Home / Disasters and Accidents / Two Volunteer Firefighters Die in Line-of-Duty Crash
Two Volunteer Firefighters Die in Line-of-Duty Crash
21 Mar
Summary
- Two Goldsby volunteer firefighters died in a vehicle crash while responding to a structure fire.
- The incident involved a fire department tanker that overturned and struck a tree early Friday morning.
- Both victims were honored with a procession of emergency vehicles and community members paying respects.
Two volunteer firefighters from Goldsby, Oklahoma, tragically lost their lives early on Friday, March 20, while responding to a structure fire. Their fire department tanker overturned on Redbud Road near SE 12th Avenue, colliding with a tree.
Identified as Fire Chief Earl Bryan Jenkins, 63, and longtime journalist Todd Pendleton, 62, their deaths have sent shockwaves through the community. Goldsby officials expressed devastation, asking for prayers for the families and first responders.
An emotional procession on Friday afternoon saw firetrucks and police vehicles escort the fallen heroes from Oklahoma City to funeral homes in Purcell. American flags lined Goldsby's Main Avenue as residents gathered to pay their respects.
Pendleton, a graphic journalist for The Oklahoman for nearly four decades, was also a 12-year veteran firefighter and EMT. Chief Jenkins had 35 years of service as a firefighter, having served in various capacities across Norman, Cleveland County, and McClain County.
Both men are remembered for their courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to serving their community and fellow citizens. Their profound loss is deeply felt by the Goldsby community and the broader firefighting and journalism professions.
