In Loving Memory of Todd Pendleton and Bryan Jenkins
The close-knit community of Goldsby, Oklahoma is wrapped in sorrow following the tragic loss of two of its most dedicated servants—Firefighter Todd Pendleton, 62, and Firefighter Bryan Jenkins, 64—who gave their lives in the line of duty on the early morning of Friday, March 20, 2026.
In the quiet hours before dawn, at approximately 3:17 a.m., the world shifted for this small town. A tanker from the Goldsby Fire Department was en route to a reported structure fire, answering yet another call for help—something both men had done countless times before. Along Redbud, in McClain County, Oklahoma, the vehicle tragically left the roadway and struck a tree, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Both firefighters succumbed to their injuries, leaving behind not only grieving families but an entire community struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the loss.
Todd Pendleton, a 12-year veteran of the department, and Bryan Jenkins, who faithfully served for an extraordinary 35 years, embodied the very essence of courage and compassion. Their years of service were not defined merely by the calls they responded to, but by the lives they touched, the people they protected, and the unwavering dedication they carried in their hearts. They were more than firefighters—they were mentors, friends, neighbors, and pillars of strength in times of crisis.
Together, they stood on the front lines of emergencies, often facing danger with quiet bravery and steadfast resolve. They answered alarms in the dead of night, left family gatherings without hesitation, and gave their time selflessly—all in the name of protecting others. Their bond extended beyond the firehouse walls; it was forged through shared experiences, mutual respect, and a deep sense of duty.
The loss of these two men has left an emptiness that cannot be filled. Their absence will be felt in every siren that sounds, every firehouse gathering, and every life they once helped protect. Yet, even in this profound grief, their legacy shines brightly. It lives on in the department they helped build, in the firefighters they inspired, and in the countless acts of kindness and bravery they demonstrated throughout their lives.
The Town of Goldsby stands united in mourning, offering prayers, love, and support to the families of both fallen heroes, as well as to their brothers and sisters in the fire service. In moments like these, the strength of a community is revealed—not only in shared sorrow but in the collective resolve to remember, to honor, and to carry forward the spirit of those who have been lost.
An escort procession will take place after 1:00 p.m., traveling through Goldsby to Purcell, Oklahoma along SH-74. It will be a solemn and powerful tribute—a final journey honoring two lives devoted entirely to service. Community members are encouraged to line the route, standing in quiet respect, holding flags, and bowing their heads as these heroes are carried home.
Though their lives were taken too soon, Todd Pendleton and Bryan Jenkins leave behind a legacy that will never fade. Their courage will echo in every call answered, their kindness will live on in every life touched, and their sacrifice will forever be remembered.
May they rest in eternal peace, and may their families find comfort in knowing that their loved ones were true heroes—honored, respected, and never forgotten.
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