LGRFD Welcomes Brady Walters as chief; Meet and Greet set for June 9
By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
ISLAND CITY – (Release from the La Grande Rural Fire Protection District) Following a nationwide recruitment effort and intensive screening and assessment process, Brady Walters has been named as the new chief of the La Grande Rural Fire Protection District.
Originally from Medford, Chief Walters began his emergency services career in 2005 as an Explorer and EMT with Mercy Flights Ambulance and as a volunteer ski patroller and firefighter in Southern Oregon. He graduated from the paramedic program at Chemeketa Community College while working as a student firefighter for Marion County, where he was later promoted to Resident Lieutenant overseeing a fire station. A significant part of his early career was 12 years working for the National Park Service (NPS) in law enforcement and emergency services. Brady was stationed in parks across the country, including the Grand Canyon, Hawaii, and finally Crater Lake here in Oregon.
As a U.S. Park Ranger, he completed an intensive training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA. Over his career with the NPS, Walters served as Emergency Medical Services Coordinator, Volunteer Ski Patrol Director, a Law Enforcement & Emergency Services Instructor, Fire Engineer, Search & Rescue Technician, Acting Operations Supervisor, and Field Training Coach.
Due to the strict residence requirements placed on rangers, Brady left the NPS in 2020 and began working for the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. While working as a Patrol Deputy, he developed and implemented a dual-role Paramedic-Deputy program, allowing him to carry rescue gear and provide first response to critical medical emergencies or tactical situations. Additionally, Brady served as a Search & Rescue Coordinator and Cadet Program Advisor. During this time he wanted to keep his fire skills sharp, so he joined Polk County Fire District #1 as a volunteer, rapidly making his way up the ranks to Engineer, Lieutenant, and finally Captain.
Brady decided to make a career change out of law enforcement and pursue a leadership role in the fire service, as the Deputy Chief and Training Officer for Hoskins-Kings Valley Fire District, a primarily volunteer rural fire protection district in the Corvallis area. At HKV, Chief Walters made significant improvements to operations and the training program leading to increased volunteer involvement, safety and efficiency.
Brady, his wife Jena, and their two dogs are excited to move to La Grande and begin a new chapter. They both look forward to getting to know the community, developing friendships, and exploring the beautiful surroundings.
Brady has a passion for volunteerism and is committed to an inclusive and supportive culture within the department. Brady’s goals as Fire Chief include:
- A mission-driven mindset
- Safety and accountability to our community
- Fiscally responsible and transparent management
Chief Walters is very grateful for this opportunity and for the support of the many people who have made this transition possible. He would love to meet with community members to discuss any ideas or concerns you may have.
He will be holding a Coffee with the Chief event on Tuesday June 9 from 10:00-11:00am (location TBD), or feel free to stop by the station and say hello during business hours.
