OMAG In Action (Volume 15)
OMAG in Action: The Halloween Edition (interactive)
The Halloween Edition
Out-of-this-world coverage. Tap Next to begin the mission.
Mission Briefing: Landing on a Fractured World
Welcome to this Halloween edition of OMAG in Action! Every year, we like to add a creative twist to the season. Last year, we guided you down the yellow brick road of Oz. This year, we’ve traveled across the stars, inspired by OMAG’s space-themed booth at the OML Conference. Our story begins when Bison I, the starship crewed by Oklahoma’s municipalities, received a distress signal from a fractured city on the outer rim. Its infrastructure was failing, its systems collapsing, and its people had nearly lost hope. After a hyper-speed journey, Bison I descended through turbulent skies and landed in the city’s core. What we found was a city in crisis. Buildings crumbled, networks flickered, and trust among the people was fractured. The mission: restore stability, repair what is broken, and prove that collaboration has no boundaries, not even the stars. One by one, OMAG’s departments deployed to rebuild, each bringing unique strengths to the effort. Together, they breathed life back into the city. This is their story.
Claims: First Responders on the Ground
The moment Bison I’s landing gear touched the cracked streets, the crew could see just how dire the situation was. Towers leaned dangerously, pipelines hissed with escaping vapor, and frightened citizens crowded the edges of the landing zone. The Claims team was the first to step forward, moving through the chaos with calm determination. Their mission was clear: assess the damage, stabilize the situation, and give people confidence that recovery was possible. They documented collapsed structures, inspected every broken system, and coordinated quick repairs to prevent further harm. To the citizens, it felt as if invisible shields had sprung up around their homes, turning panic into hope.
This is exactly what OMAG’s Claims Department does for your municipality. When unexpected incidents occur, like a city vehicle accident, a broken water main flooding a street, an employee injury, or even a major liability claim, our team acts as your first responder. We move quickly to investigate, gather details, and make sure your community is protected every step of the way.
Claims is not just about paperwork. It is about standing beside you when something goes wrong. We handle the stress of the process so your staff can focus on running the city. From small property losses to major events that could rattle an entire town, OMAG’s Claims team helps municipalities get back on their feet faster.
Practical Support
- Thorough investigations of claims, so you know every detail is considered.
- Fair and timely resolution, easing the burden on your leadership team.
- Compassionate communication, because we know claims can be stressful.
Legal & HR: Restoring Order Among the Stars
When Legal and HR arrived, they found confusion and conflict spreading faster than any physical damage. Laws were unclear, leadership was divided, and workers lacked direction. The Legal and HR teams joined forces to stabilize the situation. Legal reestablished the city’s governance framework. HR rebuilt trust and morale among its people. Together, they restored structure and unity, helping the city find its footing once again.
That same partnership defines OMAG’s Legal and Human Resources departments. Legal provides guidance on compliance, policy interpretation, and risk management, helping cities and towns avoid costly missteps and maintain confidence in their operations. HR complements that mission by focusing on the people behind the policies, offering training, leadership support, and access to OMAG’s Employee Assistance Program. From navigating complex regulations to fostering healthy, effective teams, both departments work together to protect and empower Oklahoma’s municipalities.
Practical Support
- Legal: Guidance on compliance, contracts, and risk prevention.
- HR: Leadership and employee support, sample policies, and EAP access.
Underwriting: Mapping the Way Forward
With the most urgent dangers stabilized, the crew needed direction. Streets crumbled into chasms, power lines tangled across districts, and hazards lurked at every turn. The Underwriting team unfurled glowing star charts, mapping the city’s weaknesses and charting safe paths forward. Their careful planning showed leaders where to focus their resources and how to rebuild with resilience. What once looked like chaos began to take shape as a strategic map for recovery.
This is what OMAG’s Underwriting team does for municipalities across the state. Insurance can sometimes feel like wandering through a galaxy of unknowns, but our underwriters analyze every detail, anticipate risks, and provide coverage designed to fit your unique needs.
Practical Support
- Guidance on policy choices and renewals.
- Assessments of potential risks to keep your city covered.
- Thoughtful planning to ensure municipalities are prepared for both today and tomorrow.
