The Oregon Area Fire/EMS District (OAFED) has a storied history that spans over a century, illustrating its growth from humble beginnings to becoming a vital emergency service provider.
In February 1888, the first reference to Oregon’s fire department appeared in the village minutes, marking the purchase of basic firefighting equipment, including ladders and ropes. By March 14, 1894, the Oregon Engine Company No. 1 was formally organized with Hartley Criddle as the first fire chief. During the early years, the fire department operated out of the basement of the Village Hall, now the site of Maria’s Pizza. The department grew quickly, with the addition of fire hydrants in 1897, and the installation of an automatic fire alarm system by 1911.
The 1920s saw tremendous growth in both the size of the department and the sophistication of its equipment. The department’s first fire truck was purchased in 1925, a Dodge chassis equipped with a 300-gallon tank. This was the first fire truck in the county, and Oregon would go on to purchase several additional trucks throughout the decade, including a Pirsch triple-combination pumper in 1929.
In 1933, the Oregon Fire Department took on a new role as a community leader by helping to establish a swimming pool, which was dedicated in 1934. This pool, operated by the firemen for 27 years, became a central part of the community. Rural fire services also expanded, with a Ford tank truck purchased in 1939 to better serve farm areas.
The 1940s were another era of expansion, with a new Village Hall that included fire and police stations. The department continued to innovate, purchasing their first oxygen masks in 1940 and a GMC truck in 1948 equipped with a 900-gallon tank and 500-gallon-per-minute pump. Oregon became one of the first Class A approved rural fire departments in the state.
The 1950s were a period of professionalization and training for the department. Oregon held the state’s first advanced firemanship course in 1950, followed by the first instructors’ school for basic firemanship in 1955. During this period, the department also upgraded its equipment, acquiring a truck capable of pumping 750 gallons per minute. By 1959, Oregon became the first department in the state authorized by the FCC to operate and transmit base and mobile radios.
In the 1960s, Oregon’s fire services expanded into a formal fire district, created in 1963 in collaboration with the townships of Oregon, Dunn, Rutland, and Fitchburg. A new fire station opened in 1966, signifying a growing commitment to fire safety and district-wide collaboration.
The 1970s saw further modernization of firefighting techniques and equipment. The department installed communication radios in its rescue trucks in 1970 and improved its fire alert system in 1972. That same year, the department acquired its first Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and established the Oregon EMS department in 1978.
By the 1980s, Oregon’s fire department continued to embrace technology and safety innovations, purchasing the Jaws of Life in 1981 and introducing firefighter turnout gear in 1987. The department also grew in diversity, with two women joining in 1989, marking a historic milestone.
In 1995, the Oregon Fire Department and Oregon EMS officially combined, forming the Oregon Area Fire/EMS District (OAFED). The district hired its first full-time fire chief and two firefighters by 1999, marking the shift to a more professional and full-time emergency service provider.
Entering the 21st century, OAFED continued to expand its facilities and capabilities. A major building addition was completed in 2002, including an ambulance bay, offices, and living quarters. The Oregon EMS service was upgraded to an Advanced EMT level in 2003, allowing for more advanced care.
In 2004, OAFED introduced an internship program, offering young aspiring firefighters and EMS professionals the chance to gain critical certifications and experience, fully paid by the department. This program has successfully prepared many for full-time careers in the field.
In recent years, OAFED has added specialized rescue equipment, including ice rescue and grain bin rescue tools, enhancing its ability to respond to emergencies in a wide variety of situations. The district now operates a fleet of modern apparatus, including two Class A fire engines, a 3000-gallon tender, and brush trucks equipped for wildland fires. The district responds to approximately 1200 emergency calls annually, providing essential fire and EMS services to the Oregon area.
OAFED plays an active role in the community, offering a range of educational and safety programs. These include CPR/AED training, fire safety programs, and public engagement activities like National Night Out and the annual Pancake Breakfast. The department also offers tours, hosts birthday parties, and supports local businesses with pre-planning for emergencies.
In 2019, the department celebrated its 125th anniversary, a testament to its long-standing commitment to serving the Oregon area with excellence and dedication.
