Fire district reports more calls, fewer personnel than 20 years ago
February 1, 2023

Scott Swanson
Fire board members and staff listen as Kori Sarratt, of Accuity Auditing, right, makes a presentation during their Jan. 24 meeting. Board members and staff at the table are, clockwise from lbottom: Julie Harvey, board clerk; Dawn Mitchell, board president; Fire Chief Nick Tyler; Julie Mayfield, assistant to the chief; Board Member Rob Younger; Board Member Larry Johnson; and Board Member Charlene Adams.
Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District is responding to double the calls it did 20 years ago, with fewer total personnel, due to a 40% decrease in volunteer numbers over that period, Fire Chief Nick Tyler told members of the Board of Directors last week.
Speaking at the board's monthly meeting Tuesday, Jan. 24, Tyler said ambulance and tax revenue, the district's two main sources of income, are not keeping pace with growth in Sweet Home.
In December, district personnel treated and transported 206 patients, a 62% transport rate, to local hospitals. Turnaround time at hospitals has improved...
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