Based on Jim McKee’s (Gunny, as he is nicknamed) thorough presentation on how it will be possible for the City of Westfir to form an all-Volunteer Fire Department, Mayor Williams and City Council have determined to proceed with the plan.
It was pointed out that McKee is certified to do training and can offer training for other departments which would offset the costs for training their volunteers. The City of Westfir does own a fire truck and some equipment that Oakridge is currently using, which can be returned to them. Westfir would have to determine where the truck and equipment would be stored.
Westfir needs fire protection near home
One of the Councilors remarked that he would love to have a fire truck within four miles of his home. Another Councilor pointed out that it was depressing to hear the timeline that for Oakridge’s response to a Westfir fire would mean the house would burn before a response could be accomplished.
McKee and other members of the community are willing to sacrifice to make this happen. Since the evacuation for the Cedar Creek Fire, Council feels it would be good to see something implemented in Westfir that could help save the community.
There is consensus that McKee has a good relationship with Oakridge and other local Fire Departments. Therefore, he would be a good one to sell the plan. It was mentioned “There may be egos involved but we will deal with that. In the end, we have to speak up for ourselves.”
Timeline for volunteer fire department
McKee would like to start in July. This would mean a partial Inter-governmental Agreement (IGA) with Oakridge, and would leave less money in the budget for the Volunteer Fire Department. They will put together a budget to give a real picture of whether they can make it fly. The message is they are fully behind him. However at this time, they will not need a vote.
Oakridge has given permission for Westfir to use their Volunteer Packets and Application Forms.
The Council has also expressed a strong interest in a Special District. They will consider this in conjunction with the all-volunteer fire department efforts. All three Fire Districts met together with representatives from all departments on Thursday evening at the Oakridge Fire Department. Mayor Williams feeling is they are not mutually exclusive, but should work together very well. That will take one or two years and will be something to look into.
EMT services will still be from Oakridge
Independently, Westfir would be covered by Oakridge for EMT services. With a Special District in place, ambulance and EMT services would be included.
Westfir City Council meeting are held the first Monday of each month at 5:30 at Westfir City Hall. All meeting are open to the public and there is a hybrid option for attending on Zoom.
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
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