PROUDLY PROTECTING LIFE AND PROPERTY THROUGH PREPARATION, PREVENTION, EDUCATION AND RESPONSE.
- CCFR Swears In 8 New Firefighters to Staff Second Ambulance
Five new firefighter/paramedics and three new firefighter/EMTs attend their official swearing in ceremony at the Station 21 headquarters RIDGEFIELD, Wash. — On Monday, Aug. 31, Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue (CCFR) swore in eight new firefighters during a ceremony at its Station 21 headquarters. The new personnel — five firefighter/paramedics and three firefighter/EMTs — represent one of the largest hiring classes in CCFR’s history. The eight new firefighters allow CCFR to staff a second, fully equipped ambulance scheduled to go into service Jan. 1, 2027.
During the ceremony, recruits took the oath of office with friends and family by their side. New recruits include:
Firefighter/Paramedics
- Tyson Klar – 9 years experience at South Metro Fire District (Metropolitan Denver area)
- Tyler Pugmire – 9 years experience at Los Angeles Fire Department
- Brodey Kitzmiller – Entry-level; 1.5 years previous paramedic experience at Salem (Ore.) Fire Department
- Devin DaCunha – Entry-level; 5 years previous experience as a paramedic with American Medical Response (AMR) in Clark County (3 years paramedic, 2 years EMT)
- Jorden Perez – Entry-level; 1.5 years experience with Pacific County (Wash.) Fire District
Firefighter/EMTs
- Andrew Heesacker – 3.5 years experience at Lacey (Wash.) Fire District
- Kyle Heesacker – 5 years experience at Lacey Fire District
- John Abercrombie – 3 years experience at Valley Regional Fire Authority in Auburn/King County, Wash.
Oath of Office taken by each of the new hires As CCFR’s service area has grown, so has the demand for emergency medical services (EMS). In 2025, the district responded to nearly 6,000 incidents (an average of about 16.5 calls per day), nearly 70 percent of which were EMS calls. Of those, CCFR’s single ambulance handled more than 1,500 of the most serious cases. But when that ambulance was already on another call, American Medical Response (AMR) had to step in due to a lack of available CCFR transport resources. A second ambulance means faster response times and fewer gaps in coverage.
“Our service area is extremely diverse. We protect growing urban communities like Ridgefield, La Center and Woodland, right alongside the rural areas of Clark County that depend on us just as much,” said CCFR Fire Chief John Nohr. “As our community grows, so does our responsibility to it. Bringing on eight new firefighters and adding a second ambulance isn’t just about keeping up with that growth, it’s about making sure that no matter where you live in our district, help is never far away. I couldn’t be prouder of the people joining our department today, and I know our community is safer because of them.”
Chief Nohr addresses the audience of CCFR staff, family and friends Funding for these positions is made possible by CCFR’s EMS levy, which was approved by voters in 2022 and enacted in 2023. The levy funds the paramedics, equipment and apparatus needed to keep pace with the district’s growth.
Starting Sept. 1, the new recruits will begin a one-year probation period. This includes a 15-week fire training academy and supervised on-the-job training, ensuring recruits are properly equipped and fully cleared to respond to calls. During the probation period, currently serving firefighter paramedics and EMTs who have completed their own probationary periods will staff the new ambulance.
CCFR continues to track response volume and response times, adjusting staffing and resources as needed to best serve the community.
Meet the New Hires
Tyson Klar, Firefighter/Paramedic 
Tyler Pugmire, Firefighter/Paramedic 
Brodey Kitzmiller, Firefighter/Paramedic 
Devin DaCunha, Firefighter/Paramedic 
Jorden Perez, Firefighter/Paramedic 
Andrew Heesacker, Firefighter/EMT 
Kyle Heesacker, Firefighter/EMT 
John Abercrombie, Firefighter/EMT - Local Teens and Aunt Honored for Courageous Rescue
Awardees (from left to right): Alexis DuBay (Lifesaving Award), Sabrina Taylor (Letter of Commendation), Jessie Dorsey (Lifesaving Award) RIDGEFIELD, Wash. — On Thursday, August 27, Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue (CCFR) honored three community members for their quick thinking and bravery in rescuing a father and his two young daughters from a near-fatal drowning on the East Fork Lewis River.
Fire Chief John Nohr presented the awards during the department’s regular commission meeting at the Station 21 headquarters.
Awardees
- Alexis DuBay, 16 – Lifesaving Award
- Jessie Dorsey, 17 – Lifesaving Award
- Sabrina Taylor, 34 – Letter of Commendation
Family, Friends and CCFR firefighters attend award ceremony honoring Alexis, Jessie and Sabrina These types of awards are rarely presented to community members. The last lifesaving award was given more than four years ago.
“Summer can be an especially challenging time for first responders. With thousands of people flocking to our local waterways to beat the heat, it’s impossible for rescuers to be everywhere at once,” said CCFR Fire Chief John Nohr. “We’re incredibly grateful for Alexis, Jessie, and Sabrina. Their quick thinking and decisive action saved lives, and that’s the kind of courage this community can be proud of.”
The Rescue
The rescue took place on the afternoon of Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Paradise Point State Park. Two young girls, ages 11 and 12, stepped off a submerged ledge, into the water and began struggling to stay afloat. Their father rushed into the river to help but also found himself in deep water, fighting to keep himself and both girls above the surface.
Alexis DuBay and Jesse Dorsey were nearby on a paddleboard when they heard Sabrina Taylor, Dorsey’s aunt, calling for the two to help the children. The two teens quickly paddled to the struggling swimmers, pulled both girls onto the board, and brought them safely to the beach. Relieved of the burden of supporting his daughters, the father was able to regain his footing and return to shore on his own.
The rescued family attended the ceremony to personally thank the three rescuers.
“It’s definitely not an exaggeration, if you guys hadn’t been there, we wouldn’t be here right now,” said Chad Cowan, father of the rescued children. “There is no way I could fight any longer.”
Awardees and rescued family pose after the award ceremony Make a Difference
Ensuring community safety is a group effort, not a solo mission. There are moments when first responders can’t reach an emergency as quickly as a bystander can. It’s in those moments that everyday bravery becomes paramount. CCFR is committed to recognizing individuals who go above and beyond to help keep others safe.
Note: Please do not attempt a rescue if doing so would put you at risk. Always prioritize your own safety before trying to help others. Wearing a life jacket is one of the best ways to prevent drowning. For more water safety tips, visit the Washington State Department of Health.
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- Community Resource Paramedic (Behavioral Health Crisis Response)
- Entry Level & Lateral FF/Paramedic & FF/EMT
Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue uses Public Safety Testing to select qualified applicants for the hiring of Career Firefighters. Please use the following links to review our minimum requirements and disqualifiers.