Hillsboro Deputy Chief Scott Magers Retires

Press release from the City of Hillsboro:

April 7, 2020

After 40 years in the fire service, Deputy Chief Scott Magers retires. Chief Magers tells us about his years of serving our community and his retirement plans.

Deputy Chief Scott Magers walked out of Hillsboro Fire & Rescue’s doors for the last time as an employee on March 31, 2020. Chief Magers served Oregon citizens for 40 years in the fire service in McMinnville, Redmond, and Hillsboro. He’s held virtually every position, from firefighter to interim fire chief, and studied at the National Fire Academy 15 times.

Retiring during a pandemic may seem extraordinary, but Chief Magers isn’t new to these conditions. He’s worked through Mount St. Helens erupting, Y2K, H1N1, swine flu, and SARS.

Chief Magers started at Hillsboro Fire & Rescue on January 14, 2008. Through the years, he built a reputation of being a personable and transitional leader, guiding HF&R through many operational changes. He positively changed Hillsboro’s fire culture. Chief Magers had a special talent of commanding a well-run fire scene while bringing levity to serious situations.

Anyone who talks to Chief Magers can feel his passion for the fire service, and, more importantly, the people.

“Chief Magers could strike up a conversation with anyone. He built strong relationships with many people internally, in the city, and throughout the state. He thought about the impact of his decisions and had the best interest of the department, the people, and those he served in mind. That’s where his heart was,” said Chief David Downey.

What inspired you to enter the fire service?

“My dad was a volunteer firefighter in McMinnville. He started in 1969. I’ve been chasing fire trucks since I was 8 years old. I went to the fire station every weekend with him as a kid. At age 14, I became an explorer scout with McMinnville. I have a photo my first fire in 1976 and I’m rolling hose.

I moved out of my parents’ house after high school into the fire station.”

What advice would you give to someone entering the fire service?

“There are a few important things. First, love what the fire service stands for. Never trade your values, ethics, or integrity. Put the people you serve first. It’s not about you. Have compassion and care for people equally. Most importantly, have fun! This is a fun career.”

What’s a memory that makes you smile?

“I was proud to hire Redmond’s first female firefighter. She worked her way up to become assistant chief.

This job is about the people. I’ve always loved helping others, especially if I can help them to be successful.

As a battalion chief, the best part of my day was going to the fire chief to talk about the accomplishments of my crew.

The chance to give people opportunities was a bright spot of my career. If I got one person to say, “He helped me get to where I want to be,” I’m happy.”

Do you have any career highlights?

“I’ve loved every position I’ve held. Each one has been my favorite. I loved being a firefighter, until I got to drive an engine. Then that was the best. That feeling kept going with every position.

I’ve loved the fire service from the minute I entered it. It’s about what it stands for. It wasn’t about money; I’d do this job for nothing. It’s a position of trust and integrity with serving the public.

I’m proud of serving with the OSFM incident management team for 20 years as an incident commander.”

Why Hillsboro?

“I liked what I saw in Hillsboro. Chief Gary Seidel drew me here. Hillsboro was aggressive in the state, and I was ready for a bigger challenge. I’m proud to retire from Hillsboro.”

In retirement, he plans to enjoy more time with his kids, ages 10 and 12. Chief Magers plans to fish, hunt, travel, and generally enjoy life. Never one to shy away from accomplishments, he also plans to finish classes to receive his bachelor’s degree.

Congratulations, Chief. Thank you for your service.

1980 - 1991 – McMinnville Fire Department

• Volunteer Firefighter, Dispatcher, Paid Firefighter, Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain

1991 - 1998 – Redmond Fire & Rescue

• Firefighter, Engineer, Assistant Chief

1998 - 2008 – McMinnville Fire Department

• Deputy Chief

2008 - 2020 – Hillsboro Fire & Rescue

• Battalion Chief, Division Chief, Interim Fire Chief, Deputy Chief

This press release was produced by the City of Hillsboro. The views expressed here are the author’s own.