Category Archives: Fire

City Manager's Office, Finance, Fire, Library, Parks & Recreation

Local Donation Options

Tis the season of giving! Each year the City partners with a number of organizations to help those in need in our community. Together we can make this holiday season a little brighter!

Toy Drive

Our Fire and Library departments have partnering to bring holiday cheer to children in need! They are collecting new, unwrapped toys that will be shared with local families in the area. Please drop off toys by December 15 at the Lake Oswego Fire Main Station (300 B Ave) or the Lake Oswego Library (706 Fourth Street).

Hunger Fighters Oregon

Hunger Fighters continues to see a record number of people in Lake Oswego who need emergency food. You can donate nonperishable food items at City Hall (south entrance vestibule, open 24/7) or directly with Hunger Fighters (located at 2301 Hazel Road).

Meals on Wheels

Did you know that Lake Oswego has its own Meals on Wheels service? It is operated by the City with fundraising by the volunteer LO Meal Network with 20,000 meals served annually. Since the start of the pandemic, delivery participation has increased by nearly 10%, and to-go meal participation has tripled. To donate to this essential service, visit lakeoswegomealsonwheels.org

Personal Care Items

The City is collecting basic need items for our families in need programs. Please consider donating unused items such as shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, disposable razors, diapers, deodorant and sunscreen. Donations barrels are available to drop off items at City Hall (south entrance vestibule, open 24/7).

Utility Assistance

We created a temporary utility payment assistance for City of Lake Oswego utility customers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Donations to the fund can be made by anyone. All donations are placed into a fund used exclusively for emergency utility assistance and administered by a local non-profit. More details.

Fire

Lake Oswego FIRE

LOFD Firefighter Academy and Probation

On September 15th 2020 at 0700 hrs. 6 young recruits started their one year journey as a Probationary Firefighter/Paramedic with the City of Lake Oswego Fire Department.  This journey starts with a very difficult 8 week fire academy which will test their individual and team skills.  Teaching them attention to detail, fire ground  techniques, and emergency medical skills.  To graduate, the Recruit Academy had a comprehensive 3 day skills evaluation which tests their ability to become a fourth firefighter working with seasoned crews in the public.  Among other tasks, it included hose, rescue, and ladder truck skills.  For the remaining 10 months of their probationary year,  they participate in many physical challenges, presentations, and feedback from their company officers to help them build their craft as Firefighter/Paramedics.  Once all probationary requirements have been met, the last month of probation will be a final evaluation of knowledge, skills, and abilities they learned throughout the year.  This final evaluation tests a firefighters mental and physical strengths, as well as, their endurance and mental toughness… In the end this will prove to themselves, organization, and the citizens of Lake Oswego that they have what it takes to be a Lake Oswego Fire Fighter…

Fire

Fire Department

Lake Oswego Fire Department Training Officer Scott Carlson was awarded the 2019 Instructor of the year award from the Northwest Association of Fire Trainers on October 15, 2020. Scott has infused enthusiasm, innovation, and positivity to the Lake Oswego Fire Department Training Division. He has coined the motto “Keep Moving Forward” with the philosophy of “Coaching”. Scott brings over 21 years of experience in guiding our professionals in their professional development. Within his training calendar Scott provides a week off every month for members to conduct crew-based training and connect with him or other trainers to hone their skills. Approximately 19 years ago he began developing our Water Rescue Program literally from the ground up and today he is training all of our boat operators to the DPSST Rescue Boat Operator level.

