HERMISTON, Ore. – Umatilla County Fire District #1 (UCFD1) wants to hear from the community as it begins the process of developing its strategic plan of operations for the next three to five years.
Residents are encouraged to complete an online survey on how UCFD1 can improve its services by March 3.
The survey, which can be accessed through links on the UCFD1 website and social media pages should take about 10 minutes and responses are anonymous.
This is the first time UCFD1, which was formed by combining the small districts that covered Hermiston, Stanfield and Eastern Hermiston through voter approval in 2016, has undergone the extensive strategic planning process.
“I’m excited about it,” said UCFD1 Chief Scott Stanton. “We’ve never done this before. We’re going to gather information and do a deep dig on what we’re doing well and where we need to get better.”
UCFD1 is currently finishing up its Community Risk Assessment, from which a Standard of Cover document concerning where the district stands now is produced. The community survey is the second part of the process.
According to Chief Stanton, the assessment looks at every aspect of the district, including budgets and staffing. The Standard of Cover document and information from the results of the community survey will then be used to help create the district’s strategic plan.
As part of the strategic planning survey UCFD1 sent returnable information cards to residents who have used ambulance services in the past. According to Chief Stanton, that information will be tabulated with the results of the online community survey and then analyzed by a stakeholder group in late March before the strategic plan is ultimately created.
UCFD1 is comprised of five stations and staffed by full-time firefighters and EMT’s, as well as volunteers.
While Chief Stanton is excited about the survey and strategic plan, he’s not entirely sure of what the results will say about what the district needs to do to maintain or improve its service.
“It usually comes down to money and staffing,” Chief Stanton said. “Big picture there’s just fewer volunteers.”
Whatever the results of the survey, Chief Stanton is confident that UCFD1 will continue to provide high-quality service to the residents of Umatilla County.
“Umatilla County Fire District #1 firefighters, EMT’s and employees are respectful, well-trained and good at their jobs,” said Chief Stanton. “We’re here for the community.”
