"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokees Provide $300,000+ to Rural Firefighters

"Photo Cutline: Members of rural fire departments from within the Cherokee Nation’s tribal jurisdiction joined with Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith, Deputy Principal Chief Joe Grayson, Jr., and Tribal Council Members during a recent event. The Cherokee Nation presented the county fire departments more than $300,000 in additional funding for needed equipment and supplies. Principal Chief Smith (left) presents a check to Melvin Mashburn, rural fire department coordinator of the Grand Gateway Economic Development Association, as Tribal Council members Chuck Hoskin, Jr., and Harley Buzzard and Deputy Chief Grayson look on."

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Rural fire departments throughout northeastern Oklahoma will have extra funding to purchase equipment and supplies this year thanks to a contribution from Cherokee Nation. The tribe distributed more than $300,000 to 117 fire houses within its jurisdictional boundaries. The Cherokee Nation has presented more than $1 million to rural volunteer fire departments in the past three years.

“So many Cherokee communities and our Oklahoma neighbors rely solely on rural fire departments and their dedicated volunteers during emergency situations,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “Each of these men and women are committed to our safety. This contribution is in appreciation of the services they provide.”

The funding is a way to show 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 create a contribution process and identify fire departments that met the criteria.

“Over the past 12 months, Oklahoma communities have experienced natural disasters that have impacted the lives of Cherokee citizens and our Oklahoma neighbors,” said Smith. “It is often rural fire departments that provide the first line of support. We are grateful to be able to give back to communities in a way that helps not only Cherokee citizens, but all residents who live in our jurisdictional boundaries in northeastern Oklahoma.”

According to Ernie Moore, Eastern Oklahoma Development District Rural Fire Coordinator, the contributions first came about during the funding crisis experienced by rural fire departments during the wildfire season of 2005-2006.

“The Cherokee Nation saw the dire straits the fire departments were in and promptly stepped forth by providing much needed funding to help maintain rural facilities,” said Moore. “We are thankful that the tribe has continued to provide help to ensure that money is available to departments to buy fuel, fire pumps or to repair existing equipment. As a Rural Fire Coordinator, and on behalf of the rural fire departments and the members of the communities they serve, I extend my thanks and appreciation for the continued support of the Cherokee Nation.”

Melvin Mashburn, of the Grand Gateway Economic Development Association, said that this funding couldn’t have come in a better part of the year.

“Gas prices are eating up the budgets of smaller fire stations,” said Mashburn. “These contributions will really come in handy in the upcoming grass fire season. I can’t extend enough thanks to the Cherokee Nation for the help that they provide. They are really a good partner to Oklahoma and its citizens.”