The IAFF is highlighting the efforts of Oklahoma legislators and aspiring politicians in a four-part series, showcasing their dedication to advocating for fire fighters.
Ronald Stewart is a lieutenant and paramedic with the Tulsa Fire Department. As a native Tulsan, he’s hoping to continue giving back to his community as a fire fighter and future politician.
Ronald Stewart remembers what first inspired him to join the fire service.
“There was a fire fighter who came to my kindergarten career day back in grade school,” he said. “I knew right then what I wanted to do.”
As a lifelong Tulsan, he is stepping up to serve his community in a new way. With a passion for making a difference, Stewart’s journey from the firehouse to the political arena is marked by a commitment to service and a desire to bring positive change to Oklahoma State House District 73.
“As a fire fighter, I’ve witnessed the challenges facing our community firsthand,” Stewart said. “I wanted to represent the community that helped to raise me as someone from the community that understands the history.”
Stewart’s dedication to service goes beyond fighting fires. He has been deeply involved in volunteerism and advocacy throughout Tulsa, helping other candidates in their election campaigns.
“It was 2016 when I became serious about volunteering my time to help other candidates get elected,” he said. “I have engaged in door knocking, canvassing, and phone banking. It reached a point where the position I am now running for was going to be an open seat, and everyone around was saying, ‘You are the person to support.’”
Stewart attended the IAFF’s Political Training Academy (PTA) in 2023, helping to launch his political career.
I wanted to represent the community that helped to raise me as someone from the community that understands the history.
Ronald Stewart, lieutenant and paramedic
“It answered many questions and put me at ease as far as believing that I could accomplish this,” he said. “Going into politics is not something that was on my radar in the beginning, but I have always been cognizant of who was representing me whether on a local, state, or national level.”
As he gears up for the general election, Stewart says being the best candidate is about what you do to build relationships in the community.
“I was able to nurture the relationships through the local and training opportunities,” he said. “Due to those relationships, there are people from both sides of the aisle who I have worked with, who are rooting for me to get elected. They trust that I am someone they can communicate with to find common ground and to use those opportunities to move Oklahoma forward.”
