Scio Rural Fire Protection District receives $1.19 million federal grant

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum announced Tuesday that the Scio Rural Fire Protection District has received a $1.19 million federal grant to enhance firefighter safety and operational capabilities. The funding will directly assist the local department in expanding fire prevention efforts and maintaining adequate response personnel.

The grant was awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Program, known as SAFER. Bynum advocated for the funding by submitting a formal letter of support to FEMA during the application process to help address staffing shortages and retention needs in rural communities.

Scio Fire Chief Kevin White described the operational challenges faced by rural departments when balancing immediate emergency response costs with long-term staffing requirements. White noted that rising operational expenses often force small districts to make difficult financial choices.

“As costs continue to rise faster than available revenue, small fire districts like ours face difficult choices about how to best use limited resources,” White said. “Recruiting, training and retaining volunteer firefighters can too often be delayed as we focus on meeting the immediate costs of providing emergency services. This grant is an important investment in the future of our department and our community. It will strengthen our efforts to recruit and retain volunteers, grow our membership and ensure we have the people and resources needed to provide the high-quality emergency services our community depends on. We are grateful for this support and the opportunity to build a stronger, more sustainable fire department.”

Rep. Bynum emphasized that securing federal funding directly impacts local emergency response capabilities for residents across Oregon's 5th Congressional District.

“When you call 911, you shouldn't have to wonder if there are enough firefighters to answer,” Bynum said. “This $1.19 million is a big deal for Scio, Jefferson and the communities they serve. It means more support for the people running toward emergencies and a stronger response when our neighbors need help most. This is exactly what bringing federal dollars home should look like.”

Albany Fire Chief Chris LaBelle noted that SAFER grants allow regional departments to expand their preventative safety services alongside emergency response efforts.

“These grants are a significant opportunity and an important first step in building the capacity our Fire & Life Safety Division needs,” LaBelle said. “A community our size, with the growth and unique industries we have, requires a more proactive approach to risk reduction. This position moves us in that direction and supports our mission to Prevent and Protect from Harm.”

Redmond Fire Chief Ryan Herrera highlighted the role federal grant programs play in addressing firefighter health risks, including occupational cancer exposures. Herrera noted that Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined Bynum in advocating for fire service support across Oregon.

“Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to thank Senators Merkley and Wyden and Congresswoman Bynum for their support,” Herrera said. “With members of our organization having navigated a past cancer diagnosis and with the recent passing of Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Kienzle from a Line-of-Duty cancer, this funding marks another meaningful step forward in our commitment to carcinogen reduction and improving the long-term health and safety of our firefighters.”

In addition to the award in Scio, FEMA issued SAFER grants to several other fire departments across the Pacific Northwest. Boise Fire Department in Idaho received more than $2.3 million, while South Kitsap Fire and Rescue in Port Orchard, Wash., and Spokane County Fire District nine in Mead, Wash., each received more than $1.7 million. Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District in Oregon was awarded more than $1.1 million and North Whidbey Fire and Rescue in Oak Harbor, Wash., received $1 million.