Firefighters, family and friends of fallen Goldsby Firemen Todd Pendleton and Bryan Jenkins gathered Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Goldsby Church for Jenkins’ services.

They will assemble again Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at Victory Family Church, 4343 N. Flood Avenue in Norman to honor the life of Pendleton.

The veteran firefighters were answering a call March 20, when the tanker truck they were riding in ran off the right side of the road and then off the left side of the roadway before turning over and striking two large trees on Rosebud Avenue and SE 12th Avenue at 3:12 a.m. on their way to a structure fire.

The tanker, that came to rest on the driver’s side, was hauling 3,000 gallons of water with the shifting of the load playing a part in the accident.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Jenkins, a 35-year veteran of the fire department, was driving the tanker with Pendleton, a 12-year veteran, in the passenger seat.

The two fallen firefighters were honored with an escort through Goldsby and Purcell that was over a mile long with first responders and their vehicles.

Citizens in both communities lined the route, many waving American Flags.

Included in the procession were fire departments from Purcell, Goldsby, Lexington, Washington, Wayne, Payne, Rosedale, Lindsay, Wynnewood, Slaughterville, Blanchard, Dibble and Cole. Also in the honor escort were Cleveland and McClain County law enforcement, Dibble Police, McClain County Emergency Management, Wadley’s EMS, Wadley’s Funeral Service and Wilson-Little Funeral Home.

The town of Goldsby issued this statement: “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.”

Cleveland County issued this statement: “Cleveland County staff is devastated to learn of the loss of our employee, Bryan Jenkins, who passed away while serving the community in his role as a first responder.

“Bryan served Cleveland County since 1987 and managed the Cleveland County Fairgrounds since 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.

“This tragic loss is deeply felt across the county and community. Our deepest condolences go out to Bryan Jenkins’ family, friends, colleagues and fellow first responders during this incredibly difficult time. We are also thinking of and praying for the family of the other first responder who lost their life.

“Out of respect for the families, Cleveland County will not be releasing additional details. We ask the community to please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers during this time as we process this heartbreaking loss.”

Complete obituaries for both men may be found on page 10A in this week’s Purcell Register.