TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation held its 2026 Volunteer Firefighter Appreciation Banquet May 14 and contributed $483,000 total to 138 northeast Oklahoma rural fire departments. Each of the 138 fire departments is receiving $3,500 as part of the tribe’s contributions.
Five firefighters and two volunteer departments also received awards for their heroism and hard work during the event.
Those recognized included Zach and Gary Brauer from the Texanna Fire Department, James Kouplen from the Langley Fire Department, Mattyson Barnes from the West Tenkiller Fire Department, Larry Greenberry Sanders from the Disney Fire Department, and Rod Hartsook from the Cookson Volunteer Fire Department.
“It is so important that the Cherokee Nation invest into our community heroes,” said Cherokee Nation Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “These fire fighters are caring, courageous and dedicated individuals who protect life and property. Sharing these dollars with them is just a small way for us to thank them for their selfless service here on the reservation and off.”
The tribe’s annual contribution helps support volunteer fire departments, which otherwise rely on fundraisers, membership dues and the help of their community’s residents to maintain their vital operations. The Wagoner Fire Department and Oktaha Area County Fire Department were added to the list of recipients this year, adding $7,000 to the tribe’s annual contribution to rural fire departments.
Chelsea Fire Department won Fire Department of the Year award for the Northern Region, and Mid County Fire Department won Fire Department of the Year for the Southern Region.
“Firefighters put everything on the line to do their job, whether it’s a house call, a place of business, a car wreck and though it could be a dangerous position for themselves, they are there to save others. Thank you to those who, so unselfishly, protect our loved ones and the places that make up our communities,” said Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner.
During the event, the tribe also recognized the Cherokee Nation’s Wildland Fire Management team.
“Volunteer firefighters embody so many of the Cherokee values we talk about each day. These men and women answer the call without hesitation, protecting our homes, land, and our people across the reservation. Investing in our volunteer fire departments is investing in the safety and sovereignty of our nation I am proud to champion that commitment on behalf of every Cherokee citizen,” said Speaker of the Council Johnny Jack Kidwell.
Chelsea Fire Chief Craig Sampson said that the funding they receive will be used to buy grass riggs for the department, and new gear for the firefighters.
“We are very excited and fortunate to get this award from the Cherokee Nation. We are a Title 11 Municipality Department, which means we have low funding, but the Cherokee Nation helps us out a lot,” said Sampson.
The Mid County Fire Department is located between Stilwell and Westville, an equal distance apart.
“We respond to calls from both cities and everyone in between. I have a very good crew of 19, and they are very hardworking guys, and teamwork is very important. We rely heavily on the cities and they on us. The funding from the Cherokee Nation is very much appreciated. We use it for gas, new tools, things of that nature,” said Russell Yell, Fire Chief for Mid County.