By Andrea O’Neil, For The Mountain Times Wildfire mitigation requirements tied to insurance and future building standards are becoming increasingly important in the Hoodland area, and over the last year I have been working to prepare both myself and my customers for what may be ahead. Like many people, I initially thought much of the concern had subsided when the State of Oregon walked back the original wildfire hazard maps. However, after being contacted by a customer last y

By Ty Walker, The Mountain Times Jackson Rogers said he thanks the Hoodland Volunteer Firefighter Training Academy for helping him land a job with the U.S. National Forest Service fighting wildfires. Jackson started his new job last month as a crew member assigned to Engine 312 from Mount Hood National Forest. “I’ve always wanted to fight wildfires,” he said. “Going through the Hoodland Academy gave me my certifications for wildfire that I needed and that’s what helped me get

It’s official. Orlando Cryer has joined the ranks of the Hoodland Fire District as a volunteer firefighter. He and his fellow classmates were sworn in and received their badges from the recruit academy at a special graduation ceremony on March 10 at the fire station.. Training started in the fall with a field of more than 20 prospects, 11 of whom earned their badges after completing a challenging course of studies and physical exercises. “I really liked the training.” Cryer

Map Curve, also known as “Dead Man’s Curve” by locals, is a sweeping curve of Highway 26 just west of Government Camp. The scenic stretch of highway is notorious for being the site of serious car crashes over the years. Evan Jarvis will never forget that July night in 2023 when he responded to the call as a member of the special rope rescue team. He and other emergency first responders performed the daring rescue of two injured crash victims. Hoodland and Clackamas County fir

John Drake is serving his third year of a four-year term as vice president of the Hoodland Fire District Board Of Directors. He was elected to the volunteer position in May 2023 and took office on July 1 of that year. He retired after 26 years working as a firefighter for the Portland Fire Bureau. He spent 13 years as a line firefighter and 13 as a fire inspector with the fire marshal’s office. He believes that being a Hoodland Fire board member and retired firefighter with

Aidan DeOliveira always knew he wanted to have a career in public service. He says he wants to do something that helps people and now he’s getting his chance, through the Hoodland Fire District Student Program. A 2025 Sandy High School graduate, Aidan is on the right track to achieving his ultimate goal of becoming a firefighter-paramedic. He started the two-year program two months ago and has nothing but good things to say about his experience so far. “I love it,” Aidan sa

Pat and Griffin McAbery. In the McAbery family, firefighting runs in the bloodlines. It’s part of the family DNA. Griffin McAbery, 22, became Hoodland Fire District’s first third-generation firefighter, carrying on the legacy started by his grandfather. Griffin was hired part-time as a seasonal firefighter with the district, founded in 1966. Decades ago, Griffin’s grandfather, Dick, served on the fire district’s board of directors, setting the stage as the first generation M