Navigation Notice: Stay on Course with Claim Deadlines
- 90 days from Date of Loss to file claims for Auto Damages
- 90 days from Date of Loss to file claims for 1st party Auto, Miscellaneous, or Mobile Equipment Damages
- Property Losses – 1 year from Date of Loss to file a claim
- Tort Claims – All 3rd party liability claims need to be filed in writing within 1 year of the Date of Loss
Anything filed beyond that is deemed statutorily denied.
Insurance Services: Rebuilding the Communications Array
As the recovery advanced, citizens still felt disconnected. Without reliable communication, they struggled to know where to go, what to do, or how to access help. The Insurance Services team activated massive communication arrays, ensuring every neighborhood received clear signals of support and guidance. Suddenly, hope was not just whispered. It was broadcast across the city.
This is what OMAG’s Insurance Services team does for our members. They travel across the state to connect directly with municipalities, review policies, and ensure that you understand your coverage. Beyond coverage, they highlight value-added services and grants, making sure you are aware of every resource available.
Practical Support
- Policy reviews that clarify your options.
- Access to grants and programs that strengthen resilience.
- Direct communication that keeps you informed and supported.
Finance & Technology: Powering Up the City’s Core
When the crew of Bison I reached the city’s underground core, they found flickering power lines and systems barely holding together. Working methodically, the Finance and Technology teams brought stability back to the planet’s infrastructure, restoring energy flow, reconnecting data networks, and ensuring every district could function again. Their mission was not just to bring the city back online. It was to make sure it stayed strong long after the ship departed.
That same spirit guides OMAG’s Finance and Technology departments here in Oklahoma. Together, they serve as the engine that powers everything we do, quietly ensuring our operations are smooth, our systems secure, and our members fully supported.
Finance oversees OMAG’s resources with precision and transparency. Every premium payment, financial transaction, and investment is handled carefully so members can trust that their contributions directly support strong coverage and meaningful value-added services. Their stewardship allows OMAG to continue offering stable rates, financial strength, and the reliability our members count on year after year.
Technology, meanwhile, powers the digital systems that connect OMAG to its members. From maintaining the secure Member Portal to managing online access to coverage details, claims information, and training tools, the Technology team ensures everything runs efficiently. They also lead our cybersecurity initiatives, protecting both OMAG and our members from the increasing digital threats municipalities face. Through our Cybersecurity Grant Program and ongoing technology support, we are helping cities and towns strengthen their defenses in a constantly changing environment.
Practical Support
- Finance: Transparent and dependable premium payment support, ensuring every member interaction is accurate and efficient.
- Technology: Secure access to the OMAG Member Portal, cybersecurity grant opportunities, and continuous improvement of our digital systems.
Risk Management: Training a City to Stand Strong
Even with power restored and structures rebuilt, the citizens still worried about the next disaster. Risk Management gathered them in the city square, teaching safety practices, providing new equipment, and showing leaders how to identify risks before they turned into crises. With every training session, the people grew stronger, more confident, and better prepared for what lay ahead.
That is the essence of OMAG’s Risk Management team. We do not just respond when things go wrong. We help you prevent problems before they happen. From safety training for city staff to specialized courses for law enforcement and public works, we equip municipalities to face risks with confidence.
Practical Support
- Free safety training and professional development.
- Grants for equipment, cameras, and sanitary sewer services.
- Risk assessments and on-site support to address hazards early.
Mission Complete: A City Restored
The once-faltering city now glows with renewed life. The mission to restore the city is complete. Not just because the damage was repaired, but because the people now have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to protect their home long after the ship leaves orbit.
As the crew looks down from the observation deck, the view is breathtaking: a city transformed through teamwork, expertise, and shared purpose. It is a vision that mirrors OMAG’s mission here in Oklahoma, helping communities rebuild, grow stronger, and face challenges with resilience.
Back home, OMAG’s departments continue their work every day, not on distant planets, but in the cities and towns that make up our state. Claims ensures that when the unexpected happens, help is already on the way. Underwriting provides the insight and foresight that keeps your coverage strong. Legal stands beside municipal leaders to navigate complex statutes and compliance. Insurance Services builds lasting connections and ensures members understand every aspect of their coverage. Finance and Technology power the systems and tools that keep OMAG running with precision and security. And Risk Management equips cities with the training, resources, and support they need to prevent the next crisis before it begins.
