Station 72 upgrade

Starting fall2025, the department is also launching constructionof a new state-of-the-art training tower at the Fire Training Center - owned by MultnomahCounty Fire District 10 and operated by Gresham- replacing the 1960s-era tower that was demolished in September (watch video). [Rendering of new tower+ photo of tower demolition]

The new $1 million, four-floor tower is funded by a State of Oregon grant and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds approved by Gresham City Council, at no additionalcost to Gresham taxpayers, providing approximately 2,600 square feetof interior space, two burn rooms, fire props, and rappelling anchors for rope-rescue training.

Improved infrastructure, better service

"We need a bigger and better prop, basically," said Training Capt. Andrew Goeden, simulatingsingle-family and apartment-style floor plans, with enough heightto practice both rappelling and cutting holes in roofs. Photo Capt. Goeden "pushing" tower over

Generations of firefighters ran and pulled hoseup the old tower'ssteps to buildskill, strength and endurance, and one never-to-be-forgotten search-and-rescue exercise involved suspendinga limousine from the top. [Archive photo of limousine drill]

"The (old) Tower became legendary in its own right," Assistant Chief Jeffrey Hairston remarked in a farewell email sent to personnel before it was demolished. "It was the home of the famous 'Tower Talk'and the unforgettable 'Tower-Power'workouts...It stood as a constant in our training, and in doing so, it helped shape the caliber of firefighters who serve this department and city."

Staying nimble

The Fire Department's infrastructure projects rolled outduring a busysummer call season that included a spate of residential fires in Gresham and the surrounding three cities it serves under contract,a large tire warehouse blaze Aug. 22, and deploying on wildland fire conflagrations. Nearing September's end, the department had already seen 19building firesthat month, more thandoublethe average number for September compared to the previous three years. [Screenshot photo from drone shot of tire warehouse fire]

The projects have also required flexibility and creativity.

For example, the temporary Station 72closure during construction has requiredsome shifting of staff, and apparatus, but crews and leadership are making the best of it, and continuing to respond to Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview and Wood Village with speed and excellence, Fire Chief Derik Minard said. [Photo of whiteboard illustrating operational shifts]

At the moment, Engine 72's crew is bunking in a conference room at Station 71, but as much as possible, the engine roves near its regular service areafor faster response.Meanwhile, the new Rescue 72 is temporarily responding from Station 76and Haz Mat (normally housed at Station 72) is responding from Station 74.And through it all, response time for significant incidents has stayed near normal.

"In previous years, these unique challenges would have put a significant strain on our ability to maintain a high level of responsiveness for our footprint," Minardsaid. "It is all thanks to our community for supporting the 2024 Fire and Police Levy. Through their investment, which allowed us to hire those critical new positions, we have been able to rise to the occasion."

Future of Station 74

Constructedin 1966, Station 74is the next replacement priority: the unreinforced concrete block structure does not meet seismic standards, serving one of the most diverseand economically challenged neighborhoods, and responding to more than 5,000 calls per year. That replacement will be paid for with$8 million in state funds, $5 million from the Rockwood-West Gresham Urban Renewal Areaand additionalfunding from the City of Gresham. [Rendering of proposed new Station 74]