Our Department
Proud to Serve. Ready to Respond.
Neighbors protecting neighbors across the Welling, Tailholt, and Briggs communities of rural Cherokee County.
Our Mission
Service Rooted in Community
To protect life and property through dependable emergency response, prevention, training, and service - powered by neighbors who volunteer.
Volunteer Powered
100% volunteer firefighters and support members.
Three Communities
Proudly serving Welling, Tailholt, and Briggs.
Our Story
Our department was founded by neighbors who saw a need and stepped up. Today we are one of 14 fire departments in Cherokee County, Oklahoma - grown with our communities while staying true to our mission and our commitment to serve.
Founded by Neighbors
Neighbors came together to protect our rural communities.
First Station
Our first station opened to better serve the area.
Expanded Response
Equipment, training, and capabilities grew with need.
Serving Today
Still volunteer powered and ready 24/7, every day.
Progress & Plans
Built on Your Support
2025 Accomplishments
Purchased new wildland gear and thermal imaging cameras.
Responded to emergency calls throughout our community.
Welcomed two new volunteer firefighters to our department.
Supported local schools, children, and community events.
Looking Ahead
Continue planning for a new fire station.
Purchase an additional set of extrication equipment.
Purchase a new fire truck.
Continuing education and recruiting new volunteers to serve our community.
Three Communities. One Department.
We serve the Welling, Tailholt, and Briggs communities across rural Cherokee County, including Cherokee Nation tribal land. As one of 14 fire departments in the county, our volunteers provide fire suppression, rescue, medical response, and prevention services across a large rural area.
Welling Station — 20674 S Welling Rd, Tahlequah, OK 74464
Tailholt Station — 26109 E 818 Rd, Welling, OK 74471
Briggs Station — 16237 N 580 Rd, Tahlequah, OK 74464
Fire Suppression
Rescue
EMS Response
Fire Prevention
Training
Community Education
Welling Fire District boundary
Source: Cherokee County E9-1-1, Nov. 19, 2019 · View full map
The People Behind the Response
Volunteer Leadership
Fire Chief
Assistant Chief
Captain
Training Officer
Our leaders are your neighbors who volunteer their time, train constantly, and make decisions with experience and heart. They are supported by a dedicated team of volunteers across our communities.
Fire Chief
Jason Edgin
Secretary & Treasurer
Molly Williams
Board — Seat 1
Ken Cope
Board — Seat 2
Amber Rigsby
Board — Seat 3
Koy Isaacs
Board — Seat 4
Jeff Sanders
Board — Seat 5
Brent Crow
Want to Serve With Us?
We are always looking for neighbors who want to make a difference. No experience needed - just a willingness to learn and serve.
