GRESHAM, Ore. – At the upcoming business meeting on April 1 at 6 p.m., the Gresham City Council will formally designate the Oregon Slender Salamander as the City’s official amphibian. Mayor Travis Stovall will make the official announcement, recognizing the dedication and civic engagement of students at Hogan Cedars Elementary School, who led the campaign and conducted a schoolwide vote to select the amphibian. 

“The Oregon Slender Salamander is a rare and fascinating species, thriving in part due to Gresham’s commitment to preserving its natural resources and habitats,” said Mayor Stovall. “Beyond celebrating this unique amphibian, we are proud to acknowledge the hard work and enthusiasm of Hogan Cedars students, who demonstrated leadership and civic participation throughout this process.” 

Earlier this month, Hogan Cedars Elementary hosted an assembly introducing students to local amphibians and their critical role in the ecosystem. Following the event, students cast their votes, ultimately selecting the Oregon Slender Salamander as the species most deserving of official recognition. 

Once believed to inhabit only the Cascade Mountains, the Oregon Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps wrighti) was first documented in Gresham in 2008 when a group of AmeriCorps volunteers discovered one in the Kelly Creek area. Subsequent searches revealed a thriving population in natural spaces and residential backyards across the city. 

The Oregon Slender Salamander spends most of its life underground and plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling insect populations. Amphibians, including salamanders, frogs, and newts, contribute significantly to Gresham’s biodiversity by helping to manage pests and maintain the health of local wetlands. 

About Gresham: 

Gresham is a vibrant and growing city where tradition blends seamlessly with innovation and opportunity. As Oregon's fourth-largest city, our community is built on a foundation of hard work, deep roots in agriculture, and a shared commitment to creating a thriving future. Discover more about what makes Gresham special by visiting GreshamOregon.gov. 

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GRESHAM, Ore. – Nearly a year after suffering critical injuries in the line of duty, Gresham Firefighter Spencer Tejedas is making his return to work. On Monday, March 31, Tejedas will be welcomed back by his fellow firefighters in a moment of camaraderie at the Gresham Fire Training Center (19204 N.E. San Rafael) at approximately 7:45 a.m. 

Media is invited to capture this special homecoming. Assistant Chief Jeff Hairston and Firefighter Tejedas will be available for interviews.  

"Spencer’s return is nothing short of extraordinary," said Chief Derik Minard. "His courage, perseverance, and dedication to this department and community are an inspiration to us all. We are incredibly proud to welcome him back." 

Tejedas will be returning in an administrative role with the training academy.  Drawing from his experience, he will mentor new recruits in the upcoming training academy. 

Firefighter Tejedas sustained his injuries on May 30, 2024, when the Gresham Fire Department and Portland Fire and Rescue responded to the reports of a duplex on fire. It was a complex response as the nature of the fire quickly evolved and during the process of the response, three firefighters were injured. Two of the firefighters were treated and released, however, Tejedas suffered severe burns on over 45% of his body.   

If members of the media would like to attend, please R.S.V.P. to Sarah.Cagann@GreshamOregon.gov.  

About Gresham: 

Gresham is a vibrant and growing city where tradition blends seamlessly with innovation and opportunity. As Oregon's fourth-largest city, our community is built on a foundation of hard work, deep roots in agriculture, and a shared commitment to creating a thriving future. Discover more about what makes Gresham special by visiting GreshamOregon.gov. 

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GRESHAM, Ore. – The City of Gresham is proud to announce that Derik Minard has been appointed as the permanent Fire Chief following his tenure as Interim Fire Chief since January 2025. With decades of experience and a steadfast commitment to public safety, Chief Minard is well-positioned to lead the Gresham Fire Department forward and will be sworn in as Fire Chief on April 1 at 6 p.m. during the City Council business meeting.

“In my time working with Chief Minard, I have been continually impressed by his strong leadership, extensive expertise, and dedication to both his team and the community,” said Gresham City Manager Eric Schmidt. “His vision and experience make him the right person to guide the department forward, and we are fortunate to have him in this role.” 

Minard’s appointment follows a thorough national search conducted in partnership with Workplace Change, launched after former Fire Chief Scott Lewis announced his retirement.  

The selection process was highly competitive, with 40 candidates undergoing two rounds of screening interviews. Finalists then participated in a full day of interviews, which included a panel of external Fire Chiefs from six regional fire departments. 

Reflecting on his leadership philosophy, Chief Minard shared, “The success of this department is measured by the morale, growth, and well-being of our firefighters and emergency responders. When people ask about my legacy, my answer is simple—it’s about the people.” 

Bringing 34 years of fire service experience, Minard has previously served as Fire Chief in Westminster, Colorado, and Savannah, Georgia. Throughout his career, he has held every rank within the fire service and earned a Master of Science in Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration. He is also a certified Executive Fire Officer (EFO) through the National Fire Academy. 

About Gresham: 

Gresham is a vibrant and growing city where tradition blends seamlessly with innovation and opportunity. As Oregon's fourth-largest city, our community is built on a foundation of hard work, deep roots in agriculture, and a shared commitment to creating a thriving future. Discover more about what makes Gresham special by visiting GreshamOregon.gov. 

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