Firefighter Thomas O'Keefe

Hose Company 1’s Quarters

Circa 1891

On August 21, 1891, Thomas O’Keefe, acting Foreman for Hose Company #1, was killed while responding to a fire at 16^th and B Street (West Burnside).  As the Hose Wagon left the station at the foot of C Street (West Couch) and rounded a corner, he fell from the horse drawn vehicle and was crushed beneath the steel wheels.  Thomas joined the Portland Paid Fire Department on August 7, 1884, only a year and a half after the fire department transitioned from an all volunteer organization to a paid department. 

Portland Fire & Rescue honors and remembers 

Firefighter O'Keefe's service to the citizens of Portland.

  Portland Fire & Rescue We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

  June 23, 2010