Department History
The Portland Airport Fire Department officially
began on October 1st, 1962. Up until then, fire protection
for the airport was provided by the U.S. Air Force and Rural
Fire District No.13. The Port Commission decided to choose,
train and control its own fire crews rather than contract
with the City of Portland. This decision was based on the
recommendation of the airline technical committee and other
experts in specialized rescue. The annual budget for the
13 firefighters was $74,000 that year.
The Port purchased its first aircraft rescue firefighting
vehicle and related equipment for $155,000. A station to house
the equipment was constructed between the runways for $137,000.
Don Brown, chief of the Air Force Crash/Rescue Fire Department
at the airport was named Chief of the Port's new Fire Department.
Chief Don Brown's salary was to be $8,000 to $9,000 annually.
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