Mike Fogarty, a 28-year-retired firefighter of Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R), helped to create, establish, and give legs to a free soccer camp at Portland Lutheran School seven years ago. The annual camp is aimed toward kids in the Portland Metro area ages 3 all the way through 8^th grade and is sponsored by the Ascension Lutheran Church off of SE 182nd Avenue.

This year, each of the 300 campers will be provided with a free soccer ball, bible, food, drinks, and snacks, shin guards, t-shirt, water bottle, family BBQ, and team picture; this spirit of giving can’t help but make Mike Fogarty smile.  Fogarty knows that this type of camp is not only helping kids in the community stay in shape, but they are learning valuable interpersonal skills and having fun all at the same time. 

PF&R Retired Firefighter Mike Fogarty, Left

Firefighters from PF&R Stations 29 and 31 supported the campers and counselors by barbequing hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs at lunchtime during the week long camp.  And Fogarty couldn’t have been prouder.

 Lieutenant Jeff and Firefighters Gordon, Jeremiah, and David serve lunch to the Soccer Camp's Counselors

“The Portland Firefighters Local 43 union even stepped up and donated $1,000 this year for the camp.  Can you believe it?!” Forgarty declared. 

The annual soccer camp is sponsored by local businesses and organizations including Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Portland Firefighters Local 43, Portland Lutheran School, Bashors’ Team Athletics, Ascension Lutheran Church, Athletic Field Design, LWML, and Pediatric Associates of Gresham.

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

  June 25, 2010