Dexter Announces Local Firefighter Alan Ferschweiler as Guest to Trump’s Joint Address

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Maxine Dexter (OR-03) announced today that her guest for President Trump's joint address to Congress will be Alan Ferschweiler, a local firefighter and Legislative Director for the Oregon State Firefighters Council. Ferschweiler has been a steadfast advocate for firefighters across Oregon, fighting to secure the resources necessary to protect communities from increasingly severe wildfires. 

"Oregon's firefighters are on the front lines of the climate crisis," said Congresswoman Dexter. "Trump's proposed budget cuts to the U.S. Forest Service undermines our state's ability to combat these fires, putting our lives, homes, and health at risk. As a lung doctor who has seen too many patients ill because of wildfire smoke exposure, I know we must do more to support our firefighters. Alan Ferschweiler embodies the dedication of our firefighters who we must support." 

The proposed budget cuts to the U.S. Forest Service could result in reduced staffing, limited fire prevention efforts, and fewer resources to combat wildfires in Oregon and the West. As the climate crisis accelerates, these funding reductions threaten to leave communities vulnerable to even more catastrophic fire seasons. Furthermore, recent layoffs under the Trump administration have impacted firefighter safety programs, including personnel maintaining the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer, established to monitor cancer risks among firefighters. 

“Wildfires don't just consume forests—they devastate homes, businesses, and livelihoods," said Alan Ferschweiler. "Federal support is crucial to ensuring we have the resources to respond effectively and keep our communities safe. I'm honored to join Congresswoman Dexter to highlight the urgent need for investments—not budget cuts—in wildfire prevention and firefighting.” 

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