Old Buxton Station

History

Established in 1954, Banks Fire District #13 provides fire and rescue services to 136 square miles in northwest Washington County, Oregon, serving the communities of Banks, Buxton, Manning and Timber. This region, known for its scenic beauty and moderate climate, is mainly rural with close ties to the Portland metro area. Sixty highly-trained volunteers respond to more than 750 calls annually, ranging from Emergency Medical Service (EMS) to wild-land fires.

These communities within our District have always enjoyed tremendous citizen involvement. Whether it's volunteers keeping the summer sports going or taking care of the food bank, they know the importance of giving back to the community. Because of this culture of giving, Banks Fire District continues to provide emergency service with a committed, highly-trained volunteer and paid firefighting force. Our staff not only provides a tremendous value to the taxpayers, but cares deeply about protecting the area they live in.

May 1913 - The Bucket and Ladder Fire Company of Banks called “Fire Boys", was formed. Apparatus included two hose carts housed in Fire Hall No.1 which was located behind the Bank on the south side of Market St.

October 1915 - The Banks Community Methodist Church, built in 1909, had a bell tower that served as the fire alarm to alert the Fire Boys. The Fire Boys were so busy that by 1915 the bell had to be replaced because it was cracked.
June 1925 - Fire Boys changed their name to Banks Fire Department.
July 1954 - Tri-City Rural Fire Protection District was formed with Clarence Sweere appointed Chief. This district serviced the communities of Banks, Buxton and Manning.
August 1954 - Tri-Cities purchased 250-gallon pumper from Cornelius which replaced the older, obsolete hose carts.
September 1954 - Tri-Cities had its first call with the new pumper apparatus and volunteers.
March 1960 - Buxton Station built under the guidance of Cecil Lodge.
1966 - Jim Ward appointed Fire Chief.
February 1972 - Sweere’s Garage purchased and Tri-Cities fire station relocates to its current location at Main St and Sunset Avenue in Banks.
May 1975 - Rescue Unit purchased and emergency medical services added.
January 1983 - Tri-Cities Rural Fire Protection District merges with Timber Volunteer Fire District.
June 1985 - Land was purchased on Cochran Rd for a new Timber Station which took two years to build.
1987 - James Partain appointed Fire Chief. New Timber station on Cochran Rd goes into service.
1991 - John Schlegel appointed Fire Chief.
April 2000 - Tri-Cities moved into new station (current Station 13) built at same location.
November 2000 - Brian Coussens appointed Fire Chief.
March 2001 - Tri-Cities change their name to Banks Fire District #13.
June 2001 - First full-time paid firefighter hired.
September 2001 - High School Firefighting class began.
September 11, 2001 - World Trade Center attacked.
2003 - Purchased Pierce Contendor Engine/Triple Combo Pumper to replace 1971 Louisvile
2004 - Purchased Pierce Contendor Engine/Triple Combo Pumper to replace 1980 Seagraves.
2006 - Voted Fire District of the Year by Oregon Fire Directors Association.
2007 - Purchased Kenworth 3000-gallon water tender to replace 1981 Autocar.
2009 - Purchased Brush Rig #13/Ford F550, "Spirit of Charolotte". Donation received from the estate of Charolette Shultz.
2010 - Purchased Pierce Heavy Rescue, to replace 2001 Ford F550 that was converted into Brush Rig #14.
2014 - Purchased Pierce Contendor Engine/Triple Combo Pumper to replace 1994 Freightliner.
March 2015 - Rodney Linz appointed as Fire Chief
September 2015 - High School Fire Science classes return to district.
July 2016 - Chris Lanter hired as Training/Duty Officer.
December 2016 - Training Ground completed at Station 13 in Banks.
2016- Voted Fire District of the Year by Oregon Fire Directors Association.
October 2017- Solar Project completed, funded by a PGE Grant.
November 2017 - Bond Measure approved to build new fire station in Buxton (replacing old one), upgrade Banks and Timber stations and replace various aging fire apparatus.
July 2018 - Brennan Nannenga hired as Volunteer Coordinator/Duty Officer.
August 2019 - New Pierce Water Tender 14 placed in service.
October 2020 - Kari Erwert hired as Executive Assistant.
December 2020 - Hornshuh Creek Station 14 opens for service.
January 2021 - Old Buxton station decommissioned and lot sold.
January 2022 - Neal Hammond hired as Training/Duty Officer.
October 2022 - Andrew Cooper hired as EMS Officer.
January 2023 - Christopher Perry hired as Lieutenant/Volunteer Coordinator.
January 2023 New Rosenbauer Engines 14 and 15 placed in service.