On February 22, 2011, Portland Fire & Rescue's (PF&R) Station 18 firefighters did a fire safety and day in the life of a firefighter presentation at Stephenson Elementary School in SW Portland for a second grade student class.

Lieutenant Rick and Firefighters Jason, Steve, and Ryan provided students with valuable safety information.  Firefighter Jason taught young students how to wake up and safely exit a home, how to check a door for heat, how to crawl under smoke, check the bedroom window, how to always have two ways out of a house, and how to call 9-1-1. Students also learn how to stop, drop, and roll and the importance of not playing with matches.

Throughout the lesson, students laughed, raised their hands to answer questions, jumped at the opportunity to participate in scenarios, and listened to the firefighters’ message.

More About Station 18

Station 18 has been serving far southwest Portalnd and Multnomah Village since 1951.  The current station has been located at 8720 SW 30 Avenue since 1961.  Station 18 houses Engine 18, Heavy Squad 18, and Brush Unit 18.  The on-duty personnel includes a company officer, one firefighter paramedic, and two firefighters.

A big thanks to the students and teachers at Stephenson Elementary!

   Portland Fire & Rescue 

   We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

   March 1, 2011

Follow Portland Fire & Rescue on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube 

HONORING
PORTLAND FIREFIGHTERS
Lost in the Line of Duty 

February 28, 1890

Fred Wagner

Firefighter Wagner was 37 years of age and assigned to Truck 2 at that time of his death. He was badge number 71. Because he was testing a fire engine, he may have been transferred but at that time, as Truck 2 was housed with Engine 4. That would be relatively consistent with the location of his death, being fairly close to Engine 4’s quarters.

Firefighter Wagner was survived by his wife and one child. He most likely was assigned to Engine 4 and was a hoseman or nozzleperson in today’s vernacular.

Portland Fire & Rescue honors and remembers 

Firefighter Wagner's service.

   Portland Fire & Rescue 

   We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

   March 1, 2011

Follow Portland Fire & Rescue on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube 

Shredded Pork

Recipe courtesy of Retired Firefighter Mark Walkley, Station 7

Ingredients:

• 4-5 lbs pork
• 3 onions, coarsely chopped
• ¼ cup peeled garlic cloves
• 8 or9 oz can chopped chilis
• 1 quart tomatillo sauce

Preparation:

1. Chunk up pork, removing some of the fat.
2. Put the meat into a Dutch oven or crock pot.
3. Add all the other ingredients except the sauce.
4. Cook until the meat is tender enough to break up with a spoon.
5. Add the sauce.
6. Cook until most of the moisture is absorbed.
7. Adjust seasonings with:  salt, cumin, pepper and basil.

  Portland Fire & Rescue 

  We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

  March 2, 2011 

Follow Portland Fire & Rescue on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

Station 18 Firefighter Josh reads to kindergarten students in Ms. Hawes's classroom

Read Across America is a program launched by the National Education Association to focus on the importance of reading with children. Over 45 million readers across America took part in reading celebrations meant to promote reading in children and celebrate one of the greats in children's literature, Dr. Seuss.

Station 18 Firefighter David entertains kindergarten students in Ms. Patterson's classroom

On Wednesday, March 2, 2011, Portland Fire & Rescue's Lieutenant Mike and Firefighters Josh, Robert, and David from Station 18 C-shift helped celebrate "Read Across America" by visiting and reading books with kindergarten students at Maplewood Elementary School.  Maplewood Elementary School is part of the Portland Public School system, is located in SW Portland, and is known for its emphasis on a well-rounded education for all students.

Fire Lieutenant Mike asks young students how to safety exit their

home in case of a fire

Students were excited to sit and listen to the firefighters read books.  Afterwards, the firefighters answered student’s questions about what it is like being a firefighter. Station 18 firefighters reported that they had a fun time, it was a great experience, and they can’t wait to participate alongside the SW Portland community in next year’s Read Across America events!

Did you Know?

• Read Across America Day is celebrated on or around March 2 every year 
• The reading literacy program began in 1997
• Many schools declare it "pajama day" or "crazy sock day" in honor of the children's literature icon, Dr. Seuss
• Children spend the day reading stories, engaging in fun reading activities, and focusing on reading skills
• Read Across America lesson plans are available for children of all ages
• Events are held at schools and libraries nationwide with many of them featuring appearances from the ever popular The Cat in the Hat
• Green eggs and ham and Pink Yink ink are popular menu items on Read Across America Day

  Portland Fire & Rescue 

  We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

  March 2, 2011 

Follow Portland Fire & Rescue on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

Interested in learning more about Portland Fire & Rescue's upcoming open enrollment and testing process?

PF&R Recruiting Officer Terry Foster will be attending the following job fairs.  Stop by, get to know us, and then consider a career in the fire service with Portland Fire & Rescue!

Portland Metropolitan Workforce Training Center Job Fair - Employment Marketplace

When: Friday, March 4, 2011

Time: 8:00 am to 10:00 am

Location: 5600 NE 42nd. Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97218 

MAP

Contact PF&R's Recruiting Officer Terry Foster at terry.foster@portlandoregon.gov or (503) 823-3811 if you have questions or need further information about the recruiting process. Good luck!

   Portland Fire & Rescue 

   We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

   March 3, 2011

Follow Portland Fire & Rescue on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube