A new memorial for Portland's fallen firefighters has an open 
design, creating a space for contemplation. Courtesy Whelton Architecture

June 26, 2011 will mark 100 years to the day when Portland Fire Chief David Campbell perished while battling the infamous Union Oil Fire. It will also be the day, if everything is on schedule, for the inauguration of a memorial to Campbell and the 35 other Portland fire fighters who have died in the line of duty. The memorial, which will overlook the Willamette River at the eastern end of the Hawthorne Bridge, was designed by local firm Whelton Architecture.

The firm’s design consists of 36 tall, thin metal lanterns arranged in parallel lines. One for each of the firefighters who have died protecting the city since 1881. Principal Aaron Whelton said he steered away from contemplative elements like water or stone, focusing instead on interactivity. Read more...

A proposed new memorial to Portland's fallen firefighters could become a stirring addition to the city's waterfront, but it comes with a big question mark: Can backers meet the roughly $2.4 million price tag?

A selection committee announced the winner of a memorial design competition Monday: Portland architect Aaron Whelton, who beat out six others.

His plan for a swath of land at the east end of the Hawthorne Bridge calls for 36 light poles representing each of the city's fallen firefighters and pole heights reflecting their length of service. It also would include a wall bearing the firefighters' names and a water feature.

City Commissioners Randy Leonard and Nick Fish and firefighter Paul Corah unanimously picked the design. "We like the idea of honoring the firefighters in lighted modes," Corah said. "It was just kind of a nice courtyard effect."

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The new memorial would become the focal point for annual ceremonies honoring Portland's firefighters -- instead of the current memorial along Burnside. Read more...

Aaron Whelton of Whelton Architecture - In this design, fallen firefighters are represented by poles supporting lanterns. Walls beneath each pole vary in length, denoting the time the firefighter spent in the bureau.

If residents' generosity meets expectations, Portland could have a handsome new riverside remembrance of its fallen firefighters by summer 2011.

Tucked by the east end of the Hawthorne Bridge, the monument will give people a scenic setting to reflect on the lives and service of dozens of men who have died in the line of duty, advocates say.

But not everyone is happy to see the city's existing memorial abandoned to memory.

A small online group is rallying to save the old memorial -- the anchor of an unassuming wedge of parkland near West Burnside Street and 19th Avenue for more than 80 years. Read more...