In a recent Oregon Joint Village Board Meeting, officials gathered to discuss critical updates regarding the Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the community. The meeting, held on July 30, 2025, focused on response times, station locations, and the overall effectiveness of the current emergency services framework.

As the meeting unfolded, attendees were presented with detailed maps illustrating the coverage area of the existing fire station. The data revealed that while the village enjoys excellent response times within its core areas, challenges arise as calls extend further south. The discussion highlighted the importance of mutual aid agreements, which significantly enhance response capabilities in these outlying regions.

A key takeaway from the meeting was the current performance metrics: approximately 63% of incident calls are responded to within the desired four-minute window, a figure that falls short of the 90% standard set for emergency services. This statistic sparked a conversation about the feasibility of establishing a second fire station. Preliminary analysis suggested that adding a second station could improve response times to about 72%, but the financial implications of such a move were a significant concern.

The board members were urged to consider whether the operational costs and maintenance of an additional station would justify the modest increase in response efficiency. This question of value—“Is the squeeze worth the lemon?”—was posed to encourage thoughtful deliberation among community leaders.

Further complicating the decision-making process, the meeting addressed the need for facilities that prioritize the health and safety of responders. Discussions included the design of new stations that would incorporate features aimed at reducing risks associated with cancer and cardiac events, which are prevalent in the firefighting profession. Concepts for the new facilities included dedicated decontamination zones and spaces designed to promote mental well-being among firefighters.

As the meeting concluded, officials acknowledged that while the data presented was a starting point, further discussions and community input would be essential in shaping the future of fire and EMS services in Oregon. The board plans to reconvene to evaluate the feedback from their respective councils and determine the best path forward for the community’s emergency response needs.