About Row River Rural Fire Protection District

Row River Rural Fire Protection District is committed to creating a safe community through prevention, preparedness, and effective fire, medical, and other emergency response.

Row River Rural Fire Protection District is Made Up of Neighbors Serving Neighbors.

Our board members and volunteer firefighters are part of this community. They live here, work here, raise their families here, and step forward when something goes wrong. They bring a wide range of backgrounds, skills, and life experience, but share a common commitment: showing up when it matters most.

This isn’t about recognition. It’s about responsibility.

Every call, every training, every long night is handled by people who choose to give their time and energy to protect others. They do it quietly, consistently, and without expectation of praise, because they care deeply about the safety and well-being of this community.

Below, you’ll meet the individuals who help guide the district and those who serve on the front lines. Together, they form the foundation of a service built on trust, accountability, and dedication.

Three firefighters in tan uniforms and black helmets operate a fire truck's equipment on a wet street, with houses and trees in the background.

Row River Fire District Response Areas

The Row River Rural Fire Protection District (RRRFPD), established in 2024 near Cottage Grove, Oregon, provides essential fire protection, emergency medical response (EMR), and wildfire mitigation to the Row River Valley. The district operates through a main station and two planned satellite stations, offering faster emergency responses, while focusing on 30-foot defensible space initiatives to protect against high wildland-urban interface (WUI) risks. 

Strategic placement of the Row River Fire Stations distributes protection across the 25-mile narrow valley providing fire and EMR services to residents.

Open a Larger Map
Open a Larger Map

Interested in Becoming a Volunteer Firefighter?

Our strength comes from the people who are willing to step forward.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to serve your community in a meaningful way, we invite you to learn more about becoming a volunteer firefighter. No prior experience is required, just a willingness to learn, a commitment to the team, and a desire to make a difference.

You’ll gain valuable skills, be part of something bigger than yourself, and help ensure that our community continues to be protected by people who care. For more information contact us today.

contact us
contact us

Leadership Rooted in Community

  • A firefighter wearing a white helmet with a badge labeled 'Fire Chief' and 'Row River Fire,' alongside a fire district emblem that reads 'Row River Rural Fire District, Est. 2024.'

    Walt Bernard

    FOUNDING FIRE CHIEF

    Walt Bernard has been a resident of Dorena for over 25 years and played a key role in the formation of the Row River Rural Fire Protection District. He served as the district’s first Fire Chief and remains an active part of its leadership.

    One of Walt’s greatest points of pride is working alongside a dedicated group of volunteers committed to protecting the community. He is grateful for the continued support of those who serve and those who stand behind them.

  • A smiling elderly man with a white beard and glasses, wearing a blue patterned shirt, standing against a plain background.

    Kirk Reinecke

    DIRECTOR, PRESIDENT - Expires June 30th, 2029

    Kirk Reinecke and his wife Katherine have lived in the Row River area since 2017. A retired general contractor from Washington State, Kirk holds degrees in biology and business, with a minor in chemistry.

    Since moving to the area, they have been building their home and establishing roots in the community, including planting 1,250 organic hazelnut trees as part of their retirement plans.

    Kirk enjoys hiking, biking, and sailing, and brings a practical, hands-on perspective to his role as Board President.

  • A middle-aged man with a mustache and short curly hair smiling at the camera, wearing a black T-shirt against a solid blue background.

    Buck Rudice

    DEPUTY CHIEF

    Buck Rudicel is an active and dedicated member of the Row River community. When he’s not serving as Deputy Chief, he can often be found fly fishing the Row River, boating on Dorena Lake, enjoying music, or spending time with his dogs.

    Buck is happily married to his high school sweetheart, and together they raised their children in the Row River Valley. Now grown, his kids remain a meaningful part of his life and connection to the community he continues to serve

  • A senior man with a full white beard and hair, smiling, wearing a black and gray striped collared shirt against a blue background.

    John Kirk

    DIRECTOR, VICE PRESIDENT -
    Expires June 30th, 2027

    John Kirk and his wife Teresa moved their family to Dorena after 26 years in the Seattle area. He is a fifth-generation member of the Kirk family connected to Dorena, continuing a long-standing legacy in the valley.

    John played a role in the formation of the Row River Water District and later stepped forward to help establish the Row River Rural Fire Protection District. His vision is rooted in preserving what makes the area special, supporting essential services like water, fire protection, and emergency medical aid while maintaining the rural, self-sufficient lifestyle the community values.

    He is committed to helping Row River remain not just a place to live, but a safe, connected, and cohesive community.

  • A middle-aged woman with shoulder-length gray hair and glasses, wearing a white shirt with a red and purple floral pattern, smiling outdoors against a blurred green background.

    Marilyn Vann

    DIRECTOR, SECRETARY - Expires June 30th, 2027

    Marilyn Vann has called Dorena home since 1971. She has a deep appreciation for the area’s natural beauty, history, and strong sense of community.

    As a member of the Board of Directors, Marilyn takes her responsibility seriously and is committed to supporting the continued safety and well-being of the Row River community. She looks forward to continuing her service in the years ahead.

  • A smiling middle-aged man with a gray beard and short hair, wearing a shirt with a patriotic vest featuring the American flag design.

    Darin Rhodes

    DIRECTOR - Expires June 30th, 2027

    Raised in Dorena, Oregon, Darin Rhodes spent his early years along Lower Brice Creek and near Baker Bay, building a lifelong connection to the Cottage Grove area. After graduating from Cottage Grove High School, he began a 23-year military career, serving in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and Army National Guard.

    His service focused on operations, recruitment, training, and safety, experience that continues to inform his leadership today.

    After retiring from the military, Darin returned home and owned the Sears Hometown Store in Cottage Grove for five years. He later worked with Cabela’s and now serves in customer service at Pacific Yurts. A lifetime member of the VFW and active in local organizations, Darin remains dedicated to serving and strengthening the community he has always called home.

  • An elderly man with a white beard and mustache dressed in outdoor hiking gear, wearing a beige wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, standing outdoors with mountains and snow in the background, holding a trekking pole, indicating he is on a mountain hike.

    Allan Adesse

    TREASURER- Expires June 30th, 2029

    Allan has spent his life working closely with the land as a forester, woodland firefighter, and forest worker. His experience in wildfire response and land stewardship brings valuable perspective to the Row River Rural Fire Protection District.

    In addition to his work in forestry, Allan is an organic farmer, seedsman, and herb grower who is deeply committed to sustainable living. He is also a mentor and teacher, sharing his knowledge and experience with others in the community.

    Now retired, Allan continues to stay active in the Row River area as a board member, bringing dedication, insight, and a lifelong connection to the natural environment.