Department Operations

Sutherlin Fire Department is a full-service fire department that responds to all types of emergencies, including structure fires, vegetation fires, motor vehicle crashes, rescues, hazardous materials, and medical aids. In 2019, we responded to 1,817 calls for service. Sutherlin Fire Department consists of career staff, volunteers, students, and cross-trained city workers that protect the City of Sutherlin and the Calapooia Fire District, through a contract for service. Additionally, we have mutual aid agreements with all Douglas County Fire Departments as well as the Douglas Forest Protection Association.

We welcome you to our website and as always, if you have any questions we encourage you to contact us. 

Fire Chief Mike Lane leads Sutherlin Fire Department with over 40 years of experience.  He became a firefighter in 1981 and served in many different roles since.  He worked for Roseburg Fire Department for much of his career where he worked through the ranks to Fire Chief.  Mike came to Sutherlin Fire Department in mid-2017 and has held the role of Fire Chief since his arrival.  The best part of being a firefighter to Mike is "the people I work with, and knowing we are helping people on generally their worst day".  His off-duty hobbies include spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and camping.

DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF
Deputy Chief Scott McKnight served as a Sutherlin Firefighter from 1989 until 1993.  He then worked for Douglas County Fire District #2, where he retired after 26 years of service working his way up to Lieutenant.  Since his return to Sutherlin Fire Department in 2018, Scott has served as the Deputy Chief of Operations.  He enjoys working in the fire service because everyday and every call presents a different way to help people.  Deputy Chief McKnight's off duty hobbies include riding horses, team penning, and watching his kids play sports.

DIVISION FIRE CHIEF
Division Chief Brandan McGarr was hired by Sutherlin Fire Department as a Battalion Chief in 2018.  On November 1, 2021, he was promoted to Division Chief.  Division Chief McGarr currently serves as Sutherlin Fire Department's Training Officer, Fire Prevention Coordinator, and Emergency Manager.  While in High School, Brandan became interested in the fire department and could be found at the local fire station almost every day.  Brandan became a firefighter in 2004 and has served in many roles since.  Division Chief McGarr says his favorite part of being in the fire service is that the fire department members always put the communities needs first.  When Brandan isn't working he enjoys traveling, tinkering with home projects, and spending time with his family.


BATTALION CHIEFS
A - Shift Battalion Chief - Mike Merlino 

Battalion Chief Dan McCormick is the B-Shift Battalion Chief.  He became a member of Sutherlin Fire Department in 1985 as a volunteer firefighter and promoted to Volunteer Fire Lieutenant in the early 1990's.  He served in that capacity for many years.  In 2017 he was hired full-time with Sutherlin Fire Department as a Chief Officer.  The best part of the job for Dan is that he gets to learn something new every day when he comes to work.  On his days off, Dan enjoys renovating his home, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.