Historical Marker Program

Stillwater Fire Station No. 1

Payne County
Location: at Ninth Avenue and Lewis Street in Stillwater
Coordinates: 36.112510, -97.057430
Material: Aluminum
Sponsor(s): International Fire Service Training Association, OSU Fire Service Programs, and Stillwater Fire Department
Topics: Early Statehood, 1907–1941; Education; Recreational/Service

In July 1934, a group of educators and fire service leaders led by Stillwater Fire Chief J. Ray Pence met at this location to draft a series of firefighting training manuals. The manuals were subsequently published and distributed by Oklahoma A&M College (now Oklahoma State University). This initial meeting led to the launching of what would become the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA), which is headquartered at Oklahoma State University.