The Guymon Fire Department was recently recognized at a national level for their participation in the seat belt pledge campaign to ensure that Everyone Goes Home.

Last week Guymon Fire Department received notice that they are 1 of approximately 80 departments in the nation that have 100% participation in the program. Only one other Oklahoma fire department shares this award with Guymon which is Shawnee.

Not only does the Guymon Fire Department recognize the importance of this campaign, but the origins of the pledge started in Amarillo, Texas. On April 23, 2005, Firefighter Brian Hunton, 27-year old member of the Amarillo, Texas Fire Department, fell out of a fire truck responding to an alarm. Firefighter Hunton died 2-days later from his injuries. Like too many other firefighters before and since, Brian was not wearing a seat belt. 35% of firefighter fatalities are due to vehicle accidents and many were not The pledge is for each individual member to wear their seat belt whenever riding in Fire Department vehicles or any other moving vehicle. They further pledge to ensure that all members and passengers riding in a fire or EMS unit wear their seatbelt. .