Each department plays a unique role, but together, they embody the same principles that guided the crew of Bison I: collaboration, preparation, and service. That partnership is what allows OMAG to stand apart, not simply as an insurance provider, but as a trusted ally invested in every community’s success.
Every training attended, every grant awarded, and every claim resolved strengthens the fabric of our collective mission: to protect Oklahoma’s municipalities and help them thrive. Like the citizens of the restored city, our members are empowered, informed, and ready to face the future with confidence.
As Bison I lifts from the surface, we are reminded that every mission begins and ends with the same truth. Together, we are stronger. And just like the stars that guided our fictional voyage, OMAG will continue to light the way for Oklahoma’s cities and towns, no matter what challenges lie ahead. Happy Halloween, and thank you for letting us serve beside you, from the heart of Oklahoma to the farthest reaches of imagination.
News & Events
Oklahoma Festivals & Events
- Oct 17–18: Poteau Balloon Fest – Poteau, OK
- Oct 18: Guthrie Wine and Craft Festival – Guthrie, OK
- Oct 18: Harvest Spoon Chili Festival – Okmulgee, OK
- Oct 22–26: Fall-A-Days – Woodward, OK
- Oct 24–25: McAlester Oktoberfest – McAlester, OK
- Oct 25: Stigler Rod and Custom Fest – Stigler, OK
- Oct 25: Wewoka Sorghum Festival – Wewoka, OK
- Oct 25–26: Altus Balloon Festival – Altus, OK
- Oct 25–26: Heavener Runestone Viking Festival – Heavener, OK
- Oct 31–Nov 1: Red Autumn Art Festival – Sallisaw, OK
- Oct 31–Nov 2: Choctaw Powwow – Durant, OK
- Nov 1: Another 48 Hours Music Festival – Atoka, OK
- Nov 1: Cotton Festival and Chili Cook-Off – Frederick, OK
- Nov 2: Woodward Dia de los Muertos Celebration – Woodward, OK
- Nov 8: Edmond International Festival – Edmond, OK
- Nov 14–16: Beavers Bend Folk Festival & Craft Show – Broken Bow, OK
- Nov 15: Chigger Chase – Ardmore, OK
- Nov 19–23: Rock Fest – Davis, OK
- Nov 21: Lights on Eufaula – Eufaula, OK
- Nov 28: Enid Lights Up the Plains – Enid, OK
- Nov 29: Hometown Christmas – Waynoka, OK
- Dec 2: Chocolate Festival – Clinton, OK
- Dec 4: Home for the Holidays – Tuttle, OK
- Dec 4: Old Tyme Christmas – Tonkawa, OK
- Dec 6: Honey Festival – Minco, OK
- Dec 20: Merry Mitchmas 5k & 10k – Edmond, OK
- Dec 31: Ringing In at Redbud – Owasso, OK
Upcoming Dates
- October 23–24 · OMJA Conference · Shawnee, OK
- October 27–29 · Sanitary Sewer Expo · Enid, OK
- October 29 · MCO Workshop · Moore, OK
- November 5–6 · MESO Fall Conference · Shawnee, OK
- November 5–7 · OCEA Basic Code Class · Oklahoma City, OK
- November 6 · MC&T Training · Woodward, OK
- November 6–7 · OAMA Fall Conference · Midwest City, OK
- November 13 · New Officials Institute · McAlester, OK
- November 19 · OMHRP · OMAG Training Room
- December 3 · LocalGovU Train-the-Admin
Quarterly Riddle
I AM EVERYWHERE AND NOWHERE. I STRETCH ACROSS GALAXIES YET FIT INSIDE A SINGLE SPARK. I CONNECT EVERY PLANET, EVERY SIGNAL, AND EVERY HEARTBEAT OF THE STARS. YOU CANNOT SEE ME, BUT WITHOUT ME, NOTHING MOVES, NOTHING CHANGES, NOTHING LIVES.
Answer: Energy.
Addressing the High Cost of Bad Law Enforcement Hires
A recent article from Lexipol addressed the need to conduct adequate background investigations for potential law enforcement officers.
