OAR 259-009-0000: Policies and Objectives

(1) The policies of the Board and Department in response to ORS 181A.365 are: (a) The Board and Department exist to develop talented individuals into public safety providers who are: (A) Culturally competent; (B) Ethically, physically and emotionally fit; and (C) Well trained, highly skilled and responsive to the needs of their communities. (b) The Board and Department will promote the safety, efficiency, effectiveness, self-sufficiency and competence of fire service professionals. (c) The Board and Department will support collaboration among fire service organizations and the related organizations with whom they work and the interests of the communities they serve. (d) The Board and Department will consult with and inform each other fully on matters of fire standards, training and certification. (e) The Board must adopt or approve all policies, standards and minimum requirements for public safety certifications and training. (f) The Department must administer operations and procedures and implement or apply the policies and standards of the Board. (g) The Department is and remains a full department of the state. (2) The objectives of the Board and Department are: (a) To improve public safety services in Oregon by raising the level of competence of fire service professionals. (A) By establishing minimum standards for the training and certification of fire professionals. (B) By providing, sponsoring, certifying or coordinating fire training courses. (b) To conduct, facilitate, and promote studies and research designed to improve fire service within the state, and to assist in the implementation of Board recommendations.