It’s time for the twenty-seventh 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 Andrew Corral.

For Andrew, the dream of becoming a firefighter started early, well before he ever put on a uniform or stepped foot in a fire engine. It all began in the fifth grade with a simple school assignment: interview someone about your dream job. For Andrew, that meant walking into the main station at the Santa Barbara Fire Department, not knowing that visit would light a spark that would guide his entire future.

“Everyone of them told me the same two things,” Andrew recalled. “Don’t get in trouble, and this is the greatest job in the world.”

That message stuck. Years later, after pursuing his EMT certification in his hometown of Santa Barbara, Andrew made the move to Oregon to follow his calling more seriously. That decision would eventually lead him to Umatilla County Fire District #1 in July 2018.

Andrew began his journey at UCFD#1 as a Resident Intern. Over the course of two years, he not only gained invaluable fire certifications but also earned his Associate’s Degree in Fire Science. As he delved deeper into the field, he found himself increasingly drawn to one specific aspect of the job: emergency medicine.

“As I got older and got my EMT, I was amazed by the medical side that I thought I would never like. Every step of the way has made me love this job more and more.”

Determined to pursue that passion, Andrew enrolled in the Paramedic program at Chemeketa Community College, and after thousands of hours of specialized training, he officially earned his Paramedic license and became a full-time UCFD#1 Firefighter/Paramedic in October of 2021.

For Andrew, it’s about more than fighting fire or administering care, It’s about showing up for people in their most vulnerable and terrifying moments and offering calm, capable support.

“If I can make one person on each shift feel like everything is going to be okay, then I’ve done my job,” he remarked.

His commitment to service extends far beyond emergency calls. Over the years, Andrew has become a familiar face at District #1 community outreach events and fundraisers. Whether it’s handing out stickers and toy helmets to kids at a school tour, or “Filling the Boot” at a local coffee shop for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Andrew is always excited to connect with the community we proudly serve. 

While Andrew gives his all at the fire station, life at home is just as full. He and his wife, Kate, recently moved to what they lovingly call a “small hobby farm” in Umatilla. There, the couple is raising their two children, Kennedy (9) and Miles (5), along with an ever-growing collection of four-legged friends. This includes dogs Luna and Jessi, four goats with Lion King-inspired names (Pumba, Timon, Simba, and Rafiki), and two cows—Tux and Tank—each with their own strong personalities.

“There is always something to do around the house. My family and I really enjoy our summers so we try to go camping or travel when the kids are out of school. I really enjoy cooking and bringing home dishes we’ve made here at the station home to the family.” Andrew spoke of his time off shift.

Whether he’s responding to a call, raising funds for cancer research, or chasing goats back into the pen on the farm, Andrew does it all with humility, dedication, and heart.

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.