1880
Hillsboro Fire Department is adopted by city ordinance. Original equipment consists of one hand-drawn apparatus, four ladders, one chain hook, two pole hooks, 36 buckets, two axes, and two ropes.

1889
The first horse-drawn apparatus, a steam pumper, is purchased from Albany, Oregon. The apparatus was used for firefighting in San Francisco before moving to Albany.  

1922
The first motorized apparatus goes into service. The body of the horse-drawn apparatus was remounted on an old white truck chassis. 

1924
A new motorized apparatus, a 1924 Stutz 500 GPM pumper, was purchased for $8,000.  Initial concern focused on whether the new engine would put too much strain on the City’s water mains. The water system survived and the engine remained in service until 1962.  The Stutz is on display at the main station on First Avenue downtown.

1928
Walter Tews is appointed fire chief and the first paid fireman, Wilbur Dillon, is hired.

1935
Chief Walter Tews resigns his position and the City appoints Wilbur Dillon as chief.

1948
Mobile radios are installed in Hillsboro fire and police departments. This is the first equipment of its type used in Washington County, Oregon. Newspapers reported it was well-received and a resounding success.

1949
A new fire station is located on Washington Street behind the current station in City Hall. It is dedicated in October and touted as the largest and most modern station of its type in Oregon. Years later, the city manager’s office occupied the old fire station, possibly in the former stable area.

1950
The first county-wide mutual aid system is implemented in Washington County by the County Fire Defense Board. Chief Wilbur Dillon is reported to be highly enthusiastic.

1952
The City turns rural operations over to the newly-formed Hillsboro Rural Fire Protection District, which eventually becomes Washington County Fire District #2 (WCFD #2).

1957
Chief Wilbur Dillon retires. The city appoints Lyle Oakes as the new fire chief.

1971
Paid forces are increased and a 24-hour on, 48-hour off shift schedule is implemented.

1972
Fire Chief Lyle Oakes retires. Dayton Arruda is promoted from captain to fire chief. Staffing is increased to provide for three, five-persons crews on the 24/48 work schedule. Administration consists of the fire chief and a paid fire marshal.

1974
The department enters the EMS field by successfully placing its first rescue van (R-10) into service. A new 1974 Ford Econoline Van is donated by McKenzie Ford.

1977
The City opens a second station at 25th and Parkwood Street, staffed with a 24-hour, three-person engine company. Today, this building houses our logistics warehouse.

1987
The City signs a partial operational contract with the surrounding rural fire district, WCFD #2, resulting in an increased first response area and a substantial shift in operations for HF&R. The City reviews station placement. The district station at 5045 SE Drake Road is remodeled from a volunteer station to a City of Hillsboro career station capable of housing a 24-hour, three-person engine company. The district station in Orenco is also remodeled and a third 24-hour career engine company is added to the City’s emergency response network. The Parkwood station remains open as a volunteer operation. Part of the additional employee requirements are filled when the districts’ paid personnel, except the chief, are absorbed into Hillsboro Fire and Rescue. A full-time command vehicle, staffed by a battalion chief, is also a result of the contract.

1992
Rescue 10, originally housed in the main station downtown, is relocated with its crew of two to the Parkwood Station. This allows the rescue to be centrally-located for better coverage on medical alarm assignments.

1995
Fire Chief Dayton Arruda retires. Dennis England is promoted from operations chief to fire chief.

1997
Two new stations open, replacing antiquated and poorly-located stations. The first is the new main station on First Avenue, replacing the station on Washington Street that opened in 1949. The second station opens in the Ronler Acres area, replacing the district station in Orenco. The prevention division is based out of the Ronler Acres station.

1998
Chief England assumes the duties of chief of WCFD #2.

2002
Chief England retires October 31 but continues on as chief of WCFD #2. Chief Ross is appointed interim fire chief.

2004
Chief Gary Seidel is hired as fire chief.

2010
Cherry Lane station (Station 6) opens, housing E-6, E-104 (volunteers), and the training division.

2011
Chief Seidel retires February 28. Chief Greg Nelson is appointed interim fire chief, then fire chief. Jones Farm station (Station 5) opens, housing E-5, T-5, and C-1.

2016
Chief Nelson retires on December 31. Chief Scott Magers is appointed interim fire chief.

2017
Chief David Downey is hired as fire chief on September 25.