State's fallen firefighters honored
One name added to memorial wall; event stresses safety
| The Combined Honor Guard participates Thursday in the Oregon Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony at the Oregon Public Safety Academy. / Kobbi R. Blair | Statesman Journal |
"We remember every name that was lost," said Chaplain Steve Brodehl of Hillsboro Fire and Rescue during the invocation.
Chief of the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, Taylor Robertson, reminded members of the audience why they were there.
"Remember that those (we honor) have given the ultimate sacrifice," he said.
Coquille Fire Department firefighter Leland Roger Marshall's name was added to the memorial Thursday. Marshall died while on duty during department exercises in 1969. He had served more than 18 years as a volunteer.
"Remember that those (we honor) have given the ultimate sacrifice," he said.
Coquille Fire Department firefighter Leland Roger Marshall's name was added to the memorial Thursday. Marshall died while on duty during department exercises in 1969. He had served more than 18 years as a volunteer.
His friend and former colleague Richard Hopkins spoke about his friend.
"He was pretty well-known," Hopkins said. The town was hit hard by his passing, he said.
A roll call was taken of the fallen Oregon firefighters. From out of the ranks of the honor guard a voice called out, "The roll has been taken. There is no reply."
Robertson pointed out the importance of preventing new names being added to the memorial wall.
"Focus on those that are still doing the job out there," he said. "(The job) is not something you take for granted. It's not something safe. There is a lot about attitude that makes the difference in how we perform. Do you have a hero mentality? We need safe heroes in the fire service."
The honor guard placed two wreaths at the memorial, one representing firefighters who had died and one signifying those who had survived, said Eriks Gabliks, DPSST director.
Todd Butterfield of Newport Fire Department attended the ceremony with his son Nick Jamison of Sauvie Island Fire Department.
Butterfield has been fighting fires since 1981, he said. Jamison has been fighting fires since he was 16. He is now 20.
Butterfield isn't overly worried about his son, he said. Jamison started off volunteering at Newport Fire Department with his father.
Butterfield said he is aware of the risks that come with the job.
"I've seen enough injuries," Butterfield said. Though he hasn't lost anyone while on duty, "This puts a real emphasis on safety."
"(Attending the ceremony is) something I need to do ... in recognition of those who served," he said.
Copyright Statesman-Journal 2010
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20100917/NEWS/108160008
"He was pretty well-known," Hopkins said. The town was hit hard by his passing, he said.
A roll call was taken of the fallen Oregon firefighters. From out of the ranks of the honor guard a voice called out, "The roll has been taken. There is no reply."
Robertson pointed out the importance of preventing new names being added to the memorial wall.
"Focus on those that are still doing the job out there," he said. "(The job) is not something you take for granted. It's not something safe. There is a lot about attitude that makes the difference in how we perform. Do you have a hero mentality? We need safe heroes in the fire service."
The honor guard placed two wreaths at the memorial, one representing firefighters who had died and one signifying those who had survived, said Eriks Gabliks, DPSST director.
Todd Butterfield of Newport Fire Department attended the ceremony with his son Nick Jamison of Sauvie Island Fire Department.
Butterfield has been fighting fires since 1981, he said. Jamison has been fighting fires since he was 16. He is now 20.
Butterfield isn't overly worried about his son, he said. Jamison started off volunteering at Newport Fire Department with his father.
Butterfield said he is aware of the risks that come with the job.
"I've seen enough injuries," Butterfield said. Though he hasn't lost anyone while on duty, "This puts a real emphasis on safety."
"(Attending the ceremony is) something I need to do ... in recognition of those who served," he said.
Copyright Statesman-Journal 2010
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20100917/NEWS/108160008
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