Monte Keady
   Division Chief – Training

I have been in the Fire and EMS service since 1984 when I first became a volunteer and received EMT training.  I started my fire service career at the age of 18 as a volunteer at Klamath County Fire District No. 4, a small Fire District in the suburbs of Klamath Falls.  During the years of 1986 to 1988 I attended Chemeketa Community College in Salem Oregon where I received an Associate of Science Degree in Fire Suppression.  I continued as a volunteer within the community with local Fire agencies.  I was dedicated and through continuing hard work and dedication I eventually reached the ranks of Volunteer Training Officer.  I started at Fire District No. 1 as a firefighter in 1989.  During my career at Fire District No. 1, I have moved through the ranks from Firefighter to Captain and now to my current position of Division Chief Training Officer through solid work ethics and many good Fire Officers investing time and effort in me. 

I have been involved in additional activities throughout the years including a part-time health Instructor at Oregon Institute of Technology.  I have held various leadership roles within the Klamath/Lake Fire Training Association.  I was the Health and Safety Director for our local Red Cross Chapter.  I am currently a member of the Klamath County Anti-Terrorism Task Force, and I am also one of the Team Leaders for the Regional Hazardous Materials Team No. 4, an Oregon Fire Marshal’s HazMat Team at Fire District No. 1.

I enjoy investing in people by mentoring them and watching them blossom in their careers.  When Firefighters or Officers need training beyond that which is offered as part of our regular training program, I feel honored to assist them in alternatives that will aid in their success.  I count it as a true blessing when I can see a person flourish when they use knowledge that I have provided them with. View the Organizational Chart for Fire District No. 1

Responsibilities of the Position

As the lead fire training officer for the largest fire district within 70 miles in rural Southern Oregon, I sometimes end up training more than the fire service personnel.  There are many requirements placed on governmental first response agencies post September 11, 2001, and in the vein of interoperability, I am continually making partnerships with non-fire agencies and assisting them in exercise design and practicing the Incident Command System (ICS).  This allows our agencies to work better during an exercise and during emergency response. 

I have made many partners and peers in the local area.  I enjoy working with the County Health Department, Hospital, the Railroad, National Parks, Law Enforcement and Land Management agencies. I also work with private industry and the Klamath Falls International Airport.  I am always willing to share my knowledge if it will make the emergency response community work together better.

The Division Chief of Training is also a part of the Management Team at Fire District No. 1 assisting in policy and guideline development.   Therefore, this position requires constant communication with the line crews.  I must understand their needs and I try to communicate to them their responsibilities regarding the direction of the district.