Please welcome our Executive Director, Phil Turnbull.
The Mid Rogue Fire District is proud to announce Philip Turnbull as its first Executive Director. With a career spanning five decades, Turnbull brings deep experience from fire and rescue agencies across the spectrum from volunteer service to a full-time role with one of the state’s largest departments, and later as Fire Chief with Rural Metro Fire. Along the way, he earned numerous awards and credentials, including lifetime memberships in the Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Association and the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, which recognized him with a Meritorious Award of Excellence in 2023. Throughout his career, Turnbull has been instrumental in promoting interagency and interdisciplinary cooperation, playing a key role in the development of regional response plans for large-scale, multi-agency emergencies. As a mentor, he has guided dozens of fire service leaders throughout Southern Oregon and served as Incident Commander with the Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Incident Management Team.
Kassie Austin has transitioned from a contract employee to a part-time district employee, making her our second employee.
Kassie was instrumental in the formation of the fire district while working for the Counties legal department. She has been assisting the board of directors since they were sworn in on July 1st, 2025, first as assistance from the Board of County Commissioners and then as a contract employee a few hours a week until May 4th, 2026.
First district vehicle
Our vehicle and equipment acquisition committee, Directors Ownbey and Benetti, found a great deal on a used Ford Expedition and brought it to the board for consideration. The Board approved the purchase in a 4-1 vote for it to become the district staff vehicle. It was decaled and put in service May 14th, 2026.
