Richard A. Hogan and Christopher M. Rezac Memorial - Addington, OK
N 34° 14.739 W 097° 56.867
14S E 596890 N 3789893
A memorial to Richard A. Hogan and A1C Christopher M. Rezac stands near Monument Hill, east of Addington on E1910 Road. Both gave their lives while fighting a fire at this site in 1995.
Waymark Code: WMYKXC
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 06/26/2018
Views: 4
The memorial is a cross made of white bricks, with slightly-concealed metal supports for the arms. On the front is a bronze plaque, with the Air Force Fire Protection Badge at the top, and it reads:
In recognition of heroism involving voluntary risk of life as firefighters with the 82d Civil Engineering Squadron, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, on 11 June 1995. Mr. Richard A. Hogan and A1C Christopher M. Rezac, with complete disregard for their own safety, engaged a flowing crude oil fire following the eruption of a 2.2 million gallon storage tank near this spot. Their courageous firefighting efforts marked determination while attempting to reach personnel physically separated by the wall of flames allowed the successful evacuation of other firefighters and tank farm employees from the area. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Mr. Hogan and A1C Rezac in the dedication of service to their country reflect the highest credit upon themselves and the United States Air Force.
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This fire was a bad one. An article from The Oklahoman (see Memorial Website) at the time notes that a lightning strike ignited a 55,000 barrel crude oil tank here, and firefighters from many neighboring communities were called in to help, including Ryan, Walters, Ringling, Healdton, Comanche, Duncan, Ratliff City and Sheppard Air Force Base. Hogan (a civilian) and Rezac (in the United States Air Force) were at the scene when burning oil spilled onto the road and engulfed the pumper truck they were driving, killing them as they attempted to escape on foot.
Should the news article be removed, I have a copy of it in PDF form, available upon request.