News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Ken Enoch is serving as interim fire chief for the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District.
The district board of directors named Enoch to the post in a special meeting on Thursday, May 8, after accepting the resignation and retirement of Chief Don Rowe. Rowe's resignation takes effect as of June 1, but Enoch will step into his boots immediately as Rowe is out on sick leave.
Enoch has been with the fire district for 14 years and has been a career (paid) staff member for 13 years. Enoch listed several priorities for the district, including acquiring a new water tender for the Squaw Creek Canyon Estates substation and purchasing two cardiac 12-lead EKG monitors. The goal is to purchase one with district funds and another through grants so that each ambulance is equipped with a unit.
The district is also developing plans for expansion of the headquarters facilities at Sisters Fire Hall.
"Right now we're looking at more office space here on the front of the building," Enoch said.
Eventually the district plans to add living quarters for staff.
The district is also working on a water system to protect Camp Sherman from wildfire. According to Enoch, the pump system would be tied into Lake Creek.
"We're going to try our best to get it ready (for this fire season)," Enoch said. "That's a priority, to get that going."
According to board member Dave Elliott, the district has contracted with the consulting firm 4-M to launch a search for a new chief. The board will set criteria, advertise for candidates and conduct interviews, with a selection coming sometime around September 1.
Enoch said he will be a candidate for permanent assignment as Fire Chief.
Don Rowe was named acting chief on July 6, 1998 and the post was made official on November 9, 1998.
Rowe succeded Chief Don Mouser, who was the first paid employee of the district, which has since grown to include multiple paid staff and a full complement of ambulances and fire engines.
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
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