NEWBERG, Ore. — Local firefighters are gearing up for a big glow-up to their downtown fire station while welcoming a new captain.
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Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Station 20 in Newberg is preparing for a full rebuild in 2026 of its facility along East Second Street.
In July, the station hosted a community meeting at 414 E. Second St. to share renderings and project highlights. The project team has since submitted land-use and permitting applications to the city ahead of construction.
Corrine Haning, public affairs officer with TVF&R, said construction could begin with site preparation in early 2026. During that time, firefighters will operate out of a temporary site on a vacant lot across the street and from TVF&R’s Springbrook station.
The station may also receive new equipment next year, replacing two straight-frame fire trucks with two tractor-drawn aerial trucks.
The department is also welcoming a new captain.
Captain Aaron Zahrowski was appointed captain by the TVF&R Civil Service Commission at its June 11 meeting, with the role effective July 1, 2025.
Zahrowski studied electrical engineering and paramedicine at Oregon Health & Science University and has been with TVF&R for nearly 13 years. His previous experience includes serving as an EMT with Cornell University in New York and with American Medical Response in Portland.
“Station 20 is rich with a history of selfless service and deep community connection. It holds countless memories of the generations of volunteer and career firefighters who have come and gone,” Zahrowski said. “Saying goodbye to the historic building is bittersweet, but the spirit of service it represents remains strong. Our project team and architects have designed thoughtful interior and exterior features that will incorporate many historical elements and honor the legacy and tradition of the Newberg Fire Department, its personnel, and the city.”
He said the rebuild will strengthen the team’s all-hazards mission, which includes structural and wildland fire suppression, emergency medical services, ambulance transport, community paramedicine, and water rescue.
“Though the building itself will be new, your firefighters and paramedics will continue to serve with the exceptional craftsmanship, compassion, and professionalism that this community has always known,” Zahrowski said.
He added that one of his top priorities as captain will be advocating for increased training, experience, and camaraderie among firefighters, paramedics, and administrative staff.
“I feel privileged to lead and work alongside a team of dedicated firefighters and paramedics who provide this community with an unmatched level of service each day,” he said.
The Newberg station is one of four capital construction projects currently underway for TVF&R, funded by a general obligation bond voters approved in November 2021. The other projects include the King City Station 35 rebuild, the relocation of Aloha Station 62, and a new training center.
The Newberg station was originally built in 1940 and remodeled in 2012. It serves 32.5 square miles, including west Newberg, parts of unincorporated Yamhill County to the west, and the Chehalem Mountains to the north.
The rebuild team includes Portland-based Soderstrom Architects and Beaverton-based Kirby Nagelhout Construction.
From 2020 to 2024, Station 20 averaged 2,302 calls annually in its service area, according to TVF&R. The rebuild was prompted by data showing population growth, changing incident types, and increased traffic impacting response times.
Plans for the new station include seismic upgrades and operational improvements to enhance efficiency and response times. The building will be reoriented to face South Howard Street and feature pull-through bays for easier vehicle access and parking.
By the end of the year, TVF&R expects its board of directors to approve the project’s final cost.
“We’re continuing to have conversations with folks in the community about potential engagement with the station,” Haning said. “We’re interested in feedback.”
Memorial Park Parking Lot
Haning said the city has agreed to let TVF&R park its water rescue vehicles on the city’s side of Memorial Park during construction. Whether that lot will be restored or kept expanded afterward remains undecided.
“My understanding is that, in partnership with the Newberg-Dundee Police and the City of Newberg, there was long-term interest in expanding the current parking lot,” Haning said. “TVF&R was approved to temporarily expand that space for staging some of our water rescue vehicles during this project. Our offer has been to return it to its original state if the city wishes, or to maintain the expansion if they choose to use it long term.”
City Manager Will Worthey said the city is taking a “wait and see” approach.
“The planning department stated that the temporary improvements would need to be removed after TVF&R’s work,” Worthey said. “They could not be used without far more complex and costly planning steps. As a result, at this time, I do not know what will occur after TVF&R is done.”
Correction Oct. 7 at 2:40 p.m. — Newsberg incorrectly stated Aaron Zahrowski’s title as “chief.” Zahrowski is the station’s captain. Newsberg regrets the error.
