Roberts Named Battalion Chief for Fire District

Cpt. JW Roberts was sworn in as the newest battalion chief for Umatilla County Fire District #1 and will assume the duties of shift commander on B-shift beginning on Tuesday.

Roberts was born and raised in Hermiston and spent time as a volunteer firefighter for both Hermiston and Umatilla Rural Fire District before being hired in Hermiston full time in 2003. He worked as a lieutenant prior to becoming the district’s captain and EMS Coordinator in September of 2014.

Roberts will retain his EMS coordinator duties as well until the district hires that position this coming fall or winter.

“JW has worked hard to forward our emergency medical preparedness and response capabilities and this past winter was vital in working with Good Shepherd Medical Center to obtain additional cardiac monitor/defibrillators,” said Fire Chief Scott Stanton. JW also works closely with our Dispatch center always working towards improving services to the citizens of UCFD1.”

Robert’s daughter Piper had the honor of pinning his badge and collar pins.