For the Oregon Department of Forestry's wildland firefighters, summer is showtime and winter is a slow time but for their comrades at the Oregon Department of Transportation, the seasons are flipped. As a result, the two agencies partner up on a joint staffing program known as "Fire and Ice," sharing staff when they're needed.
The program has been going on since the 1980s, with the goal of retaining experienced employees while providing opportunities in career advancement, leadership, and relationship building.
“’Fire and Ice’ showcases the partnership between ODOT and ODF,” said ODOT Interim District 8 Manager Jeremiah Griffin. “It benefits everyone especially our local communities because we’re able to keep experienced staff year around between both agencies in highly specialized positions.”