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Inside PF&R's Station 26
Portsmouth/University Park
5247 North Lombard Street
Constructed in 1928 and located just east of St. John's, Station 26 serves the Portsmouth and University Park neighborhoods. This part of Portland presents a mix of response challenges including high density residential, the University of Portland with 4,000 students, and a moderate number of industrial and manufacturing sites. With the diverse population and possible call challenges that Station 26 members have to respond to on a daily basis it is important that the members stay current and proficient in their skills. Currently the members of Station 26 are getting ready for some specialty training for wildland bluff fires and a scheduled drill with an industrial air and gas site on Columbia. All members that work on B-shift at the station are volunteers for the Wildland Strike Team and the station participated in a Community Risk Reduction smoke alarm program.
Station 26 participates in many community events. On June 27th, the station went out to McCoy Park for the Free for All Celebration and let neighborhood members take a tour through the fire engine and learn how to control a fire hose attack line. All throughout the year the station helps out at Rosa Parks Elementary Boys and Girls Club events, as well as the TLC program, and safety first seminars at Caesar Chavez Elementary. One of the longest examples of a partnership that the station has in the community is the work that they do with the University of Portland. Any time the University is having a fire drill, athletic event, security check, or a dignitary come via helicopter, the station is always present. Throughout the year, members at the station also help out the Nursing Program at the University when they do wellness screenings for students and staff. In return for all the work that station members do for the University, they are allowed to use the recreational facilities during their daily workout time.
One of the special things you will find at Station 26 that is nowhere else in the city is the 1949 Mac Fire Engine that the members of the station maintain and staff for parades and community events. The members at the station like to enjoy other fire bureau events on their off time as well. Firefighters Tyson and Ryan participate on the Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) hockey team and other members of the station put together a team that participated in the Portland Firefighters Association Golf Tournament. Captain Joel has volunteered his off duty time to work with the MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) at a camp for the last seven years.
It is easy to see how the members of Station 26 have become an integral part of the community they serve and continue to set the bar high for what every PF&R station should aim to achieve in the neighborhood they live and work in. |
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Safe Summer Habits - Water Safety
This month, PF&R is focusing on water safety. Drowning is the second-leading cause of death from unintentional injuries for people ages 5 to 24, according to the National Safety Council's 1996 Accident Facts Report.
Approximately 5,000 people drown each year. Drownings may occur during swimming, boating, hunting, fishing, and even taking a bath. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around water is to learn how to swim and how to perform CPR in case an emergency occurs.
Always Swim with a Grown Up
Play it safe in the water. This means staying out of any body of water - the ocean, lakes, ponds, rivers, pools, hot tubs, spas, and whirlpools - if no grown-up or lifeguard is present.
Wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) when In or Around Water
When on a boat, everyone needs a seat. If there is no seat for you, don't go. In addition, everyone on the boat needs his or her own personal flotation device (PFD). A PFD will add buoyancy to your body (to help you float), hold your head and body higher in the water for better visibility, and help keep your body warm. Air-filled swimming aids such as inner tubes are not substitutes for approved PFDs. Wear your PFD the entire time you are on a boat, when you are fishing, or if you are a nonswimmer or uncomfortable around the water.
Learn and Practice the Water Safety Rules
Here are some helpful hints for keeping safe in the water:
Swimming is a lot of fun and a good way to get exercise. If you plan to go swimming you should take lessons. But even if you have taken lessons, you are not "water safe." You still need to follow water safety rules and always swim with a grown-up. Whether you are at a pool, beach, pond, or other swimming area, always check for a lifeguard. Lifeguards make sure that swimmers follow the rules, and they are trained to help in case there is any trouble in or around the water. Swim only where there is a lifeguard or grown-up who gives you permission to swim. Follow the posted rules. Rules are usually posted where you can easily see them. Examples of rules to look for are signs that say "Danger," Don't Swim Here," No Diving," or "No Running or Jumping." Also look for warning flags. Flags of different colors can mean different things. Ask the lifeguard or grown-up for help. Stop, Look, and Test Before Entering Lakes and Pools
If swimming in a lake, pond, or river, wade into the water feet first, never jump or dive. Have the lifeguard or grown-up check to see how deep the water is - there may be branches, rocks, shallow areas, sandbars, or other dangerous items under the water that you can't see. Make sure you only dive in areas approved for diving - don't dive off piers or rocks. Always raise your hands over your head when diving. Finally, never let your friends dare you into diving dangerously. |
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Portland Metro Fire Camp for Young Women
On the weekend of June 22-24, Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) hosted the 4th annual Portland Metro Fire Camp for young women. This year camp was the largest to date with 39 campers, most traveling from somewhere within the state of Oregon or Washington. One camper came all the way from California. This three day camp exposed 16 to 19 year old ladies in a hands-on way to the career of firefighting.
They performed numerous drills and attended trainings that forced the campers to work together as a team and problem solve to come up with the best possible solutions to many different problems that real firefighters are faced with on a daily bases. PF&R is aware that these young ladies won't all pursue a career in firefighting; however, the camp is as much about instilling confidence and showing young women what they can do as it is about recruiting the next generation of firefighters.
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Emergency Response Statistics (June 2012)
Total Incidents: 5,496 Medical: 4,451 Fire: 217 Other: 848 Major Incidents: 16 |
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Belmont 100th Anniversary Celebration is September 9th
PF&R would like to invite everyone to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Historic Belmont Firehouse and Safety Learning Center & Fire Museum on September 9th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The celebration will be held to coincide with the date and time of the Belmont Street Fair. The firehouse is located at SE 35th & Belmont. |
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3rd Annual Community Integration Cup Draws 300 Players
On July 6-7, the 3rd Annual Community Integration Cup soccer tournament took place at Delta Park. The tournament was hosted by Portland Parks and Recreation in partnership with Portland Fire & Rescue, Portland Police Bureau, and many other organizations. This tournament brought youth and communities together to share a common universal language that is well loved by all nations in the world - soccer. The tournament included teams from the Middle East, Europe, Africa, South America, and North America.
There were three teams coached by Portland firefighters from Station 7 (Mill Park), Station 24 (Overlook/Swan Island), and the girls team was coached by firefighters from the Prevention Division. The youths ranged in age from 15-19.
Both Station 24 and Station 7's teams played extremely well in the first round and advanced to the playoffs reaching the semifinals. The girls placed second overall in their tournament. All the teams showed great character and dedication to work as a team and grow as individuals while enjoying the great game of soccer. Portland Fire & Rescue looks forward to reuniting with their teams again next year for the tournament's 4th year. |
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Are You Looking for a "Cool" Way to Beat the Heat with the Kids this Summer?
Every Wednesday from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, and on the second Saturday of every month, the Belmont Firehouse and Safety Learning Center is open to the public. Located at 900 SE 35th Avenue at SE Belmont, the firehouse provides a historic adventure that every child and family should experience.
The firehouse is complete with many of the things you would find in an active fire station and is set up for learning and fun. Visitors can slide down a pint-sized fire pole (or ask one of our firefighters to demonstrate sliding down the "big" pole), sit in the fire engine cab, listen to 9-1-1 calls, see firefighters tools of the trade, and embrace the history of Portland Fire & Rescue that belongs to all Portlanders. Firefighters are available during open house to answer any questions you may have.
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About Us
Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) is the largest fire agency in the State of Oregon with 755 employees and serves a population of 585,000. In 2011, PF&R responded to 68,144 emergency incidents, consistently demonstrating its commitment to be Always Ready, Always There for the citizens of Portland.
Portland Fire & Rescue
55 SW Ash
Portland, Oregon 97204
503-823-3700
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