“In the long history of this fire department, this is really a very significant event,” said Baker City Fire Chief Mark John.
After nearly twelve years of service, Sara Blair has risen through the ranks from firefighter and paramedic to become the department’s first female lieutenant.
“It’s history-making,” said John.
“I’m excited,” said Blair. “It’s a new concept for me—there’s a lot of responsibility.”
“Total responsibility,” John pointed out with a laugh, for when Blair is the senior officer on a shift from here on.
The lieutenant position was left open with no plans to fill it for “six to eight years,” according to John. The position was restored about a year and half ago.
John said Blair went through a “fairly extensive” testing process spanning two days and including tactical simulation, a written test, conflict resolution, employee issue solving, and the like.
When scores went to the assessment center for review, Blair prevailed, said John.
In addition to added responsibility, Blair said she’ll still be “doing projects and running calls.”
Blair, who was raised in the area, said, “That was my goal to come home. It’s great to have the (career) opportunity here.”
The new lieutenant’s twelfth anniversary of service will be May 10. Over the span of her career she recalls a wide range of education and training that have built her current skill set, including an opportunity to go to the metro fire academy in Portland and to work here in the capacity of a juvenile fire service specialist, helping to assess and redirect children and adolescents with fire-setting issues.
The Baker City Fire Department has evolved greatly since the time several local fire battalions combined back in 1909 to form the municipal department. These days, the department handles over 1,900 calls per year.