A Message from The Fire Chief

Thank You from the members of Philomath Fire and Rescue for visiting our website.  Please take time to browse through it as it is full of useful information and facts about our department, and the services that we provide.  Philomath Fire and Rescue has continuously served our community for over 90 years.  We are very proud of this department and hope each one of you will take the time to stop by, visit our stations, and get to know our firefighters.  You will discover not only that they excel at their jobs, but they are a great group of men and women who provide compassionate service to all members of the community.  If you want a place to help support your community, look no further than our department!

It has been my honor to serve Philomath Fire and Rescue and to be a part of this department as the Deputy Fire Chief since June 2019, and as Fire Chief since September 2022.  I consider working beside the men and women who protect this community a privilege.

District Personnel 

We rely on our cadre of volunteer fire and EMS responders, 4 Career Firefighters, Deputy Chief, and the Fire Chief to provide the manpower to cover the needs of the community. In addition to emergency response, our volunteers provide medical and fire standby at events, help with fire and life safety education around the community and attend regular training to keep their skills and knowledge current.  There are up to six Resident Volunteer Firefighters who live at Station 201 and up to two Resident Volunteers live at Station 203.  Philomath’s main fire station (Station 201) is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing immediate response to all types of emergencies. 

Philomath Fire & Rescue personnel consistently participate in continuing education. In addition to basic fire and medical emergencies, services we provide include search and rescue, vehicle rescue (extrication), BLS and ALS emergency medical services, and hazardous materials response.

PF&R provides a wide range of public education and prevention services. The department remains committed to the safety and health of all Philomath residents and visitors and responds accordingly.

Philomath Fire & Rescue Personnel 

Name  Position/Medical Certification   Hire Date

• Chancy Ferguson - Fire Chief/EMT-Paramedic June 1, 2019
• Ashley Scott - Office Administrator September 30, 2022
• Rich Saalsaa - Deputy Fire Chief/EMT August 27, 2015
• Viktor Bovbjerg - Staff Captain/EMT June 30, 2023
• Scott Moser - Firefighter Lieutenant/EMT-Paramedic June 17, 2015
• Lindsay Taylor - Firefighter Lieutenant/EMT-Intermediate May 4, 2020
• Levi Schell - Firefighter  Lieutenant/EMT May 24, 2022
• Layne Converse - Firefighter/EMT December 12, 2022