2 firefighters killed after firetruck overturns
By Addison Kliewer
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MCCLAIN COUNTY, Oklahoma (KOCO) — Emergency crews responded to a firetruck that rolled over in McClain County on Friday morning that left two firefighters dead.
The crash happened on East Redbud Road near Southeast 12th Avenue between Goldsby and Washington. The crash shut down Redbud Road.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said they received a call to respond to the crash just after 3 a.m. When troopers arrived on the scene, they found that two firefighters had died in the crash.
OHP identifies firefighters killed in crash The firefighters were identified as volunteer firefighters Todd Pendleton and Bryan Jenkins.
Pendleton spent decades working for The Oklahoman newspaper. Starting in 1986, he eventually worked his way up to becoming the art director.
His talent came to life in newspaper graphics, drawings and digital stories. Those who worked with him remember his kind heart and love for his family.
Pendleton, 62, was a 12-year veteran firefighter. He was a resident of Goldsby.
“We are devastated by the loss of Todd and his colleague, Chief Jenkins,” said Ray Rivera, executive editor of The Oklahoman in an article posted to the news organization’s website. “Todd loved his work as a firefighter, and, as a journalist, he was one of the most talented, kindest people any of us have ever worked with. Our hearts go out to both families.”
Jenkins was an employee of Cleveland County since 1987. He managed the Cleveland County Fairgrounds since 2014.
“He was a public servant full of courage, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to those around him. He was also a dedicated first responder who served with courage and honor,” Cleveland County officials said in a statement. “This tragic loss is deeply felt across the county and community. Our deepest condolences go out to Bryan Jenkins’ family, friends, colleagues, and fellow first responders during this incredibly difficult time. We are also thinking of and praying for the family of the other first responder who lost their life.”
Jenkins, 64, was a 35-year veteran firefighter. He lived in Norman.
Sky 5 also showed a nearby fire that the firetruck was likely responding to. A large structure was burning just a few streets away from the crash.
Troopers said it appears that the firetruck was headed eastbound on Redbud before departing the roadway to the right, returning to the roadway and then departing the roadway to the left. The firetruck then struck two trees.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Jenkins was driving the track, and Pendleton was the passenger. They were the only two in the firetruck.
The two volunteer firefighters were part of the Goldsby Fire Department. A deputy from the McClain County Sheriff’s Office said the department is there to support the Goldsby firefighting community in the days following the crash.
Pendleton and Jenkins will be honored by an escort from Oklahoma City to Purcell.
Washington Fire and Rescue invited the community to come together and show their support for the families and the firefighters.
“Community members are encouraged to line the route beginning near Goldsby Church and continuing south toward the Grassroots Feed Store. The escort will then proceed east on Highway 74 toward Purcell,” according to Washington Fire and Rescue.
The procession will start in Goldsby at about 2 p.m.
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