The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District (SCSFD) has announced the promotion of Rachel Ulm to the position of resident volunteer lieutenant. Lt. Ulm will take over the senior position within the resident volunteer program on June 15, when out-going Lt. Rachelle Beiler completes the four-year resident volunteer program.

Lt. Ulm came to SCSFD in June of 2019 to begin her experience as a resident volunteer firefighter. Prior to coming to Sisters, Lt. Ulm served as a volunteer firefighter and part-time paid firefighter in Coburg, OR where her family still resides. She is keeping up family tradition by following in her father’s footsteps. Rachel’s dad, Benton Ulm serves as an engine captain for the Eugene/Springfield Fire Department and as training officer for Coburg Fire.

“I am excited to have Lt. Ulm take on this critical leadership role within our resident volunteer program. Her energy and vision for the future will make a great program even better,” said Tim Craig, Deputy Chief of Operations for SCSFD.

Lt. Ulm said, “I am super excited for this amazing opportunity to serve the members of the Fire District and the community of Sisters as a lieutenant. I look forward to making this incredible student program the best that it can be.”

Lt. Rachelle Beiler will be leaving SCSFD after completing four years of dedicated service to Sisters Country. “Lt. Beiler has been a fantastic leader in our organization. She will be deeply missed by all of us. We wish her the best in her future in fire and EMS,” said Craig.

The resident volunteer program teaches basic firefighting principles and practices to volunteers who are also enrolled in the structural fire science and paramedic associate’s degree programs at Central Oregon Community College.

Resident Volunteers live in the main fire station and respond on emergencies alongside the career firefighters as they gain knowledge and experience.

The resident volunteer lieutenant serves as the lead resident volunteer, assisting the deputy chief in managing the program, and providing leadership to the other resident volunteers.

Additionally, the resident volunteer lieutenant attends Eastern Oregon University, working on a bachelor’s degree in fire service administration.