Tulsa County fire departments seek merger in upcoming vote

Berryhill and Turley fire officials pitch consolidation to residents to address aging equipment and staffing issues

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:23pm

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Fire officials from the Berryhill and Turley fire departments in Tulsa County, Oklahoma are seeking to merge the two departments into a single fire protection district. They are gathering signatures from Turley landowners to put the proposal on the June 16 election ballot, citing the need to address aging equipment, staffing challenges, and the potential for improved emergency response times and insurance costs for residents.

Why it matters

The proposed merger aims to provide more reliable and efficient fire and emergency services to the Berryhill and Turley communities, which have historically relied on volunteer firefighters. If approved, the consolidated district would be able to hire full-time staff and potentially expand emergency medical services.

The details

The fire department officials held a public meeting on January 28th to explain the benefits of the merger to residents. They need to gather 450 signatures from Turley landowners by February 10th in order to qualify the proposal for the June 16th election. The merger would create a Title 19 Fire Protection District, which would give the new department more funding and resources. Some residents, like Linda Jobe, support the idea as it could lower their homeowner's insurance costs and provide faster, more reliable service. However, Jason Turley, who heads the Turley Community Association, is undecided and wants to see more financial details before deciding.

  • The public meeting was held on January 28, 2026.
  • The deadline to gather 450 signatures from Turley landowners is February 10, 2026.
  • The proposed merger will be on the June 16, 2026 election ballot.

The players

Jeffrey Wilson

Turley Fire & Rescue board chairman.

Michael Hall

Berryhill fire chief.

Linda Jobe

Turley resident who signed the petition in support of the merger.

Jason Turley

Head of the Turley Community Association, undecided on the merger proposal.

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What they’re saying

“I can't stress this enough: we've been putting band-aids on bullet wounds for way too long. Our station needs work, our trucks need work, and our guys are a revolving door of volunteers that are doing the best they can.”

— Jeffrey Wilson, Turley Fire & Rescue board chairman

“It would mean faster service (and) reliable service, whereas now we're just relying on volunteers, which, a volunteer is giving up their time.”

— Linda Jobe

“What happens if we do nothing and the fire department fails?”

— Jason Turley, Head of Turley Community Association

“Your insurance will go through the roof. And nobody you've probably talked to wants to be annexed by Tulsa, never mind the fact that (Tulsa Fire Department) does not want to annex us.”

— Jeffrey Wilson, Turley Fire & Rescue board chairman

What’s next

The respective fire departments hope to reach 450 signatures from Turley landowners by Feb. 10 to qualify the merger proposal for the June 16 election.

The takeaway

The proposed merger between the Berryhill and Turley fire departments highlights the challenges facing small, volunteer-based fire services in rural and suburban areas. By consolidating resources and staffing, the new fire protection district could provide more reliable and efficient emergency response, but some residents want to see more financial details before supporting the plan.