Recruiting and retaining quality personnel has always been a challenge in law enforcement. In today’s climate, making sound hiring decisions is more important than ever. Poor hiring choices can result in severe consequences—ranging from performance issues and low morale to legal liability and loss of public trust.
In the Lexipol webinar, “Why Law Enforcement Hires Go Bad—And What We Can Do About It,” panelists Gordon Graham, Lexipol Co-Founder, and Bruce “Coach Sok” Sokolove, Principal at Field Training Associates, shared insights drawn from a combined 107 years of experience in law enforcement. This was the first session in a two-part series addressing critical hiring failures and actionable solutions.
The True Cost of a Bad Hire
Both Graham and Sok emphasized that a single poor hiring decision can damage not just an agency, but the entire profession. Hiring someone with the wrong temperament or inadequate skillset can lead to morale problems, increased liability exposure, and reduced public confidence.
Graham stated, “Every time we see a tragedy in law enforcement—an excessive use of force, an officer-involved shooting gone wrong, a scandal—it almost always traces back to hiring. If we don’t fix recruitment, we’ll never fix the profession.”
Sok noted that many agencies fail to treat recruitment as a strategic function. Instead, they simply post vacancies and wait—what he calls the “post and pray” approach—resulting in candidates who may not possess the work ethic, judgment, or resilience necessary for police work.
Improving the Background Investigation Process
A major takeaway from the webinar was the importance of conducting thorough background investigations. Both panelists stressed that skipping or rushing this step can have devastating consequences.
Graham cautioned, “A dollar properly spent on a background check can save you a million dollars in lawsuits.” In several high-profile cases, officers with known red flags—DUIs, past terminations, or misconduct—were hired and later involved in major incidents.
Common mistakes in background checks include:
Failing to contact previous employers: Verifying only dates of employment misses important context. Agencies must actively investigate performance and reason for departure.
Overlooking past misconduct: Officers who leave under questionable circumstances should not be allowed to re-enter the profession unchecked.
Neglecting to verify credentials: Candidates sometimes exaggerate or fabricate training and education. “Trust, but verify,” as President Reagan said.
Best Practices for Safer Hiring
To strengthen your agency’s hiring practices:
Use a “Waiver for Lateral Hires” to access full personnel files. Graham notes that half of lateral applicants will withdraw when asked to sign it.
Require mandatory ride-alongs to evaluate candidate fit early in the process.
Vet all prior military and employment history, including reviewing DD214 forms for service members.
While uncovering disqualifying information may seem like a setback, it ultimately protects your agency from long-term risk and wasted resources.
OMAG Is Here to Help
OMAG offers tools and support to assist your agency with comprehensive background investigations. For assistance or more information, contact OMAG’s Law Enforcement Specialist, Kevin J. Katz, or visit our background resources page: https://www.omag.org/law-enforcement#background
Beyond the Split-Second: What Barnes v. Felix Means for Law Enforcement
On May 15, 2025, the United States Supreme Court issued the opinion, Barnes v. Felix, a case important to law enforcement.
Case Background:
Officer Roberto Felix stopped Ashtian Barnes for suspected toll violations. When Barnes restarted his car and began to drive off, Felix jumped onto the car’s doorsill and, within two seconds, fired two shots into the vehicle, fatally wounding Barnes. The car stopped shortly after.
Barnes’s mother sued under 42 U.S.C. §1983, claiming excessive force. Lower courts sided with Felix, applying the Fifth Circuit’s “moment-of-threat” rule — which judged reasonableness only based on the officer's perception in the split second he fired, ignoring what led up to that moment. Barnes’s mother appealed to the United States Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Decision:
The Court ruled that use-of-force claims must be evaluated based on the totality of the circumstances, not just the final seconds before the use of force. The Court explained that the totality of the circumstances may include the behavior of the suspect and of the officer in the lead-up to the use of force, such as whether the officer created the need for the use of force.
What This Means for Officers:
An officer’s actions leading up to a use-of-force incident can and will be evaluated in determining the reasonableness of the officer’s actions.
The reasonableness of the use of force depends on the full chain of events, not just whether an officer felt endangered at the last moment.
