Volunteer Spotlight: James Oeder

Name: James Oeder
Title: Fire Chief
Department: Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District
Location: Cloverdale, OR

Why are you an NVFC member?
The work and support for all volunteers is very important and the NVFC has stepped up and worked hard for the volunteers’ rights. They have also worked on strengthening the relationships with other organizations along with the U.S. Senators and Representatives.

What is your occupation?
Fire chief

Why are you a fire service volunteer?
I spent 30 years as a volunteer and 10 years as a board member for Oregon Volunteer Firefighters Association. I am very proud of what Oregon has accomplished during that time and continue to support them. I am now the chief of a small combination district that could not make it with out our volunteers, which is why I continue to fight for them.

What year did you join the fire or emergency services?
1981

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
Seeing the hard work that has been put in to fight for volunteer rights and being able to honor those that do this job.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
We have grown from a very small agency that ran low numbers of calls to responding to over 1,000 calls this past year. As the calls for service has increased, so has the respect for the agency from the residents and visitors. As we grew, we were also able to lower the ISO rating and we are in the process of being re-rated.

Interested in serving your community? Find volunteer fire service opportunities at www.makemeafirefighter.org