Goldsby volunteer firefighters die in water tanker crash while responding to structure fire

Two volunteer firefighters from the Goldsby Fire Department lost their lives early Friday morning while responding to a structure fire.

“Powered by the Western Fire Chiefs Association National Wildland Alaska Arizona California Colorado Hawaii Idaho Montana Nevada New Mexico Oregon Utah Washington Western Pacific Islands Wyoming Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Michigan Minnesota Missouri Nebraska North Dakota Ohio South Dakota Wisconsin Connecticut Fire News Delaware Fire News D”

dailydispatch

Bryan Jenkins, 64, and Todd Pendleton, 62, died in a motor vehicle accident while operating a fire department tanker during their emergency response.

dailydispatch

Both men were experienced firefighters who had dedicated years to serving their community.

Jenkins had a remarkable 35-year career in firefighting according to Cleveland County officials.

Pendleton served for 12 years before the fatal incident.

The accident occurred during what should have been a routine emergency call, highlighting the inherent risks that first responders face in their duties.

The fatal accident occurred when the fire truck departed from the roadway and struck a tree while traveling eastbound on Redbud Road in McClain County.

Lieutenant Mark Southall of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol provided details of the initial investigation.

Fire Engineering

Southall noted that the tanker first departed the roadway to the right, then moved back onto the roadway before departing to the left where it ultimately collided with a tree.

The incident happened during the early morning hours as firefighters were en route to a structure fire call.

This demonstrates the unpredictable nature of emergency response situations.

The crash resulted in the tragic deaths of both veteran firefighters, sending shockwaves through the local firefighting community and beyond.

The community response to the tragedy has been overwhelming, with expressions of grief and support pouring in from local officials and residents alike.

“Two volunteer firefighters with the Goldsby Fire Department died early Friday morning while responding to a structure fire”

Firehouse

Goldsby Town Hall was closed in observance of the mourning period.

Plans were made for a formal escort of the fallen firefighters through Goldsby to Purcell along State Highway 74 after 1 p.m. on Friday.

Cleveland County officials issued heartfelt statements describing the loss as 'devastating' and expressing that 'this tragic loss is deeply felt across the county and community.'

The town's official statement emphasized the impact on both the local community and the broader firefighting community.

Residents were asked to 'keep the families and our first responders in your thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time.'

Bryan Jenkins was remembered as a dedicated public servant with an extraordinary career spanning decades.

According to Cleveland County communications director Alyse Moore, Jenkins served Cleveland County since 1987 and had been a firefighter for 35 years at the time of his death.

KFOR

He also served as the Cleveland County Fairgrounds manager, though there is a discrepancy in the sources regarding when he began this role.

Firehouse states he held the position since 2024, while KFOR reports he managed the fairgrounds since 2014.

Jenkins was described in official releases as a public servant who was 'full of courage, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to those around him.'

His long service and dedication made him a respected figure in both the firefighting community and local government.

Todd Pendleton, the second firefighter who lost his life, was remembered as a 12-year veteran of the Goldsby Fire Department.

“Powered by the Western Fire Chiefs Association National Wildland Alaska Arizona California Colorado Hawaii Idaho Montana Nevada New Mexico Oregon Utah Washington Western Pacific Islands Wyoming Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Michigan Minnesota Missouri Nebraska North Dakota Ohio South Dakota Wisconsin Connecticut Fire News Delaware Fire News D”

dailydispatch

In addition to his firefighting duties, Pendleton worked as a graphics artist at The Oklahoman, bringing his creative skills to both his professional career and community service.

dailydispatch

While less information was provided about Pendleton in the official statements compared to Jenkins, his colleagues and community members mourned his loss alongside that of his fellow firefighter.

The Cleveland County release specifically mentioned both men, extending condolences to both families.

The release stated they were 'also thinking of and praying for the family of the other first responder who lost his life.'

This dual tragedy has left a significant void in the local firefighting community and beyond.