Posted: July 15th, 2010 11:31 AM

Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) announced today that Firefighter Paul Corah will be PF&R's new Public Information Officer.  Corah replaces Lieutenant Allen Oswalt who served as the Public Information Officer for the past six years prior to his retirement.  Along with welcoming Corah to this position, PF&R thanks Lieutenant Oswalt for his service and dedication as the face and voice of Portland Fire & Rescue.

"Corah brings a unique combination of firefighting, communications, and community outreach experience to this important and highly-visible position," said Fire Chief John Klum.  "I am confident that he will prove to be as great an asset to the media and public for their information needs as he is to Portland Fire."  

PF&R's public information needs have rapidly evolved over the past several years guided by Lt. Oswalt.  Under Corah's leadership, PF&R will continue to develop its communications strategies and position the Bureau to effectively and consistently deliver emergency response and safety information to the public and media through a variety of channels.

Members of the media should continue to call 503-940-6003 to reach an on-duty Public Information Officer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will experience a seamless transition.  

Corah, a long-time Portland resident, has more than 29 years of firefighting experience.  He has served as Portland Fire's Liaison to the Fire Police Disability and Retirement Board since 2008.  In addition to his long-standing involvement with various community organizations and communications experience through a variety of projects, Corah served as a Vice President of the Portland Firefighters Association for six years and has been a David Campbell Memorial Association Trustee for the past 21 years.

###


Contact Info:  Lt. Rich Tyler  503-940-6003