Brookings City Council approves six-month training agreement with Harbor Fire District

In the heart of Brookings, Oregon, city council members gathered under the warm glow of the city hall lights to discuss a pivotal agreement aimed at enhancing public safety and fire response capabilities. The meeting on May 12, 2025, centered around a proposed collaboration between the Brookings Fire Department and the Harbor Fire District, a partnership that promises to bolster emergency services for both communities.

At the forefront of the discussion was the importance of safety and training. The Brookings Fire Department relies on the Harbor Fire District for assistance during critical incidents, and city officials emphasized the need for well-trained volunteers to ensure effective responses to emergencies. "It's crucial to have the best, most qualified trained volunteers from the harbor coming across the bridge," stated a council member, highlighting the life-threatening nature of fire calls.

The conversation also touched on the significance of maintaining high Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings, which directly impact insurance rates for residents. Currently, Brookings boasts an impressive ISO rating of 3, a feat that city officials are eager to uphold. "We want to keep our rate payers' rates going down," one member noted, underscoring the financial implications of the agreement.

As the council deliberated, concerns were raised regarding the operational aspects of the partnership. Questions about the number of volunteer firefighters in the Harbor District and the anticipated workload for Brookings staff were addressed. It was estimated that initial training efforts would require 5 to 10 hours of staff time per week, tapering off to fewer than five hours as the program stabilizes.

However, the meeting was not without its tensions. Some council members expressed apprehension about potential underlying issues within the Harbor Fire District, urging caution to avoid any cultural conflicts that could spill over into Brookings. "We don't need to put you at risk or the city of Brookings at risk," one member cautioned, emphasizing the need for careful oversight.

Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment leaned towards support for the agreement. Council members recognized the mutual benefits of collaboration, with one stating, "We need to help each other out. We need to continue a great relationship." The proposed six-month contract, with an option for a three-month extension, aims to establish a framework for training and operational support while ensuring that both departments can work effectively together.

As the meeting concluded, the council's commitment to public safety and community collaboration was clear. The partnership with the Harbor Fire District not only aims to enhance emergency response capabilities but also fosters a spirit of unity between neighboring communities. With the agreement poised for approval, Brookings is set to strengthen its fire services while supporting its neighbors in Harbor, paving the way for a safer future for all residents.