 “ No matter the situation either good or bad, Scott always makes you laugh and lightens the mood with his positive attitude” – Lt. Troy Waddell, D/E Ryan Rudge, FF Cody Grimm

As an Instructor, Scott has been accepted to the Oregon State Marine Board “Jet Boat” School. With this expertise he will bring an imperative knowledge base and skill set for our Rescue Boat Operators. He connects life experiences to the classroom developing and teaching his craft through a Water Rescue Command Workshop from the firefighter to Chief Officer. Scott in conjunction with the Clackamas County Water Rescue Consortium instructor group participates and instructs the local “Drift Boat School” teaching our members how to “read” the water with AMR and Washington County Sheriff. Scott has hit the road running developing several new programs within our Training Division such as reconfiguring our entire recruit academy. Stepping out of the traditional academy vision and has incorporated PEER Support, Connectivity with our Crews, and incorporated a larger EMS vision. Scott assigns a PEER Support member to our probationary firefighters and for their families throughout their entire first year. He has brought back the “Lost Art” skills such as: Hoisting tools with Ropes, utilizing sprinkler stops with a flowing sprinkler head, and ladder techniques for those unusual circumstances. He has enhanced our probationary requirements for promoted personnel into the positions of Driver/Engineer and Lieutenant instituting quarterly benchmarks of pumping, ladder truck operations, and scenarios with Battalion Chiefs. Understanding the importance of succession planning, Scott with our senior members developed a Driver/Engineer Academy implementing a standardized approach involving departmental Apparatus Managers, Lieutenants, Driver/Engineers, and Clackamas Fire District Shop personnel. He continues to take it to the next level as he has developed a new employee “Welcome” video and reformed our Training Center along with enhanced department wide terminology: Multi Unit Drill (MUD), Single Unit Drill (SUD), Hands on Training (HOT). In addition, he has developed a monthly “Rekindle” summarizing the monthly training highlights/lessons learned.

 “T.O. Carlson leads Lake Oswego’s fire training with a strong knowledge base from his years of experience. He injects enthusiasm, creativity, excellent, and relevant content to the training ground that is much appreciated by his fellow firefighters.” – D/E Nathan Weikel

Scott believes in repetitive practical manipulative skills as our foundation bringing “Back to Basics” in hose deployment and Engine Company Operations. He has adapted the individual skill concepts combined with continued Team-Building. Scott develops his training program to be well rounded in the concepts of: EMS, Fire, Water Rescue, Truck and Engine Company Operations.

“Scott “Coach” Carlson draws the very best out of people. He is your biggest cheerleader, listens intently, shelters from distractions, gives the shirt off his back, and will also kick your backside in to gear (if needed). He truly cares about the people he works with and the job that he was tasked to do. Well done Coach. You deserve all the accolades given and are very much appreciated”.  – FF Jeremy Quinby

Engineering, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Police, Public Works, Water Partnership

Thank You, Frontline Workers!

🚒👨🏻‍🚒🚜👮🏽‍♀️ Not all heroes wear capes! 2020 has brought numerous challenges, but we are grateful to the City’s frontline workers who serve this community every day. The last few weeks, crews from Fire, Police, Parks, Public Works, and the Water Treatment Plant have worked tirelessly to respond to the wildfires and windstorm. Our hearts go out to those that have been affected by the fires, including members of City staff. Let’s give these incredible individuals the gratitude they deserve! THANK YOU 💙🙏🏽❤️

Thank you, LO Fire. Fire not only kept our community safe, they also worked on the frontlines to protect our state, serving on crews at the Clackamas Wildfires, Hwy 242 Fire and others.

Thank you, LO Police. Police had 18 officers help the City of Molalla evacuate. Police also had two officers covering calls for Molalla Police daily through 9/19 so officers in the community were able to rest.

Thank you, LOCOM. Our 9-1-1 dispatchers absorbed increased call volume from Clackamas County to help with evacuation orders and life and safety calls.

Thank you, Parks team.  Parks crews implemented closures due to fire risk and poor air quality.  In one day, our team closed 15 playgrounds, 27 restrooms, 7 parking lots, 4 dog parks/off-leash areas, 9 athletic fields, 22 natural areas, and the golf course. They are also cleaning up damage in parks caused by the windstorm.

Thank you, Public Works. Public Works responded to Monday’s windstorm by clearing 20 down trees and working with PGE to minimize power outages. By Tuesday, over 50% of our team were in Level 2 or higher evacuation. In the midst of evacuating families, they actively repaired fire trucks and cleared streets for travel.

