This year marks the 18th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people at the World Trade Center site, Shanksville, Pa. and at the Pentagon.

Portland Firefighters Association, Portland Fire & Rescue, surrounding communities and family members will come together for a public ceremony Wednesday, September 11th, at 11:00 a.m., at the Eastbank Esplanade, SE 5 Madison St. near Fire Station 21, honoring fallen heroes of 9/11.

“Our members believe it’s our duty and honor every year to pay tribute to the men and women who lost their lives eighteen years ago trying to save others, “ says Alan Ferschweiler, president of the Portland Firefighters Association.  

Three hundred forty-three New York firefighters died that dreadful day in 2001. “We will plan to honor those who died and thank all fire fighters and first responders who serve every day in our own communities,” said Ferschweiler.   

Portland Firefighters Association along with Portland Fire & Rescue supports efforts to build to the David Campbell Memorial. The new memorial is named after Fire Chief David Campbell. Chief Campbell lost his life in the Standard Oil Building fire on June 26, 1911 while ensuring his firefighters were safe. Campbell was such an iconic figure his funeral procession was witnessed by over 150,000 citizens.

To date, thirty-six Portland firefighters have died in the line of duty.  Thirty-seven more have died of service-connected diseases, like the cancers that firefighters develop at a greatly elevated rate.  The David Campbell Memorial will be built on the Eastbank Esplanade, adjacent to Fire Station 21 and the Hawthorne Bridge. The new memorial will honor fallen Portland firefighters. Past and present Portland firefighters have donated over $100,000 and the foundation is now seeking public support to move forward with construction.
For more information on THE DAVID CAMPBELL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION and images of the new site, please go to: http://davidcampbellmemorial.org