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Sheridan fire chief resigns; Polk County officials warn ambulance services could be disrupted after layoffs
Summary
Polk County commissioners were updated that Sheridan’s fire chief resigned recently and the district has laid off more than half of its paid EMS crew, prompting concerns about service gaps, mutual‑aid strain and potential reassignment of ambulance service areas.
Polk County commissioners were told at their May 13 meeting that the Sheridan Fire District’s chief resigned last week and the district has laid off more than half of its professional emergency medical services (EMS) crew, increasing demand on neighboring providers and raising the prospect of disrupted ambulance service for county residents.
Commissioners were briefed that Sheridan’s staffing cuts have already shifted more calls to Grand Ronde under mutual aid arrangements and that Southwest Polk and other neighboring districts are seeing higher call volumes. The speaker at the meeting said Sheridan has been seeking additional revenue and had pursued one‑time funding such as ARPA, but those efforts have not solved the district’s shortfall.
The county official said the county’s Ambulance Service Area (ASA) committee is advisory to the board and that any formal changes — including a potential reassignment of an ASA — would require a sequence of district actions and county review. If a district is formally found to be failing, the board would issue notice and could reassign service; the meeting referenced a six‑month corrective period before reassignment could occur.
Commissioners discussed operational options if Sheridan cannot sustain service, including contract arrangements like those Polk County has with West Valley Fire District. The meeting noted that, if Sheridan were to default, Yamhill County — which contains the majority of that district — would likely assume primary responsibility; Polk County could be asked to pick up only the portion within its borders.
Also discussed was a recent request from Chief Les Thomas (referenced at the meeting) asking the county or authority to approve emergency medical responders (EMRs) to act as drivers in second‑out ambulances. County staff advised that county ordinance already permits using EMRs as ambulance drivers and questioned why the district had sought formal permission.
The speaker emphasized the practical consequence that ambulances “stop rolling” if funding and staffing shortages continue, and said a regional transition would likely be handled by contract and could involve service lags during any handover. The official urged the ASA committee to review Sheridan’s situation and report back with recommendations before any action by the full board.
No formal motion or vote on Sheridan’s ASA or contracts took place at the May 13 meeting; commissioners said they would monitor developments and could convene the ASA committee or request reports from staff and neighboring districts to assess service continuity.
"Sheridan is already in a place with no money, and so that's gonna be problematic for anybody," the county speaker said during the discussion.
