Ty Walker

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 the job.”...

By Ty Walker, The Mountain Times It’s been a long time since the Hoodland Fire District’s table has been full at dinnertime. But thanks to more volunteers joining the roster through the fire district’s training academy, they are breaking bread in larger numbers. About a half dozen firefighters now typically gather for the feast. Finding a seat for everyone can be a problem but it’s a good problem to have. Meet 2025 academy grad Joshua Nonamaker. At 18, he was the youngest in this class of 10...

By Ty Walker, The Mountain Times 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...