By Conrad Dudderar
Associate Editor
Gunnar Cook and his family have made Yukon their home – and the city’s newest firefighter already knows this is where he’ll spend the rest of his public service career.
“This is where I want to stay. I’ll finish my career here,” Cook declared.
Cook was joined by his wife Blaire on April 19 for his oath-of-office ceremony at Yukon Fire Department headquarters, 1000 E Main. Yukon Fire Chief Shawn Vogt helped Blaire pin the firefighter’s badge on her husband’s uniform shirt.
Cook spent the past 3-1/2 years at the Chickasha Fire Department before recently joining the ranks of the YFD. He will be assigned to a permanent shift after completing weeks of shift rotations.
Yukon’s new firefighter, who is from Elk City, played baseball and studied business finance at Southwestern Oklahoma State University before deciding on his career path.
“I was always around the team environment, which is what led me to the fire department,” Cook said.
After completing EMT (emergency medical technician) training, Cook fell in love with the job. The certified paramedic applied for firefighter openings before being hired at Chickasha Fire in 2020.
Cook explained why firefighting is right for him.
“Just knowing that the guys are always going to have your back, no matter what situation,” he said. “We get into some pretty serious things, and you know you have those guys to count on and fall back on whenever you need them.
“In my first two weeks, I’ve already been on a fire and several other interesting calls.”
KINDNESS, RESPECT
Based on proximity, it made perfect sense for Cook to become Yukon’s newest firefighter.
“I wanted to come to Yukon because I’ve lived here since 2019 and my wife’s family lives here,” he shared. “She went to high school here and we want to be a part of the community.
“Yukon has a high population but a ‘small-town’ feel. It’s just a great community.”
Cook notices the kindness and respect the public shows Yukon’s fire department.
Cook has been welcomed by his fellow YFD personnel.
“It’s been amazing – a lot of support, a lot of respect,” he said. “The guys have been great.”
Cook met his future wife Blaire while attending Rose State College before going to SWOSU. They have a three-year-old daughter and 18-month-old son.
