Valley Fire Suppression

12/29/2025

Hello everyone! My end of season post has been delayed a bit. I got distracted with side projects. That being said, another season passed and as usual my crew went above and beyond. This was a short season. The shortest I've experienced as a matter of fact. However, the Rattlesnake Fire did not disappoint. Abundant in views and wildlife, the Colville Reservation was breathtaking. Again, I'd like to give a huge shout out to my crew, Chansaray Hut and Jesse Judy. They answered the call, made sacrifices and worked their tails off. I hope they know by now they have my respect, appreciation and admiration. It takes a special person to leave their life behind to go fight fire with me. Thank you both. I hope you all have had a fantastic holiday season. Until next season! Cheers.

02/19/2025

One thing I'm proud of is earning a living the honest way. Many have lost reward of a hard day's work.

02/18/2025

Valley Fire putting in work

02/05/2025

This is a fantastic organization for kids to get into. Real training, real life experience, and real lives saved. Plus it builds a strong foundation for young men and women to build on.

2025 SEARCH AND RESCUE TRAINING ACADEMY ANNOUNCED

The Linn County Sheriff Sheriff’s Office is recruiting young men and women, ages 14 to 18, to join the Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team and participate in the summer training program.
This will be the 30th Search and Rescue Training Academy in Linn County and will be held June 20 through June 30.

Those who are interested in becoming an integral part of the Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue mission should have an interest in community service and a desire to be a part of a highly trained and professional life saving organization. The life skills and mentorship by our staff has been an invaluable experience for past SAR members. Many have gone on to become full-time employees!

The application process includes oral board interviews, a background check, and a physical aptitude test. Applicants must attend ONE recruit meeting at the Sheriff’s Office on March 10th, April 14th, or May 5th at 7:00 PM. Additionally, recruits are required to complete an online First Aid and CPR training course provided by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office by June 7th and attend an in-person CPR/First Aid skills class on Saturday, June 7th. On the same day, applicants will participate in a final review and preparation for the academy and must bring all their academy equipment to the CPR/First Aid training for a final equipment check. The SAR academy will provide comprehensive training, including wilderness survival, shelter building, search tactics, first aid/CPR, map and compass navigation, rappelling, and many other essential skills

RECRUIT MEETINGS (Must attend one of the first three meetings)
Monday, March 10 at 7:00 pm
Monday, April 14 at 7:00 pm
Monday, May 5 at 7:00 pm

PHYSICAL APTITUDE TEST (Must attend at least one)
Depart the Sheriff’s Office promptly at 0800 hours. Return at approximately 1200 hours.
Equipment: Recruits will need to wear clothes for the weather and comfortable boots (bring a water bottle). Lunch is provided.
Saturday May 10th 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Saturday May 17th 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

MANDATORY FIRST AID, BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN, FINAL EQUIPMENT TEST, AND BLS CPR COURSE-SKILLS DAY
The online portion must be completed prior to the Skills Day.
Skills Day- Saturday, June 7th 8:00 am- 5:00pm.
Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Albany

2025 SEARCH AND RESCUE TRAINING ACADEMY
After completing all required elements of the application process, recruits will be notified by one of the Search and Rescue Team Leaders if they have been selected to attend the SAR Training Academy. The dates of the Academy are not negotiable, and attendance is required.
Equipment: See the available equipment list provided with the application, request a list from a Team Leader at one of the recruit meetings, or view it here.
Academy dates: June 20 through June 30, 2025

If you have any questions, please visit https://www.linnsheriff.org/volunteer-programs/search-and-rescue/ or contact Ric Lentz at [email protected].

02/01/2025

I've been doing some cutting/ brush clearing on the side. I've been looking for a side gig for the off season and I think this is it.
I need to work on my face cut but overall it went well.

01/28/2025

A friendly reminder to utilize your safety equipment. Even when my ego says I don't need it, I decided to put them on for safety's sake and it saved my kneecap. Stay safe out there.

11/11/2024

I think it's safe to say that fire season is officially over. This was a unique one. A record breaker in more than one aspect. The engine was out for 71 days going nonstop, with R&R of course. We spent the entire season on one assignment, which has never happened in my 15 years in this profession.

Per usual, I have to boast about my crew. They did an amazing job. Answering call ofter call, their loyalty and work ethic has been unparalleled. I'm extremely proud and grateful to have them on the engine. Payton Young, Haley Swift, Chansaray (Mike) Hut, Jessey Judy, and Nick Baker. I also owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Oregon Woods crew and Mikey from Oregon Woods, who made the end of our season possible. I hope to see you all next season. Until then, stay safe and keep LCES.

08/05/2024

I've can't survive life in a cubicle. I've never been good with paperwork. I can't imagine how some people don't die inside being locked in a cage like that.
This job takes resolve... grit. It hurts sometimes. The sweat, the blood, the aches and pains. Not to mention being away from your family. But it keeps me alive. It let's me know there's still life flowing through me.
Now, on my last day of R&R, I'm going back to the same patch of ground to pound out another 14. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I'm doing this for my family. I'm blessed to have a way to provide for them.

05/01/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/NVWff16zPV2fHYjN/?mibextid=oFDknk

03/05/2024

As we gear up for the 2024 season, I'd like to give a quick shout out to those who have recently liked my page. I don't post often, but a larger audience helps me find and hire new crew and spread fire safety messages such as keeping a defensible space for your home and surrounding structures. It also helps me give well deserved credit to my crew. Thank you!

11/23/2023

Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving.