About Us

In the early 1980s, Rick Saager spearheaded the formation of the Milton Freewater Rural Fire Department and EMS (MFRFD), driven by challenges faced by the City Fire Department in responding to emergencies beyond city limits. Having joined the city fire service in 1972 and risen to the role of engineer by 1974, Saager recognized the need for fire protection outside the city's jurisdiction. However, existing regulations barred city apparatus from operating beyond city boundaries, necessitating a new approach. 

 

Repeated attempts to establish a taxing district to fund expanded fire services were thwarted by community concerns over affordability on at least three occasions. Undeterred, Saager, also a member of the City Police Reserves, partnered with Carl Holbrook to conceive an independent fire department initiative. They secured leased fire trucks and equipment—a tender and two type-six trucks adapted for structural firefighting—despite minimal knowledge of similar initiatives elsewhere. 

 

The acquisition of a suitable piece of land for a fire station was facilitated by Harold Stiller, who exchanged it for a decade of free fire protection for his properties. With initial operations relying heavily on a volunteer force of approximately 30 firefighters, Saager enlisted the expertise of Ralph Riggs, a retired Alaska battalion chief, to train the nascent department. The community rallied behind the effort, with local businesses like Brinker Brothers Lumber and Hardware providing critical support for building materials. 

 

Volunteer efforts were instrumental in constructing the department's first fire station, with significant contributions from skilled community members like Lloyd Bland, a carpenter. Early operations focused on rigorous training and the sale of fire contracts to sustain financial viability. Initial successes in fire response bolstered community confidence, leading to rapid growth in contract sales and volunteer recruitment. 

 

Support from Rural Metro, facilitated by Louis Jekyll—a legal counsel and wildland fire chief from Scottsdale, Arizona—provided crucial financial backing and equipment upgrades in the initial years. Despite their eventual departure due to profitability concerns, this partnership laid the foundation for the department's early stability and growth. 

 

By 1989, recognizing the increasing demand for emergency medical services, Saager expanded the department into first response EMS, initially providing basic support before transitioning to advanced life support (ALS) services by 2002. This evolution was driven by community needs and logistical challenges associated with neighboring Walla Walla's ambulance service. 

 

Financial stability improved markedly after the formation of a taxing district in the early 2000s, which facilitated sustained growth and the professionalization of services. Challenges persisted, particularly with fluctuating Medicare reimbursements, but under Saager's leadership, strategic initiatives and community support ensured continued operational expansion and technological advancements. 

 

MFRFD & EMS now operates as the sole ambulance service within a vast 350-mile radius that lies beyond the city's coverage, providing critical emergency medical services to a largely underserved population. As the only available resource in the region, MFRFD plays a crucial role in ensuring that residents have access to timely and professional medical care during emergencies. Their commitment to serving this expansive area highlights their dedication to community health and safety, filling a vital gap in healthcare services where no other options exist. The reliability and expertise of MFRFD's team are essential for the well-being of the communities within this extensive service area, making them an indispensable asset to the region. 

 

Over the decades, under Saager's stewardship, the Milton Freewater Rural Fire Department and EMS evolved from a volunteer-driven initiative into a professional emergency services provider serving a 350-square-mile radius. Despite financial and operational hurdles, Saager's steadfast commitment to community service and innovative leadership has ensured the department's resilience and ongoing dedication to enhancing the safety and lives of the people of Milton Freewater and beyond.