“Uncorking Your Potential” was the theme of this year’s workshop hosted by Newberg-
McMinnville Fire Departments. The workshop was actually at the Newberg Fire Department, hosted by Diane Nave and Donna Fleishman.
Here is a brief summary of our sessions:
Day One began with an informative session led by Chief Dan Peterson from Jackson County Fire District 3 regarding the ISO and what they do. We learned how their grading system works and that their relationship with the fire agencies have improved over the past few years.
Chief Rich Leipfert from McMinnville Fire Department wrapped up the morning with a “Fit for Duty” class, sharing with us the program that they’ve developed in his department to keep their firefighters safe and healthy.
After a yummy lunch of pizza and salad, Chief Craig from Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District spoke to us regarding “Change Management and Leadership”. He discussed the ways in which everyone within an organization may contribute to culture and help guide changes for better, and for worse.
Later in the afternoon we made a bus trip into downtown McMinnville for a tour of the fire station and a walkabout through their quaint stores. We ended the day upstairs at the historic McMinnville Grand Ballroom for a wonderful buffet dinner and great networking.
Day Two was kicked off by Mariah Rawlins, from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, speaking on “Billing for Conflagrations”. Not only was good information shared, sample reimbursement forms were handed out whereby we each were given step-by-step instructions on how to fill them out.
After a short break, we ended our workshop in one of two breakout sessions: “Reducing Stress and Managing Emotions through EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) presented by Helen McConnell and an Accreditation Work Session, led by OFSOA Accreditation Chair, Vickey Dosier, and some accredited volunteers. I happened to attend the stress session and found it to be very interesting. We learned the art of “tapping” to reduce one’s stress level and clear emotions stuck in your unconscious mind and body. I left the session feeling inspired to get involved more with the things in life I really enjoy…………..like OFSOA functions! J
A BIG thank you goes out to Diane, Donna, Jill and Judy for putting on such a great workshop.
~submitted by Deb Keehn, Vice President
