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SERVING CURRY COUNTY SINCE 1946 www.currypilot.com

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2025

Brookings, Oregon

Jeff Lee promoted to Brookings Fire Chief 2012, Lee accepted the paid position of Captain and Training Officer, one of the few career firefighter roles in the county. Over the past 19 years, he has tirelessly served the Brookings community, bringing dedication and innovation to the department. “Training and teaching have been my passion for the department, leading me to build programs and resources that benefit not only Brookings but the entire region,” Lee said. Among his accomplishments, Chief Lee developed and organized a DPSST-accredited Fire Fighter Academy, which has graduated over 165 certified firefighters in its 11-year history. He also expanded wildland firefighting training and established a state-of-the- art, all-hazards rescue training site with one of the only Class “A” live fire training environments in Curry County. “Chief Lee’s promotion is a testament to his unwavering commitment to our community,” said Public Safety Director Kelby McCrae. “His leadership and vision have shaped Brookings Fire & Rescue into a model of excellence, and I have no doubt he will continue to elevate the division in his new role.” City Manager Tim Rundel

PRESS RELEASE The City of Brookings is proud to announce the promotion of Captain Jeffery Lee to the position of Operations Fire Chief, recognizing nearly two decades of dedicated service to Brookings and the surrounding community. Lee replaces outgoing Fire Chief Jim Watson who retired after 33 years of fire service in Brookings. Chief Lee’s journey in the fire service began at a young age, inspired by his father’s involvement in various volunteer emergency response groups, including fire, ambulance, and dive team services. “It seems like I was always on a call with him somewhere,” recalls Lee. His passion for the fire service only grew stronger as he advanced through school and admired professionals in the field. After high school, Lee pursued formal training in California, becoming a firefighter and EMT, and joined a small volunteer department to assist with seasonal brush fire response. Chief Lee’s connection with Brookings Fire & Rescue began in 2005. In the years since, he has progressed through the ranks, being promoted to Lieutenant in 2007 and Captain in 2009. In

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF BROOKINGS Brookings’ New Fire Chief: Jeff Lee added, “Jeff has not only been an asset to Brookings but a cornerstone in advancing ﬁreﬁghter training and safety throughout Curry County. His dedication, innovation, and leadership make

him the perfect choice to lead the division into the future.” Chief Lee’s promotion marks an exciting new chapter for Brookings Fire & Rescue and the community it serves. Please

join us in congratulating Chief Jeffery Lee as he takes on this critical role to ensure the safety and preparedness of Brookings for years to come.

Oregon sees decline of 3,700 jobs

The Oregon Employment Department reports 2,084,954 employed and 92,561 unemployed in December.

Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 3,700 jobs in December, following a revised increase of 3,700 jobs in November, according to the latest Oregon

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

A key Oregon economic indicator illustrates a slowdown in job growth across the state.

Employment Department report GAINS AND LOSSES December’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+1,900 jobs) and government (+700). Declines were\

largest in leisure and hospitality (-1,900 jobs); manufacturing (-1,800); ﬁnancial activities (-1,000); and retail trade (-900). Health care and social assistance continued its rapid, consistent pace of hiring, adding 18,100 jobs, or 6.2%, in the past 12 months. Within this industry, social assistance added the most jobs, gaining 9,200 jobs, or 12.2%, since December 2023. The three health care industries each added between 3,300 and 4,400 jobs during that time. December’s growth in government also capped off a year of strong performance. Its 7,000-job gain (+2.3%) was the second fastest growth over the year. Leisure and hospitality cut 3,200 jobs in the past two months. It employed 204,000 in December, which was 3,000 below its average during January 2023 through October 2024. Cutbacks of 1,500 jobs within

semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing contributed most of the December employment reductions in manufacturing. Over the year, manufacturing dropped 2,500 jobs (-1.3%). Several durable goods manufacturing industries have shed jobs in the past 12 months: wood product manufacturing (-500 jobs, or -2.2%); machinery manufacturing (-300 jobs, or -2.2%); and transportation equipment manufacturing (-600 jobs, or -5.3%). Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.1% in December and 4.0%, as revised, in November. The rate has consistently remained between 4.0% and 4.2% since October 2023. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1% in December and 4.2% in November

Aquatic Safety Programs receive another boost Curry County Receives $6,000 Grant for Aquatic Safety Program

The grant agreement outlines the terms of the funding, including: The $6,000 grant can only be used for the purchase of PWC equipment as outlined in the original grant proposal. Financial Responsibility: Curry County is responsible for all expenses beyond the grant amount. Reporting Requirements: The county must submit interim and final reports to the Coquille Tribal Community Fund detailing the program's progress and expenditure of grant funds. Grant Modifications: Any changes to the project scope or budget require prior written approval from the fund administrators. Unexpended Funds: Any unused grant funds must be returned to the Coquille Tribal Community Fund at the end of the grant period or if the county fails to comply with the agreement. This grant agreement signifies a valuable partnership between Curry County and the Coquille Tribal Community Fund in enhancing water safety within the region.

The Curry County Board of Commissioners has approved a $6,000 grant from the Coquille Tribal Community Fund to bolster the county's Aquatic Safety Program. The funding will be used speciﬁcally for the purchase of Personal Watercraft (PWC), essential equipment for the program's operations. The program, which plays a crucial role in water safety initiatives within the county, is already partially supported by grants from other regional partners. This grant from the Coquille Tribal Community Fund is a signiﬁcant boost to our Aquatic Safety Program. The PWCs will greatly enhance the ability to improve the program's effectiveness, with search and rescue operations, provide faster response times to emergencies and educate the public on water safety practices.

INDEX

Personal Watercraft Grant: More needed equipment coming.

Phone Number: 541-813-1717 • Address: 519 Chetco Avenue, Unit 7, Brookings, OR 97415 • Email: Circulation@CountryMedia.net

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