David Campbell Memorial Association

08/26/2026

The Story Of The Portland Firefighter Memorial

An Expanding List of Fallen Firefighters (part 9 of 12)

Beginning in 2003, deep research on the history of Portland Fire would begin to take place. One discovery was of Portland Firefighters who died prior to retirement and received service-connected designation for their death. This would mean it was related to the job, even though it may not have occurred at an emergency scene. Included were death by cancer, heart/cardiovascular disease, and other health issues directly related to the job. Among those discoveries was a name that existed on the line of duty list in 1923 but was somehow forgotten. In an April 4, 1948 Oregonian article, it was stated that only 16 of the 19 name plates at the David Campbell Memorial were intact. Nothing was said about whose name plate was missing. In 2008, a list of eligible names were presented to the David Campbell Memorial Association, resulting in the addition of only 4 names to the roll call of fallen firefighters. This left many others unrecognized. In 2021, a resubmission of these names resulted in 39 additional members being recognized for losing their life in service to the citizens of Portland, bringing the total to 75. In late 2021, a Portland Firefighter would die of occupational cancer while still on the job, becoming member number 76. And in 2023, the family of a past member who died in 1981 would share compelling information that resulted in the addition of Roger Brandenburg, bringing the total to 77. A problem now existed…There was no public display to recognize these members.

08/25/2026

The DCMA has learned that Firefighting Helicopter Pilot Nicholas Dale of Helicopter Express in Chamblee, Georgia died on July 12, 2026. Nicholas was operating his helicopter in a firefighting operation on the Gold Mountain Fire when he crashed into the Silver Jack Reservoir in Gunnison County, Colorado. Nicholas died in the crash. Nicholas was 56 years old with 31 years of service. Our condolences go out to Nicholas’ family and the members of Helicopter Express. May he rest in peace.

Contact information for the U.S. Fire Administration. Includes telephone numbers and email addresses.

08/11/2026

Portland Firefighters need your help to complete the Portland Firefighter Memorial, the place to honor Portland Firefighters who gave their lives in service. Please follow this link to help out. Thank you. https://www.gofundme.com/f/portlands-fallen-firefighter-memorial-support-the-future

08/04/2026

The DCMA has learned that Firefighter/EMT Bryce Jungbluth of the Eau Claire Fire Department in Eau Claire, Wisconsin died on July 31, 2026. Bryce worked three 24 hour shifts in a row (July 23-26), feeling slightly unwell through the whole stretch. On the morning of July 26th, Bryce admitted himself to the hospital where it was determined he suffered sudden onset hydrocephalus. He was hospitalized and passed away on July 31st. Bryce was 27 years old with 4 years of service. Our condolences go out to Bryce’s family and the members of the Eau Claire Fire Department. May he rest in peace.

Contact information for the U.S. Fire Administration. Includes telephone numbers and email addresses.

07/28/2026

The DCMA has learned that Sergeant Adam Amrozi of the Lincoln Park Fire Department in Lincoln Park, Michigan died on July 19, 2026. Adam worked and completed a scheduled 24 hour shift on July 18th. He was held over for an additional shift. From the beginning of the day on July 17th until July 19th, Adam and his crew responded to 17 emergency responses. At 7:15 am on July 19th, Adam was found unresponsive, having suffered a cardiovascular event. He was transported to the hospital where efforts failed to save his life. Adam was 52 years old with 22 years of service. Our condolences go out to Adam’s family and the members of the Lincoln Park Fire Department. May he rest in peace.

Contact information for the U.S. Fire Administration. Includes telephone numbers and email addresses.

