the receiving end of the care that this community extends to one of its own, and for that I would like to say thank you.

In 1967, over 100 years after Elijah Bristow named our community, another family was just getting started in Pleasant Hill. This family was the Pleasant Hill Fire Department. As with any family, we have great joys and some not-so-great moments, but we are a dedicated team that is here for one reason: to protect and to serve our community to the best of our ability. I have been given the great privilege of serving as the new Fire Chief of this great family. We’ve had 3 great men hold this title in the past: Chief Christensen, Chief Ash, and Chief Payne, the last of whom I have had the pleasure of working under. It is my goal to carry on with the original intentions of the department, which are to protect and to serve. You have no doubt seen our recruitment posters at local businesses. Know this is not only an attempt to recruit more volunteers to fight fires, but also an opportunity for those of you who may want to be part of our team in other ways. There are many ways you can volunteer. We welcome individuals who can do yard work, book work, cleaning, electrical, paint, or other practical tasks. You might also have business services or resources to offer – my desire is to keep Pleasant Hill’s tax dollars at work in this community. We are going through many changes at this point and welcome any questions you may have, and invite you stop by the station anytime.

Our department is made up of people from all classes, education levels, and ages. Everyone has a place and a sense of belonging. So if you have a desire to be part of a team and a family whose goal is to leave the place a bit better than it was found, we look forward to hearing from you soon!

In June 1846, on a low rolling ridge covered with oak, fir, and pine trees between the Coast Forks and the Willamette River, our rich history started as Elijah Bristow lifted his hat from his head, looked over the view, and stated, “This is my claim! Here is where I will live, and when I die, here shall I be buried.” From that time on we have been known as PLEASANT HILL. We have a rich and wonderful history here in Pleasant Hill from our founder Elijah Bristow to Eugene Skinner, for which our neighbor the great city of Eugene is named.

Over the last 25 years my family has chosen to live and raise our family in this community, and I am proud to say that I am part of daily life in Pleasant Hill. Over the years my family has had many great experiences, from the growth of many close friendships to enjoying many hours on our rivers and in our parks. We have also experienced tragedy and great loss, as many of you have, in the loss of our home to fire and the loss of loved ones. All of these experiences have created who we are as people and who we are as a community. I have been on

Thank You Chief Ed Rowell