteers early age and reminding them each year ues to grow and we are proud to serve who keep us goes a long way when teaching children the citizens of the city of Elk City and safe each day. to be cautious and alert to fire hazards. the surrounding area. Thank you! We want to thank all of our area ‘sacrifices they makewewould a volunteers and first responders! not have the great community we do, so thank you! Mud Trans inc 716 W 3rd St, Elk City 409 S Pioneer Rad, Elk 580-225-3442 580-225-1821 Piast INetdiovmval [tunic DY We belitve in supporting our ist first responders and woul ihe to tobe this tne to thank Ss Trust of lls City them for providing us a sofe community. ELK CITY: 2714 W. 3rd St. medication free, way to manage your aches and pains. 102 S. Main St. 580.225.2580 SAYRE: 711 N.E. Highway improve sleep *Stress «Pain relief Arthritis 580.928.2580 Calming the nervous system «Pain in feet «Inflammation https://www.fnbec.com/ Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. (580) 225-0223 » 617 W. 3rd St. Elk City, OK 73644