Preparing firefighters to perform when the community needs them most takes consistent training, practical experience, and leadership that invests in people. Battalion Chief Raymond “Ray” Harris leads Umatilla Fire’s Training and Safety program, helping career firefighters, volunteers, and resident interns develop the skills, judgment, and confidence needed for emergency response.

Meet Battalion Chief Harris

A proud Umatilla County native, Ray Harris began his fire service career in 2011 as a volunteer firefighter. His path through the profession has included service as a resident intern, seasonal firefighter, paid-on-call firefighter, and career firefighter. He advanced to Lieutenant before being promoted to Battalion Chief of Training and Safety in April 2026.

Having served in each of these roles, Ray understands the commitment involved in entering the fire service and the challenges members face as they grow. That experience shapes his approach to mentorship: provide clear expectations, teach practical skills, and help people build the confidence to take on greater responsibility.

Ray holds an associate degree in Fire Science and is a member of HAZMAT Team 10. He brings a strong interest in continued learning to his work, with a focus on helping others grow both personally and professionally. He believes a prepared department starts with people who are willing to practice, ask questions, learn from experience, and support one another.

Outside the fire service, Ray values time with his family and the balance they bring to his life. His roots in Umatilla County give his work a personal connection—serving this community means helping protect the place and people he calls home.

Training With Purpose

As a DPSST-accredited fire agency, Umatilla Fire makes training part of everyday operations. Under Battalion Chief Harris’s leadership, the program connects individual development with the teamwork required on an emergency scene.

Career crews train every day. Training strengthens essential skills, equipment proficiency, and coordination while preparing personnel for the district’s varied response demands.

Volunteers train every Tuesday night. Regular instruction gives members opportunities to practice, advance their qualifications, and build working relationships with career crews and resident interns.

Training includes structural and wildland firefighting, emergency medical first response, vehicle extrication, water supply, apparatus operation, communications, and incident coordination. Water rescue and other specialized training are matched to personnel assignments, qualifications, and district capabilities.

Developing Our People

Battalion Chief Harris supports members from their first introduction to the department through continued professional development. His own experience as a volunteer and resident intern helps him connect with people beginning that same journey.

His work includes practical instruction, mentorship, qualification development, and joint training with neighboring agencies. He also helps prospective resident interns arrange station visits and understand the expectations of serving and learning at Umatilla Fire.

The goal is to develop firefighters who understand their responsibilities, can work effectively alongside others, and continue improving throughout their service.

Safety Through Preparation

Safety is part of how we train, plan, and respond. The Training and Safety program emphasizes hazard recognition, clear communication, equipment knowledge, and sound decisions under changing conditions.

By practicing essential skills and applying lessons from training and emergency incidents, our personnel strengthen their ability to protect the public and one another. Battalion Chief Harris helps keep that responsibility at the center of our preparation.

For training inquiries or information about the Resident Intern Program, contact Umatilla Fire at 541-922-3718.