The Woodburn Fire District is pleased to announce the promotion of Lieutenant Jeremy Peil to station captain.  The promotion ceremony was held during the April 16th fire district board meeting.

Captain Peil is only the second career firefighter to be designated as station captain and will be leading the charge at station 22 on James Street in Woodburn. The position was recently opened due to the hiring of 8 additional career firefighters. The eight positions are being funded by FEMA through the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) program. The additional members will allow the fire district to have two fully staffed engine companies which marks a milestone in the district’s history.

Captain Peil is a certified EMT with 23 years of fire service experience including 22 years serving the residents of Woodburn, Gervais and surrounding area.  Peil was promoted to lieutenant in 2005 where he led a crew of firefighters assigned to one of three shifts at the district’s main station and at station 22 on James Street. In addition to his emergency response duties, Peil manages the district’s staffing program and the communication/ technology programs, is the district’s liaison for Metcom 9-1-1, and serves on the apparatus and safety committees.

Throughout his career, Peil has received many awards for outstanding service to the community and leadership in the district.

As captain, Peil will supervise career firefighters and lieutenants assigned to all three shifts at the fire station. In remarks made at the promotion ceremony, Fire Chief Jim Walker said, “Captain Peil is more than just a firefighter and leader. He is a mentor, a problem-solver, and a trusted colleague who embodies the highest level of standards and public service.”

Captain Peil grew up in northeastern Oregon where he attended Enterprise High School. He later moved to the Willamette Valley to attend Western Oregon University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business management. He also holds an associate degree in fire science from Chemeketa Community College.

Captain Peil lives in Salem with his wife Michelle who works for the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office and their two children.