SW Polk Fire District Receives Improved ISO Rating; Future Reductions In Staffing Could Jeopardize Gains - 05/21/26

Today, the SW Polk Fire District received notice that effective September 1, 2026, the district’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification rating will improve from a Class 5/10 to a Class 4/10. This improvement reflects the dedication, training, operational readiness, and service capabilities provided by district personnel and resources made possible through the voter-approved 2022 levy.

An improved ISO rating is significant for property owners within the district because it is commonly used by insurance companies when calculating property insurance premiums. In many cases, a lower ISO classification can result in reduced insurance costs for homeowners and businesses located within the district’s response area.

Importantly, this improved classification is directly tied to service enhancements and operational improvements made possible through the district’s previous voter-approved levy. Investments in staffing, firefighter training, apparatus readiness, response capability, and station operations all contributed to the district achieving the higher ISO rating.

“This improved rating is a direct reflection of the hard work and commitment of our firefighters, staff, and community investment in fire protection services,” said Fred Hertel. “The previous levy allowed the district to make meaningful improvements to emergency response capabilities and operational readiness, which played a major role in achieving this better classification for our community.”

However, district leadership cautions that maintaining this improved classification depends heavily on sustaining operational staffing levels and response capabilities.

As outlined in the district’s recent communications regarding the failure of Levy 27-148, SW Polk Fire District is preparing for staffing reductions, longer emergency response times, and the unstaffing of the Bridgeport Fire Station effective June 30, 2026. These reductions come at a time when the district is entering increasingly demanding wildfire seasons and continuing to experience growing service expectations.

The district also warns that reductions in staffing and service levels may negatively impact future ISO evaluations and could ultimately result in the reversal of the improved rating if emergency response capabilities decline below current standards.

“ISO ratings are built on measurable emergency service capabilities,” Chief Hertel said. “When staffing decreases, stations become unstaffed, and response times increase, those changes can affect the level of fire protection available to the community. Maintaining this improved rating will require maintaining the resources that helped us achieve it.”

SW Polk Fire District remains committed to providing the highest level of emergency services possible while responsibly managing taxpayer resources and adapting to the financial realities facing the district.

SW Polk Fire District Responds To Outcome Of Levy Measure 27-148 - 05/20/26

Dallas, OR — The SW Polk Fire District acknowledges the outcome of Levy Measure 27-148, which did not receive sufficient favorable votes during the May 2026 election.

The levy measure was intended to maintain current emergency response staffing levels, ambulance transport reliability, firefighter wellness initiatives, and operational sustainability for the district’s growing service demands.

District leadership recognizes that voters are sending a clear message that many residents are unable to absorb additional financial burdens. The district also acknowledges the broader reality that increased costs inevitably result in reduced service levels when sustainable funding is unavailable.

As a result of the failed levy measure, the district will implement operational reductions effective June 30, 2026. These reductions are necessary to align district services with available long-term funding.

The changes will include:

• Reduction in firefighter and EMS staffing levels
• Increased emergency response times in portions of the district
• Reduced ambulance availability during peak demand periods
• Unstaffing of the Bridgeport Fire Station
• Increased reliance on mutual aid and overtime staffing when available

“These decisions are difficult and carry real impacts to emergency response capability,” said Fire Chief Fred Hertel. “Our firefighters and paramedics remain committed to providing the highest level of service possible, but reduced staffing inevitably affects response times, unit availability, and operational flexibility.”

The timing of these reductions also presents additional challenges as the district enters the summer wildland fire season. Reduced staffing levels limit the district’s ability to simultaneously manage structure fires, vegetation fires, medical emergencies, and extended attack incidents during periods of high fire danger.

“With wildfire risk increasing each summer, maintaining adequate staffing is critical not only for emergency medical response but also for initial attack capability on vegetation fires,” Hertel said. “Early, aggressive response is one of the most important factors in keeping small fires from becoming large incidents.”

The district emphasized that firefighters and paramedics will continue responding to emergencies throughout the service area, but residents should expect changes in service delivery compared to current operations.

District leadership noted that Measure 27-148 was developed following extensive financial analysis intended to balance emergency service demands with long-term fiscal sustainability. The district had previously implemented cost-saving measures, including administrative restructuring and position reductions, prior to placing the levy before voters.

