The role of a first responder is one of great duty and honor as they commit to putting the needs of the community before their own. Due to the repeated exposure to traumatic events, first responders are put at a much higher risk of developing mental health struggles, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

To ensure that personnel receive the tools they need to maintain a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle while upholding that commitment, the District has developed and implemented a robust health and wellness program for all District employees and their families. 

The District has had great success working with our team to understand and manage the ongoing stresses of the job, and how to mentally prepare for what they will encounter and need to accomplish as first responders. Peer Support Teams at UCFD#1 are composed of designated District members nominated by their peers to provide support and resources to employees and their significant others. Peer mentors are trained in debriefing traumatic incidents and follow a strict confidentiality policy. 

The District outsources a wide range of professionals in various fields, including nutrition, financial literacy, mental health, skill-building, crisis debriefs, relationship counseling, emotional resilience, and life management. They hold on-site seminars for employees to promote a healthy work-life balance. The District has contracted with Community Counseling Solutions and Eastern Oregon Trauma Center to offer free, confidential, one-on-one counseling for all employees and their immediate household members.

Employees are also encouraged to connect with our Chaplaincy program, a confidential resource that provides both spiritual and non-spiritual guidance to employees and their families, during both crisis and non-crisis scenarios. Chaplains are trained in defusing critical incident stress, debriefing traumatic events, and providing assistance for families and personnel on scene. The Chaplaincy Program is a collaboration between UCFD#1 and the Hermiston Police Department and has significantly contributed to the well-being of first responders and community members.

UCFD#1 is proud to have received recognition from the Special Districts Association of Oregon for having one of Oregon's best Employee Health and Wellness Programs for organizations with more than 25 employees.

UCFD#1 offers a competitive employee benefits package, including:

• $1,000 Relocation Assistance Package
• 100% Paid Employee & Family Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Oregon PERS Retirement
• Paid Vacation & Sick Leave
• Paid Gym Membership
• Education, Longevity, and Language Incentives
• $2500 VEBA Annually After First Year
• Employee Assistance Program
• Peer Support Program
• Wellness Classes

UCFD#1 responds to over 6,000 calls for service each year, providing emergency response to the cities of Hermiston, Stanfield, Echo, and Umatilla. The District serves over 48,000 residents across 4 cities and has an ambulatory service area of 620 square miles.

Nestled in the heart of Eastern Oregon, Hermiston is a vibrant and fast-growing community known for its strong agricultural roots, family-friendly atmosphere, and entrepreneurial spirit. With a population of over 19,000 residents and growing, Hermiston is the largest city in Eastern Oregon and a vital hub for commerce, industry, and recreation. Strategically located along the I-84 and I-82 corridors, Hermiston offers easy access to major markets throughout the Pacific Northwest. The town offers the best of small-town charm with the amenities of a larger city. Hermiston is located just across the Washington-Oregon Bridge from the Tri-Cities metro area and 35 minutes west of Pendleton. The nearby Columbia River offers boating, fishing, and water sports. Hat Rock State Park is just minutes away for hiking and picnics. And if you’re up for a weekend getaway, the Blue Mountains and Wallowa Lake are within easy reach for camping, skiing, and exploring.