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Public memorial service planned for fallen firefighter By Vickie Aldous Updated: Aug 24, 2022 05:17 PM A A Logan Taylor, 25, of Talent died after being struck by a tree while fighting the Rum Creek Fire. [Photo courtesy of Oregon Department of Forestry] Logan Taylor, 25, was from Talent Logan Taylor, 25, of Talent died after being struck by a tree while fighting the Rum Creek Fire. [Photo courtesy of Oregon Department of Forestry] A public memorial service will be held for local firefighter Logan Taylor, who died battling the Rum Creek Fire northwest of Galice. The service starts at 10 a.m. Monday at the Harry & David Field baseball stadium at Lithia & Driveway Fields, formerly known as U.S. Cellular Community Park, 2929 S. Pacific Highway in Medford. Taylor, 25, of Talent was the owner and operator of Sasquatch Reforestation, a local forestry company. He was struck by a tree Aug. 18 while working on the Rum Creek Fire. Despite lifesaving efforts by medical workers and firefighters and being airlifted to Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Taylor died of his injuries. Taylor was working as a contract firefighter for Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District at the time. “Both his family and ODF want to give people the opportunity to pay their respects and come together and remember Logan for his service to the community, hard work and dedication. We want to honor his sacrifice and have a chance to mourn as a community,” said Natalie Weber, spokeswoman for ODF’s Southwest Oregon District. She said the Medford Rogues baseball team donated use of their stadium. “We’d like to thank the Medford Rogues for donating their field. That was extremely kind of them to do,” Weber said. “We’ve had a lot of support from the fire service across the state. We’re thankful for that, and so is his family.” Passing a message through ODF, the family said they wish to thank the community and local fire service members for their thoughts, prayers and support during this difficult time. Cards for Taylor’s family can be sent to ODF’s Central Point office at Oregon Department of Forestry, Southwest Oregon District, Re: Logan Taylor, 5286 Table Rock Road, Central Point, OR 97502. This year’s fire season is proving deadly for both firefighters and residents of the region. Collin Hagan, 27, of Michigan was killed Aug. 10 while fighting the Big Swamp Fire north of Crater Lake. Hagan also was struck by a tree, officials said. In late July, the McKinney Fire in Siskiyou County, California, killed residents Kathy Shoopman, 73; John Cogan, 76; Charles Kays, 79; and Judith Kays, 82. They all lived in the small community of Klamath River. Two were in a charred vehicle found in a driveway, and two were found in separate homes, authorities said. The area was under an evacuation order. Strong downdraft winds from a thunderstorm pushed the fire faster than many people expected. Reach Mail Tribune reporter Vickie Aldous at 541-776-4486 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @VickieAldous.