BMCC forum is about fire and EMS services

By Terry Murry on Monday, October 20th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – Blue Mountain Community College holds a series of forums during the year digging into issues that are of major concern. This year’s theme for the forums is Livability. The first one tomorrow (Tuesday) at 5:30 p.m. is about emergency response.

Three area fire chiefs will discuss the rising number of emergency calls throughout Eastern Oregon and how that puts a strain on area fire departments that are limited in staffing, funding, and resources. Pendleton Fire & Ambulance Chief Tony Pierotti, Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 Chief Scott Stanton, and East Umatilla Fire and Rescue Chief Dave Baty will discuss the importance of collaboration, preparedness, and community support. The three are part of a group of emergency responders working on possible solutions to the challenges.

The forum will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the BMCC Library in Pioneer Hall. It is free and everyone is welcome.

The forums are a collaborative effort for Blue Mountain Community College, the American Association of University Women, Kathryn Brown, and Hariett Isom.