Thank you, Water Treatment Plant operators. These heroes ensured firefighters had water to fight fires and our communities had clean drinking water. The staff worked 12-hour shifts in order to increase water production to aid neighboring water systems with water supply for fire related demands.

Fire, Police

Fire and Public Safety Tips for Labor Day Weekend

As temperatures soar into the 90s this Labor Day weekend, LO Police and Fire want to provide you some safety tips. When winds, temperatures and humidity are mixed, fires can ignite and spread very rapidly. When these conditions are just right, a red flag warning will be issued which will often put higher restrictions on open burning.

In Lake Oswego, any kind of open burning, including yard debris, is not allowed except small recreational fires contained in a firepit or fireplace (and that is year around). The fire should not be any larger than 2’x3’, be contained, and only appropriate fire wood is allowed.

Many people may take to the waters to cool off this holiday weekend. This often brings other risks–from sunburn, to drownings, people driving (a boat or car) intoxicated, and fatal incidents. Using safety equipment – like sunscreen and flotation devices – is important for all of us. And, above all, don’t drink and drive.

And with BBQ season in full swing, there are some precautions you can take for fire safety:

  • Keep your BBQ away from combustible walls
  • Keep it clean of grease
  • Never leaving the cooking unattended
  • Don’t place spent coals and ashes in or near any combustibles, even for up to several days. Place them in a metal bucket, wetting them down thoroughly.

Remember, be safe this holiday weekend and #MaskUpLO! For more fire safety information, please visit https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/fire/safety-tips

City Manager's Office, Engineering, Fire, Library, Parks & Recreation

Fourth of July Reminders

This Saturday, we celebrate the Fourth of July and our nation’s independence. Sadly, it will not look the same as years past without our traditional parades or large fireworks shows due to COVID-19. However, that does not mean we cannot enjoy ourselves!

Here are some fun ideas to celebrate our Independence, while staying safe:

  • Parks & Recreation prepared a festive Star Spangled Celebration at Home guide for all your Independence Day needs! It includes decorating ideas, patriotic recipes, thematic games, and fireworks safety. www.ci.oswego.or.us/parksrec/living-well-connected/star-spangled-celebration-home?fbclid=IwAR2QXvzu9_SDeQCM0AIGbp4uOq2FaG2KNNtEx8vNdkBSElImAfQNZGygLpA
  • Visit our Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market. Find some of your holiday goodies for a festive BBQ! It will be open on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In addition, the West Coast Ravens will do a flyover of the site at 10 a.m. to commemorate July 4th.
  • Celebrate with a picnic to your favorite local park with the people you live with! Or have a virtual picnic with friends.
  • Head over to our Lake Oswego Municipal Golf Course for a round of golf, or even footgolf!
  • Rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP rental at George Rogers Park through a partnership between Parks & Recreation and Alder Creek! Rentals are first come, first serve and available daily.
  • Sign up for our Lake Oswego Library summer reading programs! Summer reading is for all ages.

Following Governor Brown’s recommendation to cancel large events through September, our City Star Spangled Parade & Celebration, as well as the Independence Day Concert & Laser Light Show are canceled. The Fourth of July Fireworks Show – presented by the Lake Corporation, not the City – has also been canceled.

If you plan to purchase and use legal consumer fireworks, remember to practice the four B’s of safe fireworks use:

  • Be Prepared before lighting fireworks: Keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
  • Be Safe when lighting fireworks: Keep children and pets away from fireworks.
  • Be Responsible after lighting fireworks: Never relight a dud, wait 15 to 20 minutes then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.
  • Be Aware: Use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places.

We encourage everyone to enjoy our local amenities, but please remember fireworks nor alcohol are permitted on City properties, which includes parks. In addition, fireworks are illegal in all state parks and beaches.

