"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokees Partner With Local Organization

"Some of the more than 2,000 cases of drinking water from the Cherokee Nation and Cherokee County Emergency Management (CCEM), which is being offered to area fire fighters during the spring fire fighting season."

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Staying hydrated will be easier for local fire fighters thanks to a contribution of more than 2,000 cases of drinking water from the Cherokee Nation and Cherokee County Emergency Management (CCEM).

“Fire fighters provide a great service to Cherokee communities and our Oklahoma neighbors,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “We are very happy to provide any assistance that we can to help them function more successfully. This contribution is yet another way that the Cherokee Nation can show its appreciation to these dedicated individuals.”

The tribe’s Emergency Management Program partnered with the county organization to provide 36 pallets of drinking water to local fire stations. More than 4,100 gallons of water were contributed by the Oklahoma State Department of Emergency Management and the Cherokee Nation provided 3,000 gallons more. The water will be disbursed to fire departments over the next few days.

Tamara Copeland, Cherokee Nation Risk Management Director said it’s a wonderful example of how the tribe’s emergency management team is able to work with their county and city counterparts. “We are pleased to be able to provide assistance. This is a great preparedness activity because fire season is upon us,” said Copeland.

Interested fire stations should contact the Cherokee Nation Emergency Management (CNEM) or CCEM to make distribution arrangements.

For more information contact CNEM, phone: 918-822-2764.