Okla. Stat. tit. 19, § 19-901.7

A. The board of directors shall have the power and duty to:

1. Manage and conduct the business affairs of such district;

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 19. Counties and County Officers Page 415

2. Make and execute all necessary contracts;

3. Purchase or lease-purchase and maintain all necessary and

convenient engines, hoses, hose carts or other appliances and

supplies for the full equipment of a fire company or department;

4. Appoint fire company officers and employees, sufficient to

maintain and operate the equipment owned by such district;

5. Take by grant, purchase, condemnation, gift, devise or

lease, and to dispose of, real or personal property of every kind

necessary for the operation of the district;

6. Construct or otherwise acquire suitable firehouses and other

buildings or structures suitable for the housing of equipment and

supplies of the district, or for carrying on its own business and

affairs;

7. Employ such officers and employees as may be required, fix

their compensation and prescribe their duties;

8. Establish rules and regulations for the district and for the

prevention of fires and conflagrations within the district and for

the protection of property at and during any fire;

9. Prepare an annual budget and follow existing laws pertaining

to the budget process such as public notices, public hearings,

protest periods and filing requirements in the same manner as they

apply to other forms of government in Oklahoma;

10. Determine vacancies of the board of directors, fill

vacancies and conduct board elections in the event of a vacancy on

the board of directors;

11. Develop bylaws for the due and orderly administration of

the affairs of the board of directors and for its responsibilities

specified pursuant to this chapter, and may compel the attendance of

absent members in the manner and under penalties as the board may

prescribe; and

12. Do any and all other things necessary and proper in the

management and operation of the district for the purpose of

protecting property within its boundaries from fire.

B. A fire protection district, created pursuant to this

chapter, shall be deemed a political subdivision of this state. The

board may submit an application to include the firefighters of the

district in the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System.

The application for affiliation shall be submitted in accordance

with subsection A of Section 49-105.2 of Title 11 of the Oklahoma

Statutes.

C. The Board of Directors may acquire a certification or

license to operate an emergency medical services agency from the

State Department of Health or contract for services with a certified

or licensed emergency medical service agency. The district’s

emergency medical service agency may respond outside of the district

boundaries; provided, that the political subdivisions having

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 19. Counties and County Officers Page 416

jurisdiction over the area provide to the Department proper

documentation of their support.