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UCFD#1 Hot Seat- Josh Fetterolf

Firefighter sitting on a fire truck, wearing an EMT shirt, with Umatilla County Fire District and Oregon State Fire Marshal logos visible.
A firefighter in yellow gear sprays water in a burnt field.
A couple holding hands and smiling by a lake, with a clear sky and dry landscape in the background.
A person in an EMT shirt stands by a red Ford F-550 truck outside a training facility labeled "Bob Russell Station."
Firefighter in yellow gear with a helmet, spraying water on a burnt, charred landscape.
A person sitting on rocks by a body of water, holding a phone with an orange net and fishing gear nearby.
Firefighters in gear walk past a burning truck with thick smoke and flames, surrounded by equipment.
A firefighter sitting on a fire truck, wearing a navy shirt and khaki pants, with a portable radio.
A couple stands on a bridge, admiring a waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs.
A firefighter in uniform stands in front of a red fire truck, arms crossed, with UCFD 1 on helmet.
A person in a vehicle using a mounted device, wearing a blue shirt with an American flag patch and holding a handheld radio.
A child in sports gear, wearing a green jersey with number 16, stands near people by a fire truck.
Person fishing by a lakeside, surrounded by greenery; equipment and a pink tackle box nearby.
May contain: adult, male, man, person, helmet, machine, wheel, fireman, clothing, and glove
Four people are smiling and posing outdoors in front of greenery on a wooden deck.
Firefighter sitting on a fire truck, wearing an EMT shirt, with Umatilla County Fire District and Oregon State Fire Marshal logos visible.
A firefighter in yellow gear sprays water in a burnt field.
A couple holding hands and smiling by a lake, with a clear sky and dry landscape in the background.
A person in an EMT shirt stands by a red Ford F-550 truck outside a training facility labeled "Bob Russell Station."
Firefighter in yellow gear with a helmet, spraying water on a burnt, charred landscape.
A person sitting on rocks by a body of water, holding a phone with an orange net and fishing gear nearby.
Firefighters in gear walk past a burning truck with thick smoke and flames, surrounded by equipment.
A firefighter sitting on a fire truck, wearing a navy shirt and khaki pants, with a portable radio.
A couple stands on a bridge, admiring a waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs.
A firefighter in uniform stands in front of a red fire truck, arms crossed, with UCFD 1 on helmet.
A person in a vehicle using a mounted device, wearing a blue shirt with an American flag patch and holding a handheld radio.
A child in sports gear, wearing a green jersey with number 16, stands near people by a fire truck.
Person fishing by a lakeside, surrounded by greenery; equipment and a pink tackle box nearby.
May contain: adult, male, man, person, helmet, machine, wheel, fireman, clothing, and glove
Four people are smiling and posing outdoors in front of greenery on a wooden deck.

 

It’s time for the twenty-sixth edition of the UCFD #1 Hot Seat. The Hot Seat provides a brief snapshot, sharing the story of a highly committed and dedicated staff member. It is with great pleasure that UCFD #1 introduces you to Josh Fetterolf. 

Josh, born and raised in the Tri-Cities, graduated from Kennewick High School before moving to Hermiston as a Resident Intern at District One. He recently began working as a summer seasonal firefighter with UCFD#1 at the beginning of wildfire season this past June. Staffing the Oregon State Fire Marshal Interface 26 engine, Josh lends a tremendous hand in suppressing wildland fires within the District.

He knows first-hand the effects of losing property in a fire, having had one happen at his own home in 2021. Thankfully, no one was injured, and the damage was contained to one room, but Fetterolf said that experience guided him towards the fire side of emergency services. 

“I originally was interested in going the EMS - Emergency Medical Services - only route, but the challenge of firefighting drew me in. The opportunity to respond to fire calls this summer and protect the community in this way has been very rewarding,” Fetterolf remarked. 

At just 19 years old, Fetterolf has already shown his commitment and dedication to the craft, consistently looking for opportunities to learn from career personnel and grow as a first responder. Some of his favorite times at the District happen when he gets to connect with the public during station tours, outreach events, and in day-to-day District activities.

“One of my very first memories of the fire service was seeing the engines drive around my hometown and stopping mid-football practice to talk to the crews. I think my mom still has a photo of me as a kid in my cleats and pads, just looking up at them in awe,” he laughed. 

Whether it’s handing out candy during Halloween events and parades or showing a young kid the inside of the engine, Josh loves engaging with the community in the same way he did growing up.  “Connecting in an informal setting like that - It makes you see them as humans, rather than just first responders.”

During his free time, Josh enjoys fishing and spending time outside with his friends and family. Growing up as an athlete, he has not lost that competitive edge. He and his girlfriend enjoy battling for bragging rights in tennis, pickleball, and any other sport you can think of. 

It is our goal to bring the community closer to our District by telling the stories of the men and women who represent Umatilla County Fire District #1. It’s better to meet them before you need them.