Polk County Professional Firefighters Local 4196

08/10/2026

We're hiring a Community Paramedic!

More information at https://www.polkfireor.gov/community-paramedic

08/08/2026

08/08/2026

Polk County TF 53 has been mobilized from their pre position to the Wrights Spring Fire. Wishing everyone a safe deployment.

08/01/2026

Task Force 33 has safely returned home after a seven day deployment to the Akawa Butte Fire and Bench Fire. Please practice fire safety and stay safe this summer. Oregon State Fire Marshal DallasFireEMS Grand Ronde Tribe Silverton Fire District Polk County Fire District No.1 Falls City Fire Department

07/24/2026

Polk county task force is headed out to the Akawa Fire. Wishing all a safe deployment!

07/15/2026

Wishing everyone a safe deployment.

07/03/2026

Official media release from Polk County Fire District No.1 concerning a motor vehicle crash involving our members. Please keep your thoughts with our members and their families during this difficult time.

Polk Fire Ambulance Involved in Traffic Crash While Responding to Emergency Call

Monmouth, Oregon – A Polk County Fire District No. 1 ambulance was involved in a traffic crash at approximately 6:39 p.m. this evening while responding to an emergency medical call.

The ambulance had just cleared the scene of a fatal motorcycle crash in Independence and was en route to another emergency medical call in Monmouth when the collision occurred at the intersection of Highway 99W and Hoffman Road. There were no patients on board the ambulance at the time of the crash.

Three Polk Fire personnel were inside the ambulance. All three were conscious following the collision and were transported to Salem Health for medical evaluation.

The driver of the other vehicle involved was also transported to Salem Health for medical evaluation.

Polk Fire was assisted at the scene by Dallas Fire & EMS and the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Dallas Fire & EMS also provided mutual aid coverage to help ensure uninterrupted emergency medical service to our communities while crews managed the incident.

The crash is being investigated by the Oregon State Police.

Polk Fire is grateful for the assistance provided by Dallas Fire & EMS and our regional mutual aid partners. We appreciate the coordinated response from all agencies involved, and our thoughts are with everyone involved as they receive medical care.

We ask our community to keep our staff, and everyone involved in this crash in their thoughts as they recover and as the investigation continues.

03/30/2026

Local 4196 would like to honor Captain Michael Rusher for his distinguished 37-year career in the fire service. His expertise and knowledge leaves an enduring legacy within our organization and the community. As a founding member of Local 4196 and a multi-term Executive Board officer, his leadership has been invaluable. We thank you for your dedicated service and wish you the very best in a well-deserved retirement.

12/25/2025

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from your local Polk County Firefighters!