The primary function of Marion County Fire District #1 is fire protection and emergency medical service. District apparatus respond to structural fires in single- and multi-family residences, businesses and places of assembly, farms, schools, group care facilities, etc.; incidents involving vehicles, private and commercial, including aircraft; incidents involving hazardous materials; rescue situations including fires, vehicle accidents, structural collapse, and cave in. Marion County Fire District #1 provides advanced life support and ambulance service for medical emergencies and all other fire and rescue situations. The District conducts fire education programs with emphasis on smoke detectors and escape plans in the home; distributes fire prevention literature and a quarterly news letter throughout the District.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

District Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of Marion County Fire District #1 are five residents or property owners who are elected to their positions by the public at large during a general election. The function of the Board of Directors is to determine the financial policies and overall policies of the District and to manage District property. The Board of Directors appoints the Chief of the District; the Chief is then the representative of the Board of Directors to the personnel of the Fire District. The Chief carries out the policies dictated by the Board of Directors.

Chief

The Chief of the District is appointed by the District Board of Directors. His is the only paid position in the District not covered by Civil Service rules and hiring practices. The Chief handles such administrative functions as finances and matters of policy as directed by the Board of Directors either personally or through delegation of authority to subordinates. The Chief represents the District in political matters. The Chief may participate in fire suppression activities either within the District or at a county or state level, as in the State Conflagration Act. The radio call sign of the Chief of the District is 301.

Assistant Chief

The Assistant Chief of the District is the highest ranking employee in the District who is appointed under the rules of Civil Service. His duties are largely administrative; he functions as Chief of the District in the absence of the Chief. His radio call sign is 302.

Battalion Chief

There are three Battalion Chiefs at Marion County Fire District #1. Each battalion chief works a 48 hour on/ 96 hours off shift. While on shift, the battalion chief responds to incidents and acts as on-scene commander during his/her tour of duty. Each battalion chief also has administrative responsibilities and functions as head of one or more of the various divisions within the District. The responsibilities include dealing with personnel issues, budgeting and major purchases. The battalion chief call sign is BC32.

Paid Crews

Marion County Fire District #1 maintains one 24 hour paid engine company from Station 8, consisting of an officer and an engineer/paramedic. This engine is supplemented with two students from Chemeketa Community College. The district also maintains two 24 hour paid ambulance crews from Station 1 and Station 2. During the work week an engine is also staffed from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm at Station 1. During the work day, the paid engine companies and ambulance crews respond to alarms, train, perform apparatus and station maintenance, perform fire safety inspections in businesses and other duties as assigned.

Fire Prevention Division

The Fire Prevention Division is responsible for all prevention activities, including fire inspections of businesses an residences and fire prevention education. The Fire Prevention Division conducts fire cause investigations an , if evidence is sufficient, pursues prosecution of individuals suspected of arson. Fire prevention activities are also conducted by the paid engine companies; these activities are conducted under the supervision of the Fire Prevention Division. The Fire Prevention Division is headed by the District Fire Marshal and his/her assistants.

Fire Suppression Division

The Fire Suppression Division is responsible for all suppression activities of paid an volunteer personnel. The Division Head is usually a Battalion Chief with shift responsibilities; he is thus able to observe suppression activities during his assigned shift and evaluate those activities. The Division Head may also be involved in the establishment of Standard Operating Procedures relating to various activities of the District and may have other responsibilities such as maintenance of facilities.

Training Division

The Training Division is responsible for training approximately 200 firefighters per week which includes all career and volunteer members of MCFD1, as well as members of the Woodburn Fire Protection District. The Training Division provides approximately 350 hours of direct delivery training annually. All training is DPSST accredited. In addition to in-house training, the Training Division publicizes classes and schools outside of the District and provides means for individuals to attend those schools.

Emergency Medical Services Division

The E.M.S. Division is responsible for all emergency medical services conducted within the District. An E.M.S. Coordinator handles the various duties in E.M.S. under the supervision of the Division Head. This includes purchasing equipment for use on the ambulance and the engines and maintaining training levels for all emergency medical technicians and paramedics in the District.

Maintenance Division

The Maintenance Division is responsible for all motorized equipment owned by the District, including vehicles, power saws and generators. The Maintenance Division operates a shop at Station 1 where preventative maintenance and repair is conducted on District apparatus.

Volunteer Firefighters Organization

Most of the personnel involved in fire suppression and E.M.S. activities at Marion County Fire District #1 are volunteers. The Volunteer Firefighters' Association contracts with Marion County Fire District #1 to provide volunteer firefighters. The Volunteer Firefighters' Association also functions as a social and civic organization involved in community services as well as fire suppression and prevention activities.

Volunteer Firefighters' Chain of Command

Each of the seven stations maintains a complement of volunteer officers, engineers and firefighters. There is a District Deputy Chief for each battalion as well.

Volunteer Deputy Chief

The District Deputy Chief supervises the subordinate personnel in his/her battalion; acts as on scene commander until relieved by a higher authority' works with the Station Captains to maintain full manpower in each station' works with the Training Officer in conducting or recommending training for personnel in his battalion.

Volunteer Captain

Each station has one Captain. The Captain supervises all personnel and activities in his station, either directly or through a lieutenant; conducts and recommends training; acts as engine company or sector officer and supervises personnel on the fire scene; attends monthly officer's meetings.

Volunteer Lieutenant

Each station has one or more lieutenants. A lieutenant usually acts as a company officer and may be assigned to a particular apparatus in his station; directs members of his/her crew on the fire scene; works with the captain in matters pertaining to the function of his/her station; conducts and recommends training within his/her station; attends monthly officer meetings.

Volunteer Engineer

The volunteer engineer is responsible for driving the apparatus and operating the pump at the fire scene. A volunteer engineer must meet training requirements and have been with the District for at least two years before being promoted. In addition to driving and operating the pump, the engineer performs minor routine maintenance on the apparatus and works with the Maintenance Division personnel to keep the apparatus in service.

Volunteer Firefighter

The volunteer firefighter responds on District apparatus to the scene of an emergency; fights fire and carries out related tasks and administers first aid under the supervision of his/her officer.