Update: Wellston, OK, Firefighter Answered Final Alarm Months after Joining Department
Just four months after joining the Wellston Fire Department, Joe Flake answered his final alarm.
Flake collapsed after suffering a medical emergency at a brush fire on Monday. Although fellow firefighters immediately rendered treatment, he could not be revived.
“I think it says a lot. He could have just been done and enjoyed life, but he continued to serve his community," Fire Chief Todd Beesley told KOCO.
Flake wasn't ready for a recliner after retiring from truck driving, and joined the local fire department. He passed the same tests other Wellston firefighters, and was excited about giving back to his neighbors.
Beesley said it wasn't simply another job for him.
"I think it says a lot. He could have just been done and enjoyed life, but he continued to serve his community."
His death has had an impact on firefighters.
About the Author
Susan NicolSusan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.