Portland Fire & Rescue Will Open 30 Fire Stations, Sponsor Community Service Project on 10th Anniversary of 9/11

Portland Fire & Rescue will remember the lives of those lost, pay tribute to those who rose in service, and honor those who serve our country today by engaging in service and remembrance on September 11, 2011. 

On September 11th, all 30 Portland Fire stations will be open to the public.  Community members are invited to stop by their local station between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm for a time of reflection and remembrance with firefighters.  Participants will have the opportunity to write messages, thoughts, and reflections at the stations on pages that will become part of a large memory book.  The book will then be permanently displayed at the Historic Belmont Firehouse located at 900 SE 35th. 

Additionally, in the spirit of service, Portland Fire will sponsor a project - Visible Address Portland - that will benefit emergency responders and Portland citizens. 

"Visible addressing is vital to emergency responders' ability to find homes quickly in an emergency," said Public Information Officer Paul Corah.  "In case of a fire or medical emergency, seconds count.  Many homes in Portland do not have visible addresses and on September 11th we can change that."

Portland Fire & Rescue invites individuals, families, schools, businesses, and organizations to mark September 11, 2011 by participating in a service project that will help firefighters save lives in our community. 

Those interested in serving on September 11th are invited to stop by any Portland Fire station and pick up a "Visible Address Portland Kit".  Kits will contain door hangers for canvassers to hang on front doors of homes where there is no visible address, encouraging homeowners to take action and make their address visible.

"At Portland Fire, we believe that engaging in service and remembrance with the Portland community on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 is a productive and respectful way to honor those who died and those who continue to serve," remarked Fire Chief John Klum.
The Visible Address Portland Project aligns with the 2009 Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which designated September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance and established the service day as a way to honor the victims and heroes of 9/11.  This year - the 10th Anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks - is expected to be the single largest day of charitable activity and service in United States history.

More information on how you can participate in Visible Address Portland and a list of all 30 Portland Fire stations can be found at:  www.portlandonline.com/fire.

Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003