Training and documentation must emphasize sound decision-making throughout the encounter, not just in moments of crisis.
Officer Safety Note (from concurring opinion):
Justice Kavanaugh highlighted the very real dangers of traffic stops, especially when suspects flee. He emphasized that officers must make split-second decisions under extreme stress — and courts should consider those pressures when assessing conduct.
Bottom Line:
How an officer handles the entire use of force incident, not just the final seconds of it, is central to any review of the use of force.
OMAG's Police Liability Update (August 2025)
What OMAG COVERS in a Cyber Attack—And What Your City Still Needs to Do
When a cyber incident strikes, every minute counts—and so does your coverage. Fortunately, OMAG offers up to $50,000 in Cyber Breach Response Coverage through MLPP Coverage K to help your municipality respond swiftly and effectively. But even with strong support in place, your city still has critical responsibilities in protecting itself from cyber threats.
Understanding OMAG’s Cyber Liability Coverage
OMAG’s Cyber Breach Response Coverage includes:
Legal consultation
Digital forensics
Public communication strategies
Vendor negotiation (including ransom guidance)
Regulatory compliance and response guidance
This coverage can make a major difference in the aftermath of a breach—but only if the incident is reported on time. OMAG must be notified within 60 days of the incident to activate coverage. However, if remediation efforts have already started, that reporting window shrinks to just 7 days. Waiting too long may result in the loss of critical support.
What Your City Still Needs to Do
While OMAG covers many of the complex components of cyber response, municipalities still have essential responsibilities to help mitigate risks and maximize their protection. Here’s what your city should be doing now:
Report the incident immediately once it’s discovered.
Train staff to recognize early warning signs like phishing emails, system lockouts, or suspicious login activity.
Back up data regularly and ensure backups are secure.
Assign a cyber response lead or coordinator to guide your team in an emergency.
Never attempt to communicate with cybercriminals on your own. Always contact OMAG first for assistance.
By taking these steps and understanding your responsibilities, your city can confidently respond to cyber threats—and take full advantage of OMAG’s powerful breach support.
Public Employees, Social Media, and Free Speech: What Cities Should Know
Social media makes it easy for public employees to share opinions—including about their employer. But what if those posts are negative, controversial, or go viral? Can a city take action? It depends.
The First Amendment protects free speech, but not all speech is treated equally—especially for government employees. Two court cases, Garcetti v. Ceballos and Pickering v. Board of Education, offer guidance.
Garcetti: Job-Related Speech Is Not Protected
If an employee speaks as part of their official job duties, their speech is not protected. Cities have more authority to manage this type of communication. If they speak as a private citizen on issues of public concern—like safety, waste, or corruption—their speech may be protected.
Pickering: Balance Rights with Workplace Impact
Even if speech is protected, cities can act if it causes real workplace problems. The court balances:
The employee’s right to speak
The city’s need for a smooth, trustworthy workplace
Courts consider:
What was said: Public concern or just internal drama?
Where/how: Public forum, private post, or city platform?
What impact: Did it hurt trust, coworkers, or operations?
Examples
Protected: Off-duty post about how budget cuts affect city services
Not Protected: Public, profane insult targeting the mayor that disrupts city business
What Cities Should Do
Before responding to a post, ask:
Was the employee speaking as a private citizen?
Was it about a public issue?
Did it cause real disruption?
Also, review your social media policy. It should be clear, specific, and respect employee rights.
Final Thoughts
Free speech matters—but so does workplace function. Use Garcetti and Pickering to guide decisions, follow your policies, and consult legal counsel when needed.
City of Altus Leads the Way in Emergency Preparedness with Realistic Train Derailment Simulation
The City of Altus, Oklahoma, recently demonstrated its strong commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness through a full-scale simulation exercise involving a coordinated response to a mock train derailment and chemical spill. The exercise brought together Altus city personnel, Jackson County officials, Jackson County Memorial Hospital, and Farmrail representatives in a powerful display of interagency collaboration.
This realistic training scenario featured a derailed train engine, and a chemical tanker car staged to simulate a hazardous materials spill. The drill included the evacuation of City Hall and direct communication with the local Jackson County Memorial Hospital. To make the training as authentic as possible, the simulation involved three casualties, two individuals who were injured and transported for medical treatment, and one who was declared fatally injured on scene.
