Sequoyah County Rural Fire Protection District #1 (RFPD1) was recently notified that of the 150 applicants for the CHEMTREC HELP Award, RFPD1 was one of five recipients, and the first fire department in Oklahoma to receive the $10,000 grant from the National Volunteer Fire Council.

RFPD1 was presented the grant at an event last week at Marval Resort.

“I can’t say enough about how proud we are of every member of RFPD#1. This crew puts in the time and dedication to make things happen, and it shows,” said Heath Orabanec, fire chief for RFPD1.

“This is the first time a department in Oklahoma has been selected for this grant, and we are very humbled to be that department. This grant will go towards additional hazmat equipment/training to better serve our community and surrounding areas.”

Orabanec thanked Marval Resort for use of its clubhouse for the event, and Sharon Duke for catering the meal. He also thanked NVFC representative Sheri Nickel “for always pushing and helping Oklahoma fire departments to achieve these goals.”