For generations, the Okmulgee Fire Department has stood as one of the community’s most dependable lines of defense, answering the call day and night with professionalism, courage and deep-rooted commitment to public safety. The department’s firefighters provide excellent service, experience and readiness to the people of Okmulgee every single day.

Leading the department is Fire Chief Dewayne Hurt, whose career reflects a lifetime of dedication to protecting the city he serves. Chief Hurt has been with the Okmulgee Fire Department for 30 years, guiding the department with steady leadership and a strong emphasis on preparedness, teamwork and service.

The Okmulgee Fire Department is staffed by 21 firefighters and one fire chief, forming a highly experienced team with decades of combined service. Among the department’s leadership are Battalion Chiefs Mark Chastain (31 years), Paul Fowler (34 years) and Brian Thomason (22 years), whose experience helps shape the department’s daily operations and long-term planning. Captains Tim Salyer (22 years), Elmer Fulton (28 years) and Matt Mabrey (21 years) provide frontline leadership, while Lieutenants Rocky Morrow (22 years), Jason Scott (18 years) and Jaret Grammer (16 years) ensure smooth coordination on emergency scenes.

The department’s drivers and firefighters represent a blend of seasoned veterans and newer members, all working together as one unit. Drivers Brent Brose, Tanner McElhaney, Dalton Chandler, Zac Ledbetter, Ross Kellner and Heath Lee keep apparatus ready and moving, while firefighters Garrett Floyd, Chris Summers, Brady McFarren, Jon Evans, Matt Hackler and Dakota Allphin round out a department built on teamwork and reliability.

The Okmulgee Fire Department’s coverage area extends throughout the city limits of Okmulgee, including the Okmulgee Lake and Dripping Springs areas, while also providing assistance to surrounding rural locations. The department’s response area reaches north to Celia Berryhill Road, east to Prairie Bell Road and south to Briar Road, ensuring a broad region has access to professional fire protection when it matters most.

During 2025, the department responded to 1,177 calls for service, including 28 structure fires, underscoring the critical role firefighters play in protecting lives, homes and property throughout the year. One of the department’s most significant accomplishments came with the addition of a brand-new 2025 E-One pumper, now in service as Engine 2. The new apparatus carries 1,000 gallons of water and is capable of pumping up to 1,500 gallons per minute, enhancing both response capability and firefighter safety.

Through decades of service, countless emergency responses and continuous investment in equipment and training, the Okmulgee Fire Department remains a cornerstone of public safety. Its firefighters exemplify what it means to be hometown heroes – professionals who serve with integrity, courage and an unwavering commitment to the community they proudly protect.

— Okmulgee Fire Department Staff

• Dewayne Hurt – 30 Years

• Battalion Chief Paul Fowler – 34 Years

• Battalion Chief Mark Chastain – 31 Years

• Battalion Chief Brian Thomason – 22 Years

• Captain Elmer Fulton – 28 Years

• Captain Tim Salyer – 22 Years

• Captain Matt Mabrey – 21 Years

• Lieutenant Rocky Morrow – 22 Years

• Lieutenant Jason Scott – 18 Years

• Lieutenant Jaret Grammer – 16 Years

• Driver Brent Brose – 14 Years

• Driver Dalton Chandler – 9 Years

• Driver Zac Ledbetter – 9 Years

• Driver Tanner McElhaney – 9 Years

• Driver Ross Kellner – 8 Years

• Driver Heath Lee – 6 Years

• Firefighter Garrett Floyd – 3 Years

• Firefighter Brady McFarren – 3 Years

• Firefighter Chris Summers – 3 Years

• Firefighter Jon Evans – 2 Years

• Firefighter Matt Hackler – 2 Years

• Firefighter Dakota Allphin – 4 Months