An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | March 12, 2007

Oregon Army National Guard Trains with Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue Firefighters

By Capt. Michael S. Braibish Oregon National Guard Public Affairs

Sixty soldiers of the Oregon Army National Guard learned fundamental firefighting and rescue techniques from the experts at the Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue Training Center. Under the keen watch of experienced first responders the soldiers spent Mar. 10, the first of two training days, developing skills that will prove valuable in the aftermath of a disaster.

The training proved educational for the soldiers, teaching them how they can enhance the capabilities of those first on the scene.

"What I really gained is an understanding of how we're going to work jointly in a mass casualty setting," said Sgt. Thomas Pettit of Goldendale, Wash., "especially how our forces are going to cooperate and work together as a joint task force, where we're going to fit into the division of labor and be most valuable and work as a team."

As they learned the fundamental skills of firefighting and rescue operations, they also had the chance to gain practical experience.

"I had some theories on how to do some stuff but here you're actually getting a little practical on it, so when it comes down to it you have an idea of what you're going to do," said Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Courtaintharp of Estacada, Ore.

The training not only builds skills, it brings familiarity to the firefighters and soldiers. Perhaps more importantly it builds trust, an essential element in a cohesive response to a disaster whether it's natural or manmade.

"It gives us a little more understanding of the relationship between our side and the civilian side," said Courtaintharp. "So now we have an idea of where we can cross over a little bit. We get information from both sides and we can work a little closer together, a little more smoothly.

That trust and experience is appreciated by the first responders as well.

"When I see these guys on a call, if we do have something major that comes down, I know they know how to do this," said engineer Jeff Mather of TVFR. "I know they have got at least a general idea and they can take care of a little car fire, they can help me with the hose if we're on a house fire and were a little shorthanded."

The idea for training soldiers with first responders was born out of frustration some of the Guard members experienced in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina.

Sgt. 1st Class Bruce Cutshall, who is also a seasoned firefighter from Eugene, deployed to New Orleans with the 141st BSB in September of 2005. While there, Cutshall said, he and fellow soldiers felt some frustration at not being able to help the first responders as much as they hoped to. He and fellow soldier 2nd Lt. William Croker, who is also a firefighter, worked with the TVFR to coordinate the training.

Their goal was to make sure the Oregon National Guard expanded their ability to serve with first responders. Pvt. Josh Meng, a soldier from Sandy, is optimistic this training accomplished that goal.

"We're learning how to work with the civilian side, the civilian sector. Hopefully that will enable us to help out the populations around us a lot faster," said Meng.

 

 

Related Articles
The 111th Electromagnetic Warfare Company conducts training exercise, Operation Golden Corridor in Dahlonega, Georgia, August 15, 2025. Throughout the duration of the exercise, Soldiers simulated peer and near-peer electromagnetic warfare scenarios and enhance unit proficiency in spectrum mapping, RF detection, and alternative radar awareness capabilities under austere conditions.
Georgia Guard Company Leads in Electromagnetic Warfare Modernization
By | Aug. 27, 2025
DAHLONEGA, Ga. - The Georgia Army National Guard’s 111th Electromagnetic Warfare Company, based in Forest Park, Georgia, is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in the Army’s modernization efforts within the...

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, and the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, participated in the annual Logan-Duffy Shooting Match, August 21, 2025, at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. The history of the Logan Duffy Rifle Match goes back nearly 90 years to the first match, which was held in 1936.
Massachusetts, New York Guard Members Compete in Historic Logan-Duffy Rifle Competition
By Sgt. 1st Class Steven Eaton,   | Aug. 27, 2025
DEVENS, Mass. – Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, and the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, participated in the annual Logan-Duffy...

An Alaska Air National Guard HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 210th Rescue Squadron a real-world rescue operation at Point MacKenzie, Alaska, Sept. 1, 2022. After a Christen A-1 Husky crashed into a marsh, National Guardsmen rappelled and conducted a rescue operation, ensuring the aircraft was safely vacated. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Julia Lebens)
Alaska Air Guard Rescues Individual With Facial Laceration Near Knik Glacier
By Alejandro Pena, | Aug. 27, 2025
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Alaska Air National Guard members with the 176th Wing rescued an individual with a facial laceration Aug. 25, about 40 miles northeast of Anchorage in the vicinity of Knik Glacier.The...