Southern Colorado fire department funds recovery for deputy chief after on-call stroke

A Community Unites to Support Deputy Chief Oakley Revels

In the small town of Peyton, Colorado, a sense of unity and compassion is sweeping through the community as residents come together to support Deputy Chief Oakley Revels and his wife, Vickie. This outpouring of support began after Revels suffered a stroke while on duty, highlighting the deep bonds that exist within this close-knit community.

Revels has been a vital part of the Peyton Fire Protection District (PFPD) for many years, known for his dedication and commitment to serving others. His work has not gone unnoticed, with many residents recalling the impact he has had on their lives. “If you have called 911 in our district, you have met him,” said a post on PFPD’s Facebook page. “I know this because no one has responded to the needs of our community at the level he has.”

Community member Jim Rodgers emphasized the significance of Revels' role, stating, “He’s a pillar in the community. He’s touched a lot of lives out here. He’s done a lot for people.” Rodgers also highlighted the strong sense of camaraderie among residents, noting, “It’s our responsibility to, as a community. That’s what us country people do. You know, when one of us goes down, we get together, and we take care of our own.”

FOX21 News Colorado spoke with PFPD Chief Jeffery Turner about the situation and the importance of supporting Revels and his family during this challenging time. According to Turner, the incident occurred on Sunday, July 20, when the PFPD responded to a call for service. After the crew addressed the patient, one of the personnel, including Revels, experienced a medical emergency.

Vickie Revels described the moment her husband fell ill, saying, “He was slurring his words, drooling on himself and was holding on to the ambulance just to try to stay standing.” Revels was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for a stroke. “The normal treatment didn’t really work, so he had to go in for surgery,” Turner added.

Despite the challenges, Revels is currently stable and in the recovery stage. “He is up and walking and talking. He still has some weakness on the left side, and he’s got a long road of recovery to rebuild everything that he has lost,” said his wife. She shared that Revels is hoping to leave the hospital in the next few days.

Revels has been a dedicated member of the volunteer fire department for several years, contributing significantly to the community of Peyton. As the only paid technician on the department, he works Monday through Friday and responds to emergencies 24/7. His wife, Vickie, also worked for the fire department for many years, further solidifying their commitment to the community.

Chief Turner reflected on the nature of emergency services, stating, “The biggest thing, for anyone who is in emergency services, knows that you’re definitely not in it for the money.” He emphasized the emotional toll of such work, adding, “We go out and we help people on their worst day… but when it touches one of our own, it really brings everything back into focus and that these guys aren’t bulletproof.”

Revels has been involved in numerous critical situations, from fires to flooding and even the historic ‘bomb cyclone’ that hit the region in 2019. “He was out there for 72 hours straight rescuing stranded motorists,” Turner said. “He is our go-to guy for Peyton fire.”

As the community rallied around the Revels family, the response was immediate and overwhelming. “It’s gone through the community like wildfire,” Turner said. “We’ve had people reach out from other fire departments, from the community, and there has been such a great outreach for the family.”

A GoFundMe has been set up online to support the family, allowing individuals to contribute to their cause. “I think our biggest goal going forward is for him to feel better and for us to keep him from trying to come back before he is ready,” said Turner.

This heartwarming story of community support and resilience serves as a reminder of the strength found in unity and the profound impact one individual can have on an entire community.