To the Lookingglass Community,

The past year has been one of change, growth, and reflection for the Lookingglass Rural Fire District. As the Assistant Chief and Training Officer, I want to take a moment to speak directly to the community we serve. Like all volunteer organizations, 2025 has brought both new beginnings and necessary transitions. We have welcomed new volunteers and cadets, and we have also seen some move on as personal and professional priorities change. This cycle is natural within the volunteer fire service, but it does affect daily operations and response capability.

You may have noticed that at times our response has taken longer than any of us would like. LRFD is a non-staffed, volunteer organization. When a call comes in, responders are leaving their homes, jobs, and families to answer that call. While we continue to evaluate options to staff the station more consistently, that goal is directly tied to infrastructure and funding limitations.

At this time, our station does not have a working shower, sleeping quarters, or a full food preparation area beyond a microwave. Following structure fires, volunteers perform on-scene gross decontamination to reduce exposure to contaminants; however, without the ability to fully decontaminate at the station afterward, responders may be forced to return to their personal vehicles and homes with residual contamination on their gear or clothing. This presents real concerns related to long-term exposure to carcinogens and overall responder health. These are known challenges, and addressing them is a priority as we plan for the future.

Although we experienced a relatively light fire season, service demand has remained steady. As of this writing, LRFD has received 299 calls for service in 2025. Despite operational limitations, this year has also been one of meaningful progress and accomplishment.

Over the past year, you may have noticed changes at the station, both inside and out. We were proud to receive a new tactical tender through the Oregon State Fire Marshal, significantly improving our water-supply and wildfire suppression capabilities. We were also awarded a grant for new medical equipment, which has been ordered and will be placed into service following required in-service training once it arrives. In addition, Central Douglas Fire & Rescue generously donated uniforms during their department transition, directly supporting our volunteers.

In 2025, LRFD was also awarded a facilities grant through the Special Districts Association of Oregon (SDAO), which allowed us to purchase an updated furnace and convert the station’s heating system from diesel to natural gas. This upgrade improves reliability, efficiency, and safety, while reducing long-term operating costs and environmental impact. It is an important step toward improving the overall functionality of our station.

Through the SAFER Grant, we were able to send three LRFD volunteers through an EMT-Basic program. All three successfully completed the course, passed the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians examination, and are now licensed EMT-Basics serving our community. This investment has had a direct and lasting impact on emergency medical response within the Lookingglass Fire District.

We were also awarded the Oregon State Fire Marshal Wildland Staffing Grant, which allowed LRFD to pay volunteers to staff the station during fire season. This staffing capability improved availability, response readiness, and responder safety during periods of elevated fire danger.

You may also have noticed new reflective address signs installed throughout the district. This remains a free service provided by LRFD to help responders locate homes more quickly during emergencies. If you live within the Lookingglass Fire District and would like an address sign, please contact the station.

I appreciate the community’s patience with new station lighting and the increased sounds of training. Our volunteers are training more frequently and to higher standards. Continued training, proficiency, and safety remain central to my role and to the long-term vision of this department.

None of this progress happens in isolation. I am grateful for the continued collaboration and support of the Lookingglass community and our partners, including the Lookingglass Grange for hosting community events, and our mutual aid and training partners: Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Roseburg Fire Department, REACH, Tenmile Rural Fire District, Camas Valley Rural Fire Protection District, Glide Rural Fire Protection District, North Douglas Fire & EMS, Umpqua Fire Instructors Association, Umpqua Community College, Oregon State Fire Marshal, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, RecruitHippo, Walt’s Towing, Williams Northwest Pipeline, and Umpqua Basin Water Association Inc.

I also want to recognize the continued support of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, the Ford Family Foundation, and the Lookingglass Community Church for their investment in the safety and resilience of this community.

As we look ahead, LRFD remains focused on improving facilities, expanding training opportunities, strengthening staffing, and enhancing responder safety. If you have ever considered volunteering—whether as a firefighter, cadet, support member, or through youth and work-experience programs—your involvement truly makes a difference. We currently have funding available to send additional volunteers through EMT-Basic courses and to provide tuition reimbursement for approved training. These opportunities reflect our commitment to supporting those willing to serve.

Winter Safety Reminders

As winter approaches, I encourage everyone to keep the following safety reminders in mind:

• Fireplaces and Flues: Have chimneys inspected and cleaned regularly. Use only seasoned firewood and ensure fireplace screens are in place.
• Space Heaters: Keep heaters at least three feet away from anything combustible. Never leave them unattended and always plug them directly into a wall outlet.
• Cooking Safety: Stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially when using stovetops. Keep flammable items away from heat sources.
• Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Check alarms regularly and replace batteries as needed.
• Winter Access: Keep driveways, walkways, and address signs clear to allow emergency access.

Thank you for your patience, your trust, and your continued support. It is an honor to serve this community, and I am proud of the volunteers who continue to answer the call.

Respectfully,

Justin Fox
Assistant Chief/Training Officer/Recruit & Retention Coordinator
Lookingglass Rural Fire District