07/26/2026

THE STORY OF THE PORTLAND FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL

A New Era For The Portland Firefighter Memorial (part 8 of 12)

By 1975, the David Campbell Memorial was in need of additional repair. The Italian limestone portions of the memorial that remained continued to fail and desperately needed refurbishing. A synthetic coating of protective material was applied to the portions surrounding the fountain and the memorial headpiece. The lantern bases would receive the same treatment. This improved appearance made for easier care. Around this time, the David Campbell Memorial Association would also become more active. In 1977, Firefighter John Devaney would die of a heart attack following a SW Portland fire. His name would become the 32nd on the roll call of fallen Portland Firefighters. A 1988 amendment to the David Campbell Memorial Association bylaws indicates a refocusing of efforts. Additionally, a collaboration between the Portland Firefighters Association and the Fire Bureau would create a display space for the 1874 Messenger Bell. The alarm bell was purchased in the wake of the 1873 conflagration that leveled 22 square blocks of the city. A special enclosure resembling a bell tower was created near the south tip of the triangle and dedicated in the year 2000. Over the next 30 years, no line of duty deaths would be recognized, leaving the number of members recognized totaling 32. This would soon change, but not for the expected reasons.

07/24/2026

Portland Firefighters are working to restore one of the hallowed grounds for Portland Firefighters. The David Campbell Memorial, located at 1864 SW Alder Street, is a 98 year old city heritage site that honors the legacy of Fallen Fire Chief David Campbell. It also is the home for the remembrance of all 79 Portland Firefighters who have given their lives in service to the citizens of Portland.

For the past 6 years, we have been working to restore our Portland Firefighter Memorial, a true city jewel. The financial status of the city has left us short on the funds we need to complete the project.

We are reaching out to the citizens of Portland (and the metro area) for help. We are asking for a donation of $1.00 per citizen of Portland. This could raise up to $680,000, securing the funds needed to complete our Portland Firefighter Memorial.

This project is spearheaded by the non-profit partner to Portland Fire, The David Campbell Memorial Association (www.DavidCampbellMemorial.org). We are utilizing GoFundMe to capture the generosity of Portlanders and those who support Portland's fallen firefighters.

Can you help? $1.00 per Portlander is our goal. Please consider supporting your Portland Firefighters today. Our campaign will conclude on September 11, 2026. Thank you for your support.

Follow the link below to donate.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/portlands-fallen-firefighter-memorial-support-the-future

Please share with your family, friends, and through social media networks to which you belong.

Thank you.

Don Porth
Portland Fire & Rescue, Retired
David Campbell Memorial Association, President

07/23/2026

The DCMA has learned that Fire Chief David A. Gagnon of the Cottekill Volunteer Fire Company in Cottekill, New York died on July 3, 2026. David responded with his crews to a tree down across a roadway. Whild operating at the scene, David was struck by a portion of the tree that unexpectedly snapped. On scene firefighters administered aid and David was transported to the hospital. Despite the efforts, he would die at the hospital. David was 58 years old with 34 years of service. Our condolences go out to David’s family and the members of the Cottekill Volunteer Fire Company. May he rest in peace.

Contact information for the U.S. Fire Administration. Includes telephone numbers and email addresses.

07/15/2026

The DCMA has learned that Senior Firefighter Patrick Trout of the Detroit Fire Department in Detroit, Michigan died on January 5, 2026. On January 4th, Patrick was working at a structure fire when debris fell and hit him on the head. He continued at the incident until the end of his shift. When he returned home, he complained of headaches and head pain. Later that evening, his condition deteriorated and Patrick became unresponsive. Emergency responders were unable to intervened and Patrick died at his home. The cause was determined to be hemorrhage in his skull. Patrick was 47 years old with 12 years of service. Our condolences go out to Patrick’s family and the members of the Detroit Fire Department. May he rest in peace.

Contact information for the U.S. Fire Administration. Includes telephone numbers and email addresses.

07/15/2026

July 14, 2026 was a landmark day for the legacy of Fire Chief David Campbell. The second fireboat named in his honor was placed on permanent loan to the Columbia River Maritime Museum. It will grace the entrance to their campus and forever serve as a reminder of the service of David Campbell. The 99 year old fireboat was restored and renovated for display. It was then placed on a barge, moved down the river from Portland to Astoria, then lifted by crane and placed in a special cradle that will allow visitors to board the vessel and view the firefighting features in an up-close experience. Thanks to the Columbia River Maritime Museum for their willingness to perpetuate the life of this historic vessel and the name of David Campbell.