10/28/2026
Honoring UTFD on National First Responders Day
October 28, 2026
By Fire Chief James W. Hall
Today, on National First Responders Day, I want to recognize the dedicated men and women of the Umatilla Tribal Fire Department & Ambulance. Our firefighters/EMTs, and paramedics serve this community around the clock, bringing skills, compassion, and commitment to work that often goes unrecognized.
Every day, our crews stand ready to respond to medical emergencies, structure fires, wildland fires, vehicle crashes, and rescues. From caring for a patient in their home to responding along Interstate 84 or protecting homes on the Umatilla Indian Reservation, they carry a tremendous responsibility. Behind every call is a person, a family, or a neighbor who needs help—and our personnel understand the trust placed in them when they arrive.
This department’s fine work also happens between calls. It is in the hours spent training, checking equipment, maintaining apparatus, preparing for the next emergency, and helping community members prevent injuries and fires. That daily discipline lets our crews respond with confidence when seconds matter.
As Fire Chief, I am proud of the professionalism and heart our personnel bring to this department. I see their teamwork, their willingness to keep learning, and the care they show people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I also recognize the demands this profession places on them and their families: interrupted holidays, nights away from home, and difficult calls that can stay with them long after a shift ends.
To the men and women of UTFD: thank you for the work you do day in and day out. Thank you for looking after one another, taking pride in your responsibilities, and serving the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and our surrounding communities with dedication and respect. To your families, thank you for the support that helps make this service possible.
Today is an opportunity to recognize your service publicly. Your work deserves our appreciation every day.
Thank you to all of our First Responders!