A Message to the Sandy Community From Your Fire Chief Nick Browne

By Clackamas Fire, For the Sandy Standard

In May, Sandy voters approved annexation into Clackamas Fire, marking an important step forward for emergency services in the Sandy community. I want to personally thank everyone who participated in the process, including residents, community leaders, firefighters, staff, and all those who took the time to make their voices heard. 

The annexation formally integrated Sandy Fire into Clackamas Fire on July 1. This decision was about protecting the future of emergency response in Sandy and ensuring the community continues to receive high-quality fire and emergency medical services for years to come.  

One of the first major improvements resulting from annexation came ahead of schedule. Beginning June 1, one month earlier than originally planned, Sandy’s rescue unit transitioned from 12-hour to 24-hour staffing. Rescue 371 and Engine 371 now provide around-the-clock response for medical emergencies, vehicle crashes, fires, and other critical incidents.  

As emergency call volumes and service demands continue to grow throughout the region, we recognized the importance of expanding staffing as quickly as possible. The approval of annexation allowed us to accelerate that timeline and place additional resources in service sooner than anticipated. 

Having additional firefighters and emergency resources available around the clock strengthens our ability to respond when the community needs us most. Whether it is a medical emergency, vehicle crash, wildfire, or structure fire, those additional resources can make a meaningful difference for both responders and the people calling for help. 

At the same time, we remain committed to continuing the strong traditions that are important to the Sandy community. From events like the Sandy Kiwanis Sportsman’s Breakfast to the longstanding support for local volunteer firefighters, those relationships are part of what makes this community strong. That commitment includes continued volunteer response out of the Dover station, which remains an important part of emergency service coverage in the Sandy area. 

We know how important local fire and EMS services are to the people who live and work here. Our firefighters, paramedics, and staff are honored to serve this community, and we take that responsibility seriously. 

While annexation has now made this partnership permanent, our focus moving forward remains simple: continuing to provide reliable emergency response, supporting the firefighters and personnel serving this area, and ensuring the Sandy community continues to receive the high level of service it deserves. 

On behalf of everyone at Clackamas Fire, thank you again for your trust and partnership. We are proud to serve Sandy and look forward to continuing to build a strong future together.