Lebanon Fire District Celebrates Four Promotions (Photo) - 10/28/25

Lebanon Fire Chief Joseph Rodondi Retires After 40 Years Of Service; Division Chief John Tacy To Lead The District (Photo) - 10/15/25

After a distinguished 40-year career in the fire service, Lebanon Fire Chief Joseph Rodondi has announced his retirement, marking the close of a lifetime dedicated to public service, mentorship, and community protection. The Lebanon Fire District Board of Directors voted unanimously on October 14, 2025, to appoint Division Chief John Tacy as the next Fire Chief, effective November 2025.

Chief Rodondi’s journey began more than four decades ago in 1983, when an EMT course at junior college introduced him to the fire service. A required ride-along with a local fire department changed the direction of his life. “I immediately fell in love with the fire service culture—what they do for the community, how they keep people safe, and the sense of purpose that comes with it,” he said. That passion led him to pursue a degree in fire science, volunteer in March 1985, and became a career firefighter later that same year.
 

Over the years, Rodondi rose through every rank—Firefighter, Paramedic, Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, and ultimately Fire Chief. Before coming to Lebanon, he served with the San Bruno Fire Department and the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, earning a reputation as a strong leader with a collaborative spirit and a deep respect for the profession.

Since joining the Lebanon Fire District in 2019, Chief Rodondi has helped guide the organization through some of its most challenging and defining moments. Within months of his arrival, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing fire and EMS agencies across the country to rethink nearly every aspect of their operations. “That was one of the greatest challenges of my career,” Rodondi said. “We had to adapt overnight—protecting our people while still answering every call for help. I couldn’t be prouder of how our members rose to that challenge.”

Under his leadership, the District completed the construction of its new headquarters station—built on budget and designed to serve the community for decades to come. He also prioritized modernization and community connection, leading efforts to update the District’s website, expand its social media presence, and launch programs like the Fire Expo, which brings families together around fire-prevention and safety education. “We’ve worked hard to show the community who we are and how we serve,” Rodondi said. “Those relationships matter, and I hope that sense of transparency and trust continues long after I leave.”

Chief Rodondi’s leadership has been defined not only by his focus on operational excellence but also by his investment in people. Early in his tenure, he championed a succession plan to develop leaders from within the District—an effort that now comes to fruition as several members move into new positions. “When I arrived, one of the Board’s goals was to build an organization that could promote from within,” he said. “Seeing that plan succeed—watching our people step confidently into new leadership roles—is one of the accomplishments I’m most proud of.”

As part of that transition, Division Chief John Tacy will assume the role of Fire Chief. A lifelong Lebanon resident and veteran of more than 30 years in the fire service, Tacy began his career with LFD as a volunteer, serving ten years before joining full-time. Over the years, he has held nearly every rank within the District—Volunteer, Firefighter, Paramedic, Engineer, Lieutenant, Battalion Chief, and Division Chief—and has led both the Training and Operations divisions. He helped guide the department through the pandemic and implemented new technology systems that improved training, EMS reporting, and fleet management.

Beyond the District, Tacy has earned respect across Oregon’s fire service community. He currently serves as Linn County ASA voting board member and chair (2021–2027), OSAA Legislative Co-Chair, OFCA/OSAA Liaison, and Director on the OFCA EMS Committee, where he has helped shape statewide EMS policy and workforce planning. He also holds Pro Board Fire Officer III and IV certifications from Texas A&M, Fire Officer I and II from the Metro Fire Officer Academy, and has completed extensive coursework at the National Fire Academy. A certified paramedic, Tacy has earned more than 250 college credits in fire science and emergency management.

“Chief Tacy has been at my side these past six years,” Rodondi said. “He’s smart, capable, and deeply committed to this community. The District could not be in better hands.”
 

Several other internal promotions are also part of this transition. Lieutenant Candace Hedding has been promoted to Fire Marshal, Lieutenant Jason Adamson has been appointed to Deputy Fire Marshal, Division Chief Mark Fitzwater will transition from Training to Operations Chief, Engineer Cody Manzi has been promoted to Lieutenant, and Heath Nance has been appointed to Firefighter. Rodondi said these advancements reflect the strength of the District’s culture and its future. “Our people have grown tremendously,” he said. “They’re talented, motivated, and ready to carry this organization forward.”

Rodondi expressed deep gratitude to the Lebanon community, the Board of Directors, and the members of the District who supported his vision. “Of all the organizations I’ve had the honor to serve, this one stands apart,” he said. “The people here are dedicated, compassionate, and consummate professionals beyond measure. They do so much with so little, and they serve every single day with pride and dignity. It’s been my privilege to lead them.”
 

In retirement, Rodondi plans to continue supporting the Oregon fire service through legislative and policy work while spending more time with his family. “My family has sacrificed a lot for my career,” he said. “Now it’s my turn to give that time back.”
 

The Lebanon Fire District invites the community to celebrate Chief Tacy’s badge-pinning ceremony on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., during the regular Board of Directors meeting at Station 31, 1050 W. Oak Street, Lebanon, OR 97355.

Lebanon Firefighters Battle Structure Fire Early Monday Morning (Photo) - 10/06/25

At approximately 7:22 a.m. Monday, Lebanon Fire District crews were dispatched to a first alarm structure fire in the 100 block of South Williams Street.

Due to scene safety concerns, crews initially staged nearby until the area was secured by law enforcement. Once safe to enter, Battalion Chief 31 arrived to find a two-story home with smoke and flames visible from one side of the structure. Engine 31 began fire attack while additional crews performed search and rescue and worked to ventilate the roof.  Cutting a hole in the roof allows the smoke and heat to rise, improving visibility and survivability in case anyone is still in the building. 

Firefighters encountered challenges due to a downed power line and multiple roof layers but were able to contain the blaze through coordinated interior and exterior operations. A primary and secondary search confirmed that all occupants were safely out of the structure.

A second, smaller fire was discovered nearby and quickly extinguished by neighbors and fire personnel. Both incidents remain under investigation.

While Lebanon units worked the scene, Sweet Home Fire District and Albany Fire Department provided coverage in Lebanon and responded to several unrelated medical calls during the event.  Crews remained on scene for approximately 2 hours. 

The Linn County Fire Defense Board would like to remind everyone that backyard burning has been postponed until October 15th. Even with recent rainfall, dry fuels can still ignite easily—please continue to use caution and avoid outdoor burning until restrictions are lifted.