Every volunteer firefighter makes a difference – you can too. Volunteer with your local Baker or Union County fire department
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Monday, November 11th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER/UNION COUNTY– (Release from Baker and Union County Fire Resources) Did you know that during fires or other emergency responses involving fire departments, most of the firefighters who respond are volunteers?
94% of all fire departments in Oregon are either all volunteer or a combination of paid and volunteer.
Those who volunteer might be a local contractor, farmer, rancher, teacher, student, retiree, and may even be your neighbor.
Every volunteer firefighter makes a difference – you can too.
Like many other service organizations, it’s becoming more challenging to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters, however, volunteer firefighters and EMTs provide a service that we cannot afford to lose. In Oregon, 73% of fire departments reported a “moderate or significantly moderate decrease” in the number of volunteer firefighters over the past five years, with the decline projected to increase over the next five years as current volunteers age.
Many departments fear the day they will not be able to fully staff an emergency call. More and more single-agency incidents now require a multi-agency response to get the number of personnel needed to get the job done. Our fire agencies are dedicated to public safety and the protection of property and natural resources, but they need additional volunteers with a commitment to serve. Local agencies provide all training and equipment, so all you need to provide is a desire to help your community.
If you are familiar with your local fire department, please take the time to stop by and ask about volunteering. there is a role for everyone. If you are interested you can also fill out the volunteer firefighter interest form at https://www.bakercountyor.gov/, https://unioncountyor.gov/ or https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b0966929b30f44d5b2e1d896865083aa
Are you willing to help answer the call when needed?
