Hoodland Sees First Family of Third-Generation Firefighters

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 McAbery at Hoodland. Next came firefighter engineer and paramedic Pat McAbery, following in his father’s footsteps to become the second generation. Griffin is proud to be the third in line.

“I love it,” Griffin said. “I love working in Hoodland, the people I work with, and love giving black to the community.”

Dad began bringing Griffin to the fire station when he was three or four years old, and he was mesmerized looking at the shiny fire engines and cool tools and equipment. As he grew older, he became interested in firefighting.

“I grew up in the industry,” Griffin said. “My grandpa, my dad’s dad, was on the board of directors a long time ago. Grandma and grandpa worked in the ‘70s when it was called Hoodland Rescue, before it was a fire department.”

Griffin joined the Hoodland Explorer program when he was 13, then moved to Central Oregon when he was 18 to get a degree in fire science from Central Oregon Community College. He expects to have his paramedics certification in a few weeks.

He said working at Hoodland helps him appreciate the challenges that are faced by rural fire districts. “Thinking and planning in rural districts, you’re so far away from help, and resources are scarce,” he said.

Another challenge he faces is separating himself from his well-respected father’s shadow and making a name for himself.

“One of the most challenging things is separating myself from my dad,” Griffin said. “He’s been there for a very long time so everybody knows him. It’s hard to make myself be Griffin and not be Pat’s son. I’ve been doing a good job establishing myself as a strong member of the fire department.”

When he’s not working at the fire district, Griffin likes hiking and outdoor recreation. He enjoys playing with his Corgi, Indy, and riding his motorcycle.

It’s all in the family for the McAberys. Griffin’s mother, Gretchen, is the president of the Hoodland Fire District volunteer support group, and his sister, Emma, is secretary. Other family members who have worked or volunteered at Hoodland Fire include his grandmother, Sue; aunt, Nancy Brown; and uncle, Rick McAbery.