MCFD no. 1 Video Gallery

The Battalion Chief

The Battalion Chief gives the captain and crew resources they need to do their jobs, says Battalion Chief Mark Bjorklund, so they can focus on the primary needs of life safety, property conservation, and incident stabilization. The Battalion Chief allows the Captain to focus on the primary task at hand and not worry about bringing in additional resources.

Probationary Firefighter Evaluations

When your residence is on fire or you are trapped, you need to know the firefighters don’t have to stop and wonder what to do. Fire Chief Kyle McMann explains how first year firefighters are evaluated regularly to make sure they understand and remember procedures to keep you safe.

We Work As A Team To Resolve Emergencies

Kris Boyer, Battalion Chief at Marion County Fire District No. 1, describes how our personnel work together as a team to resolve emergencies, similar to how an engineer would solve a problem. He loves serving at Fire District No. 1 because it is not repetitive work.

Urban Interface Fire Response

In urban interface response, Marion County Fire District No. 1 sends brush trucks and water tenders to assist personnel in their firefighting efforts. Personnel use hose packs, which can be deployed at long lengths, and brush trucks have additional hoses they use to fight fires. Kris Boyer, Battalion Chief at MCFD No. 1, explains that brush trucks are supported by water tenders that supply them with water.

Advanced Life Support Transport Ambulance

Ron Lee, Deputy Chief at Marion County Fire District No. 1, describes the two levels of ambulance transport the fire district provides, basic life support and advanced life support.

My Coworkers Were There For Me

Deputy Chief Ron Lee shares how his coworkers at Marion County Fire District No. 1 were there for him when he and his family needed care because of a health issue for several months. He tries to instill that culture into new people in the district and help them grow as a family.

So They Come Home Safe

Formerly a captain, 26-year MCFD No. 1 veteran Ron Lee is now Deputy Chief. Not only in charge of operations, but Ron also makes sure policy is in place and personnel has the tools they need to do their job safely and come home safely. Whether as a firefighter, captain, or now Deputy Chief, the joy of his job has always been figuring out how to make things better.

A Lot of Experience Left When the 2020 Levy Failed

Ron Lee, Deputy Chief at Marion County Fire District No. 1, describes how many experienced people left when the 2020 levy did not pass. When experienced personnel did not feel their jobs were secure anymore, they took jobs elsewhere, leaving a combination of young personnel and those close to retirement at MCFD No. 1.

Volunteers Will Always Be Needed

Even though Marion County Fire District No. 1 employs many career EMS personnel and firefighters, volunteers and support personnel will always be needed at MCFD No. 1.

It’s About the People

Mike Berger, Captain at Marion County Fire District No. 1, emphasizes how what he and the personnel at the Fire District do is about the people they serve.

Tiger the Therapy Dog

Assistant Chaplain Mitch Warren of Willamette Valley First Responder Chaplains describes how his therapy dog, Tiger, helps first responders at Marion County Fire District No. 1 handle tough calls.

James’ Story, From New York to MCFD1

James Imburgia, firefighter and EMT at Marion County Fire District No. 1, tells why he chose to move from New York to serve at MCFD No. 1.

Chaplain Services Overview with Mitch Warren, Assistant Chaplain

Mitch Warren, Assistant Chaplain at Willamette Valley First Responder Chaplains, gives an overview of how the chaplaincy organization helps first responder firefighters and EMS personnel in their line of work. Part of his work is with the career and volunteer/support staff at Marion County Fire District No. 1.

Rescue Mode Fire Scene

Battalion Chief Mark Bjorklund describes how Marion County Fire District No. 1 responded in ‘Rescue Mode’ to a fire in which two individuals were reportedly trapped inside.

Stay Fire Safe from Wildland Fires

Jerry Martin, Volunteer Apparatus Operator at Marion County Fire District No. 1, offers advice on keeping fire safe from wildland fires.

A Firefighter and Her Fire Gear

Marion County Fire District No. 1 firefighter and paramedic Alisha Dodson explains her firefighting gear at an Open House at Station 1 in Salem, Oregon.

