Local Volunteers Help Staff Fire Departments, Take Care of Our Communities
By Don Backman
Heading into the 4th of July week and experiencing a drier-than-normal late spring and early summer, emergency responders are preparing and responding. “We’re seeing about double the normal calls,” Todd Hesse, Fire Chief for Rockaway Beach Fire & Rescue, explained on Sunday, July 7th. “The large number of people means double call volume. Routine stuff so far (this weekend), just more of it. So far, the calls are mostly medical. We also had a car accident and calls about people burning and smoke reports.” (EDiTOR’S NOTE: Since this interview, Rockaway Beach had to respond to a fire in the beach grass due to fireworks. Please be aware – FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL on all beaches. Leave firesworks for the professionals. Rockaway Beach will have a 4th of July fireworks show at 10 pm on July 4th. If you do see someone shooting off illegal fireworks, do not call 911 – unless there’s an injuruy or fire – report to non-emergency 503-815-1911. See something, say something – if you choose to shoot off fireworks, please use some common sense – away from people, homes, flammable materials. We all want to celebrate, and we all want to enjoy another 4th of July.)
Alan Christensen, Bay City Fire Chief, reported that things were a bit busier than normal, but manageable. “We intentionally brought on our new hires, one full-time position, and two summer hires in time for this weekend and upcoming week. “We are trying to be ready to not only provide protection for our community but be able to respond to assist our neighbors if needed.” Christensen also reported that Bay City, just like the other fire departments and fire districts, has been getting ready for the upcoming predicted hot weather and the potential influx of visitors that usually happens when the valley gets hot.
Blake Paulsen, Division Chief in Garibaldi, reported that their call volume was up slightly as well. “We also brought on one permanent position and two summer positions in time for this weekend and July 4th. We are expecting to see an increase in call volume over the next few days.” Paulsen pointed out that the 4th of July typically sees the largest influx of visitors in the beach towns with events planned. Rockaway Beach, Pacific City, and Manzanita often see a large increase in visitors. Other communities often help by providing additional resources as needed. With the predicted high temps, the other communities may see increases as well, especially people traveling through. Paulsen added, “We have a good mutual aid plan in this county. We help each other when needed.”
Mutual Aid is the term used when one agency sends resources to help another agency. For example, if Tillamook Fire & Rescue is battling a big blaze, the plan calls for Bay City, Garibaldi, and Nestucca Valley Fire and Rescue to be asked to send them engines or other personnel and resources.
How do the Emergency Responders prepare for times of high call volume such as this 4th of July week? Rockaway Beach Fire and Rescue, like all the local fire departments and fire districts, relies heavily on its core of volunteers. “We are geared up for our normal run volume,” Todd Hesse said. “However, due to the influx of visitors and unusually dry weather, most volunteers stay around to make sure the community is supported.” Hesse really supports the volunteers as this means volunteers change their plans and may skip family outings, family barbecues, or travel like many Americans do this time of the year.
“The ones (volunteers) we have are stepping up,” Hesse said. “However, volunteers can get worn down, and can become burned out.” Volunteers are crucial. Unfortunately, many fire departments are struggling with a shortage of volunteers the same as there are shortages in so many other areas.
What many people don’t know is that fire department volunteers must have the same qualifications as the paid staff, Hesse explained. “This spring, our volunteers completed a 160-hour EMT training program.” The volunteers must schedule the time to do this and that is not always easy.
Alan Christensen is excited about the volunteers in Bay City. “We rely on our volunteers,” he said. “We can have 24 on the active roster, but out of that only some will be able to respond to a given situation due to work or other reasons.” Christensen also said that it’s time to realize that there are many jobs that volunteers can do. “If a person isn’t able to or doesn’t want to put on a breathing apparatus, for example, there are other things they can do. We can use drivers. We can train them as EMTs. We find what they can provide, and cross-train to do as much as they are willing and able to do.”
With the predicted temperature to exceed 95 degrees in the Portland Metro Area on Tuesday, more visitors are likely. Crowded highways and businesses are to be expected. Leave early, give yourself extra time to get where you need to go. And be careful with fire. And fireworks.
Note: All the Tillamook County fire departments and fire districts need volunteers.
This isn’t just a Tillamook County issue; it is a national issue. It’s a great way to give back, and if you want to help, many different jobs need to be done. Talk to your local fire department/district and see what you can do. At the least, you will meet some cool and dedicated people. And you might provide the one piece that they need in their staffing puzzle.
Also, when you see a volunteer, thank them. Acknowledge their dedication and determination. It takes commitment and a willingness to help the community to become a volunteer firefighter.
