Pete Haines Announces Retirement From The Department He First Joined As A Driver In 1983
Full Circle!
That phrase could describe Sulphur Fire Chief Pete Haines’ career with the Sulphur Fire Department.
Haines announced last week his retirement from the Sulphur Fire Department, effective November 30.
Haines actually began his career with the department in 1983 as a full-time driver before putting the fire career on hold to pursue attending Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy.
After completing OHP school, Haines served the state in that capacity as a trooper until his retirement from the force.
During his OHPtenure, Haines served as a volunteer for the Sulphur Fire Department beginning in 1991.
Soon after retiring from the OHP, Haines returned full time to the SFD in 2010. He took over the reins of chief in 2018.
“I started my career as a public servant in the fire department and I am leaving it as a fireman,” he said. “It has been a fantastic career.”
Haines was quick to give praise to the paid and volunteer firemen as well as the assistant chief who he has worked with during his career.
Said Haines, “I would put our fire department up against any city for the service we provide and that comes from quality fire fighters who are dedicated and carryout their duties everyday in a professional manner.”
The Sulphur Fire Department consists of a chief, assistant chief, nine full-time paid firemen and 15 volunteers.
Haines said the highest point in his career with the department was serving as Incident Commander during the 2024 tornado and witnessing the community come together to help one another.
“It was just so special seeing strangers helping strangers and neighbors helping neighbors,” he said.
Haines also noted the low points in his service was when lives were lost. “You always wonder if you could have done better and striving to be better,” he said.
Haines has served on many local, area and state agencies. He and his department were awarded the EMRA (Emergency Medical Response Agency) Responder of the Year Award earlier this year for their role in the 2024 tornado response and recovery.
Haines will now continue his public service as a law enforcement instructor for the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) in Ada, and help in setting up a wellness program for staff and trainees.
Pete Haines
The wellness program will be a part of the Oklahoma Wellness Division with the goal to be able to supply all first responders with the help and assistance if needed.
Haines will still be residing in his hometown of Sulphur.
