Jefferson Rural Fire Protection District
South Marion & Northern Linn Counties
Request: $126,000*
*Jefferson Fire District would be grateful for a smaller or partial award. These are the priorities, but we would take any help we can get:
Power load: this loads the gurney into the ambulance, reducing back injuries and strains on workers cost $32,000
Power Gurney: we are in need of two, $36,768 each, total request $73,536
Thermal Imaging cameras: $1,719 for each camera
The Jefferson Fire District is requesting funding for two ambulance gurneys, a power-load system, and thermal imaging cameras. This equipment is essential to maintaining and enhancing our life-saving capabilities during emergencies and natural disasters.
During any natural disaster, the ability to safely and efficiently transport patients to the hospital is critical. Our current ambulance gurneys and power-load system have reached or exceeded their expected service life, increasing the risk of equipment failure and reducing operational efficiency. Replacing them with two new gurneys and a modern power-load system will ensure our personnel can safely load, transport, and provide care for trauma victims and medically vulnerable patients during disasters and everyday emergency responses.
Wildfires present a significant threat to our community, particularly to older adults and individuals with respiratory conditions. Smoke exposure and the stress associated with wildfire events often result in increased medical emergencies, requiring reliable emergency medical transport. Modern patient transport equipment will allow us to continue providing timely, safe, and effective care when demand is at its highest.
The Jefferson Fire District is also requesting thermal imaging cameras to enhance our wildland firefighting capabilities. These cameras enable firefighters to identify hidden hot spots that may not be visible to the naked eye, ensuring they are completely extinguished. Without thermal imaging technology, concealed hot spots can continue to smolder, eventually generating enough heat to rekindle a fire, breach containment lines, and threaten lives, property, and natural resources. Early detection of these hazards reduces the risk of fire re-ignition and improves firefighter safety.
While this equipment is critical to the Jefferson Fire District's operations, its benefits extend well beyond our jurisdiction. We maintain mutual aid agreements with fire and emergency service agencies throughout Marion and Linn Counties, as well as neighboring counties across Oregon. Additionally, Jefferson Fire District actively participates in the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Conflagration Response System, deploying personnel and equipment to major wildfire incidents throughout the state.
Funding this request will strengthen our ability to protect our local community while also enhancing regional and statewide emergency response capabilities. Investing in this equipment will improve patient care, firefighter safety, disaster preparedness, and mutual aid response, providing lasting benefits to communities across Oregon.
