DUNCAN —
The Duncan Fire Department hasn’t just added seven new firefighters to its staff; it has added seven new tools to help save lives and property.
The rookie firefighters have been with the department from between one and six months. The rookies are Carson Atkinson, Chase Hansen, Lance Hodges, Shayne McDonald, Shane Neighbors and Lane Smiley.
“It’s great,” said Deputy Fire Chief Dayton Burnside. “It’s a tremendous asset.”
Burnside said by hiring seven firefighters, the department is able to ensure adequate staffing. Having adequate staffing is essential, he said, because it provides extra help to everyone involved, from property owners to the firefighters themselves.
“For emergency instances, adequate staffing makes it safer,” he said. “It’s better for everyone.”
To become permanent firefighters for Duncan, the rookies have to undergo training and testing. They also have to work with every other firefighter and will be evaluated.
The firefighters have to study every street in Duncan and have to know them flawlessly. Their training includes in-house training, EMT Basic, Firefighter I and Firefighter II training.
“They’ll be continuously trained throughout their careers,” Burnside said. “There’s a lot involved within the first year. This is the foundation.”
The rookies will be on a probationary period for one year. Every three months, they are rotated to another shift and have to work at every station within the Duncan city limits.
Burnside said each shift will evaluate the rookies.
Hansen has been with the fire department since January, and McDonald joined a little more than a month ago. Both have family members who have been involved in the fire service, and the two rookies said they have helped however they could.
“It’s something I’ve always been around,” McDonald said. “My dad and my uncle were volunteers.
“It’s a career I always thought would be exciting,” he added. “I wanted to change the community for the better. It’s something I enjoy.”
Hansen said many of his family members have served as firefighters. He likes being able to help others and enjoys the camaraderie among the firefighters, referring to the department as “a family.”
He has already gone through his Firefighter I, Firefighter II and EMT Basic training. McDonald will start training in August or September.
Both said they are glad to have the opportunity to help others.
“It’s a good feeling,” Hansen said. “It’s all for a good cause.”
McDonald had similar thoughts.
“It makes you proud you can make a difference in somebody’s life,” he said.
Local News
DFD adds seven firefighters to ranks
- Local News
-
-
Burum presented with plaque for years on CTAC board
Members of the Chisholm Trail Arts Council board met Monday for its annual open meeting and were excited about all they accomplished during the last year. They also are looking forward to the new year.
After a few challenging fiscal years, CTAC treasurer Michele Johnson said this year they will not only break even but have a little left in the bank. -
Youth Services breaks ground for future shelter
Construction on the new Stephens County Youth Shelter is set to begin Monday.
But a few shovels have already hit the dirt. Youth Shelter board members, employees and advocates hosted a groundbreaking at the new shelter location.
“This has been a long, long trip,” Nancy Roop, board president, said. “And you all have been there with us. Finally, we’ve started.” -
Barely crossing paths
Two Duncan natives who moved to Moore are still amazed at how lucky they are to be alive after surviving the tornado that wiped out that city on May 20.
Both women, Debbie Gardner and Brandi Broaddus, shared their stories with The Banner, revealing just how much the tornado impacted their lives on May 20.
Debbie Gardner graduated from Duncan in 1975, and lives about a mile from the Moore city limits. She took refuge in the Moore Medical Center’s cafeteria at the last minute, after trying to get home. -
Tornado warning at DIA delays Duncan resident's flight home
Update: Carberry's plane arrived as scheduled back in Oklahoma at Will Rogers International Airport.
Two tornados were spotted and National Weather Service confirmed that one touched down at Denver International Airport around 2:18 p.m. today.
Duncan resident Jamie Carberry was going through the security checkpoints as she waited to board a plane home after a short vacation there. That’s when the alert was sounded and people began taking cover. -
Duncan resident takes tornado precautions at DIA
People at Denver International Airport are taking shelter, and there are unconfirmed reports that a tornado touched down at Denver International Airport.
-
Hastings to close Duncan store
Corporate officials with Hasting’s Entertainment informed its employees early today at the Duncan Hastings Entertainment store that their store will be closing Aug. 9.
This news came during a mandatory store meeting, where two corporate representatives, district and store managers, were present to make the announcement, confirmed a store employee, who spoke with The Banner after the meeting. -
Former Duncan city manager leaves legacy, inspires current leaders
There are many who love their city, but one of the first things people would learn about Doug Johnson when they met him was his love and dedication to Duncan.
Johnson, a former councilman and city manager for the City of Duncan, passed away Thursday at the age of 82. A lifelong resident of Duncan, he only spent time away from the city during his years attending Baylor University on a basketball scholarship. -
Digital images land man behind bars on child porn charges
Samuel Wesley Brackeen, 34, of Duncan, was charged in Stephens County District Court with two felony counts related to pornography.
Brackeen was originally arrested on both counts.
According to the affidavit filed in district court on June 14, count 1 was possession of child pornography, AFCF, from Jan. 23 to Jan. 30; and count 2 was manufacturing child pornography, on or about Jan. 3, at a Comanche residence. -
Court: Ariz. citizenship proof law illegal
The Supreme Court ruled Monday that states cannot on their own require would-be voters to prove they are U.S. citizens before using a federal registration system designed to make signing up easier.
-
Events this week include Dinos at Duncan Public LIbrary today, ends with Founder's Day fun Saturday
Events at the Duncan Public Library this week include Dinosaurs Live from 2-4 p.m. Monday for ages 7-11 Juggle Whatever from 10-11 a.m. or 2-3 p.m. Wednesday for ages 7-11, 11-11:45 a.m Thursday for ages 3-6 and 2-3 p.m. Thursday for ages 10-17.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Burum presented with plaque for years on CTAC board
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
Aug. Trial Set for Ohio Man in Triple Kidnapping
Car Crash in NYC's East Village Injures 8
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8
Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
