Historical Society to give a history of the Portland Fire Department on Feb. 21st

On February 21st at 6:30, the Portland Area Historical Society invites the public to meet with them at the Emergency Services Building at 773 E. Grand River Avenue to hear Assistant Fire Chief Dave Donbrock give a history of the Portland Fire Department and show vintage and antique fire equipment the department owns.

The department was founded in 1876 when 29 men attended a meeting at JC Cotharin’s building (now The Port). Four positions were created: Foreman, Assistant Foreman, Secretary and Treasurer. Things have changed considerably since then and Assistant Chief Donbrock, who has been transcribing the past minutes, will explain just how much they’ve changed.

This meeting is in place of the regular February 28th meeting. The meeting will begin on the main floor and then move to the upstairs conference room. There is no elevator. Please park on the West side of the building, if that fills up then parking is at the East end of the building along the grass, No one is to park in front of the bay doors in case there is an emergency run.

Courtesy photo.