SW Polk Fire District expressed appreciation to community members who participated in the election process and stated that the district will continue evaluating options to preserve emergency services while operating within available funding.

Additional operational updates and implementation details will be provided to the public in the coming weeks.

Representative Anna Scharf Presents Proclamation Honoring Oregon Fire District Directors Association (Photo) - 05/15/26

DALLAS, Ore. — On May 14, 2026, Representative Anna Scharf presented a proclamation recognizing and honoring the Oregon Fire District Directors Association (OFDDA) for more than 75 years of promoting public safety and supporting fire district governance throughout Oregon.

The proclamation was presented to the SW Polk Fire District Board of Directors during a special recognition ceremony acknowledging the association’s longstanding commitment to Oregon communities, emergency preparedness, and effective fire district leadership.

For more than seven decades, the Oregon Fire District Directors Association has worked to strengthen fire service governance through education, advocacy, and collaboration among fire district leaders across the state. The organization has played a vital role in supporting local fire districts and ensuring communities receive reliable emergency services and protection.

Representative Scharf praised the association’s dedication to public service and its enduring impact on the safety and well-being of Oregonians.

“The Oregon Fire District Directors Association has been an important partner in promoting strong leadership and public safety across our state for more than 75 years,” said Representative Scharf. “Their commitment to supporting fire districts and the communities they serve deserves recognition and appreciation.”

Members of the SW Polk Fire District Board of Directors accepted the proclamation on behalf of the association and expressed gratitude for the recognition of the organization’s historic contributions to Oregon’s fire service community.

National Special Districts Day Recognizes Essential Local Services Provided By Standalone Districts - 05/06/26

SW Polk Fire District Joins Nationwide Recognition on May 6, 2026

Dallas, OR — On May 6, 2026, special districts across the country will celebrate the inaugural National Special Districts Day, recognizing the vital services provided by thousands of independent local governments that communities rely on every day.

Established by the National Special Districts Association, National Special Districts Day highlights the role special districts play in delivering essential services such as fire protection, emergency medical response, water systems, libraries, parks, and public safety infrastructure.

Special districts are local governments created to perform a single or limited set of services efficiently and locally. In Oregon, fire districts and other special districts serve millions of residents, often covering large rural areas where city services are not available.

The importance of these services became especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic. While state, tribal, county, and city governments received significant federal and state relief funding to assist with pandemic response and recovery, many Oregon special districts were largely excluded from those direct funding streams. As a result, districts continued providing uninterrupted emergency response, community protection, and operational readiness while absorbing pandemic-related expenses within their existing budgets.

Despite increased costs for protective equipment, staffing challenges, training adjustments, and operational changes, special districts maintained essential services without interruption.

“Special districts are often the most local form of government people may not realize exists,” said Fire Chief Fred Hertel. “Our firefighters, paramedics, and staff continued serving our community every day of the pandemic, even when financial assistance was limited. National Special Districts Day gives us an opportunity to recognize that commitment and educate the public about how these services are delivered.”

National Special Districts Day also serves to raise awareness among residents and policymakers about the governance, accountability, and funding structures that allow special districts to remain responsive to local needs.

SW Polk Fire District encourages community members to learn more about special districts and the essential role they play in protecting public safety and quality of life.

About SW Polk Fire District

SW Polk Fire District was formed under Oregon law in 1947 to provide more adequate fire protection for rural residents, their homes, and agricultural properties, while also reducing insurance premiums for properties within district boundaries. Over time, the District’s response model has evolved from primarily fire suppression to a service increasingly focused on emergency medical and rescue calls, reflecting changing community needs and steadily increasing call volume.

Today, SW Polk Fire District provides fire and emergency medical response services to the rural communities of Bridgeport, Dallas, Falls City, Oak Grove, Perrydale, Rickreall, and Salt Creek from three strategically located fire stations. The District operates as a combination agency staffed by both career and volunteer personnel. Career staff provide 24/7 coverage at two stations, while volunteers respond from all three locations.

The District has recently expanded emergency medical services by adding ambulance transport capabilities while continuing to support neighboring agencies through mutual aid partnerships.

Located on the west side of the Willamette Valley, approximately 40 minutes from the Pacific Coast and 60 minutes from the Cascade foothills, SW Polk Fire District protects a diverse landscape of farmland, forestland, and vineyards. The District serves approximately 8,100 residents across 142 square miles.