Welcome Message from the Fire Chief

 As the Fire Chief of Mid- Columbia Fire and Rescue I am deeply inspired by the rich history of the Fire Service in The Dalles. The legacy of Fort Dalles Fire Department, Jackson Hose Company, and Diligent Hook and Ladder Company, established since 1862, reminds us that we are stewards of a proud tradition of public safety. Since the Oregon Trail landed in The Dalles, the fire service has had a lasting impact on preserving our homes, commerce, and way of life in The Dalles area.

As a Fire District our mission is clear and our continually evolving goals ensure we will continue to meet the increasing demand for fire and emergency services. Since COVID, our emergency calls have surged by over 33%, a challenge faced by fire districts across Oregon. We have no choice but to rise to this challenge, and we will do so with determination and unity.

Every member of our organization, from the newest recruit to the most seasoned veteran, will work together to fulfill the mission entrusted to us by the citizens of our area. We are committed to continually analyzing and enhancing every aspect of our service delivery. We know that what is “good enough” today will not be “good enough” tomorrow.

The national standard for a single-family residential structure is 16 firefighters of all levels. We are not there yet, but we are making progress. When I started with MCFR, we had just 6 firefighters and 1 Chief officer per day if fully staffed. Today, through a partnership with the Oregon Department of State Fire Marshal, we have positions for 11 firefighters and 1 Chief Officer, plus single-role EMS personnel. This growth is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our strong partnerships which help us succeed in our mission.

Our Emergency Medical Services are robust, despite the challenges posed by the general medical worker shortage. While other metropolitan areas in Oregon experience significant delays, our Paramedics and EMTs consistently maintain an average response time of near 7 minutes, well below the state trauma goal of 15 minutes. This achievement is a source of pride and a reflection of our dedication to rapid and effective emergency response.

The wildfire threat is a constant presence in our community, but we are not alone in this fight. Our partnerships with the Oregon Department of Forestry, US Forest Service National Scenic Area, and the five counties on both sides of the Columbia have created a unique and effective system of cooperation. This collaboration is the result of decades of hard work by fire service leaders who have broken down silos to provide the most effective firefighting force possible. We are committed to continuing this tradition and building on the legacy of those who came before us.

Our vision is to provide an increasingly effective, responsive, compassionate, and community-oriented Fire District year over year. We have a responsibility to continually improve and provide better service to our community. By leveraging our resources, making strategic decisions, and empowering our team, we will achieve this vision together.

I am privileged to be a part of this effort as the Fire Chief, and with the support of the entire team and community we will continue to meet the ever-increasing needs of emergency services.

David Jensen, MPA, EFO, CFO

Fire Chief