Published on July 29, 2026
Medford Fire Department's Deputy Fire Marshal Samantha Metheny is passing on her legacy of service to the next generation. Her daughter, Mayson, is beginning her own journey in the fire service, carrying forward a family tradition of dedication and public service.
Samantha began her fire service career more than 30 years ago, starting as a wildland firefighter with the Oregon Department of Forestry in 1992 before becoming a Forest Officer in 1994. During that time, she also volunteered with Jackson County Fire District 5, earned her EMT certification, and took every fire science course available—a time before a local fire science program existed.
After four years with Mercy Flights, Samantha joined Medford Fire as a firefighter in 2001. Following a brief break to raise her two daughters, she returned to the department full-time in 2010. In 2012, she transitioned to the Fire and Life Safety Division, where she now serves as Deputy Fire Marshal.
Today, Samantha's work focuses on protecting the community through fire investigations, fire and life safety inspections, public education, and school fire safety programs.
This summer, Mayson began her own fire service career by joining a local contract wildland firefighting company. Her first assignment was the East Evans Creek Fire, where she worked night shifts for 14 consecutive days, digging handline, running hose lays, and reinforcing and maintaining fire lines.
Planning on pursuing her EMT certification this fall, Mayson has already discovered a passion for the profession. She is currently deployed on the Brewer Fire outside of Prineville, continuing to gain valuable experience while serving communities across Oregon.
For Samantha, it's a familiar start to a career that began more than three decades ago in wildland fighting, and now a unique connection she shares with her daughter.