Oregon State Fire Marshal launches Fire Service Health and Safety Collaborative

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon State Fire Marshal said Friday it's excited to announce the launch of the Oregon Fire Service Health and Safety Collaborative, a pioneering program that will enhance the support systems for firefighters throughout Oregon.

Here's the full announcement:

This collaborative is a significant commitment to the health and safety of the men and women serving in the fire service across the state, ensuring they receive needed support in their critical role.

Firefighting is an intense and demanding profession that poses numerous physical, psychological, and environmental challenges. Recognizing these challenges, the Oregon Fire Service Health and Safety Collaborative will create a robust support system by aligning resources and providing dedicated support to fire service personnel.

The program is built around a visionary framework designed to address the diverse needs of all fire service personnel in Oregon. Focusing on critical areas such as behavioral health, physical wellness, cancer prevention, and incident safety, the collaborative aims to cultivate a resilient and thriving firefighting community.

The core of the collaborative includes:

• Establishing a forum for equal contribution from all partners.
• Coordinating efforts across various agencies.
• Representing a wide range of perspectives within the Oregon fire service.

By following these principles, the OSFM hopes to nurture a culture of collaboration, support, and continuous improvement.

"The Oregon Fire Service Health and Safety Collaborative is a proactive approach to confronting the unique challenges faced by our firefighters," Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. "This collaborative is not just about addressing immediate needs but about building a foundation for long-term resilience and excellence in our fire service."

The collaborative serves as a hub for resources to simplify access to necessary support services. Fire service personnel seeking assistance with behavioral health services, cancer prevention strategies, or incident safety protocols will find valuable resources and guidance.

The work forming the collaborative and its success was guided by a sub-committee of the Governor’s Fire Service Policy Council. On Thursday, the group was honored for their work by the Oregon Fire Chief’s Association with a 2024 Award of Excellence.

As the collaborative moves forward, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is committed to the continuous evaluation and enhancement of the support systems, ensuring they effectively meet the evolving needs of Oregon's firefighting community.

We invite all fire service members and partners to join us in this vital program. Together, we can ensure a safer, healthier future for all firefighters and the communities they protect.

For more information about the Oregon Fire Service Health and Safety Collaborative, please visit www.oregon.gov/osfm/healthandsafety.