The Story Of The Portland Firefighter Memorial (part 1 of 12)

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The story of Portland's Memorial to Fallen Firefighters begins on a dark day for Portland citizens.  On June 26, 1911, fire alarm box 267 called fire crews to duty shortly after 7:45 AM.  This was prompted by a fire at the Union Oil Company at SE Water Avenue and Salmon Street.  Fire Chief David Campbell arrived soon after and began directing crews.  At 8:35 AM, an oil tank exploded within the building and Chief Campbell knew this was a bad sign.  Crews were called out of the building over concern for a larger explosion.  Campbell entered the building to ensure all crew members were out.  It was then that an ominous rumble began.  A tank explosion hurled smoke and flame skyward.  A second tank then blew, propelling debris and firefighters upward and outward from the blast.  The building collapsed.  Campbell was nowhere to be seen.  Crews finally had control over the fire at 10:15 AM.  The search confirmed everyone's worst fears...Fire Chief David Campbell was dead.   

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Who Was Fire Chief David Campbell? (part 2 of 12)

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Affectionately known among Portlanders as “Our Dave,” David Campbell was unlike any Fire Chief before and for a long time after.  Campbell was a charismatic personality that was both likeable and accomplished.  With over 30 years of service at the time of his death, his long tenure with Portland Fire was matched by his depth of community involvement.  Campbell was an accomplished bare-knuckle boxer who had won some major bouts in his younger years.  He became a boxing instructor at the Multnomah Athletic Club.  He was a member of civic groups and generally well known all over town.  David Campbell would overcome political setbacks as Chief but found ways to rebound with more credibility than ever.  He would champion the change from horse drawn equipment to gasoline-powered fire apparatus.  He would also bring the first fireboat to Portland’s waterways.  While he was the fourth acknowledged line of duty death within Portland Fire, a memorial to Portland’s fallen firefighters had yet to be considered.  Chief Campbell would change that in a big way.

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Public Outpouring For The Fallen Fire Chief (part 3 of 12)

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Fire Chief David Campbell’s death brought the city of Portland to a standstill.  Within two days, a funeral service and burial were planned.  Campbell’s funeral procession would wind its way through the streets of Portland, beginning at the Elks Temple at SW 7th Avenue and Alder Street.  It would conclude at his grave site in River View Cemetery in southwest Portland.  Along the way, a reported 150,000 citizens would line the streets to bid their Chief farewell.  The procession would include many city service workers and civic organizations.  Campbell’s hearse would be drawn by his three favorite horses, Baldy, Bob, and Bid, a team he had driven in his early days as a firefighter.  His Chief’s vehicle would be driven by his long-time driver, Thomas Gavin.  His turnout coat and helmet would rest in their usual spot and in the place where Campbell’s feet would rest lay his faithful dog, Cole.  It was indeed a day of mourning for all Portlanders and Portland Firefighters.

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Stay tuned for the next entry on March 26th.

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