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.
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.
Leadership Rooted in Community
Our board members bring a wide range of experience, but share a common purpose: protecting and strengthening the Row River community while preserving the rural way of life that makes it unique.
Walt Bernard
Founding Fire Chief & Board Member
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Alan Adesse
Treasurer
Expires June 30th, 2029
Info to come.