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Fire Department history

Fire Department history

by Ray Dobbins

Stilwell Volunteer Fire Department is proud to be a part of the

history and continuous growth of Stilwell as it prepares to

celebrate the 100th anniversary. Established circa 1900 the

Volunteer Fire Department has become an integral part of

Stilwell and the surrounding areas, providing varied services.

The 20 volunteer member organization includes, but is not

limited to, fighting all types of fires, rescues at motor vehicle

accidents, search and rescue of lost children and adults, severe

storm weather watching and assisting local enforcement

agencies.


With the starting of many rural volunteer fire departments,

Stilwell Fire Department has mutual aid agreements to provide

any type of assistance needed in rural areas, helping these rural

departments with life and fire safety protection. Stilwell Fire Department is a volunteer organization made up of individuals from many walks of life. Business owners, utility services (light, water and telephone), wrecker service, secretary, realtors, law enforcement officers, E.M.T.’s and plant

supervisor, a list as varied as the individuals.


These members, male and female, donate their time for service

to the community, training monthly in fire fighting and rescue

techniques.

In addition to training, members provide help to the community

on a non-emergency basis: By participation in the national

Muscular Dystrophy Association fund raising effort, being in the

top 10 fire departments statewide for the last five years; during

the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade and the Kiwanis

Strawberry Festival Parade, members align the float entries in

the proper position.

A former used furniture store in downtown Stilwell was heavily damaged by fire in 2012.
Stilwell Oklahoma firefighters posing in front of fire rescue truck

The Strawberry Festival 5-K Run provides another challenge for

the fire fighters who begin at 6:30 a.m. roping off the streets.


Before, as well as during the run, firefighters maintain a watchful

eye on the runners to assist if needed. Traffic is a major

concern, restricted from the run and parade route. It is a hectic

time, with firefighters giving their all as usual.


With the hours spent at emergency scenes training and

community services, firefighters wives and children, come up

short on time spend with them, knowing their support is

essential. Thank you families.


The members of the Stilwell Volunteer Fire Department would

like to express our thanks to you, the citizens of Stilwell and the

surrounding area for your support.

Retired Stilwell Fireman

Hall of Fame plaque


Top left, across and down: Doss Stilwell, B.O. Brown, D.C. (Tobe) O’Neal, Irvin Clevenger, Herman Casteel, G.K. Rains, Bob Johnson, Julius Thomas, Virgil Vanderheiden, William Duvall, Gerald Malcolm, Johnson Fourkiller, Mack Hill, Larry O’Neal, Leon Colin, W.H Langley Jr., Ronnie Trentham, TomJohnson, Buffalo Sellers, Bill Roenedbeck, Ray Dobbins, Ed Gass, Kevin Stumher and David Bruner.

OSDA Certificate

Certificate of Continuous

membership since 1894


In 2019, the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association presented this plaque to the Stilwell Volunteer Fire Department to certify 100 years of continuous membership. 

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