About Us
The Bend Firefighters Association seeks to engage with the public and create a better connection between first responders and the community we serve.
Humble
We listen carefully, while remaining humble and teachable.
The City of Bend Fire Department was formed in 1905 and firefighters became members of the International Association of FireFighters (IAFF) on September 16th, 1919. Bend Firefighter’s Association IAFF Local 227 is the second oldest firefighting union in Oregon, only to be preceded by Portland Firefighters IAFF Local 43. Today we represent a large number of firefighters, engineers, captains, fire inspectors and deputy fire marshals. Out of 5 stations, the Bend Fire Department operates 4 engine companies, 3 Advanced Life Support Medics, a Heavy Rescue and Truck. Our members form a Technical Rescue Team of 12 members specializing in Rope, Ice, Machinery, Water, Extrication, Confined Space and Trench Rescue. Our Fire District is 164 square miles while our Ambulance Response Area is 1,450 square miles.
The City of Bend lies in the heart of Central Oregon. Bend and Portland, Oregon are the only 2 cities in the United States to have an extinct volcano within its city limits! We are a fast growing city with a population of approx 82,250 in the city and 135,000 in the district. Bend has a major attraction as a retirement destination. Central Oregon is also a highly desired vacation region with many resorts in and around Bend. Mt Bachelor Ski Resort and the Cascade Lakes are located 20 miles west of town. With world renowned recreation all year long (including over 300 miles of mountain bike trails), the need for specialized rescue is high.