With the punch of a few buttons, the raise of a radio antenna, and years of knowledge, Jeff Perkins, a communications unit technician with the Oregon State Fire Marshal Blue Incident Management Team, is constantly working to make sure those on the fire line can communicate efficiently.
Perkins is assigned to the Falls Fire in Harney and Grant counties. He and his team, along with several structural task forces, are tasked with protecting homes and critical infrastructure near the fire.
As part of Jeff’s job, he sets up and fixes radios, creates communication plans, and makes sure all responders have the tools and information they need. This hands-on work is crucial for successful emergency responses because good communication is key to coordinating efforts and ensuring safety.
Perkins is also a public safety communications specialist for the Oregon Office of Statewide Interoperability. His main job is to make sure emergency communications work well across the state. He works on strategy, coordinates with state and local agencies, and creates policies to help with emergency responses. His focus is to keep the communication systems that first responders use during emergencies in top shape.
Perkin’s dual roles support each other in important ways. His knowledge of the statewide communication system helps him quickly solve any problems that come up during emergencies. This keeps communication lines open and effective, even in tough situations.
At the same time, his experience as a communication technician gives him valuable insights into the challenges first responders face. This firsthand knowledge helps him create better communication plans and policies that meet the real needs of emergency workers.