Bend Fire & Rescue launches online community survey to inform five-year strategic plan

This week, Bend Fire & Rescue launched an online community survey to help guide the development of the department’s next five-year strategic plan. 

“Community input is an invaluable part of our planning process,” said Fire Chief Todd Riley, “by gaining an understanding of the priorities of those we serve, we are able to better meet the expectations held by our community.”

Bend Fire takes great responsibility in providing excellent emergency response and community-centered education programs to all who are served by the department. 

The department is primarily funded through tax dollars. In May 2023, voters approved an operating levy for Bend Fire & Rescue to maintain current service levels through June 2029. Input received in the community survey will help to prioritize the use of tax dollars and efforts to serve the community. 

“We are extremely grateful the community chose to continue funding crucial positions, equipment and training, and we want to be mindful of this trust in our department as we plan for the next five years,” said Chief Riley.

The survey is available online now at bendoregon.gov/Fire and will be open through 5 p.m. on Friday, June 28. 

Bend Fire & Rescue is the largest department in Central Oregon offering fire and emergency medical services to Bend and the surrounding rural community known as Deschutes Rural Fire Protection District #2.