Council approves firefighter promotions and final closeout of USDOT transportation-safety grant

Tahlequah’s City Council on Feb. 2 approved personnel actions in the fire department and signed off on final closeout documentation for a U.S. Department of Transportation grant to develop a Transportation Safety Action Plan.

A staff presenter reviewed the qualifications and service records supporting the promotion of firefighter David Craig to lieutenant, effective Feb. 1, 2026; the presenter also noted other promotions, including Zach Frazier and Jimmy Ford, citing years of volunteer and full-time service. "His promotion to lieutenant reflects both his outstanding service and continued commitment to the department," a presenter said.

Planning and development director Kate Harjo presented the closeout for the SS4A grant used to develop the city’s Transportation Safety Action Plan and asked the council to authorize the mayor to sign the amendment to finalize the grant. Staff described the council action as the final step in closeout documentation for the grant award; the council approved the authorization by roll call (affirmative responses recorded for Councilor Perry, Councilor Frazier and Councilor Allen).

Council approved both the personnel promotions and the grant closeout during the regular session; staff noted these items will be implemented administratively following the council's votes.