SW Polk Fire District

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News Release

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.

 

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.