Leadership...
Brent Knutson - Deputy Chief of Operations
When asked; How does the District support the community, Chief Knutson responds...
"The men and women of KCFD1 are committed to serving the 55,00+ citizens of Klamath Falls and its surrounding areas. We do this through timely, precise and compassionate response and patient care. The responders our community sees when they need help are same responders they’ll see teaching educational courses, walking through the grocery store, plowing snow from a driveway, and interacting on a personal level with all the citizens of Klamath we’re called to protect. KCFD1 isn’t just a “check the box” type of department, we’re the department you can count on to do the right thing, make the ethical decision, and to treat your loved ones with the level of care and advocacy they deserve. We specialize in structure fire suppression, emergency medical services, transportation accidents, technical rescue, wildland firefighting and several other disciplines. District 1 strives to progress in these areas and many others to guarantee the best possible service to the residents of our community."
Andy Hoskins -A-Shift Battalion Chief
When asked; Why is the fire service a great career, Chief Hoskins responds...
"The fire service has allowed me to see all sides of helping people from their greatest days to their worst. It has warranted me the opportunity to raise a family in the same place that I work while advancing through my carrier for the last 24 years."
Toni Brimmer - B-Shift Battalion Chief
When asked; What are some of the best moments you’ve had at District 1, Chief Brimmer responds...
"Particularly REACH fire in July of 2015. This was a very large commercial fire in an out-building adjacent to REACH Inc. With limited resources on scene, the entire building was evacuated of 30+workers. At the conclusion of the fire, the main plant at REACH Inc. was saved, sustaining only minimal fire damage to the structure, additionally there were no injuries to civilians or crews. This rates as a ‘best moment’ because of the great work our crews are capable of, and perform time and time again with limited resources and manpower…seemingly accomplishing the impossible, driven by heart and determination in addition to their hard work and skill.
Some of my best memories surround being on duty during Holidays. In the Fire Service we are part of the fire family. Working over the holidays gives us an opportunity to blend the actual family with the fire family. One Easter, we had 7 of our families with about 18 kids to the station to eat Easter Dinner and had an Easter egg hunt as well. During dinner crews went on 6 calls. The families ended up staying about 5 hours to complete the meal with us! My daughter who is now grown and off to college remembers this as one of her best holidays ever! "
Erick Bishop - C-Shift Battalion Chief
When asked; Why is District 1 a special place to work, Chief Bishop responds...
"Fire District 1 is a special place to work for a few reasons. We reflect the “can do” approach commonly found in communities East of the Cascades. Our team is resilient, strong and dedicated to the community. Klamath County Fire District 1 is one of the larger employers in the region yet maintains a sense of family both internally with our team and externally with our customers."