Protect your health and our community by keeping your Fourth of July celebrations small, local, physically distanced, and with face coverings! Show us your selfies wearing a fun, festive patriotic face covering just like City Engineer, Erica Rooney! Post to social media using #LOtogether!

Happy Fourth of July everyone!

CIty Council, City Manager's Office, Finance, Fire, Library, Parks & Recreation

COVID-19 City Updates

There are no significant changes in City operations. We are continuing to comply with Governor Brown’s Executive Order. For City closures and information regarding the City’s response to coronavirus, visit www.lakeoswego.city/coronavirus – this webpage is updated daily.

We have created a Temporary Utility Payment Assistance Program for City of Lake Oswego utility customers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. We are contributing $20,000 to jump-start the fund, but donations can be made by anyone. Donate today and help a LO neighbor!

Our Library and Parks & Recreation Departments have launched free virtual programming for all! Explore the numerous online resources, which include recreation classes, craft projects, story times, and stay-in-place events. We will continue to find ways for us to stay connected.

Community Updates

We have partnered with Hunger Fighters to collect gift card donations. Next time you grab take-out or head to the grocery store, buy a gift card to donate to a local LO household in need. You can drop-off donated gift cards at City Hall’s utility payment box (south entrance).

Our Lake Oswego Fire Department is collecting homemade cloth masks for Lake Oswego senior and assisted-living residents who are in the high-risk category for COVID-19. Call 503-635-0275 to arrange a drop-off or for LOFD to pick them up!

LO Together

Coronavirus does not discriminate and can infect anyone. A person’s ethnicity, language, or association with a country or region is not a risk factor for this virus. It affects every one of us – every race and ethnicity. Sadly, local incidents of bias, stigma, and hatred against people of color have increased in conjunction with rising COVID-19 concerns. We are committed to supporting our communities of color during this crisis. We urge everyone to stand firm against hate and bigotry by following the Oregon Health Authority’s guidance to Spread Facts, Not Fear about COVID-19.

As we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, many traditional support systems for families are unavailable or altered. High-stress home environments can increase the likelihood of domestic violence and abuse that children either experience or observe. To report suspected abuse or neglect of a child or adult, call 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).

Please continue to be kind to each other, help create a welcoming and inclusive community, and treat everyone with respect.

How can you help our local community during COVID-19 crisis? Check out these activities!

For the latest information about City services and the coronavirus, please visit www.lakeoswego.city/coronavirus. Or follow our City accounts on social media – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Fire, Police

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week!

“9-1-1, what’s the location of your emergency?” Lake Oswego, these are just some of the faces of our emergency dispatchers responding to your calls for service – 24/7. It’s National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week – join us in recognizing and thanking our behind-the-scenes first responders! They are true heroes.

We are here for you, #LakeOswego. We are all in this together – #LOtogether.

 

Fire, Police

A Message from Emergency Dispatcher Caitlin Meisner

Lake Oswego 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatcher Caitlin Meisner is one of the dedicated dispatchers supporting our community by continuing to answer calls for service during the coronavirus pandemic. Our dispatchers are always here for you when you need help – 24/7! They truly are the first responders.

During this time, Caitlin is doing her part to stay safe and healthy by regularly washing her hands and taking her temperature. When she isn’t working in our dispatch center, Caitlin enjoys trying new recipes. Caitlin’s tip: hot homemade cinnamon rolls can help us all stay positive during #StayHomeSaveLives

We are all in this together – #LOtogether

For more information, visit www.lakeoswego.city/coronavirus.

Fire, Parks & Recreation, Police

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Video

Police, Fire, and Parks and Recreation recently partnered to create a short video, encouraging our community learn CPR and to be ready to respond to Sudden Cardiac Arrest incidents.   The video was launched at the SCA Survivor’s Breakfast in February and is now posted on our websites. The plan is to periodically use short snippets on our social media posts to raise awareness of the effectiveness of CPR and early defibrillation in saving lives https://youtu.be/7gfkxqcQRzg

Watch for an online video introduction to Hands Only CPR in early summer –