Western student running for Polk County Fire Board

Not only did his mother graduate from Western, but his mother-in-law, Gudrun Hoobler, is a professor and chair of Western's German department. Not only does he volunteer on the Polk County Fire Budget Committee, but he also works full-time for Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue. Not only does he have a wife, two daughters and a 30-acre hobby farm off of Monmouth Highway, he is also enrolling in Western's Fire Administrative Program to finish his degree. Not only is he a firefighter, dad, husband and student, but Malik Morris is also running for the Polk County Fire Board Position #1. "He's just a really energetic guy who does a lot and gets a lot done," said Ben Stange. Stange graduated from Western in 2003 and is a Polk County firefighter paramedic; he is also part of the local 4196 (professional firefighters) that is supporting Morris' quest for office. Morris said his close to 15 years of fire experience as a paramedic firefighter would "strengthen the current board." He also believes that as a representative of both tax-paying citizens and professional firefighters, he would be able to vocalize the community's concerns to the board with an unbiased view. Stange said part of Polk County's property taxes go directly to the fire department. The director of the fire board is in charge of making sure the money gets spent right. "Most people don't realize that it's a huge responsibility and a huge time commitment," Stange said. But for Morris, it would just be another way to help his local fire district. "I want to be an active member of my community," Morris said. Morris was born in Salem and, growing up, lived in Belize, Portland and Eugene, where he met his wife. After she graduated from college, they moved to St. Helens, Ore., so Morris could get his fire service experience. He got his paramedic liscense and earned an associates degree in Fire Science Technology from Portland Community College. Although he has been a firefighter since 1995, Morris said his career field requires him to continually educate himself. Morris also said he likes being an example for his two daughters. "I see it in my kids when they say, 'Oh, you have school today? What are you learning today?'" Enrolling in Western's program, however, was not only for personal growth but also as a back-up plan. "I have a high-risk job with a high probability for injury," he said. "I want to make sure I have another avenue if something ever occurred in my career, where I can go out and do something else (such as) a management role." Morris said he chose Western because the school is local and "offers a schedule that I can fit into a full time career, parenting, maintain(ing) time for community involvement and outdoor activities like surfing," he said. In addition, Morris encouraged Western students to find opportunities to get involved in the local community. "They should get involved in whatever aspect they find valuable, whether it's environmental volunteering, helping youth outreach, or (working) in the public sector," he said. "It's amazing what you learn when you work with other people who aren't getting paid to help your community grow."