In its heyday, the David Campbell fireboat pumped 12,000 gallons of water a minute.
It was involved in operations at some of Portland's largest incidents including a five-alarm fire at the Red Lion Hotel on the Columbia River nearly a decade ago.
After nearly a century as the department's front line vessel, the David Campbell took its final voyage on the Williamette River, KGW reported.
In keeping with tradition, it sailed into retirement amid a spectacular water display.
The riverfront it protected changed through the years — from wooden docks and steamships to modern steel bridges and high-rises.
“The David Campbell represents so, so much of our history,” said Portland Fire & Rescue Interim Chief A.J. Jackson.
Next spring the beloved fireboat will dock in the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria.
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.
