The Okmulgee County Emergency Management department’s volunteer program took another step forward Monday as the policy for the group was approved by commissioners during their regular board meeting.

The policy, which was approved by the district attorney’s office a week prior, was unanimously approved by the board.

Prior to giving his weekly report, Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore presented the new policy to the commissioners.

“I could not find any previous policy, so we wanted a type of ground policy in place before we started bringing on new volunteers,” Director Moore explained.

The volunteer roles will consist of four main du- ties:

• Community events aimed at promoting safety and emergency preparedness.

• Public education in schools will work to educate the younger generations on emergency safety and useful response tips.

• Storm spotting to learn the best ways of staying safe during severe weather conditions.

• Incident response will work to aid emergency personnel as needed, and may help distribute essential supplies to affected residents.

To learn more about the volunteer program and application process, interested individuals can contact Okmulgee County Emergency Management at 918-759-9984.

Applications are available in person at the Okmulgee County Emergency Management office, or email jeff.moore@okmulgeecounty. gov.

Also approved at the meeting:

• Robert Heath will be taking the Chief Deputy position at the Sheriff’s Office.

• Two permits for District 1, both with Beggs Telephone burying fiber optic lines in two different locations.

• Minutes from the previous meeting.

• Payment of claims

• The allocation of the Alcoholic Beverage Tax was approved, after being tabled during last week’s meeting.

• Commissioners approved an amendment to Resolution 23-38 to adjust the amount paid to DO construction for the courtroom one repairs. Asst. A. G. Greg Stidham was complimentary of the recent work done on the tables.

• The board approved a resolution to use the 105 account for a grant that was awarded to District 2 for a project in Nuyaka. The funds will be reimbursed to the 105 account.

• Sheriff Eddy Rice mentioned a number of updates to electronic equipment around the courthouse, including key fobs and phones.