5 Critical Ways Forest Grove Fire & Rescue Has Elevated Community Safety In 2025
Forest Grove Fire & Rescue (FGF&R) has continually demonstrated its commitment to public safety, especially throughout a busy year marked by significant investment and challenging incidents. As of December 19, 2025, the department, which serves both the City of Forest Grove and the expansive Forest Grove Rural Fire Protection District, has been at the forefront of emergency response, community engagement, and strategic infrastructure upgrades, ensuring a higher level of service for its growing jurisdiction. This combination department relies on a dedicated team of professional staff and volunteer firefighters, making its operations a model for regional emergency services.
The department’s recent activities reflect a proactive approach to modern firefighting and rescue, ranging from welcoming state-of-the-art equipment to executing complex water rescues in challenging terrain. Their efforts extend beyond simply fighting fires; they are deeply integrated into the fabric of the community through specialized programs, public education, and collaboration with neighboring agencies like Tualatin Fire and Rescue and Banks Fire District.
The Leadership and Operational Structure of Forest Grove Fire & Rescue
The operational effectiveness of Forest Grove Fire & Rescue is rooted in its clear leadership structure and its unique status as a "combination department." This dual role allows it to leverage resources and personnel to cover a broad geographic area, including the urban core and the surrounding rural areas.
Key Personnel and Structure:
- Agency Name: Forest Grove Fire & Rescue (FGF&R)
- Jurisdiction: City of Forest Grove and Forest Grove Rural Fire Protection District
- Type: Combination Fire Department (Career and Volunteer Staff)
- Fire Chief: Jim Geering
- Division Chief / Fire Marshal: Dave Nemeyer
- Service Area Entities: Forest Grove, Gales Creek, Banks (via mutual aid), Cornelius, Hillsboro (nearby service areas)
- Key Focus Areas: Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Technical Rescue, Fire Prevention, and Public Education.
Chief Jim Geering has been instrumental in steering the department's strategy, focusing on both rapid response capabilities and community outreach programs. His leadership has emphasized the critical role of volunteers, who are the backbone of the department's ability to cover the vast Rural Fire Protection District. The department's commitment to safety is further reinforced by Division Chief and Fire Marshal Dave Nemeyer, who oversees critical fire prevention and code enforcement efforts throughout the city and rural areas.
Major Incidents and Critical Rescues Handled in 2025
The year 2025 has presented FGF&R with a variety of challenging emergency calls, highlighting the diverse skills of its personnel. These incidents underscore the necessity of their ongoing training in technical rescue and structure fire suppression.
Complex Technical Rescue on Highway 47
One of the most notable incidents involved a person stranded in a flooded marsh near Highway 47 in the northwest area of Forest Grove. FGF&R crews were dispatched to the scene, which required specialized water rescue techniques due to the challenging and saturated terrain. The successful operation on July 27, 2025, involved multiple agencies and demonstrated the department's proficiency in handling non-fire emergencies, which often make up a significant portion of their call volume.
Structure and Barn Fire Suppression
FGF&R crews were called to a barn fire that resulted in interior damage, requiring a swift and coordinated attack to contain the blaze and prevent further loss. Furthermore, the department responded to an early morning fire in Gales Creek where a trailer and lumber were destroyed. The Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department (FGVFD), under the leadership of Chief Aron Zablotny (in the associated volunteer district), also responded to a significant residential structure fire, showcasing the seamless cooperation between the career staff and dedicated volunteers.
Strategic Investment and Future-Proofing the Department
To maintain a high level of service and ensure firefighter safety, Forest Grove Fire & Rescue has made significant investments in its fleet and personnel development. These strategic moves are designed to future-proof the department against the challenges of a growing population and increasingly complex emergency scenarios.
The Arrival of a New $1 Million Fire Engine
In a major development, the department welcomed its newest fire engine on Monday, December 15, 2025. This state-of-the-art apparatus, valued at approximately $1 million, represents a crucial upgrade to the department's fleet. The new engine enhances FGF&R’s capacity for fire suppression and provides modern safety features for the crew, solidifying the commitment to providing the best possible tools for emergency responders serving the Forest Grove community.
Volunteer Recruitment and Training Academy
The critical role of volunteers cannot be overstated, especially in covering the expansive rural areas. Forest Grove Fire & Rescue actively manages a robust Volunteer Program. The department has announced that the application period for the 2025 Fall Volunteer Recruit Fire Academy will open in the Summer of 2025. This academy is a vital pipeline for new talent, ensuring that the department maintains adequate staffing levels to respond to all calls, including those in remote areas like Gales Creek, Buxton, and Manning, often in collaboration with Banks Fire District.
Community Engagement and Public Safety Initiatives
Beyond emergency response, FGF&R is a proactive partner in public safety, utilizing educational outreach and community involvement to prevent incidents before they occur. This focus on prevention is a cornerstone of modern fire service.
Speaker Programs and Community Connectors
The department actively participates in community events and educational forums. For example, Chief Jim Geering was a featured speaker at a Rotary meeting in February 2025, sharing insights into the department's operations and public safety goals. Furthermore, FGF&R works closely with local government entities and community services, such as the "Community Connector" buses that run from Forest Grove to Hillsboro and Cornelius, ensuring that public safety messages and resources are accessible to all residents.
The Role of the Fire Marshal’s Office
Under the direction of Division Chief Dave Nemeyer, the Fire Marshal’s office plays a crucial role in preventing fires and ensuring compliance with safety codes. This includes conducting inspections, investigating the cause of fires, and providing public education on topics like smoke detector maintenance and home escape planning. These efforts are foundational to reducing the number of structure fires and protecting the lives and property of residents in the City of Forest Grove and the Rural Fire Protection District.
The ongoing commitment to community safety, strategic investment in equipment like the new $1M engine, and the dedication of both career staff and volunteers, position Forest Grove Fire & Rescue as a highly effective and essential public safety agency for the region. As the department moves forward, its focus on training, technology, and community partnership will continue to be the pillars of its success in protecting the lives and property of its citizens.
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