Running a small, volunteer-heavy fire district means that nearly every available hour goes toward emergency response — which can leave important community outreach work perpetually on the back burner. A new internship grant is helping Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue change that.
Chief Sean Hartley says the grant gives the department the staffing support needed to maintain consistent communication and engagement with Crooked River Ranch residents, something that can be genuinely difficult for small districts operating between calls.
Why Outreach Matters for a Rural District
Crooked River Ranch is an unincorporated community of several thousand residents spread across rolling high-desert terrain northwest of Madras. The area’s geography — long driveways, winding roads, and lots of space between neighbors — creates real challenges for emergency responders. The more residents understand fire prevention, evacuation routes, and how to work with first responders, the safer the whole community becomes.
For a district that relies heavily on volunteers and limited staff, building those relationships requires dedicated time that emergency call volume often doesn’t allow. That’s exactly the gap the internship grant is designed to fill.
Fundraiser Also a Success
The outreach grant comes shortly after the department’s annual Firefighter Breakfast Fundraiser, held September 6, which brought community members out to support local volunteer firefighters. The fundraiser helps the district purchase equipment and supplies that tight public budgets don’t always cover.
Together, the breakfast event and the new internship grant reflect a department working hard to stay connected to — and supported by — the neighborhood it protects.
Firewise Community Efforts Continue
Crooked River Ranch has been active in Firewise USA programming, which helps communities take steps to reduce wildfire risk on their own properties and in common areas. As fire season remains active across Oregon heading into mid-September, those prevention efforts take on added importance for residents living adjacent to dry grass and juniper terrain.
The next Crooked River Ranch Board of Directors regular meeting is scheduled for September 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the Juniper Room (also available via Zoom) for residents who want to stay current on community decisions.
For information about Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue programs or to inquire about volunteering, residents can reach the district through the Crooked River Ranch community website at crookedriverranch.com.