Hood River Fire & EMS is celebrating good news after receiving $384,025 in grant funding from the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM). The grant will provide financial support to staff an additional firefighter over the course of three years – 90% the first year, 75% the second, and 50% the third year. Beginning on the fourth year, the City would be responsible for paying the full salary. 

The Grant is awarded through OSFM’s Oregon Fire Service Capacity Grant, a program designed to provide funding for small and medium-sized Oregon fire agencies, and to encourage an increase in permanent local firefighter staff. In total, 33 different fire agencies out of a candidate pool of 102 applicants were awarded grants. These funds will staff an additional 53 firefighters throughout 27 counties across Oregon. 

“This grant will help us to keep our community safe with an additional firefighter during our busiest times. We are grateful to the Oregon State Fire Marshal for providing this necessary support to local firefighting agencies like ours,” said Fire Chief Leonard Damian. “This additional staff member will allow us to respond more quickly to emergency service requests.” 

On May 22, 2023 the Hood River City Council adopted an ordinance to accept the grant money. The City looks forward to recruiting their newest firefighter once the funds are received.