TwoOklahoma firefighters were killed the morning of March 20when a fire tanker crashed on the way to battle a blaze, officials said.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol said it responded to a call at 3:17 a.m. and found the Goldsby Fire Department tanker had overturned and struck a tree. The firefighters had been responding to a structure fire, officials said.
The two Goldsby Fire Department volunteer firefighters were identified as Fire Chief Earl Bryan Jenkins, 64, and Todd Pendleton, 62, a longtime journalist with The Oklahoman, part of the USA TODAY Network.
"The loss of these individuals is devastating to our town and the entire firefighting community. We ask that you please keep their families and our first responders in your thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time," the town of Goldsby shared onFacebook.
Goldsby is a small town of fewer than 3,000 residents about 30 miles outside of Oklahoma City.
Pendleton was a 12-year veteran firefighter and EMT in his hometown. He was also a graphic journalist for The Oklahoman, where he had worked for nearly four decades.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Robyn, three sons and five grandchildren.
"We are devastated by the loss of Todd and his colleague, Chief Jenkins," said Ray Rivera, executive editor of The Oklahoman. "Todd loved his work as a firefighter, and, as a journalist, he was one of the most talented, kindest people any of us have ever worked with. Our hearts go out to both families."
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Pendleton graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in commercial art and worked for a time as a freelance artist. He joined The Oklahoman in 1988, working first in the advertising art department. He transferred to the editorial department a year later, where he worked on illustrations and cartoons for the opinion and news pages of the paper. In 2004, he was named art director.
Pendleton also taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Oklahoma from 2010 to 2014. He was one of the pioneers in making the transition from hand-drawn art to digital illustration and graphic design.
Bryan Jenkins, 64, served in various capacities in Norman, Cleveland County and McClain County. Jenkins began working for Cleveland County in 1987 and further managed the fairgrounds starting in 2014.
"He was a public servant full of courage, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to those around him. He was also a dedicated first responder who served with courage and honor," said Alysa Moore, director of communications with Cleveland County.
Jenkins was a retired firefighter before volunteering for the Goldsby Fire Department as fire chief, with 35 years serving as a firefighter. He graduated from Norman High School and received a business degree from Rose State College.
He is survived by his wife, Sandy, their three children and two grandchildren.
"These firefighters have spent their lives in the service of their community. They served along side their family, friends and neighbors. We in the Town of Goldsby mourn their loss and honor their memory," the Town of Goldsby shared onFacebook.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman:2 Oklahoma firefighters killed in crash on the way to battle blaze