How to donateThe Campbell Memorial is currently located at the corner of NW 18th and Burnside and is maintained by the David Campbell Memorial Association. Constructed in 1928, the memorial is named after Fire Chief David Campbell who lost his life on June 26, 1911 fighting the Union Oil Fire. Each June 26th, about 25 Portland Firefighters gather in the small park to remember the firefighters who have lost their lives in service to the citizens of Portland.
In an effort to accommodate Portland Fire & Rescue’s 755 employees and the public who wish to take part in the memorial ceremonies, the Campbell Association has spent the past several years working with design professionals, adjacent businesses, and the City of Portland to explore options for expanding the existing space. Without a viable option emerging from that work, the Campbell Memorial Association began looking into the possibility of building a new memorial on Fire Bureau property along the Eastbank Esplanade.
The Campbell Association, in partnership with Portland State University, held a design contest in fall 2009. A winning design has been selected from among the seven design submittals and will be unveiled in February 2010. After the design selection is announced, the Committee’s next steps are to raise funds and construct the memorial in time to dedicate it on June 26, 2011 – the 100th anniversary of Chief David Campbell’s death.
The Campbell Memorial Association initially contemplated moving some of the existing memorial’s historic elements (bronze relief and lanterns) to the new memorial site. However, after hearing citizens’ concerns, the Association determined that leaving the elements at the Burnside site intact is in the public’s best interest. Because of this decision, the Association will be incorporating different elements into the new memorial’s design with the exception of the bell, which is not historic to the site having been moved there in 2000.
The existing memorial is quickly deteriorating due to the fact that the materials it was constructed from are not compatible with Portland’s wet climate. The Campbell Memorial Association is in discussion with historic preservationists, neighborhood groups, and citizens about how the existing site and structure can be preserved, improved, and best serve the community for many years to come. PF&R and the Campbell Association will continue to be stewards for the existing site and partner with the responsible bureau for continued maintenance even if a new memorial is built.
While these discussions are ongoing, plans are underway to raise the necessary funds to construct a new memorial at the east end of the Hawthorne Bridge that will stand for generations as a lasting tribute to Portland firefighters' bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty….past, present and future. Since 1881, 36 Portland firefighters have given their lives while protecting the citizens of the City of Portland.
This is an ambitious goal! To learn more about how you can partner with us to bring the new David Campbell Memorial to life and help us preserve and maintain the existing memorial, visit the How to Donate and Contact Us pages.
