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By Oregon State Representative Court Boice,
ROGUE RIVER, Ore. — As crews heroically worked to contain and extinguish the Moon Complex and Paradise Fires, Representative Court Boice (R-Gold Beach) stepped up to help mobilize frontline firefighters by coordinating transport along the Rogue River, drawing on his deep knowledge of the river’s geography and unique challenges.
“Remote regions like the Rogue River demand creative solutions,” said Rep. Boice. “When roads are blocked or inaccessible, the river becomes not just a route but a lifeline. I’m honored to use my years of river experience in service of those risking their lives to protect our communities, forests, and watersheds.”
Having lived and worked in the Rogue River basin for more than five decades, Rep. Boice brings unique expertise in navigating the river under extreme and varied conditions. “I’ve operated jet boats in every imaginable river condition — transporting guests, family, crew, food, building materials, fuels, and even trucks and cattle,” said Rep. Boice.
Rep. Boice reflected on his role during the firefighting effort: “Beginning on Day 6 of the Moon Complex and Paradise Fires, I transported — on the big three-engine Jerry’s Jets boat — firefighters, food, and crews nearly every day until bringing the very last of many fire teams down to Agness late Sunday. I was blessed to make many new ‘river friends,’ and to spend time with old friends and skilled boat operators who work on the river they love so much. They understand technical ‘white water’ boating and, in my view, invented 4-wheel drive boating! Not to mention each one of them, over the years, has taken thousands of guests into this gorgeous ‘River Heaven.’”
Rep. Boice emphasized that the success of this mission depended on teamwork between federal, state, and local firefighting agencies, along with the invaluable support of community members, river operators, and volunteers. He concluded by thanking those who made extraordinary contributions: “I want to thank my former Jerry’s Jets partners — the McNair family, the Schleining family, and their staff — for going above and beyond to do more than their part to help get the fires contained and eventually extinguished.”
A video news report and interview with Representative Boice and KDRV can be viewed here [6].