Former Fire Chief Still Humbled By Community Response to Bombing

Fifteen years after the Murrah Bombing, former Fire Chief Gary Marrs says he is still humbled by the community's response to the tragedy.

Friday, April 16th 2010, 10:23 am

By: News 9


By Emily Wood, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Former Oklahoma City Fire Chief Gary Marrs was one of the first ones on the scene the morning of April 19, 1995.

"We were in my car on the way to City Hall when the bomb went off," Marrs said.

Local police and firefighters started rescue operations almost immediately after the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Within the hour Chief Marrs said he knew they would need state and federal resources as well.

"You kinda run on automatic and start setting up the system," he said. "It seemed seamless, because it some ways it really was."

People from all around wanted to know how they could help. Hundreds lined up to donate blood.

Thousands delivered food, water, and other supplies.

Marrs said rescue workers would do interviews and a reporter would say their gloves were wearing out and people would send gloves in by the truckloads.

Marrs said he saw firsthand what later became known as the "Oklahoma Standard."

"It was obvious how much community supported and appreciated them," he said. "I couldn't have been more proud of them."

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