Fire Chief Sara Boone Appreciation Day - Wednesday July 19, 2023 (Photo)

July 17, 2023 17:20

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MEDIA INVITE

Fire Chief Sara Boone Appreciation Day

Wednesday July 19th
10:15 AM
City Council Chambers
City Hall - 1221 SW Fourth Avenue - Portland OR - 97204

Please join Commissioner Rene Gonzalez and other city council members in celebrating the 28-year career of Fire Chief Sara Boone at 10:15 AM in council chambers on Wednesday July 19, 2023. The day is proclaimed to be Fire Chief Sara Boone Appreciation Day in the City of Portland, with an official ceremony to include speakers from the Fire Bureau, Police Bureau, Bureau of Emergency Communications along with City Council Members.

In 1995, Chief Boone became the first African American female firefighter to enter the ranks of Portland Fire & Rescue since its inception in 1883. During her years with Portland Fire & Rescue, Chief Boone was promoted up the ranks holding positions as Lieutenant, Captain, Staff Captain, Battalion Chief, Bureau Safety Chief, Deputy Chief of Logistics, and Division Chief of Medical Services & Training. In 2019, Chief Boone became the first African American Fire Chief in the history of Portland Fire & Rescue and led the bureau through some of the most difficult and challenging times in the history of the department.

Chief Boone developed innovative preventative community health programs with the inception of the Community Health Division (CHD) within PF&R. The CHD was created to help address the strains to emergency services of an increased houseless community in and around Portland coupled with a plan to reduce high frequency users of the pre-hospital care system. Chief Boone advocated for and saw through to fruition the Community Health Assess and Treat (CHAT) program, which is specifically designed to proactively address the non-emergency medical needs of some of the city’s most vulnerable and marginalized populations. Her vision for CHAT has positioned the program to build on its success as an alternative response model that can reduce calls to 9-1-1, reduce emergency department visits, and ultimately reduce costs to the overall healthcare system.

Throughout her career, Chief Boone has remained heavily involved in community service, outreach, and education, is deeply respected by her colleagues, and is considered a collaborative and team-oriented leader who champions the selfless service of others. He commitment throughout her career to the City of Portland is a model of the true public servant.

There will be a ceremonial procession, speakers, and a time for Chief Boone to share some words as she retires. 

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