SW Polk Fire District

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News Release

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.

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.