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News Release
Lt._Jerry_Richardson_and_Heather.jpg
Lt._Jerry_Richardson_and_Heather.jpg
Celebrating Life of Fire Lieutenant Jerry Richardson (Photo) - 12/02/21

On November 19th, 2021, Portland Fire and Rescue experienced a significant loss to the organization when Lieutenant Jerry Richardson passed away from occupationally connected cancer. Lt. Richardson was hired by Portland Fire and Rescue in 1999 and served at several stations, working his last assignment at Station 17 serving the Hayden Island area in the Marine Program. A complete obituary is found below. 

On Saturday, December 4th, 2021, the Richardson Family and Portland Fire will hold a private Celebration of Life service at New Heights Church in Vancouver, WA, at 11:00 am. Portland Fire Honor Guard will be presenting full fire service honors for Lieutenant Richardson. Full military honors will be provided at a later date when Lt. Richardson is laid to rest.

The service will be broadcast here: https://youtu.be/CEDuraH3zxE

The following is the obituary provided by the Richardson Family:

On Friday, November 19th, 2021, Jerry Richardson, loving husband, and father of two children passed away at the age of 56. Jerry was born on November 6, 1965, in Montebello, California to Harold and Sharon. Jerry’s life of service started as a junior at Selah High School where he volunteered at Selah Fire Department. After graduating high school in 1984 Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force where he became an airbase firefighter for four years. After Jerry’s military service he enrolled in the paramedic program at Central Washington University. During this time Jerry met the love of his life and best friend Heather. Jerry and Heather moved to Cottage Grove, OR in 1992 where all of Jerry’s hard work paid off when he started his professional firefighting career with Cottage Grove Fire. In 1993, Jerry and Heather were wed and began expanding their family. It wasn’t long before their family was complete with the birth of Eddie first then Kaylee. Jerry’s service to the residents of Lane County ended after 7 years when his desire to serve a larger community led him to Portland Fire & Rescue in December of 1999. Jerry promoted to Lieutenant in June of 2007. Jerry’s warm personality and unparalleled leadership were respected by his peers. Jerry was beloved by all that met him.

Jerry had a passion for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, baseball, softball, coaching, woodworking, and church. Of all the blessings in his life, the thing he treasured most was his family. He was so proud when Eddie followed in his footsteps and became a firefighter for Spokane County Fire District 9. Kaylee always made Jerry proud with her independent tough spirit and sharing his love for nature where they spent many trips hiking and camping. His true love, Heather, has made every step in this life worth walking. They enjoyed raising their beautiful children, helping with all their activities, spending time with their extended family, camping, traveling, and attending as many concerts as they could. In the last three years, Jerry successfully lived life to the fullest and found joy in every day. 

Jerry was preceded in death by his Brother Eddie Richardson, Cousin’s Jeff Reynolds and Neil Reynolds, Stepfather Clint Withers, and his Grandparents. He is survived by his wife Heather, his children Eddie Kaylee, his father Harold, mother Sharon, and many extended family members and friends.

In lieu of sending flowers to the family, please consider donating to these organizations that are an important part of the Richardson’s family:

 

The Lionhardt Organization - https://lionhardt.org/donate.html

Portland Firefighters Pipes and Drums - https://portlandfirefighterspipesanddrums.com/home

Cure Meso - https://www.curemeso.org/

Clark County Veterans Assistance Center - https://ccvac.net/ 

Ray Hickey Hospice House - https://www.peacehealth.org/southwest/ray-hickey-hospice-house

 

Media Advisory: we will have a media staging location for exterior views of precession and uniformed personnel with represented agency spokespersons available for interviews. Please contact fireinfo@portlandoregon.gov by noon on Friday, 12/3/21, if you plan to send a media representative to the ceremony for further instructions.

 

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