Support Fire Levy

McKenzie Fire & Rescue is asking us to maintain current emergency responses by approving a levy of $1.05 per $1,000 assessed property value for five years starting in 2025. This would replace - not add on to the current levy of 60 cents per $1,000 which our community approved in 2018.

There were 804 emergent calls to the stations during 2023! Fires, vehicle accidents, and medical assistance were responded to by skilled personnel- in all kinds of weather, day and night. These calls for help have more than doubled during the past ten years!

Our current levy enables current response levels, maintaining apparatus and equipment, ongoing facilities maintenance, and continuing our community-needed and served student firefighter program.

Following our 2020 wildfires the new Disaster Relief Logistics Center (DRLC) was built. It is located next to the Leaburg Training Center. Its purpose is for our resilience during large-scale emergencies, stocked with supplies and other supportive resources.

Grants also assist. A 2023 grant allowed two more firefighters, adding to the staffing needs of at least two, plus students, on duty around the clock. This upgrades the important ability to respond to multiple simultaneous calls.

If Measure 20-356 is voted in by us, it will allow current response levels to be maintained, the student firefighter program to continue, plus equipment and facility upgrades to meet our community’s growing needs.

If Measure 20-356 is not voted in, McKenzie Fire & Rescue will continue to maintain community vigilance but will need to reassess staffing which may delay responses to our calls. Plus, future improvements may be delayed.

We are proud of our fire service! It provides competent and exemplary area response out of stations from Camp Creek, Walterville, Leaburg, Vida, and Nimrod.

During our catastrophic Rainbow Fire, firefighters patrolled and suppressed the ability for its enlargement, saving lives and many structures.

During our recent devastating ice storm, the Leaburg Training Center provided a warm, safe shelter, staff comfort and updates, Internet, and coffee.

On top of being technically competent, the department is transparent in both operation and communication. We are always invited to tour and talk with staff.

Being a volunteer firefighter for six years during college taught me the value of service through difficult and dangerous work. Our McKenzie Valley is fortunate to have such an organization serving us! Let’s support Measure 20-356!

Informational meetings are for all of us. Here is a current list:

Thursday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. Coffee with the Chief Bucich.

Saturday, April 27, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Community open house.

Monday, April 29, 6:00 p.m. Community public meeting.

Tuesday, May 7, 10:00 a.m. Coffee with the Chief Bucich.