Message from OFMA President

Dear OFMA Members,

On June 21-22, 2022, in Bend, your OFMA board conducted our annual strategic planning event. Similar to last year, OFMA will continue to focus on improving communications, training, state code development and engagement, legislative discussions, and opinions, and most importantly, ensure the OFMA board is providing you with resources, training, representation, and guidance throughout the year.

Our 2022 annual business meeting (ABM) was a great success. We had 55 attendees and 14 vendors/sponsors. A huge thank you to all who attended and to all our vendors who helped support this event. I would like to also thank the Office of the State Fire Marshal and DPSST for their financial support. OFMA was able to provide several scholarships this year.

Congratulations to the following individuals who received awards at the ABM:

• President's Award: Asst. Chief Deputy Chad Hawkins of OSFM. Chad received this award for his knowledge and guidance assisting OFMA with code and legislative efforts.
• Life Member Award: Fire Marshal Debbie McDermott of McMinnville Fire Department. Debbie received this award for her years of service and commitment to OFMA.

Based upon your feedback and positive comments, we will be having the 2023 ABM at the Agate Beach Best Western again. The event will be May 22-25, 2023.

The Fall Technical Conference will be held November 1-2, 2022, at DPSST this year. Your Training committee is working on instructors and a detailed agenda will be sent out within the next couple of months.

At the June ABM, the following individuals have either retained or are now elected as your 2022-2023 board members:

• Shawn Olson-President
• Tanner Fairrington-Past President
• Craig Andresen-1st Vice-President
• Anne-Marie Storms - 2nd Vice-President
• Lora Ratcliff- 1 Year Director
• Scott Goff- 1 Year Director
• Ryan Kragero- 2 Year Director
• Amber Cross- 2 Year Director
• Jessica Carpenter- Administrator

This year's board members may look a little bit different. Big thank you to FM Zoutendijk for many years of service, expertise, mentorship, and commitment to OFMA. Gert will continue to be a supporter and a resource.

OFMA monthly board meetings will take place on the fourth Tuesday of every month, please check our website for specific dates in the event a change occurs in the schedule.

I look forward to seeing you all at one of our monthly board meetings and especially our fall technical conference. Thank you all for your continued support. OFMA would not have made it without you.

Sincerely,

Shawn Olson

President-Oregon Fire Marshals Association