MISSION, Ore.-Umatilla Tribal Fire Department (UTFD) Chief James Hall has been appointed to the Governor’s Fire Service Policy Council.
“I was honored to receive an official appointment by the Governor’s Office to serve as the Tribal Fire Response Agency representative,” said Hall, who is the council’s first Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) representative, and first representative for the nine tribes in Oregon
The Fire Service Policy Council was established in 1989 and provides guidance to the governor and state fire marshal on issues of fire protection and life safety.
According to a CTUIR press release on Hall’s appointment, the Council also serves as a statewide forum in which fire service leaders and public safety stakeholders can discuss issues impacting communities and develop policy recommendations and implementation strategies.
The tribal representative position on the Council was added during Oregon’s 2025 legislative session.
“I believe it is extremely important that tribal communities have a voice in statewide fire service discussions, especially as Oregon continues to face increasingly complex emergency response challenges involving wildfire, hazardous materials transportation, EMS system demands and interagency coordination,” said Hall.
The council includes representatives from the Oregon Volunteer Firefighters Association, Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, Oregon Fire District Directors Association, Oregon Fire Marshals Association, Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, Oregon State Fire Fighters Council, and other state agencies.
“Tribal fire departments often operate in rural or geographically complex areas while coordinating with multiple jurisdictions and agencies,” said Hall. “By bringing tribal perspectives and operational experiences into these discussions, I believe we can improve statewide coordination, preparedness and public safety outcomes for all communities.”
In addition to its official quarterly meetings, members of the Council participate in discussions, workgroups, outreach, and policy development regarding fire preparedness, emergency response, training and collaboration.
Hall, who began his fire service career about 35 years ago as a volunteer firefighter with UTFD, considers it an honor to serve on the Council and hopes to strengthen collaboration between tribal, local, state and federal fire agencies during his time on the Council, according to the CTUIR.
“I take great pride in representing both the CTUIR and the nine tribes in the state of Oregon,” said Hall. “I believe this appointment reflects the growing recognition of the important role tribal emergency services play in protecting communities, supporting mutual aid systems and participating in statewide emergency response efforts.”
