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UCFD#1 Hot Seat- Austin Williams

It’s time for the twenty-eighth edition of the UCFD #1 Hot Seat! The Hot Seat provides a brief snapshot of one of our highly committed and dedicated team members. It is with great pleasure that Umatilla County Fire District #1 introduces you to Austin Williams.

Austin was born and raised in Sisters, Oregon, before moving to attend Chemeketa Community College, where he completed the EMT program. He now resides in Hermiston with his wife, Lauren, and their orange cat, Opal.

Having played sports his entire life, Austin was drawn to the camaraderie and teamwork that define the fire service. After his father-in-law, a Fire Captain at Marion County Fire, suggested he explore the career, Austin quickly realized it was a perfect fit.

“My favorite part of being a Firefighter/EMT is gathering as a shift after a long night or a challenging fire and just spending quality time together,” he shared. “Those are the moments when you really get to know one another. The joking and storytelling is hard to beat.”

Like so many in the fire service, Austin finds fulfillment in helping others during their most difficult moments. “Even if all we do is provide a small comfort or take the edge off someone’s worst day, it’s all worth it,” he said.

Throughout his two and a half years with the District, one of Austin’s favorite memories has been graduating from his probationary period and receiving his badge from the Chief.

“My probationary year was extremely challenging and full of self-doubt, long nights, and a whole lot of fun. Coming out on the other side and being officially welcomed into the fire family was an incredible moment.”

Outside of work, Austin enjoys golfing, gaming, card and board games, camping, and spending time with friends and family. This year, he also hopes to add hunting to his list of hobbies.

It’s our goal to bring the community closer to our District by sharing the stories of the men and women who represent Umatilla County Fire District #1. It’s better to meet them before you need them.

A firefighter in gear interacts with a group of children.
A firefighter in uniform stands in front of a fire truck, smiling.
A firefighter in uniform sitting in an ambulance with equipment and medical supplies around.
Firefighter demonstrating equipment to a group of children in a fire station.
Firefighter in uniform holds a yellow helmet with "UCFD #1" label; fire jackets with "Williams" hang nearby.
A group of people, some in blue uniforms, stand together indoors, smiling and interacting.
A firefighter in gear interacts with a child, with a fire truck and school bus visible in the background.
A firefighter stands in full gear between two fire trucks inside a garage.
A firefighter in uniform stands beside a red fire truck.
Firefighters engage in hose training near a fire truck labeled "Pride Honor Dedication."
A firefighter in gear holds a mask, with trees and pavement in the background.
A paramedic smiling inside an ambulance, with medical equipment and a stretcher visible.
Two people smiling, one in a firefighter uniform holding a certificate, in front of a Umatilla County Fire District backdrop.
Firefighter in uniform sitting on a fire truck from Umatilla County Fire District 1.
Firefighter in gear sprays water from a hose onto a smoky area near a fence, blurred emergency lights in the background.
A firefighter in uniform sits by gear labeled "Williams" and a red bag with a fire emblem.
Six people posing in front of a Umatilla County Fire District backdrop, one in a uniform holding a certificate.
Firefighter spraying water from a hose next to a red fire truck.
Two people in uniform in front of a curtain, holding a certificate from Umatilla County Fire District #1.
Person driving a vehicle, wearing sunglasses and a red shirt.
A firefighter in gear interacts with a group of children.
A firefighter in uniform stands in front of a fire truck, smiling.
A firefighter in uniform sitting in an ambulance with equipment and medical supplies around.
Firefighter demonstrating equipment to a group of children in a fire station.
Firefighter in uniform holds a yellow helmet with "UCFD #1" label; fire jackets with "Williams" hang nearby.
A group of people, some in blue uniforms, stand together indoors, smiling and interacting.
A firefighter in gear interacts with a child, with a fire truck and school bus visible in the background.
A firefighter stands in full gear between two fire trucks inside a garage.
A firefighter in uniform stands beside a red fire truck.
Firefighters engage in hose training near a fire truck labeled "Pride Honor Dedication."
A firefighter in gear holds a mask, with trees and pavement in the background.
A paramedic smiling inside an ambulance, with medical equipment and a stretcher visible.
Two people smiling, one in a firefighter uniform holding a certificate, in front of a Umatilla County Fire District backdrop.
Firefighter in uniform sitting on a fire truck from Umatilla County Fire District 1.
Firefighter in gear sprays water from a hose onto a smoky area near a fence, blurred emergency lights in the background.
A firefighter in uniform sits by gear labeled "Williams" and a red bag with a fire emblem.
Six people posing in front of a Umatilla County Fire District backdrop, one in a uniform holding a certificate.
Firefighter spraying water from a hose next to a red fire truck.
Two people in uniform in front of a curtain, holding a certificate from Umatilla County Fire District #1.
Person driving a vehicle, wearing sunglasses and a red shirt.