Firefighter and Mom

Alisha Dodson, firefighter, and paramedic at Marion County Fire District No. 1, shares what it’s like to be in fire and EMS services as a new mom.

An Additional Family

Alisha Dodson, firefighter and paramedic at Marion County Fire District No. 1, shares how the staff and volunteers in the fire district became an additional family to her.

First Pregnant Firefighter at MCFD No. 1

Alisha Dodson, firefighter and paramedic at Marion County Fire District No. 1, shares her experiences as the first pregnant firefighter in the Fire District.

When the Levy Failed

Alisha Dodson, firefighter, and paramedic at Marion County Fire District No. 1, describes the impact on the community when she and others were laid off when a levy failed.

Women in the Fire Service

Alisha Dodson, firefighter and paramedic at Marion County Fire District No. 1, shares her thoughts about the value of women in the fire service.

When There Are Not Enough Personnel

Morgan Whaley was laid off on January 1, 2020, when a significant levy did not pass. She describes the detrimental changes Marion County Fire District No. 1 had to make when there were no longer enough personnel to maintain the expected level of service to the public. Morgan is a firefighter/paramedic at MCFD No. 1.

Cross-trained

Many of the personnel at Marion County Fire District No. 1 are cross-trained as firefighters and EMS personnel, according to Morgan Whaley. Most calls need a paramedic to evaluate a patient, while the crews on duty need to be ready at a moment’s notice to respond as firefighters to fire calls. A few personnel serve as single-roll paramedics and staff some of the ambulances.

A Combination Department

Marion County Fire District No. 1 is a combination fire district with both career personnel and volunteers. Morgan Whaley, firefighter/paramedic, described how her agency is both a fire response service and a transporting agency. According to Morgan, MCFD No. 1 exists for one reason: to support and help the community.

Become A Rescue Apparatus Operator

Jerry Martin, Volunteer Apparatus Operator at Marion County Fire District No. 1, encourages you to become a Rescue apparatus operator so you can help the volunteer personnel take Rescue 323 to scenes and assist firefighters and EMS personnel at accident scenes, fires, and other events that require specialized and backup equipment and supplies.

Fit For Fire Service

Kyle McMann, Fire Chief at Marion County Fire District No. 1, shares the importance of Fire District personnel staying healthy and fit. Personnel in the Fire District use trainings, resources, and exercise programs to keep up their physical fitness, overall health, and wellness so they are ready to respond when the community needs them.

Volunteer Firefighters Association

The Marion County Volunteer Firefighters Association raises funds and supports causes in the community through their efforts. Kyle McMann, Fire Chief at Marion County Fire District No. 1, lists community events like food and toy drives and the Brooks breakfast that fund their scholarship program and other charitable endeavors.

If You Want To Volunteer

Fire Chief Kyle McMann and Battalion Chief Mark Bjorklund encourage visits and tours for anyone interested in volunteering. They have jobs for everyone, from administration to support personnel, volunteer or career positions. They run multiple recruitments every year and always accept applications.

Division – Fleet and Facilities

Our Fleet and Facilities Division is probably the toughest division, according to Battalion Chief Mark Bjorklund. Responsible for 56 pieces of rolling apparatus and 8 stations and their outlying buildings, maintenance and repair is crucial. As Troy Jurgens, Operations Officer, says, “You’re in charge of a big piece of apparatus and you hold everybody’s life in your hands on the way and coming home from calls.”

Why Fire Departments Charge for Ambulance Service

Fire districts and special districts were incorporated and voted on by the citizens to pay for fire protection. As the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and the healthcare system in the United States grew, someone was needed to absorb that service. In the 1970s fire departments began to take on that service. Fire districts, however, weren’t funded for that. Obviously, ambulances, training, hiring paramedics, etc., cost extra. The money raised by fire districts and special districts pays to keep personnel ready to respond, but when they go out on EMS tasks, it takes them away from their main job, which is fire protection. So fire districts charge extra for EMS service. This has been a common theme throughout the country since the inception of Emergency Medical Services.