The Umatilla County Fire District #1 saw a reduction in delayed responses during the summer months, thanks to the addition of four seasonal firefighters, according to Fire Chief Scott Stanton.
Stanton said one of the seasonal firefighters staffed the Stanfield station and was partially funded by a grant from Special Districts Association of Oregon (SDAO). The four seasonal employees worked over 2,000 hours during the summer months helping to provide service to the communities.
The four seasonal employees were Gaige Phillips, Jesse Reagan, Chandi Walker and Tyler Carlson.
“These summer employees were current or past resident interns so they were familiar with the fire district’s personnel, equipment and procedures,” Stanton said. “This helped them hit the ground running and become instant assets to the district.”
Stanton said one paramedic firefighter worked 24 hour shifts while the other three EMT firefighters worked day shifts.
“This combination of summer seasonal employees worked great to maintain our staffing levels during the busy summer season when career employees take vacations with their families and call volumes are high,” the chief said.
The four seasonal employees not only responded to calls of service but also participated in public education events and fire prevention activities.