Throughout the exercise, first responders and emergency personnel were tested on their ability to assess the scene, communicate effectively, manage public safety, and coordinate across jurisdictions. The simulation not only highlighted strengths in the city's emergency response framework but also revealed areas where procedures and communication protocols can be refined.
As a member of OMAG (Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group), the City of Altus is taking proactive steps to mitigate risk by investing in training and preparedness. These types of simulations are essential for identifying gaps before a real emergency occurs, allowing teams to learn in a controlled and forgiving environment. The lessons learned from this exercise will be used to strengthen the city’s emergency response strategies, ensuring that when real incidents occur, the City of Altus is ready to respond swiftly, effectively, and with the confidence that comes from preparation.
Altus is setting a strong example for municipalities across Oklahoma—showing that through planning, training, and partnership, communities can be better equipped to protect their residents and infrastructure from unexpected emergencies.
Rethinking Hiring: The Case for Skills Over Resumes
Municipalities are facing increasing pressure to fill critical roles with qualified, capable individuals—but many qualified candidates are being filtered out by traditional hiring methods that focus on degrees and years of experience. Skills-based hiring offers an alternative approach: one that focuses on what a candidate can do, not just where they’ve been.
Instead of requiring a bachelor’s degree or five years in a similar position, a skills-based approach looks for demonstrated competencies. Can the candidate analyze data? Communicate effectively? Navigate regulatory requirements? These core skills can be assessed through practical exercises, work samples, or structured interviews—methods that can more accurately predict success on the job.
The payoff is significant. By removing unnecessary barriers, municipalities can tap into a much wider and more diverse talent pool, including veterans, career changers, rural applicants, and those who’ve gained their skills outside of formal education. This is especially valuable in smaller towns or for hard-to-fill roles where qualified applicants may be scarce. Skills-based hiring also helps municipalities build stronger, more resilient teams. When people are hired for what they can do—not just where they went to school—they’re more likely to thrive in their roles and grow within the organization. It’s a strategy that aligns with OMAG’s mission: helping Oklahoma cities and towns build well-run, sustainable local governments.
While it may require updating job descriptions or rethinking interview processes, the long-term benefits—more inclusive hiring, better job performance, and stronger retention—are well worth the investment.
CCTV Inspections After Sewer Overflows: A Smart Step Toward Long-Term Solutions
When a sewer overflow occurs, the effects can be sudden and serious—property damage, health hazards, and environmental harm. These incidents often take municipalities by surprise. But how we respond makes all the difference.
As a member-owned risk pool dedicated to protecting public interest, OMAG encourages Oklahoma municipalities to view these events not just as emergencies, but as opportunities to strengthen infrastructure and reduce future risk. One of the most effective tools in this effort is Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) inspection.
Why Use CCTV Inspections After an Overflow?
1. Pinpoint the Problem
Blockages, structural failures, and capacity issues can all lead to overflows. CCTV provides a clear internal view, helping teams identify the exact cause and location—ensuring repairs address the root issue.
2. Prioritize with Confidence
CCTV footage gives engineers the data needed to plan repairs, protect public health, and wisely invest city resources.
3. Support Claims and Communication
Video evidence helps municipalities resolve claims more efficiently and explain actions to residents—building trust and transparency.
Strengthen Your Inspection Plan
Add CCTV to your Sewer Overflow Emergency Response Plan
Inspect within 24–72 hours of an event
Train staff or partner with certified contractors following NASSCO PACP standards
Use GIS tools to link footage with specific pipe segments for long-term planning
Best Practices for CCTV Data
Use consistent file naming (date, location, type)
Store securely with cloud backups
Pair footage with reports using PACP codes to define priorities
What Your City Can Gain
Spot emerging risks like root intrusion or wear
Improve maintenance schedules based on system condition
Build community trust through visible accountability
Support funding proposals with clear, visual documentation
CCTV inspections are more than a reactive measure—they’re a smart investment in your city’s future. By combining technology, planning, and collaboration, municipalities can move from emergency response to proactive resilience.
Visit OMAG Sewer Resources for templates, tools, and expert support.