Consider this comparison of two cities. Wichita, Kansas is a fairly close city to Oklahoma City. Wichita is the 51st largest city in America with a population of 433,284. Wichita has a 437 member fire department with an approx. budget of $40,000,000.00.

Oklahoma City is the 31st largest city in America. It has a population of 551,789. Oklahoma city has a 929 member fire department. Oklahoma City has a dedicated Public Safety Sales tax that funds approx. 1/3 of the $93,000,000.00 cost of the annual budget. So actually it only costs Oklahoma City $62,000,000.00 out of the General Fund Budget. You have to admit that is quite a bargain, for the amount of manpower.