821st Troop Command Detachment

11/23/2023

Yeppers

As we head into the firehouse to work this Thanksgiving, we are grateful for what we get to do and who we get to do it with. Although we would rather be home with our families, our job requires us to work holidays.

It's part of the deal in getting to be a firefighter. We work holidays, birthdays, and all types of family occasions, and we do it for our communities so that when they call, we show up every single time.

For some in our communities, we are the most reliable thing they have in their lives.

There are very few jobs where people look at who they work with as a family. We do! For all working at the firehouse today and serving your communities, be grateful for what we get to do and who we get to do it with: our brothers and sisters.

And above all, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, and His love endures forever.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:1

Photo of Harrisburg Fire

09/22/2023

Miah Washburn I found your favorite MRE!

09/08/2023

Yeppers

Oregon Army National Guard Launches Weekend Drill Child Care Program

The Oregon Army National Guard has started a new pilot program to assist soldiers with child care during weekend drills.

The Weekend Drill Child Care (WDCC) program aims to "support retention, readiness, and balancing military and parental responsibilities," according to a flyer from the Oregon National Guard Child and Youth Program.

Soldiers must meet specific criteria to be eligible. "To qualify, a soldier must be assigned to an Oregon Army National Guard unit; be a single soldier, dual military, or have a spouse who works or goes to school during drills; have Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) enrolled dependent child(ren) between the ages of 6 weeks to 12 years old," the flyer states.

Once enrolled, soldiers can reserve care quarterly by email. "Reservations must be made no later than the first of the month before the drill month, for example, no later than May 1 for the June drill," it says.

The one-year pilot was announced by Gen. Daniel Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau. "We prioritize childcare because our National Guard families matter," Hokanson said. "They are another reason we serve."

After the pilot period, the program will be evaluated on utilization rates to determine if it will continue. A similar program already exists for Oregon Air National Guard units.

“We are proud to serve and stand ready to execute our state and federal missions,” said Col. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's National Guard Land Component Commander. “We are active in supporting our communities when called on and are the service of choice for Oregonians.”

Soldiers can contact their regional Youth Outreach Coordinator for enrollment assistance:

Northern Oregon: Crystal Bohm
971-355-3081 [email protected]
Southern Oregon:
Marissa Cook 541-880-2529 [email protected]

08/26/2023

Juancho Rosas same goes for AGR

The next time someone asks you what it takes to be a firefighter, be honest.

Instead of talking about certifications and classes, tell them what it really takes to do this job right. Tell them the truth.

It takes a commitment that very few jobs require because you have to accept that you are going to be responsible for life, not only for the citizens you serve but the lives of your brothers and sisters.

Yes, I said brothers and sisters because when you become a firefighter, you earn another family. Yes, I said earn because nothing will be given to you here. You will need to earn everything by building a good reputation as a worker and someone who cares about others.

It will require a very high level of fitness, strong work ethic and a desire to improve daily. You will hear about minimum standards but never think that’s enough; it’s not and will require maximum effort to perform in the environments we do.

You will miss birthdays, holidays, first steps, and last breaths; it’s part of the job. You will be dog tired and have to still give your best. Your mind and heart are going to change, and you won’t be the same person who started, and that’s ok because to change is to grow. You will grow here. This job can break you or make you the most grateful man in the world. That will be up to you.

The conversations you have around the kitchen table will be some of the best advice you’ll ever hear, and if you stay on long enough, some of the best you will give.

It’s a hard job that will always require hard work. Lazy people don’t do well here, so if that’s you, I wouldn’t do it. You’re not a good fit.

But if you’re willing to work hard with a spirit of humility and put the needs of others first, it will be the best decision you will ever make.

That’s what it takes to be a firefighter.

Photo of the late James Dotters

Photo by Chance Craven

08/16/2023

Juancho Rosas

07/11/2023

Yeppers thanks

Nobody wakes up in the morning and thinks, I really want to suck today.

05/13/2023

Just going to post this here!

😆

03/05/2023

Yeppers everyday of the week!

03/05/2023

SGT Ross teaching individuals how to throw hand gr***des.

03/05/2023

SGT Ross training individual on proper hand gr***de technique's.

08/02/2022