Who We Are

The Oregon Fire Marshals Association is made up of fire code officials, industry leaders, and individuals that are dedicated to the protection of life and property against fire.  We are committed to providing opportunities for education and discussion on current fire and life safety issues.  We are a voice for the improvement and understanding of fire codes and standards.  You are invited to join us and contribute to the success of this association.

OFMA Board

Shawn Olson, President

Shawn was promoted to Battalion Chief-Fire Marshal in 2019 with Clackamas Fire District #1. He started his fire service experience as a volunteer with Gladstone Fire Department in 1997. Prior to getting hired with CFD#1 in 2008, Shawn worked for California Department of Forestry, and was a student firefighter for Walla Walla County Fire District #4.

In 2005, Shawn graduated from Portland Community College with an Associates degree in Fire Science. In 2014, he graduated from Eastern Oregon University with a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration. He currently holds the IAAI-CFI certification, CPSE-Fire Marshal designation and OSFM-Fire Marshal credential as well as the ICC-Fire Plans Examiner certification. He sits on the NFPA 24 technical committee and assists with the Oregon Fire Sprinkler Coalition.

In Shawn’s spare time, he enjoys riding dirt bikes, camping, and outdoor activities.

Gert Zoutendijk, 1st VP 

Gert came to the United States from the Netherlands in 1990 to Study fire education and fire prevention at Chemeketa Community College and other organizations. In 1999 he was hired at Lake Oswego Fire Department as Deputy Fire Marshal and was promoted to Fire Marshal July 1^st, 2013. Gert is certified as a Fire Code Inspector II and Fire Plans Examiner through the ICC, OIC-OR Inspector Certification, Fire Marshal recognition through the Office of State Fire Marshal and certification through DPSST include Fire Investigator, Fire/Life Safety Educator, and Fire Inspector III among others. Gert is involved in new construction plan review and inspections, maintenance inspections, fire investigations and public information for Lake Oswego Fire Department and is also involved with the Oregon State fire code committee.

Gert is a graduate of the New York Institute of Photography with a diploma in Professional Photography. He specializes in fire photography and teaches throughout the State to fire and police agencies. He also holds an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science through Chemeketa Community College.

Craig Andresen, 2nd VP

      Lora Ratcliff, 1 Year Director

Lora Ratcliff is the Division Chief – Fire Marshal for Albany Fire Department. She began her career in the codes when she obtained her AAS in s Examiner for Marion County Building. Lora went back to Chemeketa obtained her AAS in Fire Prevention in 2012. She volunteered with Corvallis Fire as a volunteer Fire Prevention Officer a few hours a week while working as a Permit Technician with Corvallis Building, 2010-2012. Lora was hired by Albany Fire Department in 2012 as a Deputy Fire Marshal, promoted to Senior Deputy Fire Marshal in 2015, and promoted to Fire Marshal in 2019. She boasts of her wonderful team of three outstanding Deputy Fire Marshals – two Compliance and one PIO/Community Risk Reduction Specialist. They are the heart and soul of the Prevention Division!

Lora is currently enrolled in Eastern Oregon University’s Fire Service Admiration Bachelor program and has her sights set on obtaining a Master’s in Executive Fire Administration at Arizona State University. She currently sits on the Oregon Fire Code Advisory Board (2020) and IAAI Board of Directors (2013) and is an active member of the Oregon Fire Code Committee (2015) and the Oregon Life Safety Team (2009).

Lora has a 17-year old daughter, two stepsons (24- & 32-year old), and three gorgeous grand-daughters ranging from 7 years to 6 months. Her loving and adoring husband is her biggest fan, as she is his! Lora enjoys spending chill time at home with a nice IPA.

Scott Goff, 1 Year Director

Amber Cross, 2 Year Director

Ryan Kragero, 2 Year Director 

Tanner Fairrington, Past President

Tanner Fairrington is a Deputy Fire Marshal with Medford Fire-Rescue. He graduated from Oregon Institute of Technology in 2008 with a degree in civil engineering, and has worked in the private and public sectors designing structures, site developments, and roadways. Prior to joining Medford Fire, Tanner was a Plans Examiner with the City of Medford Building Department where he was taught to be a student of the “intent” of codes.  Tanner is a licensed Professional Engineer; recognized by the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office as a Fire Marshal; and certified by Oregon Building Codes Division to conduct fire and life safety plan reviews, building plan reviews, and inspections for commercial buildings. He is currently the chair for the IAAI Rogue Valley District and member of the Southern Oregon Chapter of the ICC. Tanner enjoys spending time with his family, riding dirt bikes, woodworking, and spending time outdoors.