The Salem Fire Department swore in 50 new ambulance workers in a special ceremony Friday as the agency prepares to take over city ambulance service starting next week.

Recruits beamed with pride as they made their ways up on the stage amid flashing cameras as family and friends documented the occasion.

Prior to honoring each new ambulance worker on stage and providing them a Salem fire badge, Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth had some encouraging words for his new team. 

“As we welcome our new paramedics, EMTs and critical administrative staff, this comes with honor and responsibility. You get the honor to wear the Salem Fire Department uniform, and today, wear a Salem Fire Department badge,” Gerboth said. “Every time you put on your uniform, I want you to think of your responsibility. You are now given an immense amount of trust. Trust that the citizens of Salem have in our department. The trust that we are dedicated to providing the highest level of service every time they call.”

The transition from private provider Falck comes after fire officials said the company was not providing the level of service it agreed to provide in its contract. Former Salem Fire Chief Mike Niblock cited longer response times, and chronic staffing issues as justification for taking the system in-house. City councilors unanimously approved the move in March 2024. 

Falck maintained that its staffing issues were a result of pandemic workforce shortages and that it was working diligently to attract and retain qualified employees. 

Ambulance service in Salem has been run privately since 2005, when Rural Metro took over from Salem fire. Falck has held the city contract for a decade.

The new system will include 12 total ambulances with five of those on the streets 24/7, and another three running during peak hours seven days a week. 

Gerboth thanked the numerous family members attending the ceremony acknowledging the sacrifice that comes with working in the emergency medical care field. 

“You don’t deserve this job. None of us deserve any of these jobs. The only reason that any of us should be in any of these jobs is because it is earned. And every one of you has earned that today,” Gerboth said. 

Salem Mayor Julie Hoy also attended the ceremony along with her colleagues on the council, Shane Matthews and Irvin Brown, and Interim City Manager Krishna Namburi. 

“This historic and deeply meaningful moment…This is more than a ceremony. It is the beginning of a new chapter in how we care for our community,” Hoy said. “With the formation of this EMS division we are expanding our ability to provide lifesaving service, compassion and coordinated care and rapid response in moments when seconds count. It represents vision, planning and bold commitment.” 

After the comments from city officials, each of the 50 new ambulance workers was called up onto the stage to receive their badge before posing for a photo with Gerboth as friends and family looked on with pride. 

Heather Matlock, one of the city’s new recruits, has staffed local ambulances for two decades, first with Rural Metro, and then with Falck.  

“It feels phenomenal. I’m so excited,” Matlock said after the ceremony. “I’m excited to work as a collaborative team and to provide the best care for the community. And I feel like once I am working for the city and under Salem Fire, I can really shine and really help the city and the patients. And be the best medic that I can.” 

Carson Piesker, a fourth-generation farmer from Jefferson, volunteered at Jefferson Fire before getting a job as an EMT with Salem Fire. 

“It’s amazing…With all of our families being present. I am very proud to be a part of it,” Piesker said. “I am glad to wear the Salem badge. I can’t wait to work for my community and I am very honored to be here.” 

Contact reporter Joe Siess: [email protected] or 503-335-7790.

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