Safety Center Receives $2.5 Million Seismic Retrofit Grant

The City of Hermiston received $2.5 million from the State of Oregon through the Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program to make crucial upgrades to the Bob Shannon Safety Center in downtown Hermiston.

The Safety Center is owned by the City of Hermiston and is the headquarters of the Hermiston Police Department and Umatilla County Fire District #1. The facility was built in 1972 and its central location near Hermiston High School gives police, firefighters, and emergency responders quick access to the entire Hermiston community.

“Emergency services are all about being ready for a worst-case scenario, and that includes preparing our facilities, equipment, and staff for natural disasters,” said Hermiston City Manager Byron Smith. “We saw the opportunity through this state-funded seismic rehabilitation grant to ensure our local emergency responders have a functional base of operations in case of an earthquake.”

This work is separate from other projects at the Hermiston Safety Center, including a Umatilla County Fire District #1 bond project to add separate sleeping quarters for female firefighters and upgraded exhaust ports in vehicle bays. The Police Department is adding office space in the former Municipal Court, which moved to City Hall in 2023.

“We are thrilled to partner with the City to secure this grant funding that will strengthen a key shared community resource for generations to come,” said Umatilla County Fire District #1 Chief Scott Stanton. “It gives me peace of mind to know our headquarters will be able to withstand the worst and that our firefighters and EMTs will be able to provide critical aid in case of catastrophe.”

The City of Hermiston and Umatilla County Fire District #1 have entered an intergovernmental agreement and are continuing to work together to find additional funds for the project as it develops an overall budget for the facility.