Woodburn Fire District Hires Three Seasonal Firefighters with State Grant Support
The Woodburn Fire District has announced the hiring of three seasonal firefighters under the 2024 Wildfire Season Staffing grant provided by the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office. This grant, now in its third year, aims to bolster the number of firefighters across Oregon by offering additional resources during the high fire season, which typically spans from July to September. The grant is a crucial component of a broader strategy to enhance wildfire preparedness in communities throughout the state.
The New Hires
The newly hired seasonal firefighters are Jordan Taulai, Yaset Carlos, and Angelo Nicosia.
- Jordan Taulai: A resident of Woodburn, Jordan is already a volunteer member of the Woodburn Fire District. He holds EMT certifications and is currently working towards his firefighter certification. Jordan aspires to become a career firefighter and is dedicated to serving his community.
- Yaset Carlos: Yaset has recently completed the fire suppression project at Chemeketa Community College and is in the process of completing his EMT training. As a volunteer for the Woodburn Fire District, Yaset expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in a seasonal capacity, stating, “I appreciate the Woodburn Fire District for the opportunity to be part of the seasonal positions and am looking forward to helping district residents.”
- Angelo Nicosia: Angelo is a full-time firefighter/EMT for another fire district and is also finishing his contract with the Oregon Army National Guard. With his extensive experience, Angelo shared, “I am excited to be part of the Woodburn family and use my experience to help serve the community this summer.”
The Wildfire Season Staffing Grant
The Wildfire Season Staffing grant is designed to provide critical support during Oregon’s peak wildfire months. By increasing the number of trained firefighters, the grant helps ensure that communities are better prepared to face the challenges of wildfire season. This initiative is part of a multi-faceted approach to wildfire management, focusing on prevention, preparedness, and response.
The addition of Jordan, Yaset, and Angelo to the Woodburn Fire District team exemplifies the proactive steps being taken to enhance local firefighting capabilities. Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to service will undoubtedly strengthen the district’s response efforts during the high fire season.