CHIEF PHIL TURNBULL

JOSEPHINE COUNTY

Chief Phil Turnbull is a former firefighter from Eugene, Oregon and was one of the founders of Valley Fire Service, the forerunner of today’s Rural Metro Fire operation in Josephine County, Oregon.

Over the years Chief Turnbull earned numerous honors and international recognition as an author, instructor and consultant in ten countries on four continents, while engaged with organizations such as Rescue 3 International, USAID and World Vision. In addition to a University Teaching Certificate and a degree in Technical Rescue Instruction, he is an Associate Fellow with the Higher Education Academy at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, England.

Chief Turnbull also serves locally as the Incident Commander for the Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Association – Incident Management Team and is a life member of the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association. Chief Turnbull previously served as the founding chairperson for the Josephine County 911 Agency, is a past Chapter President for the American Red Cross and is a past Captain and Executive Chair for Josephine County Search and Rescue.

He and his wife Lynn have raised eight children together, including five through adoption, and over the years they have opened their home to over 100 foster children and numerous exchange students. His days off are generally spent assisting his extended family with various projects.