CATOOSA -- Volunteer fire departments across northeast Oklahoma received honors for their service, plus hefty checks for equipment,from the Cherokee Nation on Tuesday night.

The Cherokee Nation distributed $2,462.19 checks – a total of more than $305,000 – to 124 volunteer fire departments within its jurisdiction during a barbecue buffet Tuesday night at its Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

“We understand the value of our volunteer fire departments,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith said. “A large portion of our Cherokee Citizens live in rural areas and depend on the rural fire departments in times of emergency.”

He called firefighters “local heroes that give of their time and face dangerous situations to make others safe.”

Area volunteer fire department officials said they plan to spend the money on equipment for various tasks.

“To us it means a lot,” said Cody Nissen, assistant chief of the Illinois River Volunteer Fire Department near Tahlequah. “With last year’s money, we have an air boat and we do a lot of rescue on the river – and we don’t get paid for it.”

Nissen said the fire department had to take the boat on the river 70 times so far this summer.

“But we had no fatalities so far, so we know we’re doing good.”

Toppers Fire Chief Gary Tichenor said the fire department used last year’s Cherokee money to buy an underwater camera and some communication radios.

Toppers is located on Fort Gibson Lake near Wagoner.

“We use the camera if there is a drowning or to check water line leaks in the lake,” Tichenor said.

Porum Fire Chief Jesse Wright said the Cherokee money “did help us a lot.”

He said the money was used for hoses and tanks for the trucks.

Warner Fire Chief Enoch Good said the fire department used last year’s money for much-needed pumping equipment to help put out wild fires.

James Smith of the Dewey Volunteer Fire Department, in Nowata County, received the Heroism Award. The Dewey Volunteer Fire Department was honored as Volunteer Fire Department of the Year for the northern part of the Cherokee Nation. Peggs in Cherokee County, received the honor for the southern part.