Portland, OR. — Official Release: On November 19th, 2021, Portland Fire & Rescue experienced a significant loss to the organization when Lieutenant Jerry Richardson passed away from occupationally connected cancer. Lt. Richardson was hired by Portland Fire and Rescue in 1999 and served at several stations, working his last assignment at Station 17 serving the Hayden Island area in the Marine Program. To permanently recognize Lt. Richardson and all his contributions to our organization and his lifetime of service, PF&R is naming Rescue Boat 17 in his honor with a ceremony on Monday June 30th at the James Gleason Memorial Boat Dock on the Columbia River.
Jerry’s life of service started as a junior at Selah High School where he volunteered at Selah Fire Department. After graduating high school in 1984 Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force where he became an airbase firefighter for four years. After Jerry’s military service he enrolled in the paramedic program at Central Washington University. Jerry started his professional firefighting career with Cottage Grove Fire in 1992. Jerry’s service to the residents of Lane County ended after 7 years when his desire to serve a larger community led him to Portland Fire & Rescue in December of 1999.
Jerry promoted to Lieutenant in June of 2007 where he served in many capacities including the Medical Services Division along with a specialist within the Marine Program of the Emergency Operations Division. Along with his life of service, Jerry provided an example of service to his own family with his son following in his footsteps into the fire service as a Firefighter for the City of Spokane.
Please join us in recognizing Lt Jerry Richardson as we name Rescue Boat 17 in his honor. The ceremony will have dignitaries from PF&R speaking along with the unveiling of the name on the Rescue Boat.
- Monday June 30th
- 9:30 AM
- James Gleason Boat Ramp – 4325 NE Marine Drive
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