About
The Sheridan Fire District is located along the western edge the Willamette Valley of Oregon, traversing state Highways 18 and 22 – two of the major arteries from Portland and Salem to the scenic Oregon coast. The 146-sq. mile district encompasses forests, farmland and the rural communities of Buell, Ballston and Bellevue in addition to the City of Sheridan.
The fire district serves and protects a population of 10,000 including the only federal prison in the state. Thousands of people travel through the district daily on their way to and from the Oregon Coast and one of the state’s primary tourist destinations—Spirit Mountain Casino.
Thanks to the support of local voters who approved a 5-year local options levy in 2022, the district employs an administrative team of four, 11 full-time career staff and 4 part-time firefighter/EMTs. Ten volunteers and an equal number of former long-term volunteers (honorees) also serve the community.
The local fire service began in 1886 as part of the City of Sheridan. It served a population of around 200 people in approximately 40- square miles. This included the City of Sheridan and the farming community around it. As the city grew and the surrounding area became more populated, the fire department transitioned from a city department to a special district. As a special district, it became a separate entity not limited by city boundaries.
In the early 1980’s Sheridan Fire District worked with county commissioners in both Polk and Yamhill counties to establish an Ambulance Service Area of 110-sq. miles within the fire district boundaries. What started as an all-volunteer ambulance service with one BLS ambulance, has grown to three ambulances staffed with ALS crews.
Statistics
2024-2024 – January 1, 2024, through September 25, 2024.
A total of 1376 runs so far this year.
2023/2023 – January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023
A total of 2080 runs occurred in 2023.
2022/2023 Run totals from January 1, 2022, through September 21, 2022. Total = 1236, 4 months remaining.
In 2021 Sheridan Fire District responded to 1848 incidents, 76% EMS, 20% Fire, and 9% public assistance.
A majority of our EMS calls are for medical emergencies and traumatic injuries. Our most common traumatic injury is a fall from ground level. On the fire side, we see fewer structure fires resulting in total loss and more fires that are recognized quickly, and damage is limited to small areas of the structures.
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Sheridan Fire District is to provide a safe, professional, and courteous team that strives to exceed the community’s expectations. This mission requires our members to be part of a capable, respectful, all-hazard Fire/E.M.S. district that focuses on “Just doing the right thing” for those we serve.
Vision Statement
We will provide a high level of customer service by protecting life, property, and the environment by delivering innovative, fiscally responsible firefighting, rescue, fire prevention, emergency medical, and emergency management services. As a core service of the Sheridan Fire District, we are committed to protecting citizens, families, and our colleagues and preserving our profession in delivering these services.
Values Statement
We are prepared for duty, serving with integrity, responding with compassion, and committed to professional excellence. “We excel so others may benefit.”
The H.E.R. Principle
Honesty
Committed to creating and maintaining an open and truthful environment that is fair and consistent.
Excellence
Striving to develop to ensure our contributions make our fire and rescue service the best.
Respect
Supporting, involving, and listening to others, showing dignity, consideration, and empathy.
Testimonials
Very special thanks to everyone who helped my mom this afternoon ❤ forever grateful! She’s doing well, getting her wrist splinted at WVMC
Bec Hasel, Community Member
Even though our address is in McMinnville, we are in the Sheridan Fire District. We are very thankful, they are so delightful and competent to work with! They have a special way of taking your mind off what’s happening to you, making you feel safe being in their care. We were so happy to learn about their Fire Med. We have used them several times, and it has paid off. You never know what life will bring. We went to the Fire Station; they were so polite, caring, and helpful. If they felt we needed to go to the Emergency Room, they were willing and ready and on the way. The same from home, they were here as fast as they could along with their volunteers from Ballston. We feel at rest knowing they’re there for us when needed. They’re a wonderful group of folks and volunteers to give back to the community as they do. I can’t imagine being a volunteer, being called on a minute’s notice day or night, how could your live under that circumstance. Even at the Fire Hall when on duty being called all hours of day or night, even if it is a job it’s hard on one’s body We need to give our support to the Sheridan Fire District personnel and volunteers when we can. What would we do without them? Our Blessings go out to everyone involved with the Sheridan Fire District and the special volunteers that give their time and get little in return.
C & S DeJong, Home Owners