Fire district retirements lead to staffing changes

The retirement of two long-term Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District employees has resulted in some changes of responsibilities within the district.

Executive Assistant Susan Houck and Captain/Paramedic Gary Lovegren both are retiring effective December 31. Deputy Chief of Administration Jeremy Ast will be taking Lovegren's position as Captain/shift commander, and will also serve as the district's emergency medical services coordinator.

Houck's position as executive assistant has been replaced with a new part-time position of financial manager. An additional part-time position has been created to oversee the fire prevention and public education functions of the district. The new position will be called the "Community Risk and Fire Safety Manager." The scope of the position has been expanded to reflect all of the prevention and public education programs the district offers.

In addition to hiring two part-time administrative positions, the district will hire a firefighter/paramedic, bringing the daily staffing to three career personnel.

Fire Chief Roger Johnson said, "It's always difficult to replace the knowledge and experience of long-term employees like Susan and Gary. We are very fortunate to have Jeremy Ast, who will bring a tremendous amount of experience and leadership to the Shift Commander position."

Administrative staffing levels will be reduced from five positions to four as a result of the changes. The number of firefighter/paramedics will be increased from eight to nine under the plan.

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Board President Chuck Newport said, "This re-organization will be a great benefit to the community by redirecting tax dollars to provide better fire and emergency medical service to the citizens and visitors to the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District."

The additional firefighter/paramedic will increase the likelihood that two ambulances can be staffed more frequently.

Johnson said, "We are streamlining our administrative staffing and placing a high priority on delivering the best emergency response services possible."

The district also has a robust Volunteer Firefighter program with more than 35 active members. Community CPR and first aid training is provided by the district auxiliary volunteer program.

Johnson is optimistic that qualified applicants will be found for the two part-time positions. Special Districts Association of Oregon is assisting with the recruitment and selection of the new employees.

"I think there is a tremendous amount of talent available in Sisters Country and Central Oregon," Johnson said. "We are looking for people with experience, integrity, and desire to serve the community."

The positions will offer flexible working hours and PERS retirement for eligible employees.

Applications and job descriptions for the available positions can be found on the district website beginning Wednesday, December 4, at www.sistersfire.com.