Scappoose Professional Firefighters

10/16/2025

marching in solidarity with the Kaiser nurses!

Standing in solidarity with our nurses at Kaiser Hospital.

When those who care for us need support, it’s our turn to show up for them. Safe staffing, fair wages, and respect in the workplace aren’t luxuries — they’re essentials.

From one group of essential workers to another — you’ve got our support!

07/07/2025

Congratulations to William “Billy” Cardoos on completing his probationary period and earning his yellow helmet. Billy, started his journey as an Emergency Response Technician (ERT) at SRFD, promoting to firefighter last year. He has completed a rigorous year of training, testing and constant evaluation. We couldn’t be more happy to help him celebrate this milestone in his public safety career.

06/05/2025

This is the County’s attempt to clarify the Ambulance Service Agreement process, but we must address several serious concerns about this initiative and its potential impact on our residents.

-Our Track Record Speaks for Itself

For 70 years, Scappoose Fire District has provided reliable, high-quality ambulance service to our community without the excessive bureaucratic oversight now being imposed.

Our firefighters and EMTs live in this community, know our residents, and understand the unique challenges of serving rural Columbia County. We have consistently met response times, maintained proper staffing, and equipped our units to serve our neighbors at the highest care levels.

-Quality of Service Concerns

The County’s statement that Metro West Ambulance “has confirmed its ability to provide countywide ambulance service” is deeply concerning. While Metro West may claim they can provide adequate coverage, there is a significant difference between adequate and the personalized, community-focused care that the fire districts have delivered for years. Furthermore, we are highly concerned with the definition of, “Adequate”

Our firefighters don’t just respond to calls – we know the residents we serve. We understand the local geography, the specific challenges of our response areas, and we’re invested in this community because we ARE this community. A private (FOR PROFIT) ambulance company based elsewhere cannot and will not provide the same level of dedicated service.

-Redundant Governance

This entire ASA process represents additional and unnecessary government interference in emergency services that have functioned effectively for years. The County is creating bureaucratic solutions to problems that don’t exist, while threatening to disrupt emergency services that our residents depend on.

The counties mandate and authority to ensure a quality EMS service is not in question. What is in question, is their interpretation of their authority to gain more control of your local districts; while also imposing unfunded mandates.

-Our Commitment Moving Forward

Despite these challenges, WE remain committed to serving our community. Our district will continue to evaluate the County’s requirements, but we will not compromise on the quality of service our residents deserve.

We urge Columbia County residents to stay informed about this process and to contact their County Commissioners to express support for maintaining local fire district ambulance services. Our community deserves emergency services provided by people who live here, work here, and care about our neighbors.

The firefighters and EMTs of Scappoose Fire District will continue to be here for you, just as we always have!

Tualatin Valley Firefighters Union - IAFF Local 1660
Oregon State Fire Fighters Council

05/21/2025

05/21/2025

With the majority of votes counted ,our Levy is showing a strong approval around 75%, though the election has not yet been officially certified. Despite typically low turnout for May elections, the ratio of votes cast speaks loud and clear. We are truly humbled and honored by your support and the trust you’ve placed in your fire district.

The continuation of this levy allows us to maintain our current level of service, but rest assured, we constantly evaluate how to deliver greater value with the resources you’ve authorized. This pending passage isn’t a time to let up on innovation—if we can bring you better service without compromising quality, we’re actively pursuing it. This commitment to efficiency and improvement is an ethos passed down since our inception.

We invite you to engage with your fire district through our transparent operations. Our financial records are always available online, and we welcome your attendance at board meetings (in person or virtually). The fire district exists for one purpose: to provide efficient, quality emergency service and prevention to you. Stop by anytime to ask questions, learn how we work for you, or simply say hello to our crews when you see them performing non-emergency tasks in the community.

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05/20/2025

(Part 5 of 5)
A little over 24hrs left to return your ballots!

As , we’re proud to be active members of this community. Your YES vote on 5-305 supports our comprehensive community outreach programs—from STEM education and school visits to CPR training, community events, and fire prevention education.

Every time we connect with residents—whether it’s children exploring our fire engines, families learning home safety, or seniors receiving wellness checks—we strengthen the bonds that make Scappoose special.

These community partnerships extend beyond emergency response; they’re about building a safer, more prepared, and more connected Scappoose for everyone.

It’s not too late to - Vote YES on 5-305—it helps us CONTINUE to build the future of Scappoose together!

Tualatin Valley Firefighters Union - IAFF Local 1660
Oregon State Fire Fighters Council
Oregon State Fire Marshal

05/19/2025

BIG thanks to Pizza Vendor for supporting Scappoose Fire Levy 5-305!

When local businesses stand with firefighters, our whole community wins. Show them some love next time you're hungry!

CONTINUE the dependable fire and medical services you deserve with a YES vote on 5-305.

Tualatin Valley Firefighters Union - IAFF Local 1660
Oregon State Fire Fighters Council

05/16/2025

Reliability Saves Lives (Part 4 of 5)

When respond to your emergency, we need vehicles that get us there and safety equipment that protects us while we work.

Your YES vote on Levy 5-305 CONTINUES proper maintenance and needed replacement of your emergency vehicles, and essential testing of our protective gear.

Breathing apparatus, vehicles, and safety equipment aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities that ensure we can help your family efficiently and still make it home to ours.

We take pride in maintaining your equipment to the highest standards. When you call, failure is not an option.

Vote YES on Scappoose Fire Levy 5-305!

Tualatin Valley Firefighters Union - IAFF Local 1660
Oregon State Fire Fighters Council

05/14/2025

Please take a look at the write up by the spotlight. Chief Pricher explains some of the factors around your fire district funding, as well as how the district is funded.

Important to note is that this is not an increase. Could we use one, yes. Do we think we can adapt to rising costs over the next 5 years at the same rate, also yes.

Creativity and outside the box ideas have historically served the district well. We pride ourselves on valuing a penny, and thinking long and hard about how we spend a dollar.

Between the permanent rate and the levy, your tax payment is on par with what it regionally costs to provide emergency services.

We understand that many are feeling a financial pinch, or in some cases a punch. There is an understandable lack of trust in government, spending practice and an over arching sentiment that it’s not working for you. We come to work everyday for you with one mission; the highest quality emergency service at the best value. We have no interests that compete with that. Our open financial records can attest to that.

We further understand that emergency services can have a sticker shock. All hazards mitigation comes with a cost. In order to provide the public with a level of service they expect, we must be prepared with the training, staffing and equipment for what may arise.

There is a universal truth-When people have exhausted their capabilities and are out of options, they call the Fire Department. It’s a centuries old social contract.

You have the the option to vote for the level of service you wish to be provided. There is no shifting of money from other government entities. Your vote will have a direct impact. If you feel that your fire district has has been fiscally responsible and has had your best interests at heart, we urge a yes vote on 5-305. A yes vote will allow us to continue to serve you with the same capabilities as the last 5 years.

The Scappoose Fire District is asking voters to renew a five-year property tax levy they say is essential to funding emergency response operations across the area.

05/09/2025

From a 40-year-old water tender to cutting-edge cardiac monitors — this is how we maximize every dollar. Vote YES on Levy 5-305 to maintain this level of innovation at the SAME rate!

Tualatin Valley Firefighters Union - IAFF Local 1660
Oregon State Fire Fighters Council

01/25/2025

Our members are on their way home!