Battalion Chief Hodge began his fire service career in 2002 as an explorer and later a volunteer with Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD.  In 2006 he was accepted to Redmond Fire & Rescue’s student program, where he served as a firefighter/EMT while attending Central Oregon Community College.  He earned dual associates degrees in structural fire science and paramedicine graduating in 2008 and 2009 respectively.  He also worked seasonally with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District from 2004-2009.  

In fall of 2009 Battalion Chief Hodge capitalized on the opportunity to begin working as a ground paramedic with Mercy Flights INC.  Reflecting back, his time at “Mercy” was paramount to his success today.  “Without those two years on the ambulance in Medford, I would have never gained the experience which led me to where I’m at today.”

In 2011 Battalion Chief Hodge was hired as a firefighter/paramedic with Hermiston Fire & Emergency Services which allowed him to plant his roots in the area.  He promoted through the ranks to Lieutenant in 2016 and most recently Battalion Chief in 2023. He also spent several summers working with State and Federal Incident Management Teams ultimately rostering with NW Team #6 as a Division/Group Supervisor. 

Battalion Chief Hodge has served on Region 9’s Area Trauma Advisory Board for the past eight years.  Most recently he served on a national validation committee for IFSTA’s Pumping & Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator 4th edition textbook.