The Durant Firefighters Local No. 3061 has named Chief Gregory E. Pyle an honorary fireman. A ceremony is planned at 10 a.m. Wednesday to present Pyle with a silver ax and fire hat from the firemen. The event will be held at the Durant Fire Station on Fourth and Evergreen.

“This is a way that we can show our appreciation for all the assistance to the firemen of Bryan County and surrounding areas,” said firefighter John Vietta. The Choctaw Nation has donated generously in the past few months, providing monetary grants to the volunteer fire departments in the tribal boundaries, as well as allowing them free fuel and supplies at the Choctaw Travel Plazas earlier in the year. The tribe also partnered with BioDiesel and Durant to bring in a Willie Nelson concert for a fundraiser benefiting the Bryan County fire departments.

The Choctaw Nation is also contributing $1.6 million in CDBG grant funds and tribal business revenue to build a fire house south of Durant near Calera. “The Choctaw casino, travel plazas, hotel, coliseum and wellness center will be better protected with a fire station that can respond in just a few minutes,” said Chief Pyle. “Teaming with the city to build this fire station is a great project.”

The new station will be staffed by the Durant Fire Department.