WHITE CITY, Ore. (Oct. 22, 2026)— Jackson County Fire Districts 3 and 5 have approved an expanded intergovernmental agreement that will consolidate emergency response operations, personnel and equipment under Fire District 3 beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
The agreement, announced Thursday, builds on a shared management arrangement established between the two districts in 2024 and is intended to improve emergency response capabilities, increase staffing and reduce administrative duplication across their service areas.
Under the agreement, Fire District 3 will assume responsibility for all emergency response and support services within Fire District 5’s boundaries, including fire suppression, emergency medical response, fire prevention, public education and risk reduction programs.
Although operations will be consolidated, both districts will remain legally separate public agencies governed by their respective elected boards of directors.
Fire District 5 will reimburse Fire District 3 for services provided and retain responsibility for its existing debt obligations. Officials said services within Fire District 3’s current boundaries will remain unchanged.
All Fire District 5 employees and emergency response apparatus will transfer to Fire District 3 as part of the transition.
One of the most significant changes will be expanded staffing at Fire District 5 stations.
Officials said operational efficiencies resulting from the consolidation will support the reopening of Station 4 and increased staffing throughout the district.
Beginning in mid-May 2027, all three Fire District 5 stations are expected to operate with personnel on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The staffing expansion will be supported by additional hiring and the graduation of new firefighter recruits from an academy in early May.
Fire Chief Mike Hussey credited firefighters, labor organizations and district leadership for their cooperation in developing the agreement.
“The collaboration and professionalism shown throughout this process have been outstanding,” Hussey said. “Our labor groups worked together to create a smooth transition that protects employees while strengthening service for our communities.”
The agreement follows nearly two years of planning and coordination between the districts and their respective labor organizations.
Brady Graham, president of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2596, said the consolidation represents a significant development for firefighters and the communities they serve.
“This agreement represents an exciting and significant step forward for our firefighters and those that we serve,” Graham said. “We are proud to support a shared vision that prioritizes firefighter safety and strengthens our collective ability to serve our communities while ensuring firefighters have the personnel, resources, and support necessary to operate safely and effectively.”
In a separate statement, Graham said members of Local 2596 are preparing to join IAFF Local 1817 as part of the transition, bringing firefighters from both districts together under one labor organization.
Fire District 5 Board Chair Greg Costanzo said the agreement will provide residents with additional resources while preserving local governance.
“I am extremely proud to enter into this long-term partnership with Fire District 3,” Costanzo said. “Residents of Fire District 5 will benefit from expanded services, improved communication, and a stronger, more resilient emergency response system for years to come.”
Officials said the consolidation will allow personnel and equipment to be deployed more efficiently across both districts, while existing mutual aid agreements with neighboring emergency service agencies will remain in effect.
Fire District 3 Board President Harvey Tonn said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to regional cooperation.
“This is ultimately about people coming together to serve our communities more effectively,” Tonn said. “The trust and teamwork shown by both organizations have made this milestone possible, and I am excited about what comes next.”
The expanded agreement takes effect Jan. 1, with the transition to round-the-clock staffing at all three Fire District 5 stations expected to be completed by mid-May 2027.
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