New Portland, OR, Fire Chief Pledges to Lead with 'Selfless Service'

"Today is a day of immense pride and gratitude as I stand before you accepting this position and tremendous responsibility that comes with it. As the city continues to grow and evolve, so will the department. To all the members of Portland Fire Rescue, my goal is to earn your trust every day. And to lead with selfless service."

That's what Portland Fire Chief Lauren Johnson pledged moments after raising her right hand to take the oath to lead the 740 members of the department that has an annual $200 million budget, KGW8 reported.

Johnson, who spent 25 years in Dallas Fire-Rescue, lauded Interim Chief AJ Jackson: "Your dedication to a successful transition is clear, and I can't thank you enough for your knowledge and your partnership."

Jackson praised the new chief: "She brings a sound foundation of hands on experience in all areas of a large fire department, and she's gonna take that experience and leverage it now as she assumes the role of fire chief for Portland Fire and Rescue."

Mayor Keith Wilson said Johnson takes over at a challenging time.

"You join the city in crisis, but you join a family where we're all working to build each other up together to address the crisis together, but taking action now to care for our city," Wilson said. 

He shared a story with those in attendance who included Johnson's family, fellow firefighters and officials that involved the new chief's attitude.

Knowing she would have to use a chainsaw in firefighter training school, she didn't wait. She practiced.

"Afraid that if she couldn't do it, it would reflect badly on the others in the class and other women who want to be firefighters."