Message from the Chief, Fred Charlton
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July, August, and September are shaping up to be very busy months for Clackamas Fire District #1. From emergency responses, to the ribbon cutting and open house of our new Fleet and Logistics building, weeks of hot dry weather, and many community events keep us very busy this time of year. Here is a brief summary of recent and upcoming events across the Fire District and the communities we serve:
- An official ribbon cutting and open house took place on July 30 for our new 20,000 square foot Fleet and Logistics building.
- The next ribbon cutting and open houses will be for the new Hilltop Fire Station 16 in Oregon City and the new Damascus Community Fire Station 19. Both of these projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
- The Fire District is currently at EXTREME fire danger and the weather forecast shows no immediate change. The burn ban means no campfires, fire pits, recreational fires, agricultural burning, and no backyard burning.
- Thursday, August 23 is First Responder Night at Happy Valley's Concerts in the Valley music series at Happy Valley Park from 6:30-8:30 pm. Our very own firefighter band, "The Distrct" will be playing and at intermission attendees can learn CPR for us to hit our 50,000 mark of how many community members we've instructed.
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Promotional and Swearing-In Ceremony
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On July 17, 2018, Clackamas Fire held their swearing-in and promotional ceremony, which takes place bi-annually. The ceremony welcomes new hires and honors promotions. At the ceremony earlier this month, the Fire District welcomed seven new firefighters (pictured left) and promoted line personnel to the ranks of apparatus operator, lieutenant, captain, and battalion chief. The ceremony included the reciting of the oath of office, then each had a person of their choosing, pin on their badge while they stood on stage at Providence Willamette Falls Community Center.
The seven new firefighters began their station assignments July 2 and will remain in probationary status for another 12 months of on-the-job training. The new firefighters - Axton Baker, Tracy Harris, Walter Herzog, Bruce Neelands, Damian Peters, Daniel Weisenburg, and Curtis Wilson - graduated in a separate ceremony held on June 20 at Clackamas Fire's Training Center on Southeast 130th Avenue in Clackamas.
They began an intensive eight-week academy April 20. Recruit Academy #18-02 is the Fire District's second academy for 2018. As the result of expanded coverage and enhanced services, the Fire District has had 11 firefighter academies since 2013, four volunteer academies, and has hired 89 new employees, of which 26 were volunteer firefighters with the District.
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Message from the Board of Directors
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The Board of Directors presented an Award of Appreciation to Support Volunteer Julie Tanz (pictured right with Chief Charlton) for her 20 years of service with Clackamas Fire's Volunteer Association and to the community.
Medical Services Battalion Chief Josh Santos provided an update of the District’s Emergency Medical Services department.
The Board approved the following:
- Chief Deputy James Rhodes from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office as a Trustee for the Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation.
The next board meeting will be Monday, August 20, 2018, at 6:00 pm at Mt. Scott Fire Station 5 located at 9339 SE Causey Avenue, Happy Valley, Oregon.
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Fire Alarms in Apartment Buildings
Large apartment buildings are designed to keep people safe from fire. Fire alarms detect smoke and fire. They will warn residents of danger. It's important to know the locations of all exit stairs from your floor. If the fire alarm goes off, feel the door before opening. If fire or smoke is blocking all exits, return or stay in your apartment, keep the door closed, and call 9-1-1 immediately. Click
HERE for more safety tips.
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Health and Safety
Easy Food Swaps
When it comes to maintaning a healthy weight, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and decreasing inflamation, making small changes to your diet can be beneficial. Click
HERE for quick ways you can make changes to your diet.
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Emergency Medical Services
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System Enhancement Funding for Project Hope
On July 24, Clackamas Fire District #1 Community Paramedic AmyJo Cook, partner Dan Hall, from American Medical Response (AMR), and Apryl Herron, from Clackamas County Public Health, were awarded $40,000 from the Clackamas County System Enhancement funds to supplement and facilitate the Clackamas County Opioid Pilot Project, Project Hope. The funds will be used to support the equal county-wide access to care during this pilot.
EMS agencies play a critical role in their communities' response to the opioid epidemic. In Clackamas County, Clackamas Fire and AMR respond to many opioid overdose calls received by 9-1-1 dispatch, saving hundreds of lives each year via naloxone rescue. Through this innovative pilot project, Clackamas Fire, AMR and Clackamas County Public Health will work to build a more comprehensive response model in our county.
