In early 1980, fire instructors from Chemeketa Community College, recognized the need for fire apparatus maintenance training and organized a few classes during spring break. These classes were held on Friday and Saturday, to allow volunteers who worked during the week to attend.

Initially, the classes were mainly general maintenance of fire pumps and nozzle repair. As word spread of the classes, requests for additional classes were made and class sizes increased, the instructors realized the program had grown beyond their capabilities and needed to be turned over to a separate organization. In 1987, some of the students started the Oregon Fire Apparatus & Equipment Mechanics Association.

The first priority for the OFAEMA was to continue and expand the apparatus maintenance training program. This year, OFAEMA celebrates the 30th anniversary of its week-long maintenance school. OFAEMA annually hosts over 15 different class subjects for more than 100 students from across the Northwest. Several of the classes prepare EVTs for the EVT Certification exams.

OFAEMA currently has more than 150 members and meets once a year for a banquet/meeting during the school to elect officers and discuss the progress of the school classes. The board of directors meets several times throughout the year, as needed, to put together the curriculum for next year.

One of the most popular classes recently offered was by Anthony Bulygo on the Physics of Aerials and Aerial Dynamics and targeted to mechanics and aerial operators. Pump classes by manufacturers including Waterous, Hale and Darley, are popular hands on classes.

For more information about OFAEMA see www.ofaema.org or contact Rick Fletcher, Education Committee Chair, OFAEMA, phone 503-369-2053.