Salem’s new fire chief, David Gerboth will be sworn into office at the Monday, September 23, Salem City Council meeting. He will be the 43rd chief of Salem Fire Department. Chief Gerboth brings more than 30 years of experience in fire service and emergency management to this vital role. He succeeds retiring Chief Mike Niblock, who has been with the City just shy of 20 years and is the second longest serving fire chief in the 167-year history of Salem Fire.
The meetings, including the Salem Housing Authority and Salem City Council, begin at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at 555 Liberty Street SE. Or stream the meeting on YouTube:
Chief Gerboth comes to us from San Diego Fire-Rescue Department in California. His most recent assignment there was as Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Operations overseeing six division, including three division of Operations, Special Operations, Emergency medical Services and Lifeguard services.
Grant Would Help Combat Emerald Ash Borer
City staff members are seeking authorization to pursue grant funding from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Subaward Program to support Emerald Ash Borer readiness and response.
Since the Emerald Ash Borer pest was detected in Oregon in 2022, City staff has been working with the Oregon Department of Forestry on plan for responding to the arrival of this aggressive tree pest to slow it spread and reduce impacts to Salem’s tree canopy.
The invasive beetle was detected in Marion County in July 2024, making it vital for the City to:
- take action to protect important ash trees through treatment
- begin underplanting of other species in areas with ash and
- conduct public outreach and awareness
The City could be eligible for up to $750,000 over three to four years to accomplish this work.
