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Ralph Sartain Appointed Ashland's Fire Chief

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Ralph Sartain was confirmed as the Fire Chief for the City of Ashland.Sartain has been serving as the interim chief since the retirement of David Shepherd last year.

Sartain becomes Ashland’s 15^th Fire Chief since 1887 when the department was founded. He came to Ashland Fire & Rescue as the City’s Fire Marshal in 2017 after serving with the City of Medford as a deputy Fire Marshal for 10 years. Previously, he worked as a medic for Mercy Flights, as a firefighter/medic for the Veteran’s Association facility in White City, a volunteer firefighter for Talent and as a police officer in Medford. Ralph also served in the U.S. Air Force.
Sartain brings many qualifications to the City, including Certified Fire Investigator, Certified Fire and Explosives Inspector, National Fire Academy Managing Officer, and a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration.

“Ashland will be well served by Ralph’s experience in the fire service, his local connections in this valley, and his vision and devotion to Ashland Fire & Rescue and this community,” said Adam Hanks, City Manager Pro Tem.