Brady McFarren, a firefighter with the Okmulgee Fire Department (OFD), brings a mix of grit, dedication, and heart to his work. Originally hailing from Indiana, McFarren’s journey to becoming a firefighter in Okmulgee is as captivating as his current role. He’s been with OFD for two years, but his roots in the community go back nearly 18 years.
“I moved here for rodeo,” Mc-Farren shared with a laugh. After a serious knee injury, a friend and fellow rodeo competitor, Tanner, invited him to Oklahoma to recuperate and pursue their shared passion for the sport. The rodeo brought McFarren to the region, but the camaraderie and opportunity inspired him to stay.
— A Day in the Life
For McFarren, every day starts early. “I’m up at 5:15 to shave and shower, and I leave the house around six. When I get to the station, I sweep and mop to make sure everything’s clean before the rest of the team wakes up,” he explained. It’s the attention to detail that reflects commitment in this role.
After the morning cleaning routine, the focus shifts to equipment checks. “We check the trucks, our radios, and our SCBAs – our breathing apparatuses. It’s life safety stuff, so you’ve got to make sure everything’s in good working order.” McFarren takes pride in ensuring that every detail is perfect. “For the SCBA pack, I inspect the air cylinder, the regulator, and the mask. It has to fit perfectly because when you’re in a fire, that equipment is your lifeline.”
The team also takes time to connect in the mornings over coffee. “We sit around, drink coffee, and talk about the shift the day before. It’s a way to share lessons and build camaraderie before the day kicks into full gear.”
— Trial by Fire
McFarren vividly remembers his first house fire, an experience that left a lasting impression. “I’d been through training simulations, but the first real fire was something else. You think you’ll be able to see, but the smoke makes it impossible. My lieutenant kicked the door open, and we went in. He was just a few feet away from me, but I couldn’t see him.”
The fire was in an abandoned house on Taft Street, where investigators later discovered evidence of arson. “The burn patterns on the floor looked like water waves. The chief explained that it showed where an accelerant had been poured. Seeing that for the first time was fascinating.”
Despite the challenges, McFarren found the experience exhilarating. “Your adrenaline’s so high – it’s scary but fun at the same time. It’s a feeling you don’t forget.”
— From Rodeo to Rescue
Before joining OFD, McFarren’s life revolved around rodeo. He started competing in the fourth grade and continued until just a few years ago. “Rodeo was my everything – it took up all my time,” he said. His favorite events included bull riding and team roping, which he practiced daily.
Although an injury and a subsequent career change led him away from the rodeo arena, McFarren hasn’t entirely let go of his roots. “I still work with horses at a local ranch owned by a retired firefighter. It’s a way to stay connected to the lifestyle that brought me here.”
Reflecting on his transition to firefighting, McFarren said, “Rodeo and firefighting are similar in that they’re both team-oriented. Whether you’re in the rodeo arena or responding to a fire, you’re relying on the people around you. That’s what I love most about this job – it’s all about the team.”
— Beyond the Badge
When McFarren isn’t at the fire station, you’ll likely find him outdoors. “Anything outside – fishing, hunting, riding my horse that’s where I relax and unwind,” he said. One of his favorite places is a quiet fishing spot where he can watch the sunrise. “There’s something peaceful about being out in nature, away from all the noise.”
McFarren also stays busy with side jobs, including a mowing business and safety consulting. “I like staying busy, but I’m ready to slow down a bit,” he admitted with a grin. “Mowing season is over, so now I have more time for hunting and fishing.”
— A Message to the Community When asked about his role in the community, McFarren emphasized the importance of giving his best every day. “We’re there for people on their worst days. It’s about trying to help, trying to make things better.”
He also values the strong sense of teamwork that firefighting fosters. “If you like team stuff, this is a great job. You do everything together, just like in rodeo.”
— Holding What Matters Close At the end of the day, McFarren’s priorities are clear. “My family is everything – my wife here, my parents and brother back in Indiana, and my close friends. They’ve all been my support system.” For McFarren, relationships are the foundation that allows him to thrive, both on the job and in life.
