Senator Hamilton Commends Sallisaw First Responders and Community for Storm Recovery Efforts

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, released the following statement after a microburst hit Sallisaw Tuesday, causing extensive damage to the community.

“On Tuesday evening, Sallisaw Economic Development Director George Bormann notified me that the city had been hit with an unforeseen microburst. The following day, I was on the ground alongside George and Sallisaw City Manager Brian Heverly, viewing the extensive damage at the 14 Flags Historical Site, Northeastern Health System Sequoyah Hospital, local businesses and homes, in addition to multiple downed power lines and trees.

“While it was heartbreaking to see the devastation in Sallisaw, I was incredibly impressed by the first responders and community members who have been involved in the recovery efforts. I’m grateful for the hospital staff and EMS crews who worked quickly to administer aid and evacuate patients after the roof was torn off much of the hospital. Eric Carter and the Northeastern Health System team’s coordinated response provided seamless emergency room coverage and had both the ER and laboratory operational within 24 hours, and they also recovered salvageable materials and made significant progress on temporary roofing over the damaged patient areas in that time.

“The responding linemen and electrical crews worked well over 24 hours, but maintained a professional and cheerful, yet determined demeanor as they worked around the clock to restore power to the area. The Parks and Recreation and Street Maintenance crews had also worked overnight but remained hard at work with smiles on their faces during their efforts to clean up the historical site and roadways.

“Although I was not able to meet with local law enforcement while in Sallisaw, I would like to personally commend them for their successful efforts to maintain order amid chaos. We’ve seen looting and mayhem break out in other places where similar disasters have occurred, and thanks to our law enforcement community, that didn’t happen here. 

“I would be remiss if I did not point out that there were no deaths or reported injuries as a result of this severe weather event. After viewing the damage and seeing how many people were in the path, the only possible answer is that God, in His infinite mercy, put a wall of protection around the people of Sallisaw. I hope that each of us will remember this clear instance of Divine Intervention and be truly thankful for God’s mercy manifested so plainly.”

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For more information, contact:
Sen. Warren Hamilton at 405-521-5604, or email Warren.Hamilton@oksenate.gov.