Casey Budlong

Casey Budlong was a wildland firefighter, lead Sawyer and Hotshot for the United States Forest Service for almost 25 years. After a long battle, Budlong succumbed to occupational brain cancer on April 20, 2024. He was 46 years old. 

Budlong was born and raised in Mill City, Oregon to parents Dennis and Cari Budlong. A Christmastime baby, he was born to love the snow and cold. He grew up on his grandparent’s family farm, spending every moment he could there. It had been in his family for generations, established over 100 years ago when his family homesteaded here from Germany. The farm was his happy place, and it was where he wanted to spend his final days. Working on the farm, building fences, getting hay, and cultivating the trees helped shape the man he was. A man who loved the outdoors and never shied away from hard work. It was his roots. He would explore his surroundings with his brother Bryce and formed lasting bonds with the members of the community. This was something he cherished, and those who made up his community became family. They were a logging family, so wildland fire was a natural transition. Being able to help those in need, in the worst of times, gave him a sense of purpose. They were amazed at his strength, endurance, and camaraderie, even in the face of danger. Budlong was courageous, a physical beast of a man; most called him the Viking. His strength is something people often tell stories about, but, more so, it was his humor and his ability to make anyone feel welcome. And of course there were stories, or legends, about how much he could eat. He didn’t speak about his time on fires often, but what he and his crew shared confirmed that he was always there, unafraid to put in the hard work, and willing to shoulder the burden when needed. He served with the US Forest Service at Detroit Lake from 2000-2004, Enterprise from 2005-2006, La Grande Hotshots from 2007-2013, La Grande District in 2014, 2016, and 2017, Ukiah National Forrest in 2015 and La Grande Air Tanker Base from 2018-2023. His extraordinary bravery, unwavering dedication and profound kindness left an indelible mark on the Fire Service and wildland firefighting communities.  

Budlong met his future wife, Katy, when she moved back to her hometown to attend school. She was bartending at a local Hotshot bar, when he noticed her and started a great conversation. He asked her out on a date the next week, and it was all over from then on. He was kind, respectful, and such a gentleman. Upon meeting his family who were so welcoming, and such good people, it made Katy love him even more. They were married and together had a son, Christofer. Budlong had always wanted to be a dad. He cherished every moment he was home with his family. He was a dedicated husband and father, with larger-than-life energy. Their world centered around him, and his loss has left a hole that can never be filled. Honored by the symbol of Captain America, his son Chris made a shield out of Legos for his father’s funeral which is now displayed at home. He was a legend and his tale will be told for generations to come. 

Wildland Firefighter Casey Budlong is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen (Katy), his son, Christofer (Chris), his mother, Cari, his father and stepmother, Dennis and Cindi Budlong, his grandmother, Lynne Edwards, his brother, Bryce and many other cherished family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Budlong family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.