Community Paramedics from both Clackamas Fire and AMR will be utilized to provide crucial follow-up to overdose victims after the emergency medical phase of the call ends. Community Paramedics are an ideal fit for this project since their role is to provide care coordination between patients and providers, community resource navigation and follow-up visits in the home to provide post-discharge education. The goals of the Community Paramedic Opioid Overdose project are to:
Reduce the number of people who overdose on opioids, thereby decreasing future 9-1-1 calls and hospital readmissions.
Improve the quality of life for patients with substance abuse disorders. Bridge the gaps in care by connecting vulnerable patients to treatment services and other resources that address social factors that may be influencing the patients' health.
Follow-up by a Community Paramedic along with a Peer Recovery Mentor will occur in either the Emergency Department or the home setting shortly after the overdose occurs. After an assessment is completed, patients will be navigated to treatment and recovery services in the community (inpatient, outpatient and community-based services) with a longer-term plan established to prevent future substance use and potential overdose.
A key element of this project is to include harm reduction efforts through the distribution of naloxone kits and delivery of harm reduction messages to opioid users. Patients, and where applicable, family members will be trained on naloxone use and opioid overdose prevention strategies. To expand upon a population health-based model, Community Paramedics and Peer Mentors will encourage patients to promote overdose prevention messages and distribute naloxone kits through drug-using and social networks and will provide naloxone refills and provide continued follow-up as needed.
Clackamas Fire, AMR, and Clackamas County Public Health are proud to be partnering on this creative pilot project, and are excited to engage in a county-wide health equity initiative in reducing the opioid epidemic in Clackamas County.
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Axton Baker
I began working for Clackamas Fire District #1 on April 25, 2018 as a Probationary Firefighter/Paramedic. My desire to work in the fire service started when I was about four-years-old. I was riding around on my tricycle at home and I asked my father if I could have my helmet from inside the garage to be safe. My father didn't grab my helmet; he grabbed his firefighter helmet from when he was in the service and put it on me. Ever since then, I have wanted to keep the family tradition of firefighters going. I am a fourth generation firefighter in my family and the first Paramedic. My great-grandfather and grandfather were both Portland Firefighters, and my father was a Canby Firefighter.
My father’s name is Bradley Baker, my mother’s name is Marguerite Baker, and my brother’s name is Zane Baker. We are hardworking country folk who have a 6.5 acre horse farm right off the Molalla River in Canby. We are very close to each other, especially because of my brother, Zane, who is special needs. Zane was born with Ataxic Cerebral Palsy. He is able to walk and talk with one to two word sentences, but he still needs a lot of attention and care. When I am done with shift work at the fire station, I am definitely around on the farm helping out with watching Zane.
Right now, I'm involved with my parish organization, which is the Knights of Columbus, and I'm also involved with one of the special needs groups that helps out my brother, which is called Mark 2 Ministries. Some of my hobbies include riding horses, paintball, go-carts, hot rodding, and target shooting. Something you may not know about me is that I am an Eagle Scout.
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Tracy Harris
I was hired as a Firefighter/Advanced EMT, and graduated from Clackamas Fire's academy #18-02. I wanted to work in the fire service because I wanted my life to mean something. As a member of the fire department, I have the opportunity to help those in need and doing so, is very fulfilling.
As a member of the La Grande Fire Department for thirteen years, I would consider them my family. Although I am sad to leave them, I am excited to be joining Clackamas Fire District #1. I have worked as an Assistant Coach for women’s basketball at the University of Montana at Western, and I have coached youth basketball in Norway. I am also involved with MDA's Fill the Boot, which I look forward to every year with participating in fundraising. My hobbies include working out, weightlifting, and participating in the firefighter stair climbs. I also enjoy spending time with my English Mastiff. Something you may not know about me is that I spent four seasons playing semi-professional basketball in Norway.
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Walter Herzog
I started Academy #18-02 on April 25, 2018. I will be a probationary Firefighter/EMT. When I was 16, I had a neighbor who was a career firefighter. After speaking with him one day, he told me about a junior firefighter program that his department had. Already having an interest in firefighting, I went to the department and filled out an application. It wasn't long before I was hooked, and decided after high school that I would become a career firefighter. After high school, I felt a need to serve my country, so I joined the U.S. Coast Guard. During my eight years in the Coast Guard, I continued to volunteer with fire departments local to my duty station.
