After 23.5 years of service, Rhonda Grant has officially retired as office administrator for the Stayton Fire District.
“I have had the honor and privilege of working with Rhonda for over 24 years,’ said Chief Jay Alley. “She is an amazing human being and office manager. She has been an important role model for me and a valuable influence in my career. I personally will miss her as a co-worker and her friendly smile every day.”
Chief Alley congratulated Grant, posting on the district Facebook page, “Enjoy retirement and you and Ben are always welcome at Stayton Fire District.”
Grant’s last official day was March 29, but she remains in her role to train the next administrator and to finish a few SFD projects.
Echoing sentiments by Grant’s Fire District family, administrative assistant Anita Butte posted, “You helped so many of us during our careers in the fire service. You are one of a kind, and you will be missed more than you know it! Cheers to your next chapter!”
Former volunteer firefighter Scott Orr thanked Grant for her dedication to SFD, saying, “We will miss having you with us.”
Gary Rychard noted Grant had “a career to be proud of.” Denise Collins echoed everyone’s wishes for a happy retirement after thanking her for her dedication to the community.
“Thank you everyone for your kind words,” Grant said. “It has been my pleasure and blessing to work with you and for you. YOU are what made it special for me!”
In other department news, Cody Murphy, a volunteer firefighter with SFD for over two and a half years, earned the title of 2023 Medic of the Year. In a short time he completed Santiam Fire Academy for FF1, Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator and received his EMT Basic at Chemeketa Community College.
His goal is to become a career firefighter. His off duty hobbies consist of fishing, shooting, snowboarding and riding at the dunes.
Also earning recognition were members who Alley said, “went above and beyond the expectations of this district.” They are Sean Mullins, Rookie of the Year; Kristin Griffith, Support Person of the Year; Kelly Oliver, Officer of the Year; and Jonathan Jensen, Firefighter of the Year and the Volunteer Service with Pride Award.
Length of Service Awards were given to firefighters Marcus Andrews, Brian Harris, Antonio Johnson and Craig Randall for five years of service. Mike Beaumont and Daniel Koellman received seven-year awards. Scott Cooper and James McDougall received 10-year awards; Kristin Griffith, 15 years; Kurt Hueller, 20 years; and Sherry Bensema, 20 years. Board of Directors Jay Myers and Ray Porter were honored for serving 24 and 34 years respectively.
“We’re extremely proud of our members,” Alley said. “They put in countless hours to keep this district running. Serving our community is rewarding in itself but it comes with sacrifice. Nights away from families, missing birthday, sporting events and holidays to name a few.”
Chief Alley thanked them for their service, calling them “the foundation of our district.”
Thanks carries over to “all of the men and women who are members of the district and who continue to provide outstanding service with commitment to saving lives and property.”
For information on volunteering, call the Stayton Fire District at 503-769-2601.
