VIDEO: It’s a side of Portland Fire & Rescue many in the community don’t see unless they’re on one of Portland’s local rivers.
At Station 21 along the Eastbank Esplanade in Southeast Portland, there’s a dock that houses a fire boat and a rescue boat. This is one of three locations that house these types of boats as part of Portland Fire & Rescue’s Marine Program.
With two stations on the Willamette River and one on the Columbia River, the city’s fire bureau has the local rivers covered. Sean Whalen, Harbor Master for Portland Fire & Rescue, spent five years working on the fire and rescue boats. “I don’t think a lot of people hear fire department and fire boat, may not think of all the other things we can do on the water,” Whalen said.