Monroe Rural Fire Protection District

05/10/2026

Our ⭐️Volunteer Spotlight⭐️ falls on Mother’s Day this month and we’re proud to spotlight Alex Schilz, a Lieutenant/Paramedic with 10.5 years of dedicated service and a valued member of Monroe Fire.

Alex is originally from Albany, where she graduated from South Albany High School. Although her early years were spent in Albany, Monroe has always been part of her story. Alex’s mom grew up in Monroe, and after Alex graduated high school, her parents moved back to the area. With additional family ties in the community, Monroe has become a place Alex proudly calls home.

Alex’s journey into the fire service began with a desire for a career that was active, team‑based, and far from a desk job. With a strong interest in the medical field and a passion for helping others, the fire service quickly checked all the right boxes.

Her first step was a simple one—tagging along with her cousin to Wednesday night drills. It didn’t take long for Chief Smith to see potential in Alex and offer to send her to academy so she could fully participate. He told her, “Sure would look good on a resume.” That moment proved to be life‑changing. From there, the rest was history—Alex fell in love with the fire service.

Outside of volunteering with Monroe, Alex lives a life rooted in service. She works full‑time as a Paramedic with Polk County Fire, serves as a personal support worker for her cousin, and teaches CPR certification classes, sharing life‑saving skills with others in the community.
Alex is a proud wife and devoted mom to her two boys. She loves her babies deeply, and her dedication to her family reflects the same care and compassion she brings to her work in the fire service. In her free time, Alex enjoys gardening, baking, playing board games, and attending trivia nights. When it’s time to relax, you can find her watching her favorite show, The Pitt or Traitors. In true Alex fashion, her favorite movie is White Chicks.

Over the past decade, Alex has built a respected career marked by leadership, skill, and dedication. As a Lieutenant and Paramedic, she brings experience, calm under pressure, and a strong team mindset to every call and training. Her commitment to both emergency response and the people she serves exemplifies the core values of Monroe Fire. Alex’s story is a great reminder that sometimes the most impactful careers start unexpectedly—and that encouragement and opportunity can make all the difference.

05/08/2026

🚨 WE’RE HIRING – SEASONAL FIREFIGHTER 🚒🔥

Monroe Rural Fire Protection District is now accepting applications for a 2026 Seasonal Firefighter position!

This is an opportunity to serve your community while gaining valuable fire and emergency response experience alongside a dedicated rural fire district team.

📅 Application Deadline: June 1, 2026
💲 Pay: $21.00/hour
📍 Tentative Start Date: June 22, 2026
⏳ Expected Duration: June–October 2026

Minimum Qualifications:
✔️ 18 years or older
✔️ Valid Oregon driver’s license
✔️ NFPA/DPSST Firefighter 1 (or equivalent)
✔️ Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)
✔️ Good physical condition

Preferred Qualifications:
▪️ EMR or higher
▪️ Prior fire service or wildland experience
▪️ Driver certification
▪️ FFT1

Applications and resumes can be emailed to [email protected]
or delivered in person to:
680 Commercial St, Monroe, OR 97456

Applications are available at:
www.monroerfpd.org
(Click “Join Us” and follow the Seasonal Position link.)

Questions? Call 541-847-5170

Join our team and help protect the Monroe community this fire season! 🚒

05/05/2026

05/01/2026

04/04/2026

⭐️ Staff Spotlight⭐️

This month, we’re excited to shine our Staff Spotlight on Aleta Loshbaugh, one of Monroe Fire’s dedicated Paid Staff Firefighter/EMTs. With over five years in the fire service, Aleta brings experience, compassion, and a steady presence to every call and every shift.

Aleta first joined Monroe Fire through personal connections that drew her to our close-knit community. Originally from Springfield, she now lives just across the river in Harrisburg with her husband and their two adorable cats—who proudly hold the title of her biggest fans at home.

When she’s not serving the community, Aleta enjoys a wide range of interests that keep her energized and inspired. She loves reading, working out, and enjoying delicious Thai food. Aleta’s favorite color is green, and she’s a big fan of the Harry Potter series—especially Order of the Phoenix, which holds the top spot as her favorite movie in the franchise.

Aleta’s dedication, positivity, and passion for helping others make her an invaluable part of our team. We’re grateful to have her as part of the Monroe Fire family.

Thank you, Aleta, for everything you bring to our department and our community! 💚

03/31/2026

Commercial St will be partially blocked in front of the Fire station, with equipment and apparatus in use for most of the day. Please use caution when driving through.

03/15/2026

⭐️ Volunteer Spotlight⭐️

For more than 22 years, Michelle Johnson has served as an EMT‑Basic, dedicating her skills and heart to the world of emergency medical services. After previously volunteering, Michelle found herself missing the energy and purpose of the fire and EMS community — and that pull brought her back. “From the time I walked through the doors, it was like coming home,” Michelle shared, and from that moment on, she has been an asset to this department.
Michelle is passionate about training and teaching, and her experience makes her a steady mentor to new and seasoned volunteers alike. She stays involved because of the camaraderie, friendship, trust, and teamwork that define the station. Those bonds — forged through challenges, late‑night calls, and shared commitment — mean everything to her.

Outside of volunteering, Michelle works as a Medical Referrals Specialist for Samaritan Health Services, continuing her dedication to helping others even in her day‑to‑day profession.

Michelle’s family is equally rooted in the department. She is married to Tim Johnson, a fellow Monroe Fire Volunteer (FF/EMR), and their daughter Alaina — affectionately known as Munchie — has practically been raised in the fire station.

When she isn’t working or serving the community, Michelle embraces her creative and personal interests. At home, Michelle is surrounded by her furry family members.

She enjoys playing the flute and collecting buttons, a hobby that sparks joy and nostalgia. She also loves anything cozy and comforting: her favorite movie is Lilo and Stitch, her favorite show is Criminal Minds. If you want to make her smile? Bring her homemade tacos or some good Chinese food.

Michelle, thank you for your dedication, kindness, leadership, and the heart you bring to everything you do. We are honored to celebrate you.

03/05/2026

One of our favorite activities is Fire Station fieldtrips!

We had a small but very inquisitive group today!

Thank you Alpine Co-op Preschool for coming to hangout with Firefighter Poorman, Firefighter Monfalcone and Lt. Nusbaum this morning.

02/20/2026

Tomorrow Feb 21st, MRFPD will be conducting a fire training excercise on East Ingram Island Rd. Smoke may be visible between 12:30 and 4:00pm.

02/12/2026

⭐️Volunteer Spotlight⭐️

We are honored to recognize Chris Poorman, a dedicated Firefighter and Certified Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) who has deep roots in our community. Chris began his journey as a Junior Firefighter, developing a passion for service early on. He later became a Firefighter/First Responder right here in Monroe before moving away for a time.

When Chris returned to Monroe, he was eager to rejoin the fire department and continue serving the community he calls home. His commitment, experience, and enthusiasm make him an invaluable part of our team.

Outside of volunteering, Chris works for Nusbaum Farms in Bellfountain. He is a proud husband and dad, sharing life with his wife Sydney, daughter Aubrie, and son Gauge. In his free time, Chris enjoys John Wayne movies, hunting, and fishing, and his favorite meal is a perfectly cooked elk steak.

Chris exemplifies what it means to give back, and we are grateful for his unwavering dedication to keeping Monroe safe.