Statement from Rocky Point Fire & EMS 

September 13, 2022

Regarding the September 12, 2022 newscast by KTVL The Rocky Point Fire and EMS would like to add the following information that was not included in the broadcast.

When COVID hit the Aspen Room was used as a living and sleeping quarters by the volunteer EMTS that were protecting our community. The Corona Task Force consisting of Oregon State Fire Marshall, Oregon State Firefighters Council, Oregon Fire Chiefs Association and the Oregon Fire Marshalls association in consultation with Oregon Health Authority recommended it be closed to the public to ensure safety and health of the responders. This was handled by the previous Board of Directors. 

In February 2022 our SDAO Insurance Agent came to a Board meeting of this current Board of Directors telling us he has dealt with this issue since 2005 and with all previous Boards. The Insurance does not cover anyone using this room for a non department function, meeting or gathering. If anyone is injured, they could sue the Fire Department. With the ambulance being sabotaged, Safety has been brought to the forefront. Unfortunately, we have had to add cameras inside and outside of our department and change all locks to keep our people and equipment safe. A policy has been in place since March 2014 stating the need for insurance but never enforced. This board is taking the advice of the Insurance and requiring this policy of all users. When users provide an insurance policy they may use the room if it is available. 

On August 30th the room was closed due to a safety issue involving a volunteer and a resident pending police investigation to ensure safety of our volunteers.

The Fire Chief is not Blacklisting residents in the area for response. Anytime a volunteer or an officer of the department has been threatened by a resident their house may be coded to have law enforcement present before they respond for safety of our department. This is a standard practice throughout all Fire Departments.

The current Board is unanimous in taking precautions to protect the safety of every volunteer and the Fire Chief of the Rocky Point Fire & EMS.