About Our Program

As the national averages of people willing/able to volunteer at fire departments decline, historically combination fire departments have had to come up with different ways to supplement career staff in responding on all fire and emergency medical services. As these volunteer numbers decline, Hoodland Fire is filling this gap through utilizing career minded young adults who affiliate with HFD and volunteer their time in exchange for training, experience, and educational support in pursuit of college degrees in the fire and EMS related fields.

To be eligible for our program you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age by the 1st day of the Student Academy
• Have documentation of a High School Diploma, G.E.D., or Certificate of Advanced Mastery (by time of start date)
• Possess and maintain a valid Oregon Driver’s License
• Be insurable by Hoodland Fire’s insurance carrier
• Pass a background evaluation provided by HFD prior to becoming a member of the program
• Pass an application process, medical and drug evaluation, physical agility evaluation, and an oral interview to be accepted into the program

During their time affiliated with HFD, all students will:

• Staff, maintain, and operate several types of firefighting equipment for the express benefit of education for the student involved.
• Learn the principles of firefighting, fire prevention, fire control, and emergency medical services.
• Learn the operation and maintenance of; lifesaving equipment of all types, kind, nature, or description that the department has to offer.
• Learn the principles of physical fitness culture, health education in fire and emergency medical services through day-to-day operations, hands-on experience, and actual classroom time.
• Learn to foster social, intellectual, and physical welfare of members, and create a better work environment through cooperation as a team.
• Provide excellent customer service to the public whenever you are on duty or otherwise representing the Hoodland Fire.

If chosen by Hoodland Fire District #74, you will receive tuition assistance which includes books and other education expenses. Each position is for two years, with the potential of continuing for a third year to obtain your paramedic degree and certification. Along with the financial assistance all resident students will receive free room and board at our Government Camp Station and a living stipend of $400 a month.

Government Camp, Oregon, also known as "Govy" by residents and frequent visitors, is the highest elevation community on Mt. Hood. Known as "Mt. Hood's Alpine Village," Govy is the jumping off point for outdoor adventures. Government Camp also has quaint dining and shopping choices. Its name actually comes from an ill-fated military detachment stationed to guard the Barlow Road section of the Oregon Trail, along which Government Camp sits. 

Government Camp forms a gateway to Mt. Hood wintertime snow sports and summertime recreation. Summit Ski and Mt. Hood Ski Bowl lie within the town limits and a walk away from the fire station, and with two larger ski resorts (Timberline and Meadows) close by. Campgrounds, hiking trails, mountain biking, and lakes can be found near Government Camp to accent the summer season.

Our goal is to guide you through the process and set you up for success in becoming great firefighters and EMS professionals. If you have any questions regarding our Student Program at Hoodland Fire, please contact: Matt Nicholson mattnicholson@hoodlandfire.org or (503) 622-3256

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