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Portland Firefighters Remember 9/11 Aftermath

COURTESY OF PORTLAND FIRE AND RESCUE - Portland firefighters Wes Laux, Billy Quick, Dwight Englert, Neil Martin and Ed Hall worked on the cleanup at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. They were among hundreds of firefighters who went to New York City to help with the cleanup. More than 300 New York firefighters were killed when the World Trade Center towers fell in the attack.

Portland, September 11th. Portland firefighters Wes Laux, Billy Quick, Dwight Englert, Neil Martin and Ed Hall worked on the cleanup at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. They were among hundreds of firefighters who went to New York City to help with the cleanup. More than 300 New York firefighters were killed when the World Trade Center towers fell in the attack. Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) held a ceremony in remembrance of the 2,977 victims who lost their lives eleven years ago. Of the 2,977 people who died, 343 of those were with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).

Speakers included Fire Chief Erin Janssens, Lt. Damon Simmons, and Lt. Aimee Rooney. In addition, Portland Fire personnel read the name of each fire fighter from FDNY who perished on that day. The bell was rung in remembrance of the lives that were lost on 9-11

9/11 Memorial Ceremony held at the Campbell Memorial in Portland

In addition, PF&R hosted a “Day of Silent Reflection” at the Historic Belmont Firehouse from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. The Firehouse is located at 900 SE 35th Ave. where the community was invited to come and see the slideshow and 9-11 bronze sculpture.

On Saturday, September 8th, the Historic Belmont Firehouse marked its 100th Anniversary during the annual Belmont Street Fair.

Many of the visitors expressed what a privilege it has been to have the station in this neighborhood all of these years. Although it no longer serves the community as an active fire station, it continues to add to its legacy of community service by educating both youth and adults alike about the proud history of the fire service and safety.

1914 Station 9 with Engine 9 and crew

The streets were filled with Portlanders walking the closed street, shopping and enjoying culinary offerings by some of the city’s best chefs.

About Portland Fire and Rescue:

Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) promotes a safe work environment for all people who live and work in Portland and the surrounding areas.

PF&R is Oregon’s largest fire and emergency services provider. We provide an extensive range of public safety services including fire prevention, public education, response to fire, medical, and other emergency incidents, and disaster mitigation. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2010-11, PF&R was comprised of about 750 employees with a Bureau operating budget of $90.7 million.

PF&R operates 30 engine companies, nine truck companies, two fireboats, a rescue, and three squad units, including two specialized units for Chemical and Biological, Radiological/Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) response, and a specialized unit for Hazardous Materials (HazMat). These units allow PF&R firefighters to provide emergency services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Emergency response is provided from 30 stations, which are strategically located throughout the City of Portland to maximize resources and provide the quickest possible response times.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.