Milton-Freewater Rural Fire and EMS wins excellence award for intern program

MILTON-FREEWATER — The Milton-Freewater Rural Fire Department and EMS (MFRFD) has earned the 2026 Oregon Rural Health Excellence Award for its “Grow Your Own” intern program, a workforce initiative training local young adults and high school seniors for emergency response careers.

Operations Chief Reilly Miller will accept the honor Oct. 8 at the Oregon Rural Health Conference in Bend.

The program eliminates financial barriers for local recruits by providing all career-focused training at no personal cost. Through a collaborative funding model using Oregon Office of Rural Health scholarships and HERO Grant funding, interns complete emergency medical responder and emergency medical technician courses tuition-free.

Participants work regular shifts alongside veteran providers, receiving direct mentorship to build tactical fire and medical skills. By year’s end, interns earn certifications as driver/operators, EMTs — including advanced EMT — wildland firefighters, and structure firefighters. The tuition-free training and multi-discipline certifications prepare participants directly for full-time employment within their home community.

The initiative has produced six certified responders, with MFRFD recently hiring one intern into a full-time EMT position.

MFRFD is currently recruiting the next round of interns and still has open positions. Individuals interested in the program can call the department at 541-938-7146.

The annual award recognizes rural health and emergency organizations demonstrating exceptional resourcefulness. Sarah Andersen, director of field services at the Oregon Office of Rural Health at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), noted MFRFD is one of four statewide honorees in 2026.

Image courtesy Milton-Freewater Rural Fire Department and EMS

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Elkhorn Media Group