CHOUTEAU, Okla. — Residents of Chouteau can breathe a little easier after the town board acted swiftly to address a staffing crisis at the volunteer fire department. Following the resignation of the fire chief and several volunteers on Tuesday night, the board held an emergency meeting Wednesday, accepted the resignations and announced new hires.
Interim chief steps in
Kirk Kvittum, a longtime member of Mayes County Emergency Management who has served in that role since 2007, was appointed interim fire chief. “My heart and soul has always been for the town and the people of this town,” Kvittum said at the meeting. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring that no family is left without assistance when fire or medical emergencies arise.
New hires bring EMT and firefighting experience
The board introduced several new volunteers who have backgrounds as emergency medical technicians (EMTs), emergency medical responders (EMRs) and certified firefighters. Kvittum highlighted that these individuals will help fill the gap left by the recent departures and keep the department operational regardless of its size.
Assurance of rapid response
“I guarantee you a truck is gonna roll,” Kvittum told the assembled community members, recalling a recent motor‑vehicle accident on the Cherokee Turnpike. “This fire department rolled four trucks to that MVA. It may not have turned into a fire, but it showed that these trucks are going to roll no matter the—if there are three people in that department or if there are 25 people, this department will roll trucks with experienced people to help the citizens and the surrounding area of this town.”
He added that his start date as interim chief begins November 1, and that residents can expect the same level of service when they dial 911. “Trucks will roll with qualified employees. So when you pick up the phone and call 911, there is a truck coming and I can guarantee you that,” Kvittum said.
Board action and community input
The emergency meeting lasted only ten minutes, focusing on the resignations and the introduction of the new hires. Community members were given the opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns about the department’s future. The quick resolution reflects the town’s dedication to maintaining essential public‑safety services.
Looking ahead
While the volunteer fire department remains small, the addition of qualified EMTs and firefighters provides a solid foundation for continued operations. The town board will continue to monitor staffing levels and explore additional recruitment efforts as needed.
Chouteau’s proactive response underscores the importance of local leadership and community involvement in safeguarding public safety. Residents can remain confident that, despite recent turnover, their fire department is prepared to respond promptly to emergencies.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
