L-R) Tribal Councilor Mike Shambaugh; Little Cherokee Ambassador Steven Gourd; Little Cherokee Ambassador Maysi Fields; Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden; Principal Chief Bill John Baker (front); Kansas firefighters Sarah Lemmons, Zach Beals, Elmer Panther, Jordee Maner, Jimmy Lemmons, Misty Martin and Jason Martin; Little Cherokee Ambassador Hunter Sanders; Miss Cherokee Whitney Roach.
TAHLEQUAH, Okla.-The Cherokee Nation gave nearly half a million dollars to 136 rural Oklahoma fire departments in May during the tribe's annual Volunteer Firefighter Ceremony. Each year, rural fire departments rely on fundraisers, membership dues and the help of good Samaritans to maintain their operations.
To honor them the firefighters, the Cherokee Nation provided each department with a check for $3,500, totaling $476,000, to help with equipment, fuel or other items needed to protect lives and properties of families in rural northeastern Oklahoma.
"Volunteer fire departments and the men and...
