This article will be presented over the next few months. It is about how and who devised and developed the Texoma Volunteer Fire Department and Auxiliary. The story was originally written by Paula Zimmerman.
In 1979, a new fire district was created to include, McBride, Lodge Hill, Dark Corners, the Oklahoma State Park, and Rolling Hills. It was named Texoma Fire District. In that same year, the fire department was commissioned by the State of Oklahoma and the old Civil Defense Agency and would be staffed and operated strictly by volunteers and financed by freewill donations, bake sales, rummage sales and other creative community efforts.
The first fire chief was Bob Vail Jr. and Ted Rogers was the assistant chief. To become a member of the TFD, each resident paid a specific fee. Fees were and are used to outfit and modifY trucks and equipment for the firefighters.
In 1980, the Texoma Fire Department Auxiliary was organized largely by the efforts of Mary Margaret Heard and Carol Regan. The chief purpose was envisioned to provide funding for the fire department and help pull the community together.
In the early years, the accomplishments were great, but the struggles were greater. The few who dedicated their time, talents and unselfish efforts were Vail Jr., Rogers, Charlie Heard, Warren Couch, Ed Banks, Betty Johnson, H elen Burway, Mary Heard and Carol Regan. (to be continued)
The Texoma Fire District Board of Directors meet s the first Thursday of the month at the Training/Community Center at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
The Texoma Fire District Auxilim·y meet s the third Monday of the month at 10978 Parkview,just south of Roost er Creek Bridge at 1:30 p.m. with a social gathering at 1:00 p.m.
The exercise/stretching classes are on Monday and Wednesday at 10:00 a .m. and the cards/games are on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 12:30 p.m. Auxiliary members are welcometojoininon the fun. Bring finger foods to share and h ave a fun time.
For anybody interested in renting the Texoma Community Building, contact Gayla Freeman at 580-565-4043 and leave a message. She will get right back with you. The cost is $75 per day, and you must be a member of the Texoma Fire District.
For any residents interested in joining the Texoma Volunteer Fire Department, cont act Chief Todd Cissell at 580-565-4491. Applications can be acquired from the mailbox at the Texoma Fire Station located a t 10089 Texoma Park Road in Kingston. Training will be provided.
The Lighthouse Methodist Church located at 4923Alberta Creek Road in Kingston has resumed their delicious Wednesday evening meal from 5:30p.m. to 6:30 p.m. They are also starting Lighthouse Kids, a program for grade school children consisting of Bible stories, crafts, and games. It is held each Wednesday from 4:00p.m. to 5:30 p.m. prior to the evening meal.