TULSA, OK – Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to help Tulsa first responders with public safety. The Cherokee Nation awarded $150,000 in Public Safety Partners Program grants that will be divided among the Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa Fire Department and Tulsa Area Emergency Management for training, equipment and other needs that will protect families and communities.
“The Cherokee Nation appreciates the City of Tulsa and all those first responders who continue to protect and serve and keep citizens safe each and every day,” said Chief Hoskin. “These Public Safety Partners Program grants are another way we can give back to our community partners who we value tremendously and work alongside.”
“This agreement not only showcases the incredible partnership between the City of Tulsa and the Cherokee Nation, but this funding will have a direct impact on our public safety and emergency efforts in Tulsa,” said Mayor Bynum. “This funding will allow the city to purchase crucial public safety equipment that will ultimately impact our shared residents during times of need.”
Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner announced the $13 million Public Safety Partners Program in May during the tribe’s annual Firefighter Appreciation Banquet. To date, the Cherokee Nation has awarded grants, or is in process of awarding grants, to 230 agencies totaling $11.4 million. First responder agencies have until Oct. 9 to apply for the $50,000 grant.
“The Cherokee Nation is proud to partner with the City of Tulsa in an effort to help protect those closest to us,” said Deputy Chief Warner. “We know that effective police, fire and emergency services are an essential foundation to a successful community.”
Tulsa’s Office of Emergency Management will purchase equipment including a trailer for heavy equipment and plans to purchase a green waste debris incinerator. The Tulsa Fire Department will use funds to upgrade its Fire Marshal Weapon System, increase its hearing-impaired smoke alarm inventory, purchase initial bike rescue team equipment and more. The Tulsa Police Department will put its allocation toward new technology and training for officers.
Across the 7,000 square mile Cherokee Nation reservation, city and county agencies provide some form of public safety services, including county sheriff departments; municipal police departments; volunteer and municipal fire departments; emergency medical services; emergency management services and emergency 911 services.
The Public Safety Partners Program is funded under Cherokee Nation’s Respond, Recover and Rebuild Plan, under the American Rescue Plan Act, and is designed to be a one-time boost of assistance for critical first responder agencies.