My wife, Rachelle, and I got married on Sept 17, 2013. Rachelle is currently pursuing her degree in nursing, while being a stay-at-home mom. We have two beautiful daughters, who are full of spunk. Averie will be four in April, and Aubrie will be one in August. We enjoy quality family time and taking trips together. Averie enjoys helping me with all my carpentry projects and would like to grow up to be a veterinarian. I recently resigned from being the President of the Coos Bay Volunteer Firefighters Association. This association is heavily involved in community events. Events include the hanging of Christmas lights at Shore Acres State Park, a 4th of July fishing derby, sponsorship of children and organizations, multiple parades, as well as teaming with the Salvation Army to split firewood for local elderly. My hobbies include hiking, camping, anything outdoors, and carpentry. I enjoy remodeling and building items for my house. Something you may not know about me is that I played the tuba in my high school marching band. We were invited to travel the country performing with a drum and bugle corps.
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Bruce Neelands
I began employment with Clackamas Fire District #1 on April 25, 2018, the first day of Academy #18-02. I am currently a probationary Firefighter/Paramedic. To be honest, I somewhat stumbled into the fire service. As I was finishing high school, I had to complete a senior capstone and was fortunate enough to have a family friend who was a firefighter. I job shadowed him for serveral shifts, was able to observe calls and be a part of the day-to-day environment. I quickly realized this was a great field and would allow me to make a positive impact on the community.
My immediate family consists of my mother, Sandra, father, Bruce, and sister, Amanda. My sister, Amanda, also works at Clackamas Fire as an Administrative Technician. I, also, have a German Shorthair Pointer named, Ridge. I have been fortunate enough to be involved with the MDA and their Fill the Boot fundraisers for the last two years. That being said, it has been a great experience working closely with MDA representatives and some of the families they help support. I look forward to many more years of participation. Although I have been very busy with work at my previous department and then with academy, I really enjoy rock climbing. I have only been climbing indoors, but hope to make it outside and climb some real rock sometime next summer. Another hobby I have taken up is videography, more specifically aerial videography. I have had a drone for a few years and enjoy hiking to new places to capture different aerial photos and videos.
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Damian Peters
I am one of the newest recruits that started April 25, 2018. I am currently a probationary Firefighter/Paramedic. I went on a ride along with a police officer when I was 15 and he asked why I wanted to be an officer. I told him I wanted to help my community and be someone to count on. He replied by saying, "No, you don't want to be a cop, you want to be a firefighter." From there, I took a high school firefighting class and fell in love with the service to the community.
I have been married since 2015 to my wife, Lidia, and we live in Sherwood. I grew up in Forest Grove with a brother and two sisters. My parents still live in Forest Grove and I often visit to help on their farm, and watch baseball with my dad. I have a home woodshop in my garage where I make furniture. I do commission work for family and friends, building custom projects. I call my woodshop "Valley Craftsmen Woodworking" and hope to turn it into a functioning business on my off days someday. Besides woodworking, I like hiking and spending time outside. Lidia and I like to travel together to explore places and countries we haven't seen. Something you may not know about me is that I am a huge baseball and Seattle Mariners fan.
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Daniel Weisenburg
I am part of Academy 18-02 which started April 25, 2018. Before getting hired on as a career firefighter, I was a volunteer with Clackamas Fire since 2010. My current position is probationary Firefighter/EMT-Basic. There are several reasons why I have pursued a career in the fire service. First and foremost, I enjoy working in the community, but more, specifically, helping people when they need it the most. Both of my brothers served in Iraq, one of them giving the ultimate sacrifice in 2003. When my brother passed away, I was longing to find a career where I can both, serve others and have camaraderie within the career, as my brothers did in the military. My father suggested I do a ride along, and as they say...the rest is history.
