Woodburn Fire District’s Alexander Weninger was promoted to lieutenant during a ceremony at the board of directors meeting earlier this month.
Lieutenant Weninger is an 11-year veteran of the fire service and has been working as a career firefighter for the Woodburn Fire District since 2014. Weninger holds an associate degree in Fire Science from Chemeketa Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Administration from Eastern Oregon University.
Throughout his career, Weninger has been the recipient of numerous awards and commendations including a 2020 Fire Chief’s Letter of Appreciation, Firefighter of the Year award in 2021, and in 2022, he received a Unit Commendation for actions taken during an incident that fatally injured a St. Paul firefighter. Weninger serves on several of the fire district’s administrative committees and is a CPR instructor and peer support counselor. In his peer support role, Weninger provides counselling and coping strategies to firefighters that helps with the mental processing of traumatic events that are a routine part of emergency response duties.
In comments made prior to administering the oath of office, Woodburn Fire Chief Joe Budge expressed appreciation for the contributions that Weniger has made to the fire district and confidence in his success in his new role, “Alex consistently demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities and is well prepared to take on the responsibilities of his new position. In addition to many leadership roles that he provides, he has been acting in the capacity of lieutenant for the past five years while waiting for an opportunity to promote.”
Weninger is now one of three career lieutenants that serve as the fire district’s frontline supervisors responsible for maintaining 24-hour operational readiness for emergency response. WFD lieutenants supervise four-person crews, manage emergency scenes, train crew members and are responsible for keeping firefighters while meeting the district’s mission to protect the lives and property of those that live and work in Woodburn, Gervais and surrounding areas.
When asked about his newly appointed leadership position, Lieutenant Weninger referenced renown business leader Jack Welch who has been quoted as saying, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” Weniger added, “I look forward to assisting both career and volunteer members to reach their goals while serving the community and meeting the district’s mission.”
Lieutenant Weninger, his wife Sarah, and their son Kason live in Colton. Sarah is a nurse and health unit coordinator at Willamette Falls Hospital. The Weingers are expecting their second child in January.