Support SLCFR Chief John Wooten by returning him to service so that he can continue to provide the leadership necessary to operate our Fire District in a manner that ensures the protection of life, property, and the environment through quality service. John has extensive past experience that helps lead his staff at times when we need them most, when experience, equipment and response times matter. Chief Wooten came from Adams, Oregon and prior to joining SLCFR in 2014, he was the Chief of the East Umatilla County Health District, the Deputy Chief of the Helix Rural Fire District, and the Base Manager for Life Flight Pendleton. He is also a licensed Paramedic in the State of Oregon.

Chief Wooten brings with him experience in all aspects of Fire and EMS service delivery and has proven it through the services we see provided each day by the wonderful staff of SLCFR that he lead.

Why is this important?

South Lane County Fire and Rescue under the leadership of Chief John Wooten, announced back in 2016 that the Insurance Services Office Public Protection Classification (ISO-PPC) for the Cottage Grove and Creswell communities changed from a Class 9 to a Class 4 in areas outside the Cities of Cottage Grove and Creswell and within 5 road miles of a SLCFR station. Properties within the City limits of Cottage Grove and Creswell changed from a Class 5 to a Class 2 rating.

Historically, communities across the country strive to achieve "best in class", which is generally considered a Class 1 rating. Currently only 1060 fire departments hold a Class 2 rating like our, across the entire United States. There are only 24 Class 2 fire agencies in the Oregon at this time.

This information proves that since at least 2016, we are now safer and many of us have received discounts in our insurance coverage rates due to the hard work and dedication of the ENTIRE SLCFR staff under the great leadership of Chief John Wooten.