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La Grande Fire Chief Murrell Lacy outlines staffing, ambulance coverage and community outreach
Summary
Murrell Lacy, chief of the La Grande Fire Department, described his background and said the paid department operates 24/7, typically staffs six firefighters per shift, runs three ambulances (two immediately staffed) and provides advanced life support across Union County while conducting inspections and school fire-prevention programs.
Murrell Lacy, chief of the La Grande Fire Department, described his career and the department's operations in a brief interview, saying the paid department runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and provides advanced life support ambulance coverage across Union County.
Lacy, who said he has lived in the county for about 50 years and trained as a paramedic, said the department typically staffs six firefighters per shift, sometimes drops to five, and operates three ambulances, with two immediately available. He also stressed that firefighters’ duties include inspections, school fire-prevention programs and public tours in addition to emergency response.
"I've lived in the county for, 50 years," Lacy said, recounting his local ties and training. He described a career that included ambulance work in Elgin, time at a local mill and paramedic training before being hired by the La Grande Fire Department about 20 years ago. "We're 24 7, 3 65," he said of the department's continuous coverage. "We're the only paid department in Union County." He added, "we have 6 firefighters on duty at a time. Sometimes it goes down to 5. 3 ambulances, 2 of them are staffed immediately... and we also cover the city for fire."
Lacy said the department provides advanced life support (ALS) ambulance service across the county: "So that means, anything that's in the advanced life support realm, we go out and take care of in the county." He noted cooperation with smaller agencies, naming Elgin's ambulance service and other county partners.
Beyond emergency calls, Lacy said the department conducts inspections and prevention work: "Most people, you know, think firefighters just go to fires, but we do a lot of other things. We do inspections. We do fire preventions, such as school programs, and, we, give tours." He praised the department's staff and administrative team and said they aim to deliver expected services to the community.
The interview focused on describing current operations; Lacy did not announce any change in staffing policy or new programs during the conversation.
