By The CUJ
MISSION — Capt. Mike Foster, a 15-year veteran of the Umatilla Tribal Fire Department (UTFD), died Feb. 12 in an accident at his Pendleton home, tribal officials said. He was 54.
Foster protected the lives, health and safety of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) community and surrounding region as a paramedic, fire service leader and mentor to firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
UTFD Chief James Hall said Foster – known for his professionalism, compassion and leadership – played a vital role in strengthening emergency medical services and fire protection on the Umatilla Indian Reservation and surrounding communities.
“Captain Foster served his community with honor, integrity and unwavering dedication. He was not only an exceptional paramedic and leader but also a brother to all of us in the fire service,” Hall said. “His loss is deeply felt across our department, community and the many lives he touched throughout his lifelong career in fire/EMS. His service reflects a legacy of selflessness and commitment that will never be forgotten.”
CTUIR Board of Trustees (BOT) Treasurer Raymond Huesties, a firefighter, called Foster a friend who will be deeply missed.
“It has always been and will continue to be an honor and privilege to serve the community alongside such brave and dedicated people like Captain Mike Foster. He will be deeply missed on the fire scene as well as in the community,” Huesties said. “I have always considered him, and every first responder, as family members. I want to thank his family for sharing him with all of us to help protect and serve the CTUIR. Captain Mike Foster was my friend and brother in fire. I will miss him. Rest in peace, Captain Foster.”
BOT Trustee Corinne Sams, speaking on behalf of the CTUIR Law & Order Committee, also offered condolences to Foster’s family and the fire department.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the family of Captain Mike Foster and extend those condolences to Chief Hall and the Umatilla Tribal Fire Department,” Sams said. “Captain Foster was a dedicated and proud firefighter who served our community with care and honor. We are forever grateful for the work he carried out and for the support of his family.”
The UTFD and CTUIR ask the community to keep Foster’s family, especially his fiancée, Elisa, in their prayers during this time of mourning.
Foster was a native of Vancouver, Washington. Funeral services are to be determined.
