"The city invests money in time and training, so we want someone who is going to be committed in serving the community for the long haul," said Tahlequah Assistant Fire Chief Casey Baker.
Tahlequah volunteer firefighters are included in a pension system between the ages of 21 and 45.
They are required to pass a physical agility test, and once approved by the Tahlequah City Council, they can start the intense full-time training courses.
"We have several instructors here that can teach the courses," said Chief Ray Hammons.
Former Fire Chief Bob Adarian was responsible for compiling the first training courses at the Tahlequah Fire Department. Since then, additional training exercises have been added.
The Tahlequah Fire Department participates in Oklahoma State University fire service training courses that provide first responders with instruction ranging from basic skills to more advanced specialized topics.
At the Tahlequah Fire Training Center, firefighters are first taught basic skills such as how to extinguish fires, perform forcible entries, ladder training, and fire hydrant training. They also learn how to deal with real structure fires, dumpster fires and vehicle fires.
"They have to be trained to handle any situation," Hammons said. "You're actually putting yourself at risk."
The more advanced courses cover topics such as auto-extraction, rope rescue, swift water rescue, search and rescue, cave rescue and confined space rescue. Several training exercises are performed in each category, including crawling in a dark maze, overcoming obstacles and finding a way out.
"Firefighters have to always be ready to adapt and overcome," Hammons said. "They have to be prepared for many different things."
The TFD also participates in life-saving training exercises to provide assistance and aid until emergency medical services arrive. The department even recently received training on how to use Narcan.
"We work with EMS in a lot of situations as well as law enforcement," Hammons said. "They are an important part of our jobs."
The department also performs Hazmat training and houses a Hazmat trailer that can assist anywhere in Northeast Oklahoma if needed.
Firefighters are also required to participate in liquefied petroleum gas training, which provides hands-on education to asses and respond to gas or oil fires.
"The level of all training in the county is about the same," Baker said. "You have to train in everything."
After a firefighter completes training, they are still required to participate in public education throughout the county in conjunction with other fire departments.
The Tahlequah FD performs mutual aid with Gideon, Illinois River, Hulbert, Keys, Woodall and Welling fire stations.
The TFD visits and educates approximately 2,500 children throughout the county. The department also provides a smoke trailer that simulates a house filled with a small amount of smoke, where children learn safety tips and how to exit a house.
"This is a commitment. We want people we can invest in," Hammons said. "We're truly blessed with a bunch of guys who want to train."
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