Lauren Johnson was sworn in as chief of the Portland Fire & Rescue Bureau today, taking command of the hundreds of firefighters who put their lives on the line to respond to fire, medical, natural disaster, and other emergencies 24/7.
“Today is a day of immense pride and gratitude as I stand before you, accepting this position and the tremendous responsibility that comes with it," Chief Johnson said. “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. The city is fortunate to have such a quality group of men and women dedicated to serving the public. Your success is my success.”
PF&R provides emergency services to more than 580,000 people, protects about 150 square miles, and operates 31 fire stations strategically located through the city. As Portland’s fire chief, Johnson will oversee more than 750 employees, including nearly 700 sworn firefighters, with an operational budget of $213 million a year.
“Chief Johnson’s deep experience and thoughtful leadership will be a strong addition to Portland Fire & Rescue," Mayor Keith Wilson said. “I look forward to working alongside her as we continue building a safer, more connected city for all Portlanders. If you don’t know where you’re going, you won’t get anywhere. That’s why our mission and vision is so critical. That’s also why Chief Johnson’s resume jumped to the top of the list. I saw words like strategic leadership. Developing people. Safety. Integrity. Those words set her compass and her accomplishments. And she proves that and lives by that every day.”
Bob Cozzie, interim deputy city administrator for public safety, underscored Mayor Wilson's remarks.
“I am deeply honored to work collaboratively with Fire Chief Lauren Johnson. She is the right leader for this moment as we embark on a new day in Portland,” Cozzie said. “In the public safety service area, we succeed when we work together. Under Chief Johnson’s leadership, I’m confident that we are moving forward in clear coordination in a profession where seconds matter.”
Chief Johnson comes to Portland from the fire department of Dallas, Texas, where she came up through the ranks to hold several leadership roles, serving as assistant fire chief, deputy fire chief, battalion chief, captain, lieutenant, engineer, and firefighter. During her 26 years at Dallas, she supervised the communications and logistics bureau and the emergency response bureau, launched the safety and performance bureau, developed a comprehensive mental health program, and developed a resiliency training program. She also served as incident commander during a two-plane crash at an air show and an active shooter emergency at a major hospital.
Chief Johnson holds several professional certifications and awards. She is an instructor for the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service and is expected to graduate with a master’s degree in public service and administration in December.
“To my family, mentors and friends, you have been my support system," Chief Johnson said. “You’ve been my guides at work and in life. You make me want to be better every day. Your presence means so much to me. You have walked this journey with me, and I know I could not have done it without you.”
Chief Johnson will be the fourth woman to lead Portland Fire and Rescue. Some 93% of the firefighters are male while 7% are female.
Johnson was sworn in by interim Fire Chief AJ Jackson at a ceremony at the bureau’s training facility on Northeast 122nd Avenue. Jackson has led the bureau since March, following the retirement of Ryan Gillespie.
"It's been the honor of a lifetime to serve in this capacity," Jackson said. "I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the sworn and nonsworn members of Portland Fire and Rescue who provided support, patience, and extended me grace while we navigated this transition. To Mayor Wilson, city councilors, guests, labor partners, and members of the community, thank you for being part of this special day. It truly represents a historic moment in our 172-year history as we get ready to swear in our 41st fire chief."