"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CN Contributes To Rural Fire Departments

***"Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith, Council Speaker Meredith Frailey, and Deputy Chief Joe Grayson, Jr. (far right) join with volunteer firemen during the presentation."***

CATOOSA, OKLAHOMA – The Cherokee Nation recently distributed nearly $300,000 to rural fire departments throughout northeast Oklahoma. The fire departments will be able to purchase additional equipment and fuel this year thanks to the Cherokee Nation. The tribe distributed funds to a total of 129 departments within the 14 counties of its jurisdictional boundaries.

“Many areas of the Cherokee Nation in northeast Oklahoma depend on rural fire departments and their volunteers,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith. “These men and women are dedicated in their commitment to our safety. Today, we are showing our appreciation to their service.”

Earlier in the year, the tribe saw that fire departments were in need of basic tools and equipment used to keep our communities safe. The funds were designated as part of the tribe’s commitment to community partnership efforts. Cherokee Nation officials coordinated with the Eastern Oklahoma Development District and Grand Gateway Economic Development Association to arrange the funding needed by the fire departments.

“We are pleased we are able to give back to our communities in a way that helps not only Cherokee citizens, but all residents who live in our jurisdictional boundaries in northeastern Oklahoma,” Smith said.