1. United States
2. Okla.
3. Letter

The termination of State Forester Mark Goeller raises grave concerns about the state's ability to effectively respond to future wildfires and natural disasters. With over 40 years of experience, Goeller's expertise and leadership were invaluable in coordinating firefighting efforts during the recent devastating wildfires. While the fires exacted a heavy toll, the coordinated response of firefighters and the Oklahoma Forestry Services under Goeller's direction undoubtedly prevented even greater loss of life and property. Dismissing a seasoned professional like Goeller, who is highly regarded in his field, merely weeks after such a deadly event sends the wrong message and undermines public trust in the agencies tasked with protecting Oklahomans. The governor's claim that firefighting resources were delayed or underutilized directly contradicts accounts from fire chiefs and the attorney general, who praised the strong coordination of the wildfire response. Given the unprecedented nature of the fires and the widespread recognition of Goeller's leadership, I urge you to reconsider this decision. Retaining experienced personnel like Goeller is crucial to ensuring Oklahoma is prepared to combat future natural disasters effectively. Dismissing him now risks exacerbating the trauma communities faced and leaving the state ill-equipped when the next crisis inevitably strikes.