Stillwater Fire Chief Essary Accepts Top Position with Edmond Fire Department

The City of Stillwater announced the departure of Fire Chief Terry Essary after 28 years of service as the community prepares for several summer events, including Juneteenth celebrations and the annual Independence Day fireworks display.

City Manager Brady Moore shared the news of Essary's departure during the June 2 City Council meeting, expressing appreciation for the chief's two decades with the Stillwater Fire Department.

"We want to express our deepest appreciation to Fire Chief Terry Essary for his 20 years of dedicated service to the Stillwater Fire Department, his leadership commitment to our public safety, his unwavering support of our community," Moore said. (Essary's career with the City of Stillwater has spanned 28 years)

Essary has accepted a position as the next fire chief for the Edmond Fire Department. Moore notes that Essary's leadership was particularly evident during the recent March wildfires.

"He's not only an employee, but he's a close friend of mine and our staff, and so we just wish him the best," Moore adds.

Mayor Will Joyce echoes these sentiments, stating, "Chief Essary has been a fantastic part of the Stillwater Fire Department for a long time and his leadership just in the last few months has never been more evident. So we're certainly going to miss him around here."

In a city press release Essary shared his sentiments on his time serving the Stillwater community.

“I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made to further strengthen the Stillwater Fire Department’s ability to provide the highest levels of service to our community,” Stillwater Fire Chief Terry Essary said. "The dedication and professionalism of our firefighters, and their unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of this amazing community, has been nothing short of inspiring."

During his time with the SFD, Essary served in numerous capacities, including seven years with the Stillwater Police Department’s Special Operations Team. He is a certified paramedic and holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from East Central University. 

"While I’m excited to embrace a new chapter as the fire chief in Edmond, saying goodbye to Stillwater is incredibly hard," Essary said. "This department, this city and its people have meant the world to me and my family. We will forever cherish our time here and the opportunity to serve such a special place.”

AD

Got curious high schoolers?
Join us for a free, week-long summer experience for high school students interested in exploring the vital connections between science, health, and the environment. Hands-on labs, expert-led fieldwork, and daily themes for high schoolers. Synergy STEAM Camp, July 21–25 at OSU Botanic Garden, sponsored by the OSU One Health Innovation Lab and StillWonder, this immersive experience includes lunch, snacks, and plenty of inspiration for future careers in science, healthcare, or innovation. Apply online by June 10 before spots fill!

Register Today

Juneteenth Event Promises Family Fun at Southern Woods Park

In other announcements, Vice Mayor Amy Dzialowski invites community members to celebrate Juneteenth at Southern Woods Park on Saturday, June 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"All community members are invited to gather for games, music, free food and drinks and entertainment for the whole family," Dzialowski said.

She notes that City Hall will be closed in observance of Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19, though trash, recycling, and yard waste collection will continue as usual.

A message from Visit Stillwater

Summer in America's Friendliest College Town calls for live music, kids' camps, livestock shows, art, and so much more.

Stillwater Kicks Off Summer with Splash Pads and Fireworks

As summer begins, Councilor Kevin Clark announced splash pads at Boomer Lake Park and Southern Woods Park are now open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"They're only closed if there's inclement weather or if they're being maintained," Clark said. "Get ready to get out, get some sunscreen, take the kids and splash into summer."

Mayor Joyce invites residents to celebrate Independence Day at the 31st annual Boomer Blast fireworks show on Friday, July 4, at Boomer Lake Park. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with food trucks, music, and more, with the fireworks display starting around 9:30 p.m.

"For those who prefer not to attend the event in person but would like to watch the fireworks show, it will be streamed live on the City of Stillwater Facebook page and YouTube channel," Joyce said.

Councilor Christie Hawkins announces that Stillwater Art Integration has launched this year's Utility Box Art program with the theme "Stillwater Strong."

"This beautification and graffiti abatement initiative was a great success last year and I think anyone who has seen the utility boxes around town would agree with that," Hawkins said. "We look forward to seeing your art submissions."

The contest is open to all community members.

City Manager Alerts Public to Utility Billing Scam

City Manager Moore also warns residents about a recent scam targeting utility customers.

"We're committed to protecting our customers, especially when it comes to fraudulent scams," Moore said. "Recently we've been alerted to calls where individuals are impersonating Stillwater utility and billings staff and demanding payment over the phone."

Moore emphasizes that while the city may place courtesy calls about potential service issues, "we will never ask for immediate payment over the phone or for your personal financial information."

He advises residents who receive suspicious calls to hang up and contact the utility billing department directly at 405-742-8245, option 9, or to find contact information on the city website.