My wife, Adina, and I have been married for 12 years. We met while in college at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. As soon as we both graduated from college, we moved back to Portland, Oregon with our three-month-old daughter, Aubrie. In 2008, our middle child, Lincoln, was born. In 2013, we had yet another surprise, our daughter, Quinn, came into the world. We enjoy the outdoors: hiking, camping, and boating, to name a few. Our kids are, also, involved with sports, mainly swimming and basketball. When we aren't outside enjoying the NW or sports, my son and I are working on his '64 Malibu. I have been able to coach my son in football and my daughter in basketball the last few years for Oregon City School District. Along with that, my wife and I also enjoy playing music. She plays the piano and sings, and I play the drums and a little guitar.
I really enjoy playing and coaching basketball...GO BLAZERS! I, also, enjoy building and fixing up our home. My wife and I bought our first home about three years ago, and we have been able to update our kitchen, bathroom, floors, and some other minor projects. There is also an endless Pinterest list my wife shows me on as weekly basis. Something most people may not know about me is that one year after high school, my three best friends and I signed with a record label. We moved up to Seattle, Washington and lived above a music studio, right off the Puget Sound. It was an amazing experience. Our "fame/cribs" (sarcasm implied) lifestyle lasted all of three months. We found ourselves moving back to Portland, Oregon, where we played in local venues/bars/coffee shops for a couple years.
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Curtis Wilson
I was recently hired with Clackamas Fire District #1 as a Firefighter/Paramedic. I wanted to work in the fire service because I wanted to contribute and serve the community in a positive way.
I come from a rural farming community. My family has a blueberry and hazelnut farm. I have a close relationship with my parents, grandparents, and two siblings. My older brother is married and has four children. My younger sister is married and has two children. I enjoy hunting and fishing with my family and friends. I, also, like to travel both domestically and internationally whenever I can. Something you may not know about me is that I learned to surf on the North Shore of Spain while I was backpacking through Europe for five weeks.
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Clackamas Fire District #1 opens its doors to a new Fleet and Logistics Center
Clackamas Fire District #1 held a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony for its newest building, the Fleet and Logistics Center on Monday, July 30, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The ceremony began with a presentation and history of the building, followed by the formal ribbon cutting at 10:15 a.m. The 20,000 square foot facility was immediately available for tours with Fleet and Logistics staff following the ceremony.
Through the passage of the Fire District’s general obligation bond by voters in 2015 for $29 million, it was decided to construct and equip a new Fleet and Logistics Center. The current building is unable to hold all of the items that Logistics needs to carry and the new building allows this division to consolidate various equipment and product into one central location allowing for greater efficiency.
On the Fleet side, several pieces of heavy apparatus could not fit inside the bays of the existing fleet center. With only three bays, there were times the mechanics were working outside to get various apparatus back in-service and mission ready. This became a real concern during harsh weather in the summer and winter months. As the Fire District moved forward with the building project, there have been an increase in other agencies requesting fleet services. Currently, the Fire District provides contracted fleet services for Canby Fire District #62, Gladstone Fire Department, and the City of Lake Oswego Fire Department in addition to maintaining its own fleet of emergency and non-emergency response vehicles.
The Fire District began the process for designing a new Fleet and Logistics Center in 2016 through requests for proposals for architectural services and a contractor. The request for proposal process resulted in the hiring of Rice Fergus Miller, Inc. and Emerick Construction.
There were about 150-200 attendees who came out to the ceremony, received tours, and met fleet and logistics staff members. The Clackamas Fire Fleet and Logistics Center is located at 15800 SE 130
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Ave. Clackamas, OR. 97015.
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Wildfire
Creating Defensible Space Zones
Creating defensible space is essential to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. It’s the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it protects your home from catching fire –either from direct flame contact or radiant heat. Defensible space is also important for the protection of the firefighters defending your home.
Two zones make up the required 100 feet of defensible space.
Zone 1
Zone 1 extends 30 feet* out from buildings, structures, decks, etc. Remove all dead plants, grass and weeds (vegetation).
Zone 2
Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of 4 inches.
Create horizontal spacing between shrubs and trees (See diagram).
Create vertical spacing between grass, shrubs and trees (See diagram).
Remove fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches. However, they may be permitted to a depth of three inches.
Air Quality
Air quality near and downwind of a wildfire can reach unhealthy levels. In order to protect yourself you should:
•Limit your time outside
•Avoid strenuous work
•Wear an N 95 mask outside
Children and individuals with breathing challenges are at greatest risk. Extra care should be exercised and their breathing status should be monitored closely.
Evacuation Notice
If you live in an area threatened by wildfire you should monitor local news closely. Authorities will publish evacuation levels based on the threat to your community. The levels are:
1.Ready
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Monitor news, prepare a “go bag” begin to plan your evacuation strategy.
2.Set
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You should have essentials packed and you should be ready to evacuate at a moments notice.
3.Go!
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Evacuation is mandatory to preserve life. Evacuate your family immediately.
Know Before You Go
Before planning your summer getaway, make sure wildfires are not threatening your intended destination. For the latest information on wildfires in the state, go to:
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June 2018
Date:
6/10/2018 5:14:17 AM
Address: 12550 SE 43rd Ave. Milwaukie, OR 97222
Investigator(s):
Dahlgren
Type of Fire:
Building Fire
Fire Area of Origin:
Exterior balcony, unenclosed porch
Fire Cause:
Unintentional
Estimated Dollar Loss:
$215,000
Investigator Narrative:
This fire started outside the residence on a covered deck. The probable ignition source was an improperly discarded cigarette.
Date:
6/12/2018 5:47:45 PM
Address: 11250 SE 82nd Ave. Happy Valley, OR 97086
Investigator(s):
Liljefelt
Type of Fire:
Fire in motor home, camper, or RV as a residence
Fire Area of Origin:
Bedroom
Fire Cause:
Intentional
Estimated Dollar Loss:
$15,300
Investigator Narrative:
The fire was intentionally set by the resident.
Date:
6/13/2018 1:22:50 PM
Address: 15340 S Maplelane Rd. Oregon City, OR 97045
Investigator(s):
Stenhouse
Type of Fire:
Building Fire
Fire Area of Origin:
Bathroom, checkroom, lavatory, locker room
Fire Cause:
Failure of equipment or heat source
Estimated Dollar Loss:
$30,000
Investigator Narrative:
The fire occurred inside the master bathroom of a single-family residence, when the bathroom exhaust fan malfunctioned igniting ordinary combustibles stored on the floor. The smoke damage was limited to the bedroom materials subjected to smoke deposits, in large part due to the homeowner closing the door upon leaving the room.
Date:
6/13/2018 9:43:49 PM
Address: 12432 SE Guilford Dr. Milwaukie, OR 97222
Investigator(s):
Stenhouse
Type of Fire:
Building Fire
Fire Area of Origin:
Attic: vacant, crawl space above top story, cupola
Fire Cause:
Failure of equipment or heat source
Estimated Dollar Loss:
$110,000
Investigator Narrative:
The fire occurred within the concealed attic space of a single-family residence when the electrical wiring failed, likely due to the age and use of these components. A significant portion of the attic space and roof was damaged in the fire.
Date:
6/16/2018 7:15:43 AM
Address: 18789 Central Point Rd. Oregon City, OR 97045
Investigator(s):
McGladrey
Type of Fire:
Building Fire
Fire Area of Origin:
Laundry area, wash house (laundry)
Fire Cause:
Intentional
Estimated Dollar Loss:
$4,000
Investigator Narrative:
The fire started in a locked room that many people had access to. It started inside a room that offered a blocked view at a time of night where there were no witnesses. The fire had two separate areas of origin that were not connected and both appeared to have an ignitable liquid pattern. There were no accidental sources of ignition in the area.
Date:
6/23/2018 6:39:16 PM
Address: 16190 S Kepler Dr. Oregon City, OR 97045
Investigator(s):
Dahlgren
Type of Fire:
Building Fire
Fire Area of Origin:
Storage: supplies or tools; dead storage
Fire Cause:
Cause undetermined after investigation
Estimated Dollar Loss:
$52,000
Investigator Narrative:
This fire started in a shed used primarily for dry storage. The area of origin had no competent ignition sources so the fire had some sort of human intervention.
Date:
6/24/2018 1:30:54 PM
Address: 17219 S Beckman Rd. Oregon City, OR 97045
Investigator(s):
Hamilton
Type of Fire:
Building Fire
Fire Area of Origin:
Function area, other
Fire Cause:
Failure of equipment or heat source
Estimated Dollar Loss:
$370,000
Investigator Narrative:
It was determined that the area of origin is in the front playroom. The cause of the fire was a failure in the electrical controller of the reptile-heating pad. The fire was classified as accidental.
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