On Feb. 26, around 11:47 a.m., deputies from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a traffic incident at the 76 Gas Station in Cave Junction. The incident involved a private vehicle that collided with an Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD) engine that was onsite for refueling.
Upon arrival at the scene, deputies assessed the situation and identified the driver of the private vehicle as Alec Varner. Mr. Varner showed signs of intoxication, prompting deputies to conduct field sobriety tests. Based on the results of these tests, Mr. Varner was arrested for driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII).
Fortunately, both vehicles involved in the crash sustained only minor damage, and no injuries were reported. The fire engine remains fully operational and will continue to serve the community without interruption.
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office takes this opportunity to remind the community of the serious dangers associated with impaired driving. They urge all motorists to make responsible choices to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on the road.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic laws and regulations designed to protect the community from harm. Responsible driving not only ensures personal safety but also contributes to the overall safety and security of the community.
IVFD adds four new firefighters
Welcome IVFD’s four newest firefighters: Levi Schellenberg (left), William Harrison, Olivia Tuuri and Josiah Gavlik. The group completed the 2025 RITA Volunteer Firefighter 1 Academy training Saturday, Feb. 22.