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5 Major Ways The City Of Gresham Fire Department Is Being Transformed Right Now (2025 Outlook)

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The City of Gresham Fire Department (GFD) is currently undergoing one of its most transformative periods in decades, driven by a historic public safety levy and major infrastructure overhauls. As of late December 2025, the department is focused on modernizing its facilities, expanding its capacity, and securing long-term funding to meet the growing demands of the community.

This deep dive explores the five most critical updates, from the new leadership at the helm to multi-million dollar construction projects that will redefine emergency response in Gresham, Oregon, for the next generation. The GFD’s commitment to enhanced service is evident in every new initiative, ensuring better protection for lives and property.

Gresham Fire & Emergency Services Leadership Profile: Chief Jeffrey Hairston

The Gresham Fire Department has recently seen a significant leadership transition, placing a focus on internal promotion and continuity of service.

  • Current Role: Fire Chief, Gresham Fire & Emergency Services.
  • Appointment Date: Effective December 13 (recent transition).
  • Previous Role: Assistant Chief within the Gresham Fire Department.
  • Predecessor: Chief Derik Minard, who departed in December to accept a new role in Savannah, Georgia.
  • Leadership Context: Chief Hairston was a top finalist in the city's national recruitment for the Fire Chief position, demonstrating his strong qualifications and vision for the department. City Manager Eric Schmidt praised his predecessor, Chief Minard, for bringing "stability and strength" during a critical moment for the GFD.
  • Vision: As the new leader, Chief Hairston is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the massive public safety funding package and the accompanying infrastructure projects, steering the department into a new era of expansion and modernization.

1. The Historic Public Safety Levy and New Funding Strategy

A pivotal moment for the Gresham Fire Department occurred in May 2024 when local voters passed a critical public safety levy. This was a monumental achievement, marking the first dedicated funding levy for public safety in Gresham in over 30 years.

The Impact of the May 2024 Levy

The successful passage of the levy, supported by 56% of Gresham voters, provides the GFD with a crucial, stable funding source. This financial injection is essential for maintaining current staffing levels and implementing new positions, which is vital as the city continues to grow. The levy directly addresses the long-standing issue where city growth had outpaced the funding available for essential services like firefighting and emergency response.

Addressing Long-Term Financial Challenges

Beyond the levy, the GFD has been proactive in tackling persistent funding challenges. Temporary solutions included the use of one-time American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to bridge budget gaps and an update to the monthly Police, Fire, and Parks Fee, which was raised to $15 to prevent service cuts.

Looking ahead, the city is actively exploring the formation of a new, dedicated fire district with neighboring East Multnomah County cities. This collaborative approach aims to create a more financially sustainable model for fire and emergency services, ensuring that the necessary funds keep pace with increasing operational costs and community needs.

2. Major Infrastructure Modernization: Station 72 Expansion

The GFD is moving forward with significant upgrades to its aging facilities, with Fire Station 72 being the first major project. This modernization is crucial for improving firefighter welfare and operational efficiency.

Details of the Station 72 Project

The expansion of Fire Station 72 on Kane Drive is a key priority. Construction is slated to begin in the fall of 2025. The primary goal is to add second-floor quarters, providing modern and adequate living and sleeping spaces for the on-duty firefighters. This upgrade is designed to enhance the quality of life for the personnel who are on 24-hour shifts, directly supporting the department's mission of exceptional emergency response.

3. Building the Future: New State-of-the-Art Training Tower

To ensure firefighters are prepared for any scenario, the GFD is replacing its outdated training facility with a modern, high-tech structure.

The New Fire Training Center

Also starting in the fall of 2025, the department will launch the construction of a new, state-of-the-art training tower at the Fire Training Center, which is owned by Multnomah County. The old training tower was recently torn down to make way for this new facility.

  • Funding: The project is secured through a combination of a State of Oregon grant and dedicated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, demonstrating a successful push for external funding.
  • Purpose: This new tower will allow for realistic, multi-scenario training exercises, including high-rise simulations, technical rescue, and advanced fire suppression techniques. The investment ensures that the GFD's personnel, including the seven new firefighters hired in September 2023, receive the highest level of practical training.

4. Planning for the Next Generation: Fire Station 74 Replacement

The modernization efforts extend beyond Station 72 and the training center. The GFD has identified another station in critical need of replacement.

The department has a clear recommendation to replace Fire Station 74. Schematic design and cost estimating for this crucial replacement project are already underway. The new station will be designed to meet the operational demands of a modern fire department, including the ability to house larger, more specialized apparatus and provide better response times in its service area.

The ongoing financial analysis, including the Fiscal Year 2025/26 proposed budget, includes finance projections specifically for the development of this new fire station, underscoring its priority status in the city's long-term capital improvement plan.

5. Expanding Service Reach and Operational Capacity

The combination of new funding and modern facilities directly translates into expanded service delivery for the Gresham community and its partners.

The GFD currently operates six fire stations within its primary service area and also manages one shift in a shared facility through its partnership with Multnomah County Fire District #10. The new infrastructure, especially the expansion of Station 72, will enhance the department's ability to maintain a high operational tempo and manage the increasing call volume that comes with a growing metropolitan area.

The strategic plan for 2024 and beyond focuses on strengthening the department’s commitment to community-focused service, a vision championed by the new Fire Chief, Jeffrey Hairston. By breaking down silos and connecting with the community, the GFD is working to ensure that its emergency and non-emergency services are as effective and accessible as possible.

The City of Gresham Fire Department is not just responding to emergencies; it is strategically rebuilding its foundation. With the backing of the May 2024 levy, the construction of a new training tower, and the modernization of key stations like Station 72, the department is positioned to deliver enhanced public safety services well into the future.

5 Major Ways the City of Gresham Fire Department is Being Transformed Right Now (2025 Outlook)
city of gresham fire department
city of gresham fire department

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