SW Polk Fire District Receives Improved ISO Rating; Future Reductions In Staffing Could Jeopardize Gains - 05/21/26

Today, the SW Polk Fire District received notice that effective September 1, 2026, the district’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification rating will improve from a Class 5/10 to a Class 4/10. This improvement reflects the dedication, training, operational readiness, and service capabilities provided by district personnel and resources made possible through the voter-approved 2022 levy.

An improved ISO rating is significant for property owners within the district because it is commonly used by insurance companies when calculating property insurance premiums. In many cases, a lower ISO classification can result in reduced insurance costs for homeowners and businesses located within the district’s response area.

Importantly, this improved classification is directly tied to service enhancements and operational improvements made possible through the district’s previous voter-approved levy. Investments in staffing, firefighter training, apparatus readiness, response capability, and station operations all contributed to the district achieving the higher ISO rating.

“This improved rating is a direct reflection of the hard work and commitment of our firefighters, staff, and community investment in fire protection services,” said Fred Hertel. “The previous levy allowed the district to make meaningful improvements to emergency response capabilities and operational readiness, which played a major role in achieving this better classification for our community.”

However, district leadership cautions that maintaining this improved classification depends heavily on sustaining operational staffing levels and response capabilities.

As outlined in the district’s recent communications regarding the failure of Levy 27-148, SW Polk Fire District is preparing for staffing reductions, longer emergency response times, and the unstaffing of the Bridgeport Fire Station effective June 30, 2026. These reductions come at a time when the district is entering increasingly demanding wildfire seasons and continuing to experience growing service expectations.

The district also warns that reductions in staffing and service levels may negatively impact future ISO evaluations and could ultimately result in the reversal of the improved rating if emergency response capabilities decline below current standards.

“ISO ratings are built on measurable emergency service capabilities,” Chief Hertel said. “When staffing decreases, stations become unstaffed, and response times increase, those changes can affect the level of fire protection available to the community. Maintaining this improved rating will require maintaining the resources that helped us achieve it.”

SW Polk Fire District remains committed to providing the highest level of emergency services possible while responsibly managing taxpayer resources and adapting to the financial realities facing the district.

SW Polk Fire District Responds To Outcome Of Levy Measure 27-148 - 05/20/26

Dallas, OR — The SW Polk Fire District acknowledges the outcome of Levy Measure 27-148, which did not receive sufficient favorable votes during the May 2026 election.

The levy measure was intended to maintain current emergency response staffing levels, ambulance transport reliability, firefighter wellness initiatives, and operational sustainability for the district’s growing service demands.

District leadership recognizes that voters are sending a clear message that many residents are unable to absorb additional financial burdens. The district also acknowledges the broader reality that increased costs inevitably result in reduced service levels when sustainable funding is unavailable.

As a result of the failed levy measure, the district will implement operational reductions effective June 30, 2026. These reductions are necessary to align district services with available long-term funding.

The changes will include:

• Reduction in firefighter and EMS staffing levels
• Increased emergency response times in portions of the district
• Reduced ambulance availability during peak demand periods
• Unstaffing of the Bridgeport Fire Station
• Increased reliance on mutual aid and overtime staffing when available

“These decisions are difficult and carry real impacts to emergency response capability,” said Fire Chief Fred Hertel. “Our firefighters and paramedics remain committed to providing the highest level of service possible, but reduced staffing inevitably affects response times, unit availability, and operational flexibility.”

The timing of these reductions also presents additional challenges as the district enters the summer wildland fire season. Reduced staffing levels limit the district’s ability to simultaneously manage structure fires, vegetation fires, medical emergencies, and extended attack incidents during periods of high fire danger.

“With wildfire risk increasing each summer, maintaining adequate staffing is critical not only for emergency medical response but also for initial attack capability on vegetation fires,” Hertel said. “Early, aggressive response is one of the most important factors in keeping small fires from becoming large incidents.”

The district emphasized that firefighters and paramedics will continue responding to emergencies throughout the service area, but residents should expect changes in service delivery compared to current operations.

District leadership noted that Measure 27-148 was developed following extensive financial analysis intended to balance emergency service demands with long-term fiscal sustainability. The district had previously implemented cost-saving measures, including administrative restructuring and position reductions, prior to placing the levy before voters.

SW Polk Fire District expressed appreciation to community members who participated in the election process and stated that the district will continue evaluating options to preserve emergency services while operating within available funding.

Additional operational updates and implementation details will be provided to the public in the coming weeks.

Representative Anna Scharf Presents Proclamation Honoring Oregon Fire District Directors Association (Photo) - 05/15/26

DALLAS, Ore. — On May 14, 2026, Representative Anna Scharf presented a proclamation recognizing and honoring the Oregon Fire District Directors Association (OFDDA) for more than 75 years of promoting public safety and supporting fire district governance throughout Oregon.

The proclamation was presented to the SW Polk Fire District Board of Directors during a special recognition ceremony acknowledging the association’s longstanding commitment to Oregon communities, emergency preparedness, and effective fire district leadership.

For more than seven decades, the Oregon Fire District Directors Association has worked to strengthen fire service governance through education, advocacy, and collaboration among fire district leaders across the state. The organization has played a vital role in supporting local fire districts and ensuring communities receive reliable emergency services and protection.

Representative Scharf praised the association’s dedication to public service and its enduring impact on the safety and well-being of Oregonians.

“The Oregon Fire District Directors Association has been an important partner in promoting strong leadership and public safety across our state for more than 75 years,” said Representative Scharf. “Their commitment to supporting fire districts and the communities they serve deserves recognition and appreciation.”

Members of the SW Polk Fire District Board of Directors accepted the proclamation on behalf of the association and expressed gratitude for the recognition of the organization’s historic contributions to Oregon’s fire service community.