About Us

Gates Rural Fire Protection District
The Gates Rural Fire Protection District (GRFPD) strives to provide high quality fire, medical, and rescue emergency service with the commitment to saving lives and property. Formed in 1949, we are volunteers who care about our community and are dedicated to responding in times of need to help others.

GRFPD board members include Randy Mickey, Liz Cutler, Alexis Winn, Gerald Korson and Rick Whitener. The District Fire Chief is Gary R. Swanson.

Gates Fire District Emergency Services Support
The district is fortunate to have the support of a separate 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that works to provide funding for the benefit and support of the programs of the Gates Rural Fire Protection District. This organization is called the Gates Fire District Emergency Services Support (GFDESS) group.

GFDESS board members include Chairperson Nicole Miller, Vice Chair Bruce Brunstad, Executive Director Gary Swanson, Executive Secretary/Treasurer Nancy Swanson, Callie Andersen, Don Hoover, Bill Pennick Jr., Linda Scheidel and Dave White.

Community Emergency Response Team
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was formed in 2003 by the GRFPD. Following national guidelines as set forth by FEMA, the district provided training for 26 volunteer members of the community who stepped forward to serve as an organized response team capable of providing care to the citizens of the fire district in the event of any declared emergency situation.

CERT volunteers have undergone training enabling them to be able to respond to any type of disaster. They meet once a month for continuing education, and conduct one major disaster evolution each year. For additional information, call Fire Chief Gary Swanson at 503.897.2929.