Central Aid Agency Executive Director Ben Bower announced today that starting in 2022 new Physical Ability Standards will be implemented effecting personnel in deployable and security roles.  The new standards are intended to further bring the Central Aid Agency into alignment with existing state and federal requirements for emergency response personnel, and to ensure C.A.A. personnel are physically able to perform their assigned duties.  Personnel will be required to complete an annual walking pack test, or pass the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) within the designated time period to qualify.  The standards are tiered and based on personnel assignment and role, personnel engaged in activities requiring greater fitness will have to adhere to a higher Physical Ability Level.  The new standards will go into effect in January 2022, and annual testing for deployable personnel will take place during the May or June Sector Meeting each year.   The new Physical Ability Standards are available for review below.

​While we celebrate Labor Day today, we can't help but look back at a year ago.  Labor Day 2020 saw the outbreak of severe wildfires all over Oregon.  Here locally the Holiday Farm Fire destroyed whole communities and ravaged the McKenzie river valley.  We deployed as part of #LaneCOAD to provide assistance with donations management, and provided security services for a donations center operated by Lane County for those impacted by the fire.  #2020 #holidayfarmfire #wildfire #wildfires #oregon #OR #emergencyresponse #lanecounty #emergencymanagement #mckenziestrong