The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 8 authorized Bend Fire and Rescue to enter into a contract with Alfalfa Fire District for provision of basic life support (BLS) emergency transport services within Alfalfa Fire District’s protection area.

Tom (Deschutes County Public Health) explained the proposal and said it is allowable under Deschutes County code 8.3 0.07, which permits subcontracting of ambulance services by licensed franchisees. "This is allowable under Deschutes County code 8.3 0.07, which allows subcontracting of services by our licensed franchisees," Tom said.

Drew Norris, EMS chief for Bend Fire and Rescue, said the arrangement formalizes longstanding on‑scene collaboration and adds transport capability for Alfalfa residents while leaving Bend resources available in busier areas. He estimated the arrangement would affect about 20 to 30 calls per year in Alfalfa and called the arrangement a small but useful improvement in local coverage.

Alfalfa Fire Chief Chad LaValle said the district will staff the new BLS ambulance full time once licensing and inspection are complete and expects to be operational by October. LaValle said the district obtained an ambulance via a grant and outfitted it with departmental funds; he also described a volunteer staffing model that the district expects to sustain.

Officials cited local operational details: Alfalfa’s volunteer base includes EMRs and nine EMTs and two paramedics who volunteer five days per week; the district estimates modest revenue generation from transport runs and expects the arrangement to help cover station loan repayments and support future staffing plans. Staff noted prior collaboration through the ASA (ambulance service area) committee and said the ASA members received the proposal by email and were generally supportive.

A motion to authorize the contract was moved and seconded and passed unanimously, with Commissioners Adair, Chang and the chair voting yes.

County staff said they will return executed agreements to records and monitor